Inspector Lindsay Boxer and the members of the Women’s Murder Club find themselves in the midst of their most intense action yet. Claire, city coroner, is fighting for her life after a gunman on the ferry randomly shoots several victims. Yuki, assistant district attorney, is preparing for the difficult trial she hopes will put the gunman away for a long, long time. Cindy, reporter, is keeping up with the Ferry shooting while dealing with random acts of violence happening in the apartment she has moved into. Boxer is caught up with the Ferry shooting, the apartment violence, and the kidnapping of a prominent family’s child.
The 6th Target has at least three separate storylines on the move throughout the novel, making for a fast-paced, page-turning thriller. Add to that the complexity of Lindsay and Joe’s relationship, and your mind will be spinning to keep up. While The 6th Target works as a standalone book, the history of the other five novels adds depth to what may otherwise feel like a slightly shallow read. The subplots are not overly developed, but that is what lends to Patterson’s success – a fast pace with lots of action. Unfortunately, it is sometimes at the cost of predictability.
Those who love Patterson, and especially the Women’s Murder Club series, will delight in this book. For those looking for something with strong development and a clear and clean ending, you may be disappointed.