James Patterson’s Michael Bennett series is a gripping collection of novels that takes readers into the heart of New York City through the eyes of Detective Michael Bennett. This series, co-authored by various writers alongside Patterson, captures a detective’s challenging and often dangerous life, weaving together intricate plots and personal dramas.
The series begins with “Step on a Crack,” where we meet Detective Bennett as he navigates a high-stakes hostage situation. From there, each book delves into a different facet of crime and justice in New York City. In “Run for Your Life,” Bennett faces a cold-blooded killer known as ‘the Teacher,’ while “Worst Case” explores the disturbing world of child abduction and ransom.
As the series progresses, Bennett encounters various forms of evil and corruption, from meticulously planned assassinations in “Bullseye” to harrowing missing children cases in “Haunted.” Each novel showcases Bennett’s skill as a detective and explores his complex personal life, including his relationships with his family and romantic interests.
Michael Bennett Series in Order
- Step on a Crack (2007)
- Run for Your Life (2009)
- Worst Case (2010)
- Tick Tock (2011)
- I, Michael Bennett (2012)
- Gone (2013)
- Burn (2014)
- Alert (2015)
- Bullseye (2016)
- Chase (2016)
- Haunted (2017)
- Manhunt (2017)
- Ambush (2018)
- Blindside (2020)
- The Russian (2021)
- Shattered (2022)
- Obsessed (2023)
Similar Authors
- “Killing Floor” by Lee Child – Jack Reacher, an ex-military policeman, arrives in a small town and is wrongly accused of murder. He uncovers a vast counterfeiting operation while trying to clear his name.
- “The Black Echo” by Michael Connelly – Detective Harry Bosch investigates the murder of a fellow Vietnam War veteran, leading him into the dangerous underworld of drug traffickers and bank robbers. See also: Harry Bosch Books in Order.
- “1st to Die” by James Patterson (Women’s Murder Club series) – A homicide inspector, a medical examiner, a reporter, and an assistant district attorney team up as the Women’s Murder Club to solve a series of brutal murders in San Francisco. See Women’s Murder Club Series in Order.
See also: Chanel Cleeton Books in Order.
Best Books From the Michael Bennett Series
- Crosshairs (4.67 Goodreads score)
- The Russian (4.31 Goodreads score)
- Shattered (4.28 Goodreads score)
- Obsessed (4.25 Goodreads score)
- Blindside (4.13 Goodreads score)
Awards
James Patterson has received numerous awards including the National Humanities Medal in 2019, the Literarian Award from the National Book Foundation in both 2015 and 2022, the Edgar Award, the BCA Mystery Guild’s Thriller of the Year, the International Thriller of the Year, and the Children’s Choice Book Award for Author of the Year.
Upcoming Releases
James Patterson fans have much to look forward to with several upcoming releases. On November 20, 2023, “Cross Out” is scheduled to hit the shelves, followed closely by “What Really Happens in Vegas” on December 4, 2023. The new year of 2024 will kick off with two releases on January 8: “Holmes, Miss Marple, and Poe Investigations” and “Middle School: Million Dollar Mess.” Soon after, readers can anticipate the release of “Tiger, Tiger” on February 12, 2024, continuing Patterson’s prolific and diverse storytelling.
Book Summaries
Step on a Crack
The story begins with a grand funeral for a former First Lady, attended by wealthy and famous individuals from all over America. However, the event takes a dark turn when a meticulously planned attack occurs. Hostages, including the ex-President, are taken and the kidnappers demand ransoms. As the detective in charge, Michael Bennett realizes that this case will be his most difficult and important one yet.
Run for Your Life
In "Run for Your Life" a man known as 'the Teacher' is plotting a detailed plan to teach New York a lesson. With a cold and cunning demeanor, he sets out on a killing spree to seek revenge and create chaos. The New York Police Department, especially Detective Michael Bennett, is pushed to their limits as they try to catch the Teacher and protect the city. The chase becomes even more intense as the danger hits close to home for Detective Bennett.
Worst Case
In "Worst Case" the son of a wealthy family in New York is kidnapped. Instead of demanding money, the kidnapper quizzes his captive on the cost of his luxurious lifestyle, with wrong answers resulting in death. Detective Michael Bennett takes charge of the investigation, but struggles to understand why someone would target children. As more students go missing, powerful families use their influence to pressure the mayor and the media to stop the killer. The FBI sends Agent Emily Parker to assist Bennett, further complicating his work and personal life. Just as Bennett objects to the FBI's involvement, the kidnapper changes his tactics, leading to a potentially catastrophic event in New York.
Tick Tock
Detective Michael Bennett is called upon to solve a series of horrifying crimes that are causing chaos in the city. With the help of FBI Agent Emily Parker, Bennett must catch the killer before it's too late. As the investigation unfolds, Bennett's personal life becomes complicated as his feelings for Emily grow and his relationship with Mary Catherine takes an unexpected turn. With each crime, Bennett uncovers more about the killer's pattern and the shocking magnitude of his plan.
I, Michael Bennett
Detective Michael Bennett finds himself in a dangerous situation when he arrests a notorious crime lord. After the arrest, the crime lord vows to seek revenge on Bennett and unleashes chaos in New York City. As Bennett fights against the escalating violence, he realizes that not only is he in danger, but also the lives of his loved ones are at stake.
Gone
Detective Michael Bennett finds himself in a dangerous situation when a mass murderer seeks revenge on him and his family. After arresting Manuel Perrine, a notorious drug cartel boss, Bennett thought he had put an end to his reign of terror. However, Perrine escapes during the trial and Bennett is forced to make a difficult decision - protect his family or hunt down the man who is hunting them. As Perrine's attacks become increasingly violent and bold, the whole family is moved to a safe-house in California. But it becomes clear that a war is brewing and no one is safe from Perrine's wrath.
Burn
Detective Michael Bennett returns to New York City after protecting his family from a dangerous crime lord. However, he is immediately faced with a disturbing case: a witness reports seeing a group of well-dressed men engaging in a horrifying and violent gathering in an abandoned building. While the report seems unbelievable, the discovery of a burned body in the same location confirms the witness's claims.
Alert
In "Alert" every New Yorker's worst nightmare is about to come true. The city is about to be shaken like never before as two devastating catastrophes strike in quick succession. Detective Michael Bennett is assigned the nearly impossible task of finding the mysterious terror group behind these attacks. As if that wasn't enough, a shocking assassination reveals that these events are just the beginning of an even greater threat. With time running out, Bennett must do everything he can to save his beloved city from the most destructive force he has ever encountered.
Bullseye
Detective Michael Bennett is faced with a daunting task. As world leaders gather in New York for a UN meeting, Bennett receives a warning that the US president is in danger of being assassinated. The intelligence suggests that the Russian government may be involved, adding to the already tense relationship between the two countries. With limited information and unreliable sources, Bennett must navigate through false leads to prevent a catastrophic event that could have global repercussions.
Chase
Detective Michael Bennett is faced with a puzzling case when a man is found dead after falling from a hotel roof. While it initially appears to be a suicide, Bennett discovers evidence that suggests otherwise. The victim has fingerprints that do not belong to him and a large sum of money in his possession. As Bennett delves deeper into the investigation, he uncovers a complex web of secrets and deception.
Haunted
Detective Michael Bennett is in need of a break after facing multiple challenges that have taken a toll on him and his loved ones. He decides to escape to a peaceful small town in Maine. However, his plans for relaxation are disrupted when he becomes involved in a perplexing case of missing children. As bodies start appearing in the woods, Bennett finds himself fighting to safeguard the town, uphold justice, and protect his cherished family.
Manhunt
A mysterious attacker targets New York's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Michael Bennett, along with his family, becomes involved in the case. The story follows Bennett as he sets out to find the perpetrator and bring them to justice.
Ambush
Detective Michael Bennett finds himself targeted by his enemies. When he receives an anonymous tip about a crime, it turns out to be a trap. Although an officer is injured, it's not Bennett. However, the danger doesn't stop there. One of Bennett's children is attacked, and a string of murders with a unique style suggests the presence of a skilled assassin. Bennett is unsure of the killer's motives, but he knows that it's personal.
Blindside
The mayor of New York City's daughter goes missing. Detective Michael Bennett, who has a son in prison, is approached by the mayor to help find her. Despite their strained relationship, the mayor believes Bennett is a skilled investigator who can handle a case that needs to be kept secret. Bennett's investigation leads him to a murder in the Bronx that is connected to a hacking operation and the mayor's daughter. However, this murder is part of a larger series of killings with national security implications. Now, Bennett finds himself caught in a dangerous situation involving the NYPD, FBI, and an international crime organization. In order to survive, Bennett must put his sense of honor aside.
The Russian
NYPD Detective Michael Bennett is preparing for his wedding when a killer emerges in the city. The murderer targets young women and carries out the crimes with disturbing precision. With the help of the FBI, Bennett discovers similar unsolved cases across the country. Despite his promise to his fiancée that the investigation won't interfere with their wedding, Bennett finds himself in a dangerous situation as he tries to solve the puzzle behind the killings.
Shattered
Detective Michael Bennett is faced with the distressing news that his former partner, FBI agent Emily Parker, has gone missing. Determined to find her, Bennett follows Emily's investigation into an anarchist group across different cities. As rumors circulate about Emily's disappearance, Bennett remains hopeful and committed to locating her, as he feels indebted to her after their shared experiences.
Obsessed
Detective Michael Bennett is faced with the task of solving a series of murders targeting young women. As the killer continues his spree, Bennett becomes increasingly concerned when he realizes that his own daughter may be the next victim. With the clock ticking, Bennett must find a way to bring the killer to justice before it's too late.
