The is series has not qualms on killing off characters. This book is yet another example of that.
I am so invested in this series. I know at some point, it will end. But I hope not soon. I am wrapped up in all the characters' lives like a good TV show.
This book takes us on a ride to figure out what happened to Jacobi. And then Yuki's drug cartel case. There is no shortage of goings on in this book. One can't possibly get bored while reading it!
Now I wait another year or so for the next one....

The first thing that stands out, aside from the oversized font, is how the novel launches into an immediate, high-voltage moment designed to seize the reader. It’s an opening that longtime fans won’t see coming, an abrupt jolt that momentarily tricks you into thinking this installment might break from the formula.

Lindsay Boxer’s presence moves at a steady pace, which is a welcome departure from the weakening character she’s had in previous books. She’s less insipid here, more grounded, and while that’s an improvement, the narrative itself still struggles with depth. There’s a subplot lingering in the background, barely scratching the surface of its potential, almost like a half-hearted attempt at complexity that the authors didn’t have time to flesh out.

And then the redundancy. Pages of fluff, rehashed descriptions, and scenes that could have wrapped in half the time. It’s frustrating. It’s the kind of padded storytelling that makes readers mentally plead with the authors to just move the story along. I’ll admit, I found myself talking out loud to the writing team: We get it, enough already.

Then, just as the plot hits the required page count—boom. It’s over. Abrupt, unsatisfying, and with an ending that clashes with the murder mystery genre itself. Instead of a gripping final act, it settles into something oddly saccharine, more happily ever after than thrilling conclusion. But with Patterson and his revolving door of co-authors churning out a relentless ten books a year, depth is a luxury they can’t afford. This novel proves it.

I know when I find a new addition to the Women’s Murder Mystery Club that I must read it. 25 Alive did not disappoint. With strong characterization and a twisty plot that had me guessing until the end, James Patterson and Maxine Paetro have authored a sure fire thriller that fans will want to read.

The story opens with a shocking murder that has Lindsay’s Boxer heartbroken and vowing to solve the puzzle. Who would possibly commit such a heinous act? There is a clue. A note containing the words “ I said. You dead” was left and the scene. But what could that possibly mean ? As then the killings mount and the cryptic notes continue, an entire San Francisco police force wants this case wrapped up.

Simultaneously, Assistant DA , Yuki Castellano, is prosecuting a case against, Dario Garza, whose ties to a Mexican drug cartel portend massive attempts to disrupt his trial. When every person connected to the court case is threatened is it possible for Yuki find a path to justice?

In the authors’ usual style this book is a fast easy enjoyable read with short chapters that help the reader zip through the pages. I anxiously await installment 26 of this series. Thanks to NetGalley and Little Briwn and Company for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

In Patterson's latest Murder Club book, SFPD homicide detective Lindsay Boxer knows her job but nothing can prepare her for the victim, who is Warren Jacobi, Lindsay’s onetime partner who rose to chief of police. Before his death, Jacobi managed to leave Lindsay a clue.

Following a trail of evidence along the west coast, the Women’s Murder Club vows to avenge Jacobi’s death before the killer strikes again.

I love this series and always wait for the next episode.

Another page turning thriller about the Women’s Murder Club! Patterson and Paetro don’t release you from the suspense until the very last page! Thanks for the ARC!

My Thoughts

25 Alive is written by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro. This is part of the Women’s Murder Club Series. If it’s one thing I know , I can always count on Patterson and Paetro to produce a great book.

Lindsey Boxer is called to a murder scene. She’s shocked to find out it’s her former partner Warren Jacobi. She is assigned as head of the investigation and she finds out that Warren was trying to solve a cold case. She vows to find the killer.

Meanwhile there’s a lot going on within the women’s murder club. Yuki is prosecuting a known cartel member. However someone is set on intimidating not only the jurors but the DA and judge.

Cindy Thomas our favorite girl reporter is as usual on a hot trail. There’s a killer going around that writes “I said You dead” on or near the victims. Cindy will pursue any lead that presents itself.

Claire isn’t in as much as the rest of them but her work as a ME is always important to all the investigations. She’s been Lindsay’s life long friend through thick and thin.

While there is a lot of moving parts Patterson and Paetro weave the storylines together seamlessly. I always love catching up with the Women’s Murder Club.

Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for allowing me to read a copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #LittleBrownAndCompany for the book #25Alive by #JamesPatterson. I am a huge fan of the women’s murder club and this book is absolutely phenomenal. Lindsay Boxer arrived on scene to find one of her closest friends and partner at one time, Warren Jacobi, is the victim of her scene. She is utterly devastated and vows to find his killer. A she avenge her former friend and survive what’s coming for her?

I love the Women's Murder Club series, and have been a fan for over a decade by this point. For me, one of the hallmarks of upcoming summer is the release of the latest WMC book, and this year is no different. For the most part, this one is a solid installment, although there's a lot to be desired insofar as the climax and conclusion of the story, which feels pretty contrived and isn't wholly satisfying. (Especially considering that the book opens with the murder of a beloved side-but-important character to the gang.) But, I'm inclined to mostly forgiving it, because our core four ladies are as excellent as ever, even if there isn't a whole lot of time when they properly overlap and interact. It's a quick read, and it's definitely not the worst installment of the series. I do hope that the story for 26 is much stronger than this one, though.

This book is part of the Women's Murder Club series. I have read all of them up to book 17, and after reading book 25, I need to catch up on all the in-between stories I am behind on.

When former SFPD chief—and Lindsay Boxer's ex-partner—Warren Jacobi is murdered in Golden Gate Park, Boxer and the Women's Murder Club uncover a crucial clue he left behind, sending them on a high-stakes investigation along the West Coast to catch the killer before they strike again. Packed with tension and emotional depth, this series installment leaves you on edge with every page.

I was hooked on this book, as usual. The storyline was good, but honestly, I didn't like that I felt Yuki's big case ended in a huge dramatic copout. So much suspense was built throughout this story about this case, and it all ends somewhat anti-climactic. The rest of the story was perfect.

I feel like the person identified as the murderer could have been developed a little better, but the rest of the characters were well-developed. Even if you have never read another series in this book, you can understand each personality.

I give this book 3.5 stars. I recommend it if you are a fan of Patterson's books or this series


.

I want to thank the author and Little Brown and Co. for the advanced copy I received via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Fast pace and return of familiar characters makes this a read-in-one-sitting crime thriller

They're back for the 25th book in the Women's Murder Club series. The women include Sergeant Lindsay Boxer of the SFPD (married to federal agent Joe Molinari), medical examiner Claire Washburn, ADA Yuki Castellano (married to Jackson Brady), and crime reporter Cindy Thomas (married to Rich Conklin who is Lindsay's partner). The setting is San Francisco.

The story starts off with a murder that is devastating and personal: Warren Jacobi. He was Lindsay's mentor and partner but had retired. The only clue at the scene is a matchbook that has the words "I said. You dead." The club vows to avenge his death and find his killer.

Meanwhile, Yuki is prosecuting Dario Garza, a drug cartel member, in a high profile case that's leaving those involved in extreme danger. Joe Molinari is also involved in efforts to bring down this cartel. There seems to be a link between Jacobi's death and this cartel. Cindy, ever the investigative journalist, finds another connection between the two. Claire really doesn't have a lot going on in this book.

It's rather convoluted with all the threads but it finally comes together in the end in a rather rushed dramatic climax and conclusion. As always, the short chapters, action, and mystery keep the reader entertained.

I was able to listen to the audio book while also following along in the e-book ARC. The narrator, January LaVoy, did a good job voicing all the characters and giving each their distinct personality. The only jarring and annoying note was when the child, Julie (age 5 or 6) spoke. Please stop!! I'd be fine without any of that dialogue in any future books. Regardless, the performance usually enhances my enjoyment of the book.

as an avid reader of Patterson this is my favorite series the mysteries and the friendships make readers look forward to each new chapter

This story grabs you from the start and doesn’t let go. Lindsay and her team, along with the other members of the Women’s Murder Club, Claire, Yuki, and Cindy, vow to find Warren Jacobi’s killer. Yuki is also involved in a trial that puts many lives in danger, including her own. When Lindsay’s husband, Joe, is sent to Mexico and doesn’t phone home, things get tense.

The ending was a little rushed, but overall, I loved the story.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Um wth James!
I loved this storyline and it is very emotional at the start. Once you read this you will understand what I'm talking about. This one in the first few chapters you are thinking nope nope nope. And did he really just do that? Is this Game of Thrones? ha
Joking aside though, yes for Jane this one is very personal and hits close to home. Because when her bff is the target...
When it seems Jane has this case she is working on is it one in the same with the other murders? Is the killer one in the same? Without giving away any spoilers I suggest you check this one out. Yuki is at a trial for a killer whose father is a big time Cartel person. And stakes are high when they have to relocate the trial to another area and try to make it safe for everyone. But can they do it? Joe is in this one a lot as well, working on a case that kind of connects with another case. We do get more of Cindy and some Claire. Maybe not as much of Claire though. I do hope that the next book we get the point of views from the others. Not that I don't mind Joe in all. But I like the other characters as well. The ending kind of leaves you thinking well damn.

Absolutely loved this book! I will admit that I was ready to throw my kindle at Chapter 3 but James Patterson does it again! Lindsey Boxer and the Women’s Murder Club did the dang thing again. Since finishing the book I have continued to think about what happened and how it will just stick with me. You will laugh, cry and feel defeated while reading this one! What a wonderful book, yet again!

25 Alive is the 25th book in the Women's Murder Club series by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro. While bird watching, Sergeant Lindsay Boxer's friend and former partner is murdered in Golden Gate Park. Sadly, a character that readers have known for years is now the victim of a brutal murder. Being a top investigator until the very end, Warren Jacobi managed to leave a clue. The WMC bands together to follow a trail of evidence before the killer takes another one of their own.

Sometimes less is better when it comes to a book review. So as not to spoil the plot, let me show you better than I can tell you.

😰 My reaction at 6%: This how we starting, Patterson & Paetro?!?!
😲 My reaction at 99%: Whew—what an investigation this was!

This far into a series (25 books in), my expectations are not that high for a page-turning thriller. But this dynamic writing duo pleasantly surprised me and pulled out all the suspense stops for this installment of the Women's Murder Club series. I felt all of the emotions: sadness, anger, anxiety, disbelief, relief and more. It is easily one of my favorite books read so far this year with its perfect pacing, unpredictable plot and character development. Highly recommended!

Happy Early Pub Day, James Patterson and Maxine Paetro! 25 Alive will be available Monday, April 28.

Disclaimer: An advance copy was received directly from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own and would be the same if I spent my hard-earned coins. ~LiteraryMarie

Maxine Paetro and James Patterson have done it again. Another winning book and another beloved character murdered. Warren Jacoby, Boxer's friend, mentor, and good guy is brutally killed in the first few pages of the book. And she and her police team, as well as the Women's Murder Club work to bring the killer to justice.

I love this series and the characters. This one does not disappoint.

25 Alive
by James Patterson; Maxine Paetro
Pub Date: April 28, 2025
Thanks to the authors, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
I highly recommend this series!
Sergeant Lindsay Boxer, medical examiner Claire Washburn, Assistant District Attorney Yuki Castellano, and crime reporter Cindy Thomas investigate the shocking murder of a former SFPD chief in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park.
Lindsay Boxer and her friends in the Women’s Murder Club face their toughest challenges yet in this new book. Lindsay’s mentor and good friend is murdered and she is tasked to find the serial killer who is leaving a unique calling card behind. Yuki is the prosecuting lawyer against a cartel leader’s son and her life is endangered because of her work on this case. Cindy, the intrepid reporter, strikes out on her own to discover who the serial killer might be and is putting herself in his crosshairs. Meanwhile, Claire is doing the autopsy of a good friend and seeking solace from the WMC. The characters are the same beloved ones as in the rest of the series, but the obstacles they face are more difficult and their stake in overcoming them is higher and personal. I really enjoyed how the story flowed well between the different characters and what they contributed to the overall story. This is a web of stories that all come together in the end in a spectacular way. The complexity of the plot and the subsequent tying everything together in a suspenseful way kept me highly engaged in this fast-paced and skillfully plotted book. Fans of the series will not want to miss this one and new readers can definitely enjoy this book as a standalone.

"I said. You dead."

In James Patterson and Maxine Paetro's newest Women's Murder Club book, "25 Alive" (which I actually think is book 29 in the series), there is a serial killer on the loose, Joe is missing, Yuki is prosecuting a dangerous case involving a Mexican Cartel, and Cindy is being Cindy. I don't think we got enough Claire in this book.

The story starts out with Lindsey being called to a murder scene. The victim was her mentor, Warren Jacobi. Now Lindsey is determined to bring this killer to justice. The police continue to find new victims and cold cases where the killer left the words "I said. You dead."

This book had a complex storyline and enough red herrings to leave me guessing until the end.

If you're not familiar with the Women's Murder Club, I highly recommend this series. It's one of Patterson's best and I would love to hang with these smart, resourceful, and supportive group of women. Obviously, you know I always recommend to start with book 1 of a series.

Thank you to Little Brown for this gifted ARC, in exchange for an honest review.

I received an advanced copy from the publisher and Netgalley. I have read every book in this series and have been disappointed in the last few installments because it strayed from the original premise. The parts that I enjoyed most have been the comrade between the members of the Murder Club. I was happy that more emphasis was placed on it in this last book.

Rating: 4 ⭐️
Pub Date: April 28, 2025
How I Read It: 📱

Synopsis
SFPD homicide detective Lindsay Boxer finds out there’s been a murder, but this time, she knows the victim - Warren Jacobi, her friend, onetime partner, and former chief of police.  Jacobi left her a clue, and she follows the evidence to hunt down his killer, hopefully before they can strike again.
 
My Thoughts
I think I read the first Women’s Murder Club book years ago, then I stopped reading for years, and having recently just gotten back into James Patterson books, I decided to pick this one up because you can never go wrong with a Patterson book. This book was exciting and kept me on my toes. I loved how there was a cartel thrown into the mix, with a trial and a trip to Mexico. That was my favorite part of the book with the most suspense! Patterson did not disappoint with this one. It takes you a little while to get used to all of the characters if you haven’t read the whole series, but you have enough back story and situations thrown in to warm you up to them and they start feeling like old friends. Pick this one up if you’re looking for a quick, fast-paced suspenseful read.

Themes
🫣 Suspense
🔪 Murder

Ratings
Characters: 5 ⭐️
Pace: 4 ⭐️
Enjoyability: 4 ⭐️

Thank you Little, Brown and Company, and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book!