NYPD Red 2 by James Patterson, Marshall Karp
on March 24, 2014
Genres: Fiction / Mystery & Detective / Police Procedural, Fiction / Thrillers / Crime, Fiction / Thrillers / General
Pages: 416
Format: Audiobook
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If you love crime thrillers that pull you in from page one and don’t let go, NYPD Red 2 delivers exactly that. This second book in James Patterson and Marshall Karp’s addictive series proves once again why NYPD Red is one of my favorite crime-solving duos to follow.
The Story
When a gruesome murder scene is discovered in Central Park—a woman tied to a carousel horse, dressed in a Hazmat suit, and left on display—Detectives Zach Jordan and Kylie MacDonald are called in. As part of the elite NYPD Red task force, their job is to protect the city’s rich and powerful, and this case has all the high-stakes pressure that comes with political connections and media frenzy.
The team quickly realizes this isn’t an isolated murder—the victim is the fourth in a string of brutal killings, and with the mayor’s re-election days away, the city is on edge. Finding the “Hazmat Killer” becomes more than just a mission—it’s a race against time.
But the investigation isn’t the only thing heating up. Kylie’s been acting off, keeping personal troubles to herself, and Zach can’t help but worry it’s affecting their partnership. As the tension builds, both professionally and personally, NYPD Red has to stay sharp before the killer strikes again.
My Thoughts
This series is just so addictive. Each book can technically be read as a standalone, but the connection between Zach and Kylie is what keeps me coming back. They’re both flawed, sharp, and incredibly driven—and their complicated history adds an extra layer to every high-pressure case they take on.
NYPD Red 2 is everything you’d expect from a Patterson thriller: fast-paced, filled with action, and packed with twists that keep you guessing. I love that it’s not just about solving the crime—it’s about the messy dynamics behind the scenes. The added political pressure, the behind-closed-doors secrets, and the emotional tension between the detectives make this more than your standard procedural.
I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Marshall Karp during our Summer Reading Retreat, and knowing his wit and humor firsthand makes me appreciate his touch in these books even more. His sharp dialogue and bursts of levity bring balance to the darker moments, and you can really feel his voice come through in the storytelling.
There was one particular twist that had my jaw drop—it was so unexpected and reminded me exactly why I enjoy this series so much.
Final Thoughts
If you’re in the mood for a high-energy thriller that balances crime, character, and chaos, NYPD Red 2 is a great pick. It’s sharp, cinematic, and keeps the adrenaline pumping right up until the final reveal. I can’t wait to keep going with the series.
(5/5)
Read this if you like:
Fast-paced detective thrillers
Big city crime stories with political drama
Smart, complicated partnerships and nonstop action
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