By James Patterson and Andrew Gross
Little, Brown and Company
Hardcover, Audio Cassette (Abridged), Audio Cassette (Unabridged), Audio CD (Unabridged) and Large Print Editions

The Women's Murder Club makes its third appearance in 3rd Degree. Lindsay Boxer, Claire Washburn, Jill Bernhardt and Cindy Thomas are four of the closest friends with occupations that couldn't be any different. Lindsay's a detective. Claire's a medical examiner. Jill's the Assistant D.A. and Cindy's a reporter.

But these ladies use their occupations and their close friendship to help solve crimes. This time, they're embarking on an investigation that will leave one of them in grave danger.

3rd Degree Excerpt I gulped air and headed deeper into the collapsing house. "Where are you?" I called. I stumbled over flaming rubble. I was scared now, not only for whoever had cried but for myself. I heard it again. A low whimpering from somewhere in the back of the house. I made straight for it. "I'm coming!" I shouted. To my left, a wood beam crashed. The farther I went, the more trouble I was in. I spotted a hallway where I thought the sounds came from, the ceiling teetering where the second story used to be. ©2004 James Patterson Published with permission from Little, Brown & Co.

As Lindsay's jogging, an explosion rocks her to her knees. Three people are dead, one child is missing and a cryptic message is left behind by someone calling himself August Spies.

A successful businessman becomes the victim of a mysterious murder. August Spies leaves another message.

Targets are being named and people are dying.

In the middle of the heated investigation, Lindsay learns of a secret one of the Women's Murder Club members has been hiding. She's in her darkest hour and desperately needs the support of her friends.

Lindsay's also surprised to find a federal officer that's been assigned to the case is captivating her interest. Given her past history, she's reluctant to pursue her feelings with good reason.

Before anyone can get on with their lives, they must find out who August Spies is and how they can stop more people from dying. The solution won't come without the expense of losing someone very close to them.

Bookworm's Briefing
Fans anxiously await each release of the Women's Murder Club series. While you can predict certain outcomes of 3rd Degree as you read, you won't be able to guess the actions behind them. Readers who follow this series closely will be drawn to this book just to catch up with their friends - Lindsay, Claire, Jill and Cindy.