Editions

The Black Book

The Black Book

Random House presents the unabridged, downloadable audiobook edition of The Black Book by James Patterson, read by Edoardo Ballerini.

How can you prove your innocence when you can't remember the crime?

Being a cop runs in Billy Harney's family. The son of Chicago's Chief of Detectives whose twin sister, Patty, also followed in their father's footsteps, there's nothing Billy won't give up for the job, including his life.

Left for dead alongside his tempestuous former partner and a hard-charging assistant district attorney out for blood, Billy miraculously survives. But he remembers nothing about the events leading up to the shootout.

Charged with double murder and desperate to clear his name, Billy retraces his steps to get to the bottom of what happened. When he discovers the existence of a little black book that everyone who's anyone in Chicago will stop at nothing to get their hands on, Billy suspects it contains the truth that will either set him free... or confirm his worst fears.

Reviews

  • It's almost as thrilling to see a writer like James Patterson at the top of his game as it is to read The Black Book – a total page-turner that will keep you guessing from start to terrifying finish.

    Karin Slaughter

  • Brilliantly twisty ... Many readers will agree with Patterson that this is the "best book [he's] written in 25 years".

    Publishers Weekly

  • The mystery is authentic, the lead-up genuinely suspenseful

    Kirkus

  • The Black Book has more twists than a Formula One race, and the pace is just as fast. Deeply rooted characters, a touch of humour, and a climax nobody can see coming – it's vintage Patterson.

    Brad Taylor, author of the Pike Logan series

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About the Author

James Patterson

JAMES PATTERSON is one of the best-known and biggest-selling writers of all time. His books have sold in excess of 385 million copies worldwide. He is the author of some of the most popular series of the past two decades – the Alex Cross, Women’s Murder Club, Detective Michael Bennett and Private novels – and he has written many other number one bestsellers including romance novels and stand-alone thrillers. James is passionate about encouraging children to read. Inspired by his own son who was a reluctant reader, he also writes a range of books for young readers including the Middle School, Dog Diaries, Treasure Hunters and Max Einstein series. James has donated millions in grants to independent bookshops and has been the most borrowed author in UK libraries for the past thirteen years in a row. He lives in Florida with his wife and son.

James Patterson

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Features

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President Bill Clinton and bestselling author James Patterson have teamed up to write the thriller of the year. It's all top secret, of course, but here's a quick peek behind the scenes...
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Inspiration

10 celebratory quotes for Father's Day

From mythical gods to sophisticated grasshoppers, father figures come in all shapes and sizes. Here are ten of our favourite quotes that celebrate wise, silly and wonderful dads.
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Extracts

Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life by James Patterson

Welcome to Middle School! Meet Rafe Khatchadorian, he’s always in trouble – whether he means to be or not. It’s his first year at Hills Village Middle School and he’s got a plan to make it the best year ever… Read on for an extract from The Worst Years of My Life, the first book in the bestselling Middle School series by James Patterson which has now been made into a Netflix Original Movie.

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