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The Black Book  By  cover art

The Black Book

By: James Patterson,David Ellis
Narrated by: Edoardo Ballerini
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Publisher's summary

Three bodies in a beautiful and luxurious bedroom.

Billy Harney was born to be a cop. The son of Chicago's chief of detectives, whose twin sister is also on the force, Billy plays it by the book. Alongside Detective Kate Fenton, Billy's tempestuous, adrenaline-junkie partner, there's nothing he wouldn't sacrifice for his job. Enter Amy Lentini, a hard-charging assistant state's attorney hell-bent on making a name for herself - who suspects Billy isn't the cop he claims to be. They're about to be linked by more than their careers.

One missing black book.

A horrifying murder leads investigators to an unexpected address - an exclusive brothel that caters to Chicago's most powerful citizens. There's plenty of incriminating evidence on the scene - but what matters most is what's missing: the madam's black book. Now shock waves are rippling through the city's elite, and everyone's desperate to find it.

Chicago has never been more dangerous.

As everyone who's anyone in Chicago scrambles to get their hands on the elusive black book, no one's motives can be trusted. An ingenious, inventive thriller about power, corruption, and the power of secrets to scandalize a city - and possibly destroy a family - The Black Book is James Patterson at his best.

©2017 James Patterson (P)2017 Hachette Audio

Featured Article: The Best James Patterson Audiobooks and Series, According to Fans


James Patterson is one of the most prolific contemporary American writers working today—from children's and YA books to thrillers, mysteries, and even romance, it's hard to keep up with such a massive number of best sellers. Whether you’re just discovering James Patterson or you’re an avid, longtime fan of his wide-ranging work, you can't go wrong with any of these excellent listens. Here are a few different entry points into his impressive catalog.

What listeners say about The Black Book

Average customer ratings
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  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Fantastic Audiobook

The Black Book is my first audiobook written by Ellis/Patterson, and narrated by Edoardo Ballerini; therefore, even though many reviewers suggest that this novel is far superior to previous novels by these authors, I cannot say whether or not it's any 'better', 'worse', or 'as good as' their other audiobooks. Nevertheless, I sure am happy I took the time to read through a handful of its myriad positive reviews and chose to give it a shot—turns out I agree, it's an absolutely superb listen! The plot is well constructed, the writing is pretty good, and Ballerini's narration is simply outstanding.

Mine is likely the third-thousandth positive review, so there's a good chance nobody will even read this. But, assuming you enjoy this genre and happen to stumble across my review, definitely give this book a chance—I'm certain you won't be disappointed.

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571 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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GREAT STORY!

This Patterson book truly held my attention from start to finish! The narrator on so many novels either make or break the book regardless of how good the storyline is. It was my first listen with Edoardo Ballerini (that I can remember) but I will not hesitate to listen to him again in the future. I depend on the feedback from ratings to guide me on most selections. So it's important for me to recommend those books that I find REALLY GOOD! This one is SO worth the credit!

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307 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars

If he says “little black book” one more time...

Good grief! It got to the point that every time I heard it, my eyes bulged, my teeth clenched, and I wanted to smash my iPod. But I wanted to find out who did it, so I suffered... Little black book little black book little black book little black book...

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103 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Very Intriguing!

I have never been compelled to write a review, although I love reading anything James Patterson. I have been a loyal reader for more years. This book was the best!

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92 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Great story, and loved Edoardo Ballerini

I listen to audible on my 1.5hr commute. This has been one of the best books, which made me welcome, and even look forward to the drive. Great suspense, awesome format, and the narraration was very good.

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77 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Another great book.

I have read a lot of James Patterson's books this is the first time I listened to one. I loved it! I listen to books while I walk the dog it makes the walk so enjoyable. Thank you for a great book to listen to again.

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74 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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hmmmm

Kind of detective story meets porno.. just all over the place.. one minute your in the story the next they are having way over descriptive sex .. just weird. It really feels like two writers each adding a paragraph wherever it would fit .. one writing a crime story the other writing an over dramatized soft porn romance novel.

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63 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
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Predictable, boaring, profane

The story was okay. Nothing great and lots of bread crumbs left by the author which killed any surprises. Basically I found the book predictable and a bit boaring. I actually feel asleep listening and ended up sleeping through almost the entire last half of the book. When I went to finish the last few chapters I found no need to go back over what I slept through; basically I hasn't missed anything. There was a ton of F bombs and other bad language which i don't like and feel adds nothing to the book. The narrator was good though.

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62 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Outstanding suspense mystery/thriller!

The Black Book is one of the best James Patterson brand novels I've listened to since Patterson graduated from author to brand. I assume David Ellis authored this book about the Chicago police department and Chicago politics. In any case it is an excellent modern detective novel with wonderful narration. The book was an Audible Daily Deal from January 18, 2018. I'd never pay full price for a James Patterson branded novel.

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52 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars
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Chicago is corrupt - really???

I've been an Audible member since 2008. This is my first review. I've read/listened to tons of Patterson books, so I thought this would be a pleasure. I'm an hour through, and I hate it. I don't understand the raves about this book. It is boring. Corrupt Chicago politicians - what an amazing plot device! All the characters are one-dimensional, Billy; who just wants to make a righteous bust, Kate, his protective sister, and one other female cop who lusts after Billy and still goes for miles-long runs after a night in the sack. Oh, yeah, the Superintendent who quashes the arrest. Big yawn. However, the narrator is great, so I'll definitely look for him. This book goes in the trash.

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51 people found this helpful