4th of July by James Patterson, Maxine Paetro (2005, Hardcover)

James Patterson adds another quick-paced and satisfying entry to his “Women’s Murder Club” series with “4th of July”. After being placed in the center of a high profile lawsuit against herself and the SFPD, Detective Lindsay Boxer retreats to her sister’s cottage in the peaceful community of Half Moon Bay. Once there, she becomes embroiled in an ongoing investigation involving a heinous serial killer. As it becomes apparent that these current killings may have ties to her first (and still unsolved) case from 10 years ago, Boxer enlists the aid of her friends and confidantes, medical examiner Claire Washburn and reporter Cindy Thomas to help her uncover the shocking truths that lie beneath the placid surface of Half Moon Bay.

Patterson (with co-writer Maxine Paetro) combines his trademark style of short chapters with brilliant characterization to create a tight page-turner that never loses your interest whether the focus be on the courtrooms of San Francisco or the back porches and front yards of Half Moon Bay. “4th of July” will keep you reading – and guessing - right until the very end.