James Patterson & Maxine Paetro, The 5th Horseman

The 5th Horseman

James Patterson & Maxine Paetro

Little, Brown, Feb 2006, $27.95

ISBN: 0316159778

Keiko, the mother of the newest member of the Women's Murder Club, Attorney Yuki Castellano, collapses and is rushed to San Francisco Municipal Hospital. Apparently, Keiko has had a Transient Ischemic Attack, but seems to be recovering. After accompanying Yuki to the hospital, Police detective Lindsay Boxer goes home only to learn later that Keiko suddenly and unexpectedly died.

A stunned Lindsay soon learns that the municipal hospital has been a place where too many recent deaths have occurred due to incorrect medication given to patients. Keiko apparently is the latest lethal mistake. Lindsay thinks a warped "angel" of not mercy is killing people just prior to their leaving the hospital. Though her plate is filled with an investigation into the "Car Girls" serial murders, she vows with the help of her Women's Murder Club members to take down the hospital killer.

THE 5TH HORSEMAN is a terrific suspense chiller that starts off at hyperspeed with Keiko's collapse and subsequent death and picks up speed as beleaguered cop Lindsay struggles to stop two apparent serial killers. The storyline is action packed as is the trademark of the series (and any work including collaborations that James Paterson writes) while the female members of the Women's Murder Club retain their individual personalities that make them seem genuine even while being super crime stoppers.

Harriet Klausner