The Women's Murder Club is Born

In the beginning of 1st to Die (Patterson, 2001), the main character, Detective Lindsay Boxer asks her friends to help her to solve a serial murder case. The two friends, Claire, a medical examiner and Cindy, a reporter agree and the "Women's Murder Club" is born.

Boxer thinks to herself: "...I knew it could work. We could reassemble whatever clues came out of the official investigation, share what we had, cut through the political cover-your-ass and the bureaucracy. Three women, who would get a kick out of showing up the male orthodoxy. More important, we shared a heartfelt empathy for the victims" (p. 140).

Note the mention of sharing information,  "male orthodoxy" and "empathy for the victims." 

Later in 1st to Die (p. 174), while sipping beers at Susie's, a regular meeting place for the club (at least in the novels), Lindsay thinks to herself: "The Women's Murder Club. This was good. No men allowed."

In Chapter 73 a new member joins the club, Jill Bernhardt, assistant district attorney. Before Jill officially joins the group, Lindsay notes:

Claire had met her [Jill] a few times when she testified at trials. They had developed a mutual respect for each other rise through their male-dominated departments. (p. 278)

Note: The novel is told in first person from Lindsay's perspective.


After Jill officially joins the group she asks what is the group named.  At this point in the novel Lindsay has not voiced out loud what she has thinking -- "Women's Murder Club."

Lindsay says: "We're sort of a murder club."

Jill suggests: "The Margarita Posse."  Margaritas seem to be their favorite drink at Susie's.

Clarie suggests: "Bad-ass Bitches."

Cindy says: "One day, we're all gonna be running things... Homicide Chicks... That's who we are.  That's what we do."

Lindsay echoed this in thought: "we were bright, attractive, take-no-shit women.  We were going to run things -- some day" (p. 280).

When comparing the novels to the TV series, we don't see this talk of the "male orthodoxy" in the TV series.  I wonder why?  :)  This seems to be safe for a novel, but not TV.  What is it about TV that would not allow this sort of talk to air?

Where Does Patterson's Short Chapters and Compactness Come From?

On NPR a few days ago James Patterson discussed a novel that influenced him, Mrs. Bridge: A Novel.

Patterson notes in the audio that Mrs. Bridge: A Novel "certainly helped inspire [his] writing style. Short chapters, compactness, and clarity."   Listen to the full audio of James Patterson below.

In the audio does it sound like James is channeling Andy Rooney or is that just me?  :)

Note also the mention of "mysteries" in the audio.  Patterson writes mysteries, right?

* Sources for this Post at Delicious.
Listen to the full audio of James Patterson below.

Patterson's "Private" Novel to be Adapted for TV

Variety reports that James Patterson's upcoming novel "Private" will be adapted for a TV drama on CBS.  Jason Cahill will write the adaptation.  Cahill has written for "Fringe," "The Sopranos," "NYPD Blue" and "ER."  Cahill will also serve as producer along with Brian Grazer, David Nevins and Patterson.

According to Digital Spy the main character of the upcoming "Private" novel is Jack Morgan, a former Marine and CIA agent.  In the novel Morgan has his hands full.  He takes over his father's private investigation and security business.  He investigates a NFL gambling problem.  He tries to track down the murder of 18 school girls and he also works on the murder of his best friend's wife.

Maxine Paetro co-authored "Private" with Patterson.

*Sources for this post at Delicious

Patterson Writes Mysteries?

Earlier tonight I dropped by my local Barnes and Noble to see what James Patterson books they had.  I first searched the mystery section of the store, but didn't find any Patterson there.  I asked the salesperson at the information desk where I'd find Patterson's work and why.  Well, I actually knew the where.  It was in the "Literature and Fiction" section.   

It was the answer to the why-question that was more interesting.  The salesperson said the publisher decides (at least in B&N's case) what section of the store in which the book is placed.  The salesperson mentioned also just a few weeks ago the publisher told B&N to move Patterson's teen novels to the "Literature & Fiction" section. However, they moved the teen novel back because, I assume, sales went down.

What section should Patterson's Cross and WMC novels be placed?  Mystery?  Are these mysteries novels?  What is a mystery?

To be continued...