Don’t Blink by James Patterson & Howard Roughan — Book Review
Let me start by saying this: when I’m looking for a good mystery-thriller, I almost always reach for James Patterson. He’s my comfort zone for a fast-paced, high-stakes read, and he never disappoints.
I had just finished devouring two gripping books by Frieda McFadden and decided it was finally time to pull something from my TBR mountain that had been calling my name for a while. This particular book came to me thanks to a couple of my coworkers who know I’m a shameless bookworm and happily drop books on my desk when they finish them. Honestly, we all need people like that in our lives—it’s a small but mighty kind of love when someone thinks, “She’d enjoy this” and passes along a story.
First Impressions
Don’t Blink hooked me immediately. It took me only two days to finish, which should tell you something about the pacing.
As someone who lives in New York—outside the city on Long Island—I have enough experience with the big city to know that if a story’s set there, especially one involving mobsters and murder, it’s going to be good.
The book opens with Nick Daniels, an investigative journalist, quite literally dodging bullets in a war zone. It’s an adrenaline-pumping way to meet a character, and right away I appreciated how driven he was to chase a story—especially in a world where journalists often get a bad rap.
The Setup
Back home from his dangerous assignment, Nick lands a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: interviewing a legendary, scandal-ridden baseball player. The meeting takes place in an upscale New York steakhouse. But instead of a smooth conversation over steaks, chaos erupts.
In the middle of the restaurant, a high-profile lawyer is murdered—right in front of Nick. The killer vanishes before the NYPD can catch him, but Nick accidentally ends up with a critical piece of evidence. And just like that, he’s thrown into a brutal war between the Italian and Russian mob.
The Tangle of Power
From NYPD captains to district attorneys, mayoral hopefuls to media moguls—and even Nick’s crush, a stunning magazine editor—everyone is playing their own game. Loyalties are shaky, motives are questionable, and Nick is stuck navigating the deadly politics of crime and influence.
Then comes the warning: Back off, or die.
But this is Nick Daniels we’re talking about. Backing down isn’t in his DNA. He’s determined to find the truth, even if it means risking his life.
Why I Loved It
This book had serious movie vibes—quick cuts, sharp dialogue, constant action, and just enough emotional pull to keep you invested in Nick’s fate. Even though Don’t Blink was published in 2010, it holds up beautifully. Patterson’s writing style has evolved since then, but his knack for pacing and tension was already masterful here.
If you love thrillers that blend murder, mob rivalries, political power plays, and a fearless protagonist, this one will keep you turning pages late into the night.
What’s in this book:
-
Murder
-
War-zone action
-
Mafia drama
-
Betrayal at the highest levels
Final Recommendation:
If you’re looking for a fast-paced, cinematic mystery-thriller with a relentless protagonist, Don’t Blink will not disappoint. Pull it off your shelf—or hunt it down at your local used bookstore. It’s worth the ride.
If you are interested in reading more Mystery reviews CLICK HERE!
Thanks for Reading!
Pinky 🙂