Robert McCool's Icon book review: Merry Christmas from the Women's Murder Club
Reviewed by Robert McCool
It's a December with Christmas coming soon.
What a time to snuggle up with a good read to chase off the chill and enjoy the holiday with this group of professional women as they solve a mystery spun by a serial killer who has a plan to make a large heist on Christmas day.
Author James Patterson wrote the first book in this series, then collaborated with two other writers to follow his lead and write the next eighteen novels, including this title, “The 19th Christmas” (ISBN 978-0-316-49401-4).
The best collaborator he shares this series with is Maxine Paetro, who is at the top of her game in this edition.
The women in this club are all connected by crime; Lindsay Boxer, Detective, Claire Washburn, Medical Examiner, Cindy Thomas, reporter for the San Francisco Chronicle, Yuki Castellano, District Attorney, with each of them bringing their individual talents to solve this case.
The time frame occurs during the days and nights, from immediately before, and Christmas Day.
Lindsay and her partner catch a hit and running thief that leads to a tip on a possible heist happening soon, which leads to the serial killer planning the crime.
The killer distracts the detectives with false information that draws them away from him. Lindsay and her partner spend every day and and night working tips they receive from suspects. The chase follows a net of tips until they apprehend the killer/thief on Christmas day.
Meanwhile, Cindy gets a story of an immigrant falsely accused of murder, which she shares with Yuki. Together they free the man, and reunites the man with his family.
The action is well paced and proceeds smoothly from story to story, beginning to end. All in all this book is a fine read that contains the spirit of Christmas and family. It will accompany a winter's night reflection that all is as it should be.
Stories Posted This Week
Friday, August 29, 2025
- Community Dog Park officially opens as memorial to Katrina Riepenhoff
- Obituary for Ian Christopher Shriner
- 2025 Blaze of Lights theme is "Home for the Holidays"
- Pirate volleyball win vs. Defiance Ayersville
- Highway Patrol focused on removing impaired drivers from the road
- Beaverdam Bunch 4-H results at 2025 Allen County Fair
- Porchfest brings live music to Bluffton neighborhoods
Thursday, August 28, 2025
- Pirate girls golf close 2nd at tri; Bauman 1st
- Pirate boys golf 2nd in NWC quad-match
- Pirate girls tennis loss at Wapak
- "You Made It" Forum welcomes Class of 2029
- 2nd annual Bluffton Porchfest celebrates live music
- Learn to play bridge at the Senior Center
- Blanchard Valley Health System enhances “Find-a-Doc”
- Taste of Bluffton serves as mixer for students and residents
- Heart to Heart: New Blood Pressure Guidelines
Wednesday, August 27, 2025
Tuesday, August 26, 2025
- Mayberry Rd. closure Aug. 27-28
- Janet M. Leonard was a teacher
- Pirates boys golf wins NWC tri
- Inside Innovations brings established design studio to Bluffton
- Walking thru Autumn hikes include Motter Park
- Colloquium Presentation: Emotional Education in 18th Century Germany
- Student to Share Lessons from Study Abroad Experience in Mexico