Murder Island by James Patterson and Brian Sitts

Picture this: You’re lounging on a pristine beach, crystal-clear waters lapping at your feet, not a care in the world. Sounds like paradise, right? Well, not if you’re Brandt Savage and Kira Sunlight, the protagonists of James Patterson and Brian Sitts’ latest thriller, “Murder Island.” This tropical getaway is about to turn into a nightmare faster than you can say “coconut cocktail.”

In this second installment of the Doc Savage Thrillers series, Patterson and Sitts take readers on a wild ride that’ll make you think twice about booking that island vacation. But hey, who needs peace and quiet when you can have heart-pounding action and globe-trotting adventure?

The Plot: Paradise Lost and Found (and Lost Again)

Brandt “Doc” Savage and Kira Sunlight thought they’d found their slice of heaven on a tiny island in the Atlantic. But as any seasoned thriller reader knows, idyllic settings are just asking for trouble. Before you can say “plot twist,” our lovebirds are violently separated and whisked away to opposite ends of the Earth.

What follows is a breakneck chase across continents as Doc searches for Kira, uncovering a conspiracy so massive it makes your average evil plot look like a school bake sale. From the steamy jungles of the Congo to the icy fjords of northern Europe, Doc leaves no stone unturned in his quest to reunite with Kira and unravel the mystery that threatens them both.

Character Evolution: Doc Savage 2.0

If you’ve read “The Perfect Assassin” (and if you haven’t, what are you waiting for?), you’ll remember Brandt Savage as the gawky anthropology professor who got a crash course in badassery. Well, folks, the transformation is complete. In “Murder Island” by James Patterson and Brian Sitts, Doc is a full-fledged action hero, complete with superhuman strength, lightning-fast reflexes, and a moral compass that would make Captain America proud.

But don’t worry, he hasn’t lost that endearing blend of scholarly curiosity and fish-out-of-water charm that made him so relatable in the first book. Watching Doc navigate the murky waters of international intrigue while still geeking out over ancient artifacts is half the fun.

Kira Sunlight: More Than Just a Damsel in Distress

Let’s talk about Kira for a second. In lesser hands, she might have been relegated to the role of helpless girlfriend, waiting to be rescued. But Patterson and Sitts know better. Kira is a force to be reckoned with, using her own set of deadly skills to survive and fight back against her captors. The chapters from her perspective are some of the most thrilling in the book, showcasing her resilience and resourcefulness.

The Writing: Fast, Furious, and Funny

If you’re familiar with James Patterson’s style, you know what you’re in for: short chapters, snappy dialogue, and enough cliffhangers to give you vertigo. But Brian Sitts brings his own flavor to the mix, adding depth to the characters and a wry sense of humor that keeps things from getting too grim.

The pacing is relentless, with barely a moment to catch your breath between action sequences. But just when you think you can’t take any more excitement, the authors throw in a quiet moment or a bit of comic relief to give your poor heart a break.

Highlights: Why You’ll Keep Turning Pages

• Globe-trotting adventure: From tropical paradises to urban jungles, the settings are vividly described and add a rich layer to the story.
• Clever callbacks: Easter eggs for fans of the original Doc Savage pulps are sprinkled throughout.
• Witty banter: The dialogue crackles with energy, especially between Doc and Kira.
• Inventive action scenes: Forget run-of-the-mill shootouts. How about a high-stakes battle on top of a moving train?
• Moral dilemmas: Doc grapples with using his newfound abilities for good, adding depth to the character.

Room for Improvement: Minor Quibbles in Paradise

• Some secondary characters feel a bit underdeveloped.
• A few plot twists stretch credibility, even for a thriller.
• The pacing occasionally sacrifices character development for action.

The Series: Building a Modern Pulp Hero

“Murder Island” is the second book in the Doc Savage Thrillers series by James Patterson and Brian Sitts, following “The Perfect Assassin.” While you could technically read this as a standalone, you’d be missing out on the rich backstory and character development established in the first book.

The Perfect Assassin: Where It All Began

In “The Perfect Assassin,” we met Brandt Savage as a mild-mannered anthropology professor who gets kidnapped and forced into a brutal training program. Under the tutelage of the mysterious Meed, Brandt transforms into a physical and mental powerhouse, taking on the mantle of his legendary great-grandfather, the original Doc Savage.

This origin story sets the stage for “Murder Island,” giving context to Doc’s abilities and his complicated relationship with Kira. It’s a thrilling read in its own right, and together with “Murder Island,” forms a solid foundation for what promises to be an exciting series.

The Legacy: Pulp Fiction for the 21st Century

For those unfamiliar with the original Doc Savage pulp novels of the 1930s and 40s, don’t worry. While Patterson and Sitts pay homage to the character’s roots, they’ve created a thoroughly modern hero for a new generation of readers.

That said, fans of the original series will find plenty to love here. The authors have managed to capture the spirit of those old adventure stories – larger-than-life heroes, dastardly villains, and exotic locales – while updating the concept for contemporary audiences.

Comparisons: How Does It Stack Up?

If you enjoy the non-stop action of Matthew Reilly’s Scarecrow series or the historical puzzles of Steve Berry’s Cotton Malone books, you’ll find a lot to love in “Murder Island.” It’s got the pacing of a summer blockbuster movie combined with the intricate plotting of a classic spy novel.

The Verdict: A Tropical Storm of a Thriller

“Murder Island” by James Patterson and Brian Sitts is a rollercoaster ride of a book that’ll leave you breathless and begging for more. Patterson and Sitts have crafted a worthy successor to “The Perfect Assassin,” expanding the world of their new Doc Savage while delivering a standalone adventure that’ll keep you up way past your bedtime.

Is it perfect? No. But it’s not trying to be. This is unabashed escapism at its finest – a book that knows exactly what it is and delivers in spades. It’s the literary equivalent of a big bowl of buttery popcorn: maybe not the most nutritious, but oh so satisfying.

Who Should Read This Book?

• Fans of fast-paced action thrillers
• Readers who enjoy a blend of modern storytelling and pulp sensibilities
• Anyone looking for a fun, escapist read
• Those who appreciate strong, capable female characters alongside their male heroes
• People who’ve ever dreamed of finding adventure on a tropical island (and then maybe thought better of it)

Final Thoughts: Pack Your Bags for Murder Island

In a world of gritty, realistic thrillers, there’s something refreshing about the unapologetic adventure of “Murder Island.” It’s a reminder that sometimes, it’s okay for books to be fun. And boy, is this book fun.

So grab your sunscreen, pack your sense of adventure, and get ready for a wild ride. Just don’t be surprised if you find yourself eyeing that “tropical getaway” package with a bit more suspicion after turning the last page.