There are days when you are looking to be moved by the characters, words, and situations an author writes. Other days, all you need is an escape from reality, the kind of book you can breeze through in a few sittings and leave thoroughly entertained. After reading several darker, more serious titles recently, I've been longing for something less emotionally taxing. These quarantine days are becoming more and more taxing on their own. While it has been great tackling some of the more challenging reads from my TBR list, it was time for a change of pace. I turned to one of my go-to authors, James Patterson. His collaboration with author Andrew Bourelle titled Texas Ranger seemed like a solid choice.
Texas Ranger Rory Yates has an unconventional relationship with his ex-wife Anne. The couple may not be married anymore, but Yates knows he will always love her. He's knee-deep in a hostage situation when Anne calls his phone. When he finally is able to connect with her, Rory can hear the fear in Anne's voice. He begins the drive to her house (anyone who has ever driven in Texas can relate to the hours spent in his truck) he worries about what she told him. Why would someone be calling in death threats to her?
When Rory makes it to Anne's house, he is greeted by the flashing lights of police lights. All hope leaves his body as he works his way onto the scene. The property has already been taped off, clearly a crime scene. Someone has murdered Anne. Rory was too late. Worst, he is already being eyed as the obvious suspect in her murder. He is ordered to stay out of the ongoing investigation into his possible potential involvement in Anne's death. Lucky for readers, he ignores these orders.
I always find it challenging to review a James Patterson novel, especially his co-authored efforts. Each one is just so similar to the other. There are short chapters, copious amounts of actions, and just enough twists to keep the reader guessing. That's exactly what I'm looking for when I open a Patterson book, and Texas Ranger delivers all of that. Rory is an affable protagonist who is maybe a little too headstrong for his own good. I've lived in the Lone Star State for my whole life, so it was fun to read references to Texas cities, country music, and other cultural hallmarks. This one won't be winning any awards for literary excellence, but it was an enjoyable way to escape for a few hours. With James Patterson, you pretty much know what you're getting when you pick up his books. As each day is clouded with more and more uncertainty, there's some comfort in having a book unfold exactly as you expect it to.
For more information visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads.
(2020, 13)
Texas Ranger by James Patterson
I totally get just wanting to escape into a book. And you can always count on James Patterson to deliver that kind of escape. :D
ReplyDeleteI've already got the next book in this new series on my list!
DeleteI like to break things up with my reading, too. Glad Rory's jumping in on his ex-wife's case gave you that. I've not read any of Patterson's collab works so I'll have to give them a go.
ReplyDeleteThe collaborations tend to be pretty hit or miss. This one was somewhere right in the middle.
DeleteI'm not a writer, so I don't judge the writing quality of a book, but if it entertained me, and gave me what I was looking for - mission accomplished. This sounds like you got what you signed up for. I will admit, I was sort of sad that the ex-wife was the victim, because I liked the idea of them still having some sort of friendship.
ReplyDeleteThere's nothing wrong with entertainment purely for entertainment's sake. The ex-wife relationship is explored still, just as a postmortem.
DeleteI used to read a lot of Patterson's work. There were a few books that I didn't care for and I moved on to other authors but I can see where his books would be a good pick right now. This does sound like a great start to a new series and I think that the fact it is set in Texas is fun! Great review!
ReplyDeleteI don't read nearly as much of his output as I used to, but it is fun to revisit his books from time to time.
DeleteI like Patterson.... and yes, escaping into a book, or audio is fantastic. I am also watching True Blood as HBO is streaming it for FREE for everyone.
ReplyDeleteWe've started watching Mad Men for the first time. Almost done with the first season!
DeleteIt's always fun to read his books because of the short chapters, I agree. I enjoyed the ones I tried by him
ReplyDeleteYou really can't beat the fast pace of a Patterson book!
DeleteI think you've hit the nail on the head as to exactly why I am feeling out of sorts in some ways about my reading right now: there are days I want something new, but I want some comfort too in knowing what a book will give me too. Thanks Ethan, this review put some stuff in perspective for me :)
ReplyDeleteI honestly have multiple books going right now. That way I can read whatever my mood dictates.
DeleteIt's been years since I read anything by Patterson but I know what you mean about his "co-authored" (because I really doubt he has much input into those at this point) works. I have a couple authors that, even though I may have issues with the writing, and even though they're never going to win any awards, there's a comfort level there. Sometimes I just want something easy and fun, issues be damned. And Patterson (or whoever is really writing them LOL) is great at delivering that.
ReplyDeleteSome of his co-authors have actually gone on to write some real winners of their own. Andrew Gross has some great books!
DeleteIt's important to be able to take a break from all the reality, especially with everything going on right now. It's so stressful, and toxic if you let it overwhelm you/ This sounds like a fun escape, and just the kind of story I've been choosing lately! Glad to hear you had fun with it, Ethan.
ReplyDeleteI've been trying to vary my reading a bit, but I do still default to these kinds of books.
DeleteYeah things are a little stressful right now and light reads seem to be the way. Ive been in such a reading slump overall that not much is working ):
ReplyDeleteGlad you liked this one, despite the similarities between books.
I think we can forgive ourselves for getting into slumps right now. I hope you are doing well and find your way out of this slump soon!
DeleteI've only read one of Patterson's books, it was about King Tut and co-authored with the doofus who also co-writes with Bill O'Reilly. It was one of the worst books I have ever read - no works cited, no research notes, nothing. They wrote alternating chapters and it was just one of the biggest hot messes I have ever read.
ReplyDeleteThat does sound like a total mess!
DeleteI'd recommend starting with novels that he actually wrote haha. His Alex Cross series is still my favorite. The first book Along Came A Spider might be a good place to start!
That is one that has been recommended to me and I may give it a try at some point.
DeleteThe Tut book was TERRIBLE. Patterson went on and about all his research, but had literally nothing to show for it. Blech.
Patterson and non-fiction just seems like a terrible match.
DeleteIt's great to have a lighter read at hand. Especially when you have a go-to author in mind. This book sounds especially great for Texans. I love when I can recognize cultural references in a book.
ReplyDeleteIt was really fun to see all the little Texas shout outs!
DeleteI really get the feeling of just leaving reality behind and emerge yourself in something different, or just reading a book that's a breath of air and you just rush through. Such great feelings :)
ReplyDeleteYou really can't go wrong with that kind of read right now!
Delete