Member Reviews

The story started at a high and kept the fast pace all the way through. A well written plot with interesting characters and loads of tension and suspense make this a must read. The psychology blended with police procedure made a nice mix. The ending was totally unexpected and left me saying “what wow no way”. I can easily see the possibility that there would be another book to continue off this one. I loved the book but would have preferred a different ending.

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I received an early digital copy from an invite from JD Barker. All I can say is wow! When two of your favorite authors get together, you need to binge read it right away. I have been a fan of both, and this one does not disappoint. I loved reading it in the various narratives. The book flowed well and was high in detail, typically not found in the other Patterson books. I think JD wrote much of the book, and one can tell right away, a few chapters in. I would highly recommend this one

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I think I drooled a little when I got this ARC! You had me at Patterson and Barker, two of my favorite authors! Michael and Megan were just four when they were adopted by the famous psychiatrists Dr. Bart and Dr. Rose. Michael had witnessed the death of his mother and had been subjected to horrific abuse by the boyfriend. Now as an adult he comes home one evening to find a strange woman dead in his bathtub. What's more intriguing is the police have evidence they were in a relationship, but Michael has absolutely no memory of her or the murder. And so begins a gruesome trail of bodies, experiments, bloody scenes as the FBI seeks answers and more twists and turns than a mountain road! Just what you'd expect from these two talented writers! Even at the end when you think you have it figured out...blam...you are hit with another unexpected twist! These guys put the "psycho" in psychological thrillers for sure!

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I love the style of James Patterson’s books. Short chapters that entice you to read just one more.
This book started off slowly for me then became something of a rollercoaster ride with so many twists & turns and an unexpected ending.
3.5 stars

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James Patterson + J.D. Barker = PURE GENIUS!

When I saw these two were collaborating on a novel over a year ago I geeked out! What thriller/mystery lover wouldn't? When I read Kiss the Girls back in high school I instantly became a fan of James Patterson. He's proven himself to be one of the best ever since. Anything J.D. Barker touches is just pure gold in my opinion. If he's written it, sign me up! So, when I got the email from J.D. Barker and his team inviting me to read this one, well... YES PLEASE!

Did anyone else want to throw their Kindle across the room when reading this one? Couldn't be just me. I bet I said "What the hell is going on?" about 15 times while reading this one. The Coast-to-Coast Murders will keep you guessing TO... THE... END.

Michael Kepler is a truck driver who spends most of his time on the road, making deliveries, working long shifts. After witnessing his mother's murder at the young age of four, he was adopted by two psychologists, that insisted on being called Dr. Bart and Dr. Rose. Needless to say, he had a somewhat unorthodox childhood. If it wasn't for his adoptive sister, Megan, Michael would call it pure torture. Together, he and Megan survived the unusual parenting of Dr. Bart and Dr. Rose. Megan is the only person that truly understands Michael, the only one that knows what he's been through. That's why, when Michael is faced with being charged for murder, Megan is the only one he can trust.

After working a long shift and taking some time off, Michael is at his local farmer's market when he receives a call from his neighbor that there is water pouring from his apartment. When Michael returns to his apartment, not only does he discover the water in his bathroom is running, he discovers a women's dead body floating in his bathtub. Michael doesn't recognize this women. Why is she in his bathtub? How did she get there? More importantly, who killed her?

As the investigation gets underway, it's clear to Michael that he's being framed. The who, what, when, where, why, and how of it? Well... that's for you to discover when you read it.

It's been a while since I was this captivated by a thriller. I enjoyed the short chapters, which made for a quick read. Most importantly, I loved the suspense, the intrigue, and the fact that I damn near lost my mind.

Pick this one up and read it! "You should run now," he said softly. "I would."

I want to thank Little, Brown and Company, NetGalley and most importantly, James Patterson and J.D. Barker for allowing me the opportunity to read this novel in exchange for my review.

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"There is no hiding from the past. It’s the driving force behind all we do."

The Coast-to-Coast Murders is co-written by one of my favorite 5 star authors, J.D Barker and the best seller James Patterson.
A true psychological thriller, the book is a non-stop twisted roller-coaster ride.

They call him the Birdman Killer. He has been on a killing spree for years, leaving a feather on the body of the victims. His hunting ground? All over the country.

He is a clever monster and has to be stopped.

Michael Fitzgerald, a truck driver with a troubling past, is the FBI's prime suspect. All the evidence points towards him being the culprit. He claims he is innocent. He claims someone is framing him.
Is he telling the truth? Or is he a manipulative psychopath?

Thanks to the authors, Little, Brown and Company and the NetGalley for my advanced copy.

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Wow!! What a book!! I have said this before and I will say it again, I will read anything and everything JD Barker writes. Now when you add a legend like James Patterson as a co-author with JD Barker, the book becomes the best of the best!! This duo does not disappoint.

The Coast to Coast Murders will literally have you on the edge of your seat from the very first chapter. It's action packed and will have your mind spinning nonstop with the possibilities of what is going on.

The story is told from multiple points of view but flowed from each character flawlessly. Every chapter you read will have you changing your mind. Once you think you have it all figured out, guess again. Barker and Patterson keep throwing twists after twists at you. My mind has whiplash right now! By the ending of the book, my jaw was on the floor because I didn't see that coming.

Now speaking of that ending, I'm curious if we are going to get more of this twisted story and incredible co-written madness. Don't be alarmed. You get an epic ending but there is so much potential for this story to continue.

I want to talk about all the characters in full blown detail but you have to go into this book knowing nothing. Just pick it up and get lost into the phenomenal, mind blowing story.

I am an addict to thrillers and I am craving more from this duo!!

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This book was a big surprise to me. I really enjoyed it.
A bit confusing in the start but once I was halfway in I was hooked.
Writing with J D Barker, Patterson really has come up with a terrific thriller.
Michael and Megan are adopted siblings of physiologist couple Dr Bart and Dr Rose.
When a series of murders point to Michael, such a thrill ride to find iut the truth.
100% recommended anyone who likes a physiological thriller to read this one.

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Suspenseful from start to finish, "The Coast-to-Coast Murders' was an enjoyable read from two talented authors.

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Well, this one moves at breakneck speed. I’m sure the short chapters adds to that effect but the action does not let up. My recurring thought while reading this was ‘What is going on?’. When I dared to think I knew the answer, it quickly became apparent that I was wrong again. I do wonder what the process is when authors collaborate but I guess an invite from Mr Patterson would be hard to decline. I have read J.D. Barker’s 4MK trilogy and I’m pretty sure fans of that will enjoy this one.

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The childhood of Michael and Megan Fitzgerald is one of the worst. Raised in an orphanage they are finally adopted by two Doctors, one a psychiatrist and one a psychologist. You would think that this was a great place for them to be. Turns out horrific experiments are being done on the small children. Through it all Megan and her brother Michael are as close as two siblings can be. They only trust each other and would do anything for one another.
When eighteen murders are found to be caused around the country by a serial killer. It is determined by investigators that the Fitzgerald's are somehow involved. The thing is tanks have closed against the agents. Their question, which of these four people could be the murderer.
Fast paced drama at it's greatest! Great storyline, intriguing characters. Everything you'd want in a great thriller.

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4.5 stars

J.D. Barker is my newest favorate author (I like James Patterson once in a while). I was so excited to read this. It was really good. It kept me on my toes, alot of characters thought, got them all sorted out eventually. The epilogue has to be read. It leaves it open for more and I hope there will be a second one...i still have questions (hence the 0.5 star deduction)

It took me a while to read it due to kids that require attention... (darn)

Thank you Netgalley for this ARC.

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My thanks to Little Brown and Company, Mr. Barker and Netgalley.
Yes, yes. I know that Patterson's name came first. But, that's what James Patterson does.
In all honesty, I had no intention of ever reading this book. I was frankly astounded that these two had paired up. Then Mr. Barker sent me an e-mail and pre-approved me. Whether it was him or the publisher's, I was unable to say no! Yes, I'm weak! But, it's Barker!
So the book? Yeah, I did love it! I spent way too much time saying "what the hell is going on!"
I like that! As for the James Patterson effect? I couldn't suss out major differences. Yet, Patterson was always upfront and center because of the lengths of chapters.
I have a very strong and abiding hatred of short chapters. I know that some people like them. It moves the story along quickly! To me, short chapters mean I'm missing out on character development. To be honest, Patterson is the one who made me that way. Until this book, I hadn't read a Patterson book since 2006. That's the year that I bought a hardback, and read it in 2 hours.
Maybe Barker hooked up with Patterson for the bigger audience. If so, I hope it works!
Fact is that Barker is better than most. I have a few comparisons, but I don't think it's really fair. Barker is something soecial. He has quickly become someone I look forward to reading. His stuff is always different. Like a few of my favorite author's.
I really want to talk about that ending! But, alas! I've been having a hell of a time trying to figure out who screwed the pooch on that! My thought is Patterson, because he's just that lame!
In the end, I guess it doesn't matter a single bit! I will still devour every Barker book that I can get my grubby hands on! While Patterson will be ignored. Hopefully Barker has found a wider audience!
For all my whining and moaning, I truly loved this story. For me, once I passed the "what the hell?" Then it was game on.
There are a few iffy parts "for me." At the beginning and near the end.
Also, because I'm honest..I am taking away a star because of Patterson. It's not only the fact that I think he's a user, but I've seen him interviewed, and the man is very full of himself. I hate that!
Loved this story! Am now waiting for pure Barker! This man doesn't need anyone! O.K., Hopefully James Patterson can help him find a wider audience. This man deserves it!
Best wishes🍒🐞🐾☔⛄

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Michael Fitzgerald is a long haul truck driver. On his most recent return home he is at the grocery store when his neighbor calls him to let him know there is water leaking from his apartment. When he arrives there is a dead girl in his tub that he doesn’t recognize. His first call is not to police, it’s to his sister Megan who tells him to immediately call the police.

Detective Garrett Dobbs answers the call and although Michael seems convincing, evidence is against him. While Michael is in custody a man who says he is his lawyer helps him escape.

Shortly after FBI Agent Jessica Gimble enlists Dobbs help to chase down a serial killer that she in convinced is Michael Fitzgerald. Despite their best efforts though, they are always a step behind and the body count keeps rising.

There are alternating chapters in Megans’ voice and she helps fill in the story. They had both been adopted by the Fitzgeralds’ when they were young and used as research instead of treated as children.

The recent death of their father seems to be a catalyst for the string of deaths tied to a Michael.

This book may have two authors names but this is pure Barker brilliant storytelling.

If you enjoyed 4MK this is a must read ( and if you haven’t read that, you should).

With another upcoming release from J D Barker due any day clear your schedule. It simply doesn’t get better.

Thank you to #netgalley and Mr. Barker for the email invitation to read this and give my opinion.

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This was a complete riot from start to finish! You’re going to need to remove all distractions before starting this book and cancel any plans until you’ve finished. The only flaw was the epilogue which I didn’t think was necessary. Bring on more collaborations between these two authors.Many thanks to Netgalley for an arc of this book.

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JD Barker has teamed up with James Patterson in this most twisted of psychological thrillers that shocks and surprises whenever you think you might have got a handle on where it is all heading. In Los Angeles, long distance truck driver, Michael makes a horrific discovery on returning to his apartment, a dead woman lies in his bathtub, and he does what any innocent man would do, he calls 911. LAPD Detective Garrett Hobbs and FBI special agent, Jessica Gimble, appear to have a slam dunk of a case, with a obvious suspect with the weakest of alibis. Michael proclaims his innocence, but there is evidence that ties him to the victim and his clothes are in the home of the dead woman.

With a terrifyingly troubled and haunted past, Michael and his sister, Megan Kepler, were adopted by Ivy League psychology professors, the Fitzgeralds, treated as test subjects for their warped experiments. Michael manages to escape, the only person he trusts is Megan, a college psychology student, in search of the truth. It soon becomes there are a series of murders throughout the country, all with a connection to Michael and his past. There is a crazed, off the wall, dangerous killer at large, is Michael innocent and being framed or is he guilty? The authors write an adrenaline-fuelled, action packed thriller, fast paced with its short, snappy chapters from a variety of perspectives, and bursting with suspense and tension.

This is a must read for fans of the authors, it is entertaining, with some jaw dropping twists, an insightful exploration of what it takes to become a killer. I recommend this to all those who love their addictive and compulsive psychological thrillers. Many thanks to Little, Brown and Company for an ARC.

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Thank you to NetGalley and J.D. Barker for an ARC of The Coast-to-Coast Murders.

I used to be a big fan of James Patterson Alex Cross series in high school but that was many years ago and I haven't read a book of his since after college.

The Coast-to-Coast Murders has all the hallmarks of a James Patterson book; many short chapters, frenetic action and pacing, multiple character arcs and a twist that's almost too hard to believe. It all depends on your ability to suspend disbelief.

The writing is decent, as was the character development. I would have liked more exposition on the nutty psychiatrists and how long their diabolical plot was ongoing.

There were quite a few scenes that had me turning my disbelief suspension dial all the way to the right but for the most part, I was entertained and I kept reading because I wanted to know what was going to happen next.

If you're looking for a mind bending, psychological rollercoaster of a story, you'll enjoy The Coast-to-Coast Murders.

I'm not a big fan of the title.

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There is a killer on the loose and all the evidence points to Michael Fitzgerald.
Michael is saying that he is innocent and someone is framing him for the murders.
There is only one person he can trust and that’s his sister Megan.
A rollercoaster of psychological thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat.
Lots of twist and turns, I found it hard to put this book down.
Thank you to NetGalley and J.D. Barker for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

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J.D. BARKER & JAMES PATTERSON PUTTING THE THRILL IN THRILLER!

A long list of names from which people are being systematically murdered. Two adoptive siblings, a brother and a sister, Michael and Megan. One a suspect for the multiple murders, the other ignoring everything else to help her brother no matter the cost, both wanted by the police! The list of names all somehow have a connection to Michael, his adoptive parents and the orphanage he was at previously. And Michael is just as interested in learning everything that is going on to help clear his name…. assuming he is in fact innocent. Why are these people being hunted down and killed? And the big question “Did Michael kill them?”.

The cast of characters is excellent, and each add to the story in their own way. There are several POVs, but three primary ones the book focused on are the brother, the sister, and the tough, no BS, FBI agent in charge of hunting down Michael. It all adds to upping the suspense and to keeping your heart rate way above normal!
This exciting, fast paced eighty mph story includes non-stop action. Michael and Megan are constantly on the move trying to find evidence to prove his innocence while also evading the police. The reader will continue to second guess themselves all the way until the very end.

I love reading thrillers. Currently I have been more disappointed with many books as they were advertised as thrillers, but ultimately were not. I am incredibly pleased to say this book is a true thriller! I could not put it down. It is a long book close to 500 pages. Yet the pages still flew by and I read this in a day!

*Thank you to J.D. Barker via NetGalley for providing me with the digital review copy!

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I have been a fan of James Patterson for years and was lucky enough to read J D Barker's, brilliant novel She Has a Broken Thing Where Her Heart Should Be (well worth a read I gave it 5/5).

Patterson is famous for his short punchy chapters and this story told from a number of different viewpoints rattles along at a satisfying pace. Like so many Patterson novels there is a high body count, some superb action set pieces and numeours twists. However, who is actually responsible for the trail of devestation that has taken place across America?

JD Barker's footprint is evident throghout and this feels like a collaboration with two writers that have crafted a fine story.

This will, surely, sell many thousands of copies and is well worth reading to decide who is the most evil character in the book.

Would I reccomend this? Oh yes.

Will I read somehting by the authors again? Yes.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of this book.

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