Hard to Kill by James Patterson and Mike Lupica is a thriller with a lot of action surrounding a strong, resilient woman as she fights for her life and career.

Attorney Jane Smith is going to be working on an impossibble criminal case. Her client Rob Jacobson has just be cleared of a triple homicide, when a second one has occured. Jane must once again try to clear her client, is he being set up. Jane has othering things on her mind, like her sisters and her own cancer. Will she be able to complete this trial. thanks netgalley.

I really disliked this book. The language was atrocious and while I don’t mind a “F you” or “GD” occasionally, when every page was covered in cursing, I can’t get past it to enjoy the actual storyline. The writing was very stilted and it was a struggle to make it through each chapter. Thank heavens they were short! I did not read the first book in the series, but I don’t think that affected my opinion of this one. I will definitely not read any more books in the series. It is a one and done for me on this one!

Thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

For more reviews, please visit my blog at: https://www.msladybugsbookreviews.com/. Over 1000 reviews posted!

A top-notch woman character with her side kick are asked to defend the guy they got off in the first book. He's charged with multiple murders again. It certainly seems like a setup. But as they are trying to do their background, they are also dealing with threats and physical altercations. At the same time, Jane is dealing with a tough cancer to beat. And her sister's cancer is back.

I like the two main characters but there are so many bad guys and other characters in this book that it's hard to keep track. There's a lot happening in this book so it's not a mindless read - put on your thinking cap.

“Hard to Kill” by James Patterson and Mike Lupica is a gripping 5-star read! Defense attorney Jane Smith and investigator Jimmy Cunniff return to tackle another high-stakes case, defending Rob Jacobson after his arrest for a triple homicide. This second book in the series diverges from the courtroom drama of the first, focusing more on Jane and Jimmy's investigative efforts and the challenges they face along the way.

Jane's sharp wit and sarcastic demeanor shine through, often landing her in tricky situations, which adds a refreshing layer of realism and humor. Her unapologetically candid nature is something more characters—and people—should embrace. This book delves deeper into Jane's personal life, including an encounter with her second ex-husband, adding depth to her character and setting the stage for future developments.

Overall, "Hard to Kill" offers a thrilling mix of suspense, character development, and humor. I eagerly await the third book to see how Jane handles the upcoming trial.

Thanks to Little, Brown and Company, James Patterson, Mike Lupica, and NetGalley for providing me with the opportunity to read this ARC and share my honest review.

I absolutely love Jane and Jimmy! The way these two are with each other really makes these stories come together. We pickup pretty close to where we left off before...Jane is still coming to terms with her diagnosis and once again she finds herself caught up in Rob's latest legal trouble. This time around we get to see more of Dr. Ben and Brigid which is great. A ton of action and twists in this one, just like the first...and even I was questioning who was behind it all up until the very end! Great story, especially if you loved Jane's first book.

Another great addition to this series and another great read from JP and Mike Lupica. Jane Effing Smith is a lovable badass woman and this book is non stop action with short chapters that makes for a quick and fun read! Thanks to the publisher and netgalley for this copy for read and review

I didn't like this one as much as the first. That said, I love Jane Effing Smith and Jimmy and want more of this series! There were a lot of mob characters to keep straight in this one, and at times, it got confusing, but it does make more sense toward the end. We still don't know if Rob is innocent or guilty, so I'm guessing (and hoping) we see a 3rd book. Thank you to Little Brown and Netgalley for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

This book was one surprise twist after another, starting with Jane taking on Rob Jacobson as a client in another murder trial. The surprises kept coming, with Jimmy as a strongly featured character in this book. There are a lot of bad guys who keep appearing at the most inopportune times for Jane and Jimmy. Jane is stoically going through another round of cancer treatments while she also tries to find out who is responsible for the recent murders and disappearances around town. The plot is fast-paced with tons of twists and the characters are relatable and mostly likable. I didn’t particularly like Rob because he is so arrogant and a real player in every sense of the word. This is a perfect book to read in one sitting, find out what is going on with Jane and read in amazement as Jane works out the mystery and Jimmy goes off the rails in his quest to solve the murder of his former partner. Enjoyed the story and loved Jane’s continuing battles against evil and cancer!
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

Jane Smith and Jimmy Cunniff find themselves pretty much back where they started this series: representing Rob Jacobsen for triple murder again. Jane can't stop herself from seeking the limelight, even though her cancer struggles continue. Jimmy is her right-hand man and he tries to provide the information they need in order to provide a good defense. Ben and Brigid are also in this book, as well as Dr. Sam, but it was missing a real connection for me. This book started out well but then got bogged down with a side mystery that didn't take long for me to figure out. The who was behind all that was going on took the forefront in this book and the real story I was interested in knowing is still unresolved. Jane and Jimmy both were stubborn to a fault, but that didn't mean that I agreed with what they did the whole time. I had a hard time liking Jane Smith and part of it was because her character didn't make it easy. I think two men writing about a "hard" woman can sometimes come off as not relatable to real women. The story itself was entertaining and did have enough going on to keep me interested in seeing how it all played out. I did like this book overall and felt it did answer some of the questions left after book 1. I eagerly await book 3 to see where this all goes from here.

"I'm Jane Effing Smith" need I say more! Literally this line says it all and I love it! Very character driven. I feel like the plot was secondary but I'm not mad at that. I really was invested in figuring out how she was going to navigate her illness while prepping for trial. I will say I should have read book 1 first because I feel like I had to play a little catch up with understanding the different character relationships.

Thank you to @netgalley and @LittleBrownCompany for this ARC. Book 2 of the Jane Smith series. As the first book, I love the dynamic between lawyer Jane Smith and her detective assistant Jimmy. The same character that Jane Smith proved not guilty from murder in book 1 is back with a very similar murder situation in book 2. Once again, he says he was set up. Was he really guilty all along? This book was still a good story but it was full of mob characters that I had a hard time keeping straight. #HardtoKill #JamesPatterson #MikeLupica #LittleBrownandCompany #July2024

First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, James Patterson, Mike Lupica, and Little Brown and Company for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

Tackling yet another James Patterson collaborative effort, Mike Lupica joins the fray for this piece, the second novel in the series. The authors delve further into Jane F. Smith, a tough as nails attorney who is relentless in her efforts to defend her clients. Jane’s current cancer diagnosis has not been able to stop her quite yet, though she wants to make the most of the time she has left.
When she learns that a former client has been picked up once more for a multiple murder, she is baffled. She helped get a not guilty verdict for Rob Jacobson and stands by her defense. However, the new case makes her second guess her work. Battling alongside her investigator and against her cancer, Jane Smith is ready to toss it all out there and find the truth. Another gripping story that has Patterson and Lupica showing their true colours!

Jane F. Smith (Jane Effing Smith, to those who know her) has long been known as a cunning and ruthless criminal attorney. Her goal is to always provide her clients the best possible representation, leaving no stone unturned in trying to get to the root of any issue. This has made her well-known and feared in the New York legal community, while also creating a varied list of those who wish to engage her services.

One of these clients, Rob Jacobson, proves to be as unlucky as they come. After Jane was able to secure a not guilty verdict for the murder of a family of three, Rob is arrested once more. Another family has been murdered and Rob seems to be the most likely suspect, as the cases are quite similar. Jane sees the parallels and knows that while double jeopardy does not apply, the situation is too similar to ignore!

Working to defend Rob is more difficult, especially with the past case she argued, as well as her client’s own family who are ready to throw him under the bus. Jane uses her investigator, Jimmy Cunniff, to help uncover the truths that many would like buried, but when you look there is the chance you’ll uncover a snake or two. Rob’s personal choices and sexual endeavours make the targeting of mother-daughter duos all the more likely. While Jane cannot ignore the information she receives, she knows that Rob may have made enemies who are eager to see him suffer for life, even if that means bending the truth. As many people close to Jane are hurt or threatened, she has to wonder if this case might be best left to others. Still, she wants the best for her client. The law may be blind, but Jane Effing Smith does not want her client convicted when the court puts blind trust in past indiscretions. Patterson and Lupica deliver a stellar piece once more in this thriller.
 
While I have read a number of James Patterson’s thrillers, this one has been one of the stronger efforts. The narrative approach is swift and impactful, complemented by the Patterson traditional short chapter recipe. The narrative begins strong and offers the reader much entertainment as the mystery unfolds, less a legal thriller than one of investigation. When the truth becomes clear, the story’s speed helps prepare for the fallout of the final reveal. The characters are both relatable and interesting in their own way, flavouring the story effectively. Jane Smith proves to be tough and vulnerable simultaneously, which is a refreshing way of presenting a protagonist.

The twists within the book are both case-based and personal, fuelling many key plot points. The authors did well to build up the plot and keep things from getting too predictable, while never showing all their cards. While I was expecting something in the legal thriller genre, this tended more towards an investigation or police procedural. I am curious to see if there will be more to the series in the coming years, as I know Patterson and Lupica have some great ideas, likely able to create quite the story should they keep the series going.

Kudos Messrs. Patterson and Lupica, for bringing a great story to life.

James Patterson's attorney Jane Smith is mounting an impossible criminal defense. Her client, Rob Jacobson is accused of killing a family of three in the Hamptons and then a second family is gunned down. It’s double triple homicide. Jane’s career has spanned from NYPD beat cop to Hamptons courtroom. She’s tough to bea and even tougher to kill. I love the human side to the Jane Smith's stories. Her and her sister's cancer diagnosis just adds intensity to the books.

Love Jane Smith...but thought the first book was better. I guess this one had a lot more of her cancer journey which was a tough read. Lots of characters in this one to keep track of. Spoiler...there must be another!

you won't want to put this down a great story bringing together characters who all have interesting stories that bring them together to form this read

I just love Jane Smith!! Or should I say Jane Effing Smith. She is the kind of woman that you want your corner when the going gets tough. She does not giv.e up, even if she tries to at times, she just can’t bring herself to quit.

Once again, Jane finds herself defending Rob Jacobson on a triple murder charge - what is it with this guy? He insists he wants Jane to defend him and nobody else. Only Jane is right in the middle of intense cancer treatment and it isn’t doing her any good to be working. But she can’t g
Help herself and keeps going.

This is a fast pace thriller, with a high body count, constant drama and lies. Jimmy is by her side all the time, as is Rip the dog. Look forward to more from Jane, and hope she can beat the cancer.

Thanks so much to Little Brown and Company for my copy of this book to read. Published on July 29th

Hard to Kill is another fast paced book featuring Jane Smith.

Make that Jane Effing Smith.

Jane is hard working, foucused, stubborn but nost of all dedicated to her friends, her clients and family.

Rob is back having been acquited of murder and now he faces the same charges, different victims.

Rob only wants Jane to defend him and will accept no one else.

Tension mounts up as Jane, Jimmy and her boyfriend Ben all are threatened with their lives.

Walk away or else.

You cant help but cheer Jane on, though sometimes I cringe at her choices.

Empathy is on her side as she continues to battle cancer, thugs and the courts.

James Patterson and Mike Lupica have written another fast paced, hold your breath thriller that has you wanting more of Jane, Jimmy and Ben.

One of my favourite Patterson and Lupica series and I cant wait to see what they put Jane through next time.

Thanks to NetGalley and LIttle Brown and Company for a taut thriller that keeeps the midnight oil burning.

While I enjoyed this book and had been looking forward to it, I got a bit confused with so many characters. I had a hard time keeping track of them. I love Jane and Jimmy and hope there are more books about them.

Jane Smith is once again defending Rob Jacobson once again. This case disrupts her life and her safety, once again.

A fast read with plenty of action. There are a lot of recurring characters and at times I found the history a little confusing.

Thank you to NetGalley and Little Brown and Compan For the opportunity to read and review this ARC.