NYPD Red 2 by James Patterson and Marshall Karp

Sometimes coming in even a little late to a series, you can’t follow along with the current story line. That’s not the case with NYPD RED 2 by James Patterson and Marshall Karp.

The narration by Edoardo Ballerini and Jay Snyder holds listeners spellbound. Their cadence and mannerisms bring the characters to life. The back and forth narration from cops to villains adds depth to the story and enhances the action. 

New listeners/readers to the series won’t be left in the dark not having enjoyed NYPD RED. While there are some references to cases from the first story, they have little bearing on the events in NYPD RED 2. The references will only make you want to go back and catch up before the next case is assigned.

Detective Zach Jordan and his partner Kylie MacDonald are members of NYPD Red, an elite police unit. Their job is protecting New York’s famous, rich and productive. They handle only high-profile cases.

When Evelyn Parker-Steele, campaign manager for the challenging opponent in the New York mayoral race, is found dead on a carousel in Central Park, Zack and Kylie are called in. Since it appears Evelyn was the fourth victim of the Hazmat Killer, they are also given the task of closing that case too. The Hazmat Killer kidnaps his victims, tortures them, video tapes them confessing to a serious crime, and then displays their dead body dressed in Tyvek coveralls in a public place.

When Evelyn’s confession of murdering a fellow colleague hits the airways, Zach and Kylie get extra pressure from the incumbent mayor to solve the case before election day to save his job and reputation. To add to their problems, when the Hazmat Killer takes his fifth victim – a woman many believe killed her child and got away with it – no one seems to want to help. 

Meanwhile, a murder more than a decade ago resurfaces adding more urgency to finding the Hazmat Killer than Zach and Kylie realize. Blended throughout the story is the personal and romantic relationships of all involved.

NYPD RED 2 is a roller coaster ride of emotions with emphasis on the adrenaline fueled race to find a killer. The various aspects of the story – the Hazmat Killer, the mayoral race riddled with problems, the decade old murder, the detectives’ personal problems – are like four cars speeding to an intersection. You hold your breath wondering who will get there first and what will happen when they all collide into an explosive finish.

Authors James Patterson and Marshall Karp have created a tantalizing mystery to keep you on your toes. The characters are well developed and likable, even the bad guys have moments you feel for them. The story is action-packed with surprising twists. The setting is outstanding and well described. 

NYPD RED 2 is a well-developed story full of exploits, suspense, humor and a touch of romance. The suspense doesn’t stop until the very end.

NYPD Red 2 by James Patterson and Marshall Karp, A NYPD Red Novel, Performed by Edoardo Ballerini and Jay Snyder, Hachette Audio, @2014, ISBN: 978-1611130522, Unabridged, 7 Discs, Listening Time: Approximately 8 Hours 

FTC Full Disclosure - This audio book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

Thanks so much for stopping by today. What’s on your reading list for this coming week?