I planned to start this review by saying that James Patterson is back with another page-turner but, since he puts out a bestseller every few months, it actually seems (thankfully) that he has never left. This time, in 7th Heaven, readers are treated to two compelling stories that unfold alongside one another and make this novel a welcome addition to the Women’s Murder club series.

The first storyline centers on the resurrection of the investigation into the disappearance of Michael Campion, the son of a former California governor who enjoyed near-celebrity status in the community. The case quickly makes it to trial upon the discovery of a new lead - namely, that Michael visited a prostitute, Junie Moon, on the eve of his disappearance. The case seems to be on solid ground since, when questioned, Moon not only confesses to the crime but provides the name of her accomplice. Of course, it is not surprising that the trial is fraught with unanticipated obstacles, and the significance of each is enhanced by the media frenzy surrounding the case as well as the peripheral storyline relating to a reporter covering it.

As Champion’s murder trial unravels, so, too, does another story that focuses on the murdering of wealthy couples and the burning down of their homes. Detective Lindsay Boxer and her partner desperately pore over the crime scenes to search for and piece together the clues which, other than limited Latin proverbs, are few and far between.

In true Patterson style, the book neatly ties up all loose ends and concludes with an unexpected twist. It is a bit disappointing that the reason the twist is such a surprise is because it is so absurd. However, since avid Patterson fans select his books to escape from reality, it is unlikely that this ending will do anything to prevent this book from rightfully climbing the bestseller lists just like the majority of Patterson’s books that have come before it.