A Journey Through “Hard to Kill” (Jane Smith #2)
When I first picked up Hard to Kill, the second installment in James Patterson and Mike Lupica’s Jane Smith series, I was immediately intrigued. Jane, a defense attorney battling her own stage 4 cancer while defending a morally ambiguous client, seemed like a character I could root for. After finishing 12 Months to Live, I was thirsty for more of her story, and the stakes couldn’t be higher this time around.
From the outset, Hard to Kill places us right back in Jane’s whirlwind life as she navigates the stormy seas of culpability, loyalty, and her own mortality. The plot kicks off with Rob Jacobson—Jane’s previous client—once again embroiled in a murder scandal. With his DNA found at yet another crime scene, the suspense thickens; the question lingers: is he truly guilty or merely another pawn in a much larger game?
One of the things I found most compelling about this book is how well-rounded Jane Smith is as a character. She is unapologetically flawed—unfiltered and stubborn, yet brilliant and relatable. As I followed her through the rollercoaster of emotions, my heart ached for her struggles, both professionally and personally. She faces her illness with such palpable bravado and vulnerability that I often caught myself holding my breath, fully invested in her journey. It’s this rich characterization that the authors mastered so beautifully; even when the plot felt tangled with numerous characters and rich backstories, Jane remained a lighthouse in the storm.
Patterson and Lupica excel at weaving personal threads into their narratives. I appreciated the deeper dive into Jane’s family history and significant relationships, particularly her bond with her best friend, Samantha, and her loving partner, Ben. These layers added an emotional depth that elevated the story. Yet, juxtaposed against this character-driven arc is Jacobson’s convoluted storyline, which at times felt like a labyrinth without a clear exit. I found myself slightly exasperated as more questions piled up without satisfying resolutions.
The pacing oscillated throughout the book, shifting from moments of heart-wrenching introspection to rapid-fire scenes of investigation. While some readers might relish the thrill, I found the ebb and flow somewhat uneven. Better suited as a bridge in a trilogy, Hard to Kill leans heavily on setup rather than closure, leaving me brain-buzzed with unresolved mysteries and a thirst for answers.
If you pick up this book, be prepared for strong character development intertwined with a simmering mystery. It’s not without its flaws—plot intricacies can feel overcomplicated—but the emotional stakes make it a gripping read. I love how Patterson and Lupica’s partnership has brought Jane Smith to life, and I can’t help but feel that the best is yet to come.
For anyone who adores character-driven thrillers with relatable, flawed heroes, Hard to Kill is a compelling and emotional dive into the complexities of life, love, and unearthing the truth. I walked away from this read with more questions than answers, but also an eagerness that has me anticipating the next installment.
Overall rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars. So, whether you’re a longtime fan of Patterson’s thrilling narratives or new to Jane Smith’s journey, I can wholeheartedly recommend giving this book a shot. Just be prepared to brace yourself for the unexpected twists and turns yet to unfold!
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