Rating: 
Summary: Good book, strong words, only for the strong of stomach.
Review: Silent Witness by Richard North Patterson is a horrifying, gripping account of the murders of two young Midwestern women that will keep you on the edge of your seat trying to determine whodunit. I particularly enjoyed the way that Mr. Patterson tries not to give away the real murderer. The characters, however, I feel just were not three dimensional enough. There was definitely a lot of focus and thought put into the plot of the story, and that is enough in itself, but Mr. Patterson's portrayal of the young Alison and Sue along with the young Tony are at best unrealistic. The problem is that Tony is just so stony-- torn between his feelings for Sue, Alison, and his wife Stacey-- there is too much for one to take in, Alison's character is too contradictory, and Sue's character, young and old, lack any depth. Sam is just annoying. Tony is bearable, but only when he is doing his lawyerly duties-- which for me was the best part of the book. The background story, while interesting, seemed to have too brief an ending. It seemed almost as if Mr. Patterson was just tired of the story by the end and just up and decided to end it. Well, he did. I sat staring at the last page for ten minutes wondering what just happened. All in all, I give it an eight because the meat of the story was enough to cover for flaws in the characters. Beware of extremely graphic depictions of sexual acts with minors and fairly gory descriptions of the murders (but it's a murder mystery so that's expected). It is definately a good read and infinitely better than those formulaic Grisham novels!
Rating: 
Summary: Richard North Patterson is one of the best!
Review: I have read the majority of his books and this one I didn't put down. ITS FAST! Go get it!
Rating:
Summary: Stunning novel!
Review: I purchased this novel to read on a long train ride from Ohio to Massachusetts. From the very first page Patterson had me hooked. He developed the characters in tremendous depth and sensitivity. This was one of those rare books where I actually developed personal feelings for the characters. The only problem I had was that I read it straight through and had to buy a new book for the train ride home! This was my first Patterson book and I have since read another and purchased three more. This guy is one heck of an author.
Rating:
Summary: this book got me hooked on Richard North Patterson.
Review: I just loved this book.could not put it down. very well written;and there is always a thread carrying you along even when he goes from place to place the reader can follow.
Rating:
Summary: What did you give up to get where you are today ?
Review: Patterson's newest novel, and the first for me is an extremely well- researched and well-carried-out novel of fate, friendship, and coming into maturity. Tony Lord, protagonist of other Patterson novels must return home to defend his old high school "pal" and deal with the repressed memories of a near- catastropic charge of murder he faced, unjustly, while in school. Both the early charge, and the defense of Sam Robb change his life, and those of his close friends forever. The climax and denoument are riveting, and the story one most of us can find some identification with. There, but for the grace of God.... The story is graphic and unsettling, and certainly not for those of high school age or below (a movie closely following the script would be a VERY strong R for violence and adult themes. The novel is tight, and suspenseful. Outstanding.
Rating:
Summary: Thrilling. Emotional. Incredibly intense.
Review: Richard North Patterson strikes gold again with this intense story about Tony Lord, whom readers might remember from "Private Screening." We first get to delve into Tony's high school years, where he is the star athlete in every sport, incredibly popular, and in love with his beautiful girlfriend -- until he is accused of murdering her. Then we see him as an attorney in the present day, defending his lifelong friend from a frieghteningly similar charge. This riveting tale is a true page-turner. Unpredictable and always exciting, it actually had my heart thumping toward the end. Patterson's descriptions and dialogue are right on target, his characters are incredibly real, and his words manage to suck emotion from the reader at every turn. I found myself encouraging Tony along all of his journeys, and even yelling "OBJECTION!" during some of the courtroom scenes.
Better than Grisham. Better than Turow. I can't wait for his next one!
Rating:
Summary: Condense the first half of the book and you've got a winner
Review: Compared to "Eyes of a Child", "Degree of Guilt",
and "Lasko Tangent", this book just didn't cut it.
I found myself NOT liking the characters very well
(with the exception of Saul)and I literally had to
force myself through the first half of the the book
(which establishes the character's histories.)
Once the trial started, however, it was classic R.N.
Patterson...tight and suspensful. I must admit,
I had a different villian picked out but by the
same token, was not surprised. In fact, I thought
the ending amounted to literary slight-of-hand...
should have known better but was fooled anyway! I'd advise first time Patterson readers to start
with one of his earlier books (especially "Degree
of Guilt")but long time Patterson fans will want to
read this mostly because I suspect it's not the last
we'll see of Tony Lord (in addition to "Private
Screening")
Rating:
Summary: Terrific. One of his best.
Review: This is one I couldn't put down. Like another of your reviewers I found myself
skipping description, but in my case it was impatience to find out
what was going to happen. As usual, his description of courtroom
antics and theatrics was riveting. This is just another of Patterson's books that I would be glad to recommend to anyone.<P<
Rating:
Summary: Riveting
Review: This was a very good story. I read a lot of fiction and can usually figure out where the story line is going early on, but not in this case. This one had me reeling with emotions. Surprise, anger (at injustice), satisfaction (when justice is served), and curiosity (who did it?). This is one of those books that you don't want to end, but at the same time you want to know the outcome. Totally engrossing.
Rating: 
Summary: Mediocre.
Review: This book is a good read, not a great one. Patterson fans will like it. I have read and liked (better than this one) other Patterson books. I this one I found myself skipping whole paragraphs just to get on with the story and get it over with. This is not a sign of a gripping story. Great books (and great authors) are those that I devour one word at a time grudgingly because I want them to last as long as I can make them last because I don't want the story to end. Patterson can do that; he doesn't do it in this book.
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