Review of Hard to Kill (Jane Smith, #2)
By James Patterson and Mike Lupica
From the moment I cracked open Hard to Kill, I was immediately drawn into the gritty world of Jane Smith. Having thoroughly enjoyed 12 Months to Live, I found myself intrigued by the promise of a deeper exploration of Jane’s character—especially with that hefty blurb declaring her to be the "best character we’ve ever created." Honestly, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a bit skeptical of that hyperbole; however, as I read, it became evident that the authors might genuinely be onto something.
The novel picks up right where its predecessor left off, ushering us back into Jane’s complex life as she grapples with stage 4 cancer, a ticking clock hovering over her as ominously as the dark secrets surrounding her new case. Rob Jacobson, a morally dubious character she previously defended, has landed himself in hot water once more, accused of a shocking triple homicide. Jane’s mission is clear—she must navigate the maze of evidence, deception, and her own health crisis simultaneously. This duality of personal battle and professional strife creates a compelling tension that had my heart racing more than a few times.
One of the things I truly appreciated in this installment was the character development. Jane’s flaws—her stubbornness, emotional intensity, and fierce independence—made her incredibly relatable. I found myself rooting for her during her darkest moments, especially as she faced the gritty realities of her illness. The exploration of her past, particularly her relationships with her parents and one of her ex-husbands, added depth to her character. Each flashback peeled back layers of her complexity and made me feel even more invested in her journey.
However, despite the profound character work, I felt the plot itself faltered at times. While the themes of deceit, family secrets, and moral ambiguity are quintessentially Patterson, Hard to Kill became somewhat convoluted. The plethora of characters—two fathers, two sons, and a myriad of others—made it tough to keep track of the motivations behind some key actions. Questions were raised, but the real plot development felt stymied, leading to a frustrating lack of closure at the end. Much like the middle book of a trilogy, it served more as a bridge than a destination.
The writing style maintained that signature Patterson pace: quick, engaging, with chapters that left me whispering “just one more” long into the night. Yet, the constant shifts in focus felt jarring at times, and I craved a deeper dive into the core mystery surrounding Rob Jacobson’s family. I often wondered if the authors were playing it safe, stretching the intrigue to keep readers hungry for more.
Still, the emotional weight of Jane’s struggles, combined with her fierce determination, had me tearing up in parts. As the characters battled not just external enemies but also their own vulnerabilities, I found myself reflecting on what it means to fight against time and life’s unfairness.
In conclusion, Hard to Kill is perfect for readers who enjoy character-driven narratives filled with moral dilemmas and emotional stakes. If you loved thrillers that explore the human condition through flawed, relatable characters, this book is sure to resonate with you. While the overarching mystery may leave you with more questions than answers, Jane Smith’s journey will keep you engaged, and I can’t wait to see where Patterson and Lupica take her next. Though the story’s pacing left me wanting more, the captivating depth of Jane’s character has ensured that I’m happily on this rollercoaster ride alongside her. I’ll be counting the days until the next installment!
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
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