Skip to main content
PBS logo
 
 

Book Reviews of Private (Jack Morgan, Bk 1)

Private (Jack Morgan, Bk 1)
Private - Jack Morgan, Bk 1
Author: James Patterson, Maxine Paetro
ISBN-13: 9780316096157
ISBN-10: 0316096156
Publication Date: 6/28/2010
Pages: 400
Rating:
  • Currently 3.9/5 Stars.
 226

3.9 stars, based on 226 ratings
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
Book Type: Hardcover
Reviews: Amazon | Write a Review

35 Book Reviews submitted by our Members...sorted by voted most helpful

moonsista avatar reviewed Private (Jack Morgan, Bk 1) on + 5 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
I was disappointed in this book. There were three or four storylines going on and none of them got the attention they needed to really tell their stories. This book was actually quite boring. I really wanted to like the main character, Jack Morgan, but he's no Harry Bosch or Mike Bennett (I know Harry Bosch isn't a James Patterson character, I'm just using him as an example). I couldn't wait to finish this book so I could move to something else. I expected more from James Patterson and Maxine Paetro.
buttaflies79 avatar reviewed Private (Jack Morgan, Bk 1) on + 61 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I found this book a little confusing. It had 3 events unfolding at once...It all involved Jack who ran "Private" a PI firm. I liked how it had twists and turns that are definitely Mr. Patterson's trademark. It was a good book overall.
perryfran avatar reviewed Private (Jack Morgan, Bk 1) on + 1223 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Another page-turner from Patterson, et al. This apparently will be a new series from Patterson featuring the PI firm Private. Overall, I did enjoy this one with a new cast of characters although I thought there were maybe one too many storylines going on - I really didn't see the need for the football fixing angle. The schoolgirl murders were most in line with other Patterson thrillers and I thought this part of the novel could have been fleshed out a little more. But in the end, I would give this one a mild recommendation and I will probably read the next "Private" novel when it comes out.
reviewed Private (Jack Morgan, Bk 1) on + 74 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
The fist in what promises to be a new Patterson series. Former Marine Jack Morgan runs a global investigation company called Private. He is deep into the investigation of a gambling scandal in the NFL when he is called to side of his best friend whose wife has been murdered. The woman is also his former lover and his hands are full with both case. His company is also looking into the unsolved murder of eighteen schoolgirls. Many twists and turns as Jack and CO seek to solve the cases. The usual Patterson, quick read with a cast of interesting characters some of who we are sure to meet again in other books.
my2luvsemmyandmally avatar reviewed Private (Jack Morgan, Bk 1) on + 758 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Very exciting book !!!
rahiemb avatar reviewed Private (Jack Morgan, Bk 1) on + 10 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Cool story. I was not all that impressed with the plot. It just seemed a little convoluted. And I am not a fan of Jack Morgan. Yes, this is a mystery, but it just seemed to be missing something. I guess Alex Cross has set the bar so high, it's not simple, not even for the master James Patterson to create a more memorable character.
jdyinva avatar reviewed Private (Jack Morgan, Bk 1) on + 408 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I was truly impressed with this book. Three crimes investigated by Jack Morgan's firm "Private" - a new series with great promise. Jack is hot, brilliant - with some personal problems that make him vulnerable and quite human. A great cast of characters, love interests and some really nasty villians. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
omalleym avatar reviewed Private (Jack Morgan, Bk 1) on + 31 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I am about halfway through and I think I am going to quit. I hate giving up on a book but there is just too much going on that I ended up not really caring about any of the storylines.
reviewed Private (Jack Morgan, Bk 1) on + 40 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This one was just okay for me ... Moved along at a nice pace but wasn't exactly a page turner
barbsis avatar reviewed Private (Jack Morgan, Bk 1) on + 1076 more book reviews
I enjoyed this book immensely. There is a ton of stuff going on and lots of characters. Let's see, Jack Morgan stars as the owner of Private, a private investigations firm for the stars. First of all, Jack suffers from PTSD due to a stint in Afghanistan where terrible things happened. Him and his very elite crew have the following cases going on simultaneously: a professional football gambling scheme, Jacks' best friend's wife has been murdered, a serial killer killing school girls and in Jack's personal life: he's receiving daily death threats, he can't commit to his girlfriend and his twin has a gambling problem. And if all of this isn't enough, the head of the mob wants Jack to find his missing girlfriend.

I think the best line in the book was between Jack and his girlfriend Colleen. After a bout of quickie sex, she says, "I'm sorry I made you late" and he replies, "as long as I didn't make you late." Gotta love it.
reviewed Private (Jack Morgan, Bk 1) on + 11 more book reviews
Not the worst book I've ever read, but it's in the top ten of those bad books that I actually finished. I plunged ahead, hoping that a book by James Patterson would get better. It did not. Don't bother with this one: it's dull, insipid, formulaic, and has more short chapters (i.e., one or two pages) than any other book I've read. Patterson and his co-author, Maxine Paetro, should be ashamed.
reviewed Private (Jack Morgan, Bk 1) on + 3152 more book reviews
This is my second time around on this one, I had forgotten it and ordered it again by mistake so I re-read it----it is okay but it has too many different stories going on to keep up, too much computer stuff if you're not a geek about computers, too many characters to keep track of, I did like Jack Morgan and hope to read more about him however, I did get tired of his dreams--that was drawn out too much. I won't say don't read it but yet be aware of how long it takes to get to the conclusion of each storyline.
alterlisa avatar reviewed Private (Jack Morgan, Bk 1) on + 335 more book reviews
While admittedly I've been a little disappointed in the last few Patterson books I've read and while this wasn't one of those that I rambled on and on about how great or how crappy it was to my friends, I did enjoy it. It was a good read just not awesome. It wasn't one of those that you read from start to finish in one seating but I did enjoy the fast paced action and the multiple cases going on, though they did seem to wrap up rather effortlessly. Not much in the way of a twisted surprise ending either.
I try not to get hung up on the fact that it is a JAMES PATTERSON book but admittedly I do enjoy his older Alex Cross books, that weren't co-authored much better. I've been wanting to read his Women's Murder Club series but as I loved the TV show and these are co-authored books, I thought I'd leave it till the show fades a bit more from my memory. Once reading a series I kinda have a picture in my mind of the characters and don't want to mess with the Lindsey Boxer image. Alex Cross will always be Morgan Freeman to me which probably ramps up the expectations on any of the books in this series.
That said, one thing about Patterson, he sells a hella of a lot of books, so I'll continue to pick them up used on a swap site rather than buying new at over $20 a pop.
reviewed Private (Jack Morgan, Bk 1) on + 7 more book reviews
Very good book.
reviewed Private (Jack Morgan, Bk 1) on + 77 more book reviews
In this book, Patterson's hero is so weathy & well known that Patterson drops real celebrity names as friends of this guy. Very similar to the Stone Barrington character in Stuart Woods books. Sorry, but these types just don't ring true for me. Or maybe it's just boring to have them be so carefree in their magnificent homes/apts, eating the best food, driving the best cars? Also, each of the people who work for him are outlandish characters themselves. Would I read the next one? Probably, but I would not pay cash for it...If you want characters who seem more real, try reading John Shannon, or Michael Connolly or John Sandford.
reviewed Private (Jack Morgan, Bk 1) on + 15 more book reviews
I found this book to be a little bit of a let down but dont let that discourage you from reading it. It just wasnt as fast paced as im used to his books being. It was still a great read with an intresting ending left me wondering if there will be a follow up. I read this book in a day so as I say it is a good book.
kempy avatar reviewed Private (Jack Morgan, Bk 1) on + 3 more book reviews
James Patterson is one of my favorite authors and he did not disappoint with whis one. The plot moves fast and its a book you do not want to set down
bothrootes avatar reviewed Private (Jack Morgan, Bk 1) on + 207 more book reviews
I found Private a difficult book to get into because there were several stories happening at one time and a bunch of characters to keep track of. Once I was into it, the book was hard to put down. Jack Morgan, the top guy at Private is a complex and likeable character I would love to see more of. He is a rule breaker as well as are others of his employees in his top of the line investigators orginization. This would make a series I would definitely read more of.
reviewed Private (Jack Morgan, Bk 1) on + 18 more book reviews
Private was definitely an introductory book, scratching the surface of many different characters. The story was good, but it felt more like a book getting your feet wet to the different characters that will be seen in the Jack Morgan series. I am glad Patterson has started a new series and will continue to read the Morgan books.
reviewed Private (Jack Morgan, Bk 1) on + 69 more book reviews
This was a good book. Not one of my favorites it switched between to many case covered by the PI business and at times to me was kind of confussing.
poetictendency avatar reviewed Private (Jack Morgan, Bk 1) on + 5 more book reviews
I normally devour James Patterson's books, but I wasn't crazy about this one.
reviewed Private (Jack Morgan, Bk 1) on + 175 more book reviews
3.0 out of 5 stars Typical recent Patterson thriller, October 9, 2010

This review is from: Private (Hardcover)
This novel provides exactly what fans of James Patterson have come to expect from his recent (co-authored) novels. It's a quick and easy read -- nothing deep or thought-provoking here. It provides enough intrigue to be called a thriller and though short on suspense, the narrative moves along smoothly juggling a couple of different plot lines: the unsolved murders of at least thirteen school girls and two other concurrent investigations -- a football gambling scandal and the killing of his best friend's wife.

Jack Morgan runs a private investigative firm with several associates; they operate a bit outside of the law and have unlimited resources and contacts to help the team achieve the necessary results by whatever means necessary.

If you're looking for a mindless thriller, this might just fit your requirements and if you're a Patterson fan, you won't want to miss this one and you won't have any lingering effects or nightmares after you've turned the last page.
MommaLobster avatar reviewed Private (Jack Morgan, Bk 1) on + 2 more book reviews
It was a fast read, and having kids the short chapters are great!
reviewed Private (Jack Morgan, Bk 1) on
Just another smash hit from James Patterson!! I just wish he would write faster ;)
reviewed Private (Jack Morgan, Bk 1) on + 80 more book reviews
GREAT book. Patterson has done it again. This book will hopefully be the start of a series of books like the Alex Cross series. Really good read!
reviewed Private (Jack Morgan, Bk 1) on + 22 more book reviews
This book is great! This is a fast read because you don't want to put it down.
laurensnana avatar reviewed Private (Jack Morgan, Bk 1) on + 34 more book reviews
Another Patterson masterpiece. I'm so happy to have another of his series to enjoy. Jack Morgan, like Alex Cross, is another appealing character that absorbs the readers' attention.
splitorin avatar reviewed Private (Jack Morgan, Bk 1) on + 27 more book reviews
got this for my mother an she does not like this character the reason for the two stars
reviewed Private (Jack Morgan, Bk 1) on
It waas good but not one of his best but that is only my veiw, However I do recommend it
reviewed Private (Jack Morgan, Bk 1) on + 70 more book reviews
Another great James Patterson book. I finished this one in two days. The beginning was a bit disjointed - too many story lines, plus all new characters - made it a bit hard to follow. Once I was able to get each story line straight and a grasp of who the characters were, it became a fun read. I can't wait for the next one.
my2luvsemmyandmally avatar reviewed Private (Jack Morgan, Bk 1) on + 758 more book reviews
GREAT BOOK !!! Loved this one!

Here is the Storyline:

Private - (Jack Morgan, Bk 1)

Author: James Patterson, Maxine Paetro

The police can't help you Former CIA agent Jack Morgan runs Private, a renowned investigation company with branches around the globe. It is where you go when you need maximum force and maximum discretion. The secrets of the most influential men and women on the planet come to Jack daily -- and his staff of investigators uses the worl... more »d's most advanced forensic tools to make and break their cases.

The press will destroy you

Jack is already deep into the investigation of a multi-million dollar NFL gambling scandal and the unsolved slayings of 18 schoolgirls when he learns of a horrific murder close to home: his best friend's wife, Jack's former lover, has been killed. It nearly pushes him over the edge. Instead, Jack pushes back and devotes all of Private's resources to tracking down her killer.

Only one place to turn: Private

But Jack doesn't have to play by the rules. As he closes in on the killer and chooses between revenge and justice, Morgan has to navigate a workplace love affair that threatens to blow the roof off his plans. With a plot that moves at death-defying speeds, Private is James Patterson sleekest, most exciting thriller ever.
reviewed Private (Jack Morgan, Bk 1) on + 25 more book reviews
Very good book.
nanaamy avatar reviewed Private (Jack Morgan, Bk 1) on + 27 more book reviews
I Loved It. I'm always happy when James Patterson introduces a new set of characters and these were some of the best. It' Alex and Lindsey in the same book. I will certainly read it again. It was hard to put down when I started.
reviewed Private (Jack Morgan, Bk 1) on + 25 more book reviews
Love the book.
reviewed Private (Jack Morgan, Bk 1) on + 223 more book reviews
Good book, easy reading. Keeps your attention!