Swimsuit

Overview

Syd, a breathtakingly beautiful supermodel on a photo shoot in Hawaii, disappears. Fearing the worst, her parents travel to Hawaii to investigate for themselves, never expecting the horror that awaits them.

LA Times reporter Ben Hawkins is conducting his own research into the case, hoping to help the victim and get an idea for his next bestseller. With no leads and no closer to uncovering the kidnapper's identity than when he stepped off the plane, Ben gets a shocking visit that pushes him into an impossible-to-resist deal with the devil.

A heart-pounding story of fear and desire, SWIMSUIT transports readers to a chilling new territory where the collision of beauty and murder transforms paradise into a hell of unspeakable horrors.

Editorial Reviews

A serial killer with an urge to break into print propels this thriller from bestseller Patterson and collaborator Paetro (4th of July). Ben Hawkins, a former L.A. cop turned reporter and author, travels to Hawaii to look into the disappearance of model Kim McDaniels, who has fallen victim to a sadistic fiend who calls himself Henri Benoit. Ben meets with Kim's distraught parents, but the investigation soon runs into dead ends, even as the body count rises. Back in Los Angeles, Henri gets in touch with Ben, and offers the story of his life and the reasons he continues with his murderous spree. As part of the deal, Henri asks the reporter to write his tell-all book. Ben can't refuse given the killer's threat to his life as well as his girlfriend's. In just one of many clever twists, Henri proves to be the consummate storyteller. Patterson fans will devour this one in a single sitting.
Copyright (c) Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Author Information

Bio of James Patterson

The subject of a recent Time magazine feature called, "The Man Who Can't Miss," James Patterson is the bestselling author of the past year, bar none, with more than 16 million books sold in North America alone. In 2007, one of every 15 hardcover fiction books sold was a Patterson title. In total, James's books have sold an estimated 150 million copies worldwide. He is the first author to have #1 new titles simultaneously on The New York Times adult and children's lists and is the only author to have five new hardcover novels debut at #1 on the list in one year -- a record-breaking feat he's accomplished every year since 2005. To date, James Patterson has had nineteen consecutive #1 New York Times Bestselling Novels, and holds the New York Times record for most bestselling titles by a single author (40 total). Patterson is a champion of reading and the founder of the PageTurner awards, which seek to spread the excitement and joy of books and reading in the United States. James's first foray into family fiction, the critically acclaimed Maximum Ride series, debuted on the New York Times list at #1 and remained there for 12 straight weeks. The series has so far made appearances on The New York Times bestsellers lists 87 times, proving that kids of all ages love page turners. Patterson is the creator of the #1 new detective series of the past dozen years, featuring "Alex Cross" and including the Hollywood-adapted "Along Came a Spider" and "Kiss the Girls," starring Academy Award-winning actor Morgan Freeman. He is also the creator of the #1 new detective series of the past five years, featuring Lindsay Boxer and the other members of the Women's Murder Club, from which the ABC television drama series is adapted. He has authored books behind six films on the Hollywood fast-track, including the upcoming Maximum Ride movie from Avi Arad, the producer of X-Men and Spiderman. Most recently, New Regency Pictures has optioned The Dangerous Days of Daniel X, James's newest family Pageturner due out in July of 2008. He is the author of novels -- from The Thomas Berryman Number (1976) to Honeymoon (2005) -- that have won awards including the Edgar, the BCA Mystery Guild's Thriller of the Year, the International Thriller of the Year award, and the Reader's Digest Reader's Choice Award. One of Forbes magazine's Celebrity 100, James appeared as a guest star on the popular FOX TV show "The Simpsons" in March, 2007.

Customer Reviews

• Not his best!

  Posted July 23, 2009 by LaDonna S., Moncks Corner

  This is not one of Patterson's best books pales in comparison to his Alex Cross series and Maximum series. Way, way out in left field. Only read this if you are a true Patterson fan and you don't care about what and how he writes. No real mystery to the story and nothing to figure out. You know everybody's secret within the first two chapters. If your not dying for Patterson save your money.

• The Best Thriller I've Read In A Very Long Time!

  Posted July 31, 2009 by Clare, P

  This is the 1st Patterson novel I have read and what a delight! I highly recommend the book if you like to read a cannot put down cover to cover novel. Very impressed w/ Patterson's writing style, he has a new FAN!

• Horrible

  Posted August 19, 2009 by Kealani, Princeville, HI

  The absolute worst book I've read in 6 months. No redeeming qualities.

• Very disappointed

  Posted August 21, 2009 by Hoku, Lawai, Hawaii

  I agree with LaDonna

• Disappointed in Patterson

  Posted August 27, 2009 by Ladyanne, Mandeville

  I have always enjoyed James Patterson's books, but not this one!
  If I had not been trapped in an airplane that was delayed on a runway for 3 hours and then followed by a 2 hour 45 minute plane ride, I would have quit reading this book.

• Over the top

  Posted September 12, 2009 by Susan, Bocas Del Toro, Panama

  I couldn't wait to get my hands on this new James Patterson book, but it was a disappointment. I thought the gore factor was over the top and there was no real mystery except whether there may be a sequel. Relationship with his girlfriend wasn't developed enough and didn't have enough depth and dimension. I didn't 'feel' Amanda's danger or even care that much. I think I'll stick with Alex Cross and swing back to my other Alex....and Jonathan Kellerman.

• Worth Reading

  Posted October 18, 2009 by Katye, wabasha

  This book was not my favorite written by Patterson, but worth reading. It does keep you guessing all the way to then end of the book. I think that is what saves this one. So read on and good luck trying to figure it out!

Additional Info

Imprint

Little Brown & Company

Filesize

1.16 MB

Number of Pages

416

eBook ISBN

9780316052641