Every six months or so, another James Patterson book hits the shelves, and readers never know whether it will be a riveting read or just a placeholder for the next thriller. Thankfully, just in time for summer, The 8th Confession (The Women's Murder Club) is Patterson (with Maxine Paetro) at his best, telling two equaling compelling stories and providing two equally satisfying resolutions.

The first story centers on the murder of a number of high-powered socialites with few clues as to who was responsible for the murder, how they did it, or why. The investigation is a small glimpse into the world of the rich and powerful and the impact of some of their destructive choices. The second story revolves around the violent murder of Bagman Jesus, a homeless man who appears to be a community hero with countless supporters and few who would wish him any harm. When the police conclude that their sparse resources need to be allocated to cases other than this one, journalist Cindy Thomas decides it deserves more attention and starts an investigation of her own.

The pace, reading level, and characters in The 8th Confession (The Women's Murder Club) will be familiar and therefore well-received by Patterson fans. Also, the sexual tension between the main characters that has been established throughout the Women’s Murder Club series continues to escalate, with new twists adding another tangential but entertaining thread to the stories. The book will not disappoint readers and likely enjoy a well-deserved spot on many bestseller lists.