The Women's Murder Club Series by James Patterson

If you are looking for a good read this summer, and a great author, James Patterson is your answer. He has written over 45 books, beginning with his first book that was written in 1976. His selection of books is extensive, so narrowing it down may be tough.

If you are new to James Patterson, I recommend his Women's Murder Club series. There are six so far, beginning with 1st to Die. The series includes titles that numerically follow each other and include 2nd Chance, 3rd Degree, 4th of July, 5th Horseman, and his most recent, 6th Target was released in May.

The series include a group of four women that call themselves the Women's Murder Club. The main character is Lindsay Boxer, a homicide detective. Lindsay is a tough, yet emotional, cop, and being a cop is what she knows best. It's in her blood. Her friendships are incredibly strong, including her relationship with her best friend, Martha, her Labrador retriever. Each novel deals with a different perspective into her life, letting you get just a little closer to her character, and opening up new sides to her. James Patterson has created a character that is so complex and real, that at times you feel like she could walk right through your door.

Claire Washburn is the chief medical examiner of San Francisco and Lindsay's closest friend. The two have known each other for years and can often finish each other's thoughts. She's confident and funny. Another member of the Women's Murder Club is Cindy Thomas. She is the only member that barged her way into the club, and Lindsay's life. A reporter for the Chronicle, Cindy snuck into a crime scene one evening thus began a friendship between them. The fourth member of the club is Jill Bernhardt, the assistant D.A. Dedicated to her career, Jill often has marital trouble and leans on the girls for comfort. Eventually, you will meet a new member, Yuki Castellano, a young sharp district attorney that seems to have a passion for talking non stop.