Lion and Lamb, the latest by Patterson and his co-author is story of two investigators, working for the opposing legal teams. However, they agree to work together to find the truth. Liberally using emails and notes as the expository style the audience works with the investigators to solve the case. Personally, I did not enjoy the use of recorded phone calls and emails as text devices and found them distracting. Not my favorite James Patterson entry.

This was a murder case that would be front and center on the evening news and every social media site. The police find a Maserati on the curb. They initially think the driver is passed out. After checking it out, they realize the driver is dead. This will be one for the books because the driver is none other than Philadelphia Eagles starting quarterback, Archie Hughes. He is the golden boy of the town. Eagles fans are counting on him to take his team to the Super Bowl. His wife, of course, is the #1 suspect, as always. She is no ordinary football wife. She is a Grammy winning singer and actually more famous than him. This was the very definition of power couple.

The defense hires hotshot PI Cooper Lamb and top notch sleuth Veena Lion is working for the prosecution. These two are competitive and are both bound and determined to solve this mystery before the other one. Secrets and lies will be uncovered as they delve deep into the world of the rich and famous. The question is - who would want to kill the golden boy?

I always enjoy a good James Patterson mystery. He never fails to amaze me with his imagination. This book had it all with mystery, a little romance, as well as a little humor. I loved the character of Cooper. He was obviously a highly intelligent man with keen observation skills who surrounded himself with the best people to help make him the best private investigator in town. He was also fearless. There are red herrings and twists along the way which keeps the plot line hot. This is definitely a one sitting type of read. Fans of football will enjoy the book and will understand the references to the sport more so than those who do not understand or care for football. I personally loved it. Another winner for JP.

Thank you to Little Brown and Company and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Lion & Lamb by James Patterson and Duane Swierczynski is a thrilling mystery set in Philadelphia, where rival private investigators, Veena Lion and Cooper Lamb, take on the high-profile case of a murdered sports hero and his famous wife as the prime suspect.

The story unfolds with humor, suspense, and unexpected twists, showcasing the endearing chemistry between Lion and Lamb as they navigate through a web of lies and deceptions. While some may find the alternating format of memos and transcripts confusing, the engaging plot, delightful characters, and playful banter make it a fast-paced, entertaining read that leaves readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in this enjoyable series.

Veena Lion and Cooper Lamb investigate the murder of pro football player Archie Hughes.
They are met with obstacles at every turn.
This was a great read full of humor and suspense. Thanks NetGalley and Little Brown, and Company for this ARC that will be released August 14, 2023!

Fun and different from the normal Patterson thrillers I’m used to. I really enjoyed the plot but also adored Cooper and Veena. Their banter and jokes along with how great they are together really made this story what it was.

Two sleuths, two clients, one objective. Many secrets, goals, and suspects.

Everything points to the wife, but these sleuths believe otherwise and they aren't going to give up until they get ALL the answers.

Great mystery. You'll need to know what everyone wants and what their secrets are.

I enjoyed this book, it’s an interesting mystery. I did not like the format it was written in, alternating memos and transcripts from different people. I found it a bit confusing. I picked up that there’s a relationship between Lion and Lamb although it seemed they didn’t like each other in the beginning but by the end they were in bed with each other. I’m sure that it was covered in previous books. I did find the story itself to be interesting. #Lion&Lamb #NetGalley

A wonderfully playful, tongue-in-cheek take on a police procedural. Fast moving and action packed. The story grabs you from the first page and keeps you guessing until the very end where the author inserts a deliciously wicked twist.

Thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company who provided me with a copy of this book. I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for providing an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. A great story from Patterson and Duane Swierczynski. A thriller with an absorbing narrative that lands you in the lives of Cooper Lamb and Veena Lion. Our main characters have an interesting and intriguing relationship both in and out of work. These are characters that you can relate to and share some laughs as well as thrills. Cooper Lamb is a private investigator and Veena Lion is a prosecution attorney. They are both working on the same case to find out who killed Archie Hughes, the quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles. Lion is trying to prove it is the wife and Lamb is trying to clear her. Once they decide to work together the fun begins. Join Lion and Lamb for an action-packed thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Pick up this book and find out if Mrs. Francine Hughes, a talented singer and beloved Philadelphian kill her husband or was it someone else.

Two private detectives are hired to investigate the death of a beloved sports hero. One is hired by the DA, the other is hired by the lawyer of a potential suspect.

This is a quick, action packed read with some twists and turns thrown in to keep you guessing. The main characters are funny and very likable.

I really enjoyed the chemistry between the two main characters and look forward to the next book in this series.

Thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company For the opportunity to read and review this book.

I was excited when NetGalley approved my request to read this, as I'm a long-time James Patterson fan. That said, I haven't enjoyed his books as much since he started using co-writers (some more than others). It started off with a decent mystery when a famous celebrity was found dead in his fancy Maserati, but personally I felt like the story lost its verve towards the end.

This does not mean that I will quit reading James Patterson!

For the first several chapters of this book, I wasn't feeling the love; not for the plot, and certainly not between the main characters, Philadelphia-based private investigators Cooper Lamb and Veena Lion, a former prosecuting attorney. The vibe between the two PIs never really materialized for me (I mean, "Baaaa" and "Rowrr?" Really)?

But since an NFL team is involved (yeah, I'm a big pro football fan, even if "my" team is the Cleveland Browns), the plot started to connect with me around the 25-yard point and didn't let up till the end zone. That connection was made more of a trudge, I think, because much of the tale is told by way of "transcripts" of conversations recorded by Cooper or Veena (some illegally) and reports from their associates based on their research and investigations. It takes a while to adjust to that.

It begins when star Philly Eagles quarterback Archie Hughes is murdered the day before a big game - his Super Bowl ring removed from his finger and missing; his wife, a popular singer of the Beyonce mold, is the primary suspect. But neither Cooper nor Veena believe she did it, so they get on with trying to find out who else might have a motive to kill such a beloved person - especially on the eve of a game that could land the team in the upcoming Super Bowl and fill the streets of Philly with a joie de vivre that hasn't been felt for many years.

Of course, getting to the truth may be more elusive than that next Super Bowl ring, but Cooper and Veena - coming from two different perspectives but after the same outcome - give it their best (right down to pledging to work together). It really is the thrill of the chase that drives the story and makes it fun - even if, like me, you really don't give a hoot how the relationship between Cooper and Veena turns out, or even if there is one.

The ending brings several surprises - a couple of them gobsmackers - making it a fun read. I'm sure I'm not alone in my assumption that this book is intended to be the start of a new series; if it is, count me as one who's eager to read the next installment. Meantime, I thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for allowing me to score a pre-release copy to read and review.

James Patterson and Duane Swierczynski brings us the story of two PIs: Veena Lion and Cooper Lamb. Eagles starting quarterback is found dead in his car and his wife is suspect number one. It is up to Veena and Cooper to figure out the truth as their list of suspects grows with each interview. They must wade through the lies and deceptions as well as dodging killers to get to the truth before it is too late.

As you get to go along with Veena and Cooper as they try to figure out this mystery, you are surprised by the turns and twists that come along with figuring out the truth. It was fast paced and kept you on your toes. You kept turning the page to see what happens next and what clues they would find as they get one step closer to finding out what really happened to the victim. I enjoyed the way these two interacted with each other especially when they would get together to discuss the case even though they are working for the opposite counsels. I look forward to reading more with this dynamic duo.

I read and received an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I would like to thank NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for this privilege.

Thank you to #NetGalley, Little Brown & Company Publishers, James Patterson and Duane Swierczynski for the opportunity to read an advance copy of LION & LAMB, to be published August 14, 2023. James Patterson always provides readers with such involved and suspenseful tales that it’s difficult to put them down until the end. Lion & Lamb was a delightful novel about two private investigators in Philadelphia who ended up on opposite sides of a murder investigation, both seeking out the truth. Suffice it to say they both end up in a lot of trouble. This thriller was written like you were reading the case notes of the investigators. 5/5 Stars #NetGalley. #LittleBrown&CompanyPublishers. #JamesPatterson #DuaneSwierczynski. #Lion&Lamb

Thank you to @netgalley and @LittleBrownandCompany for this ARC. Not one but TWO advanced copies from James Patterson. I should go buy a lottery ticket!
Veena Lion and her investigative rival Cooper Lamb have been hired by opposing sides to find Archie Hughes killer. Archie Hughes, quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles and secret weapon for this year's Super Bowl. As more clues come to light, Lion & Lamb need to decide if they will continue to compete or work together on the information they have each found. I really liked these characters and will continue to follow their stories!
#Lion&Lamb #JamesPatterson #DuaneSwierczynski #LittleBrownandCompany #Aug2023

This is the first book which will probably become a series. The storyline is a fast paced mystery which keeps the reader interested. A few twists towards the end makes this book another hit from the author. This is a book which I would recommend to anyone who enjoys a good mystery.

James Patterson is always a quick, good read. "Lion & Lamb" is definitely one of his better books here lately.

4 stars

This was one of the best Patterson books of recent years! The premise was so unique. And in typical Patterson fashion, we have short fast paced chapters that make the book unputdownable.

The premise of this story caught my attention from the beginning. A quarterback getting ready for the Super Bowl murdered. Imagine the chaos. The characters in this novel are realistic and keep the story moving quickly. Patterson is a favorite author who does not disappoint. Writing with a partner adds to the mystery and intrigue. This book was sent to me electronically by Netgalley for review. Thanks to the publisher and the authors. I always want to read and review a book by this gifted author.

Lion and Lamb are both private investigators who are seeking to find the murderer of a star football player. The characters are well developed and the story is fast paced and interesting. I was drawn in from the start and remained engaged throughout.