[James Patterson] Invisible: a review
Thanks for reading my blog. Today, I am going to review the best-selling James Patterson and David Ellis’s book Invisible. This was my first James Patterson book. I found a public library near my house finally. I remember being attracted to libraries in general. I loved a public library that my dad used to take me back in India, I used to just pick up the most colorful book I could find. I would then smell its pages, look at the images, and if all that looked appealing to me, I pick it up to read.
Growing up, I now have a different approach to picking up books to read. First, I look at the genre. It did not take me time to realize classic books like Jane Eyre or Les Misérables did not appeal to my taste (at least this time it doesn’t, and we never say never!). I have picked up a few romance novels in the past like "The Notebook" by Nicholas Spark. Those books gave me a lot of warmth, cuddly and in-love feeling. However, I would always love mystery, thriller, and crime dramas. Hence naturally, I leaned towards reading more books of that genre. My last criteria would be the author who writes in this genre. The first mystery-thriller book I picked up was “The A.B C Murders” by Agatha Christie.
When I wanted to get back to reading more books this year, I googled for mystery-thriller novelists and best-selling books. “Invisible” caught my eye for the premise it sets. A woman in her 30s who is a researcher at the FBI tries to nail down this serial killer who does not leave any trace of themselves. I immediately checked the book out. I completed this book in 5 days.
Okay, let's get to our review now. I don't want to give away a lot while reviewing this book. You can read this review in peace, knowing that it will be spoiler-free :). I will split this review into 4 sections:
Characters
Book Review
Key Take-Aways
Recommendation
Characters
Emmy: The main character Emmy is an FBI researcher. She recently lost her twin sister in a fire. According to the cops and media, the fire was accidental and there is no trace of foul play. There have been many such fires happening, not only in her state but also in many other states, At the start, no one believes her. She obsessively thinks that all these fires are somehow connected. She has constant nightmares about the fire and is not in a good state mentally. Hence she tries to do her own investigation by taking leave from the FBI.
Harrison "Books": The second main character is Books, Emmy's ex-fiance and also a field agent at the FBI. The character is written as the caring, understanding but also the logical person trying to support Emmy on her journey on finding the truth. Emmy and Books have a history behind them. The book touches upon their past a little so it's good to see Emmy doing good in the past. Initially, he does not believe Emmy about having a serial killer on the loose. However, Emmy provides a piece of strong evidence that links all these "murders" together, and Books can no longer ignore them.
This book does a great job narrating 2 different perspectives. One, coming from Emmy and the other coming from the serial killer, labeled "Graham Sessions". These sessions are recorded by the killer while they stalk their next prey.
Book Review
The premise is fascinating, and it keeps you flipping pages to know what's coming ahead. Emmy's character is very relatable as a human. She is a mess - she disregards people around her, is obsessive about finding the truth and in-all glory disliked generally by people around her. I have read a lot of reviews on this book that say that Patterson and Ellis could have made a more likable character. However, I believe it is her raw unlikeliness that keeps the story sounding almost realistic. Emmy wears her emotions on her sleeves and that's what sets her apart from the more traditional main characters.
Although Emmy is trying to hunt down this seemingly "invisible" serial killer, she could not have done it alone. Books add a nice complement to Emmy's character. He knows Emmy and always gives her the benefit of the doubt. He brings in his experience as an agent in the FBI who first-handled catches criminals and also a team of 2 people who can support Emmy in nailing down this killer. Books is intelligent, analytical, and thorough. He makes sure he looks at every angle when the story slowly progresses towards catching the killer. He is less emotional and more logical and that makes him an asset to the investigation.
I always looked forward to reading the "Graham Sessions" chapters in the book. Something about that, kept me wanting more such sessions irrespective of it being eerie and sinister. If you like your stomach curl when you read something disturbing, these sessions are for you! The killer is narrating their thoughts almost in a way to teach their class how to prey on humans. I don't want to give away too much here but they are literally the highlight of the book.
A drawback of the writing in this book is how the investigation itself takes place. The way the premise is built, how the clues are found, and the direction the investigation takes turn almost seems "set-up" or artificial. It almost seems like it is luck that has bought Emmy and Books at the right place at the right time. However, that will not deter you from predicting who could be the culprit. I thought I am almost had it and was thinking to myself such a disappointing read. But if you push through that feeling and keep reading, you will be so pleasantly surprised! Honestly, the best ending I have ever read!
Key Take-Aways
The book is extremely easy to read. You will be flipping pages so fast cause one, the chapters are shorter and two, the story is gripping.
I loved the "Graham Sessions". Hands-down the best chapters of the book. It almost taps into the psychology of the killer and I am here for it!
There is one section in the book that gives me chills down the spine:
“He said you’ll never catch him,” she says. “He said he’s invisible.”
If you love gruesome thrillers, you will love this book.
Recommendation
I would highly recommend this book if you are getting back to reading more this year, and also if you want to experiment with reading a mystery-thriller novel. The book is extremely easy to read and has a gripping plot. What's a good mystery book without a banger ending? This book has it all.
Average Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Ease of Reading: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Gripping: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Characters: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
