Private Rome by James Patterson and Adam Hamdy

Published by Penguin Books,
14 March 2024. 
ISBN:  978-1-804-94251-2.

Jack Morgan is in Rome celebrating another addition to his private investigation business.  But the party for the opening of a new Private office, takes a deadly turn, when a priest runs into the he room in fear for his life,  He is subsequently found shot dead, with Private agent Matteo Ricci standing over the body, gun in hand,  Matteo swears that he did not kill the man.  Jack sets out to prove his innocence, in the process uncovering a deadly conspiracy which reaches to the heart of the Vatican.

His investigation leads him on a journey around Rome, including the tourist areas and the seedier parts.  He calls in his close team of colleagues and together they try to unpick the threads of the conspiracy and identify the people involved.  Powerful individuals are at work and they are prepared to do whatever it takes to defeat his inquiries.  But who is to be trusted?

This is a fast-paced, action-packed thriller, with short chapters, high-stress chases and some interesting technological toys maintaining the tension.  The descriptions of Rome provide a good sense of place.  The recent focus on the Vatican City and the Catholic Church (following the death of the Pope and the election of his successor) has provided an interesting and colourful backdrop to the fictional events.  
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Reviewer: Jo Hesslewood

Other books in this series:  Private Moscow (2020), Private Rogue (2021), Private Beijing (2022), Private Monaco (2024) and Private Dublin (2025

Adam Hamdy is an author, screenwriter and filmmaker. In addition to his own original work, Adam has adapted a number of comic books and novels for the screen, including the forthcoming film version of David Mitchell’s novel, Number9Dream. Adam has a law degree from Oxford University and a philosophy degree from the University of London.  He is a seasoned rock climber, skier and CPSA marksman. Adam lives in Shropshire with his wife and three children.  

http://www.adamhamdy.com/

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James Patterson is one of the best-known and biggest-selling writers of all time. His books have sold in excess of 385 million copies worldwide.  James is passionate about encouraging children to read. Inspired by his own son who was a reluctant reader, he also writes a range of books for young readers.  James has donated millions in grants to independent bookshops and has been the most borrowed author in UK libraries for the past thirteen years in a row. He lives in Florida with his family.

www.jamespatterson.com  

Jo Hesslewood.  Crime fiction has been my favourite reading material since as a teenager I first spotted Agatha Christie on the library bookshelves.  For twenty-five years the commute to and from London provided plenty of reading time.  I am fortunate to live in Cambridge, where my local crime fiction book club, Crimecrackers, meets at Heffers Bookshop .  I enjoy attending crime fiction events and currently organise events for the Margery Allingham Society.