Syd, a breathtakingly beautiful supermodel on a photo shoot
in Hawaii, disappears. Fearing the worst, her parents
travel to Hawaii to investigate for themselves, never
expecting the horror that awaits them.
LA Times reporter Ben Hawkins is conducting his own
research into the case, hoping to help the victim and get
an idea for his next bestseller. With no leads and no
closer to uncovering the kidnapper's identity than when he
stepped off the plane, Ben gets a shocking visit that
pushes him into an impossible-to-resist deal with the devil.
A heart-pounding story of fear and desire, SWIMSUIT
transports readers to a chilling new territory where the
collision of beauty and murder transforms paradise into a
hell of unspeakable horrors.
I like that. You are following what makes you happy! I've read those stories, they are very good! (Anne Harris 2:24am July 17, 2009)
Happy for you and Congratulations !! (Joeelle Jappissont 6:24am July 17, 2009)
Congratulations for following your true dream. (Joanne Reynolds 6:40am July 17, 2009)
Good morning and thank you, guys. Writing wasn't a fully formed dream until I was 38 years old. I scribbled in journals my whole life, but when I wrote a book called "How To Put Your Book Together and Get a Job in Advertising," I was told that I was a writer; that I had something called "voice" and "cadence." That's what made me write my first magazine story, to see if I was really a writer. I say this to anyone who is having the writer's dream in mid-life.
And btw, that first little book was written to help "kids" get into advertising and they did. "How To" is still in print after more than 30 years and is going into a new edition with a new publisher next year. :) (Maxine Paetro 8:23am July 17, 2009)
Hi Maxine! I'm a HUGE fan of yours and James Pattersons. I'm addicted to the Women's Murder Club series. (Bridget Hopper 8:48am July 17, 2009)
Invaluable advice. Follow your dreams, and with the help of someone you admire to make you better at your craft. Hears wishing you continued success in whatever you choose to do! (Carrie Divine 9:22am July 17, 2009)
Hi, Bridget! Thanks for the support. "9th Victim" is at the publishers now, expected pub date 2010. Three other WMC books are on the schedule. Somewhere, Lindsay Boxer is clapping. :) (Maxine Paetro 9:23am July 17, 2009)
Carrie, I think Jim is the only mentor I ever had. And for a one-mentor life, I sure got lucky. Oh, yeah and then there's the part about working self half to death. :) Can't understate the working to get better, raising the bar on yourself, and working some more. (Maxine Paetro 9:26am July 17, 2009)
Carrie, I think Jim is the only mentor I ever had. And for a one-mentor life, I sure got lucky. Oh, yeah and then there's the part about working self half to death. :) Can't overstate the working to get better, raising the bar on yourself, and working some more. (Maxine Paetro 9:27am July 17, 2009)
I have read so many of the James Patterson books, he is one of my favorites. How great it is a author of your caliber collaborates with him. I love Fresh Fiction, I can't believe the authors that I see blogging on here - I am in heaven. I would love to win a copy of Swimsuit. (Vikki Parman 9:30am July 17, 2009)
I really enjoy James patterson books and I am on the list to read this one at the library. Can't wait. (Paula Freeman 9:33am July 17, 2009)
I like Cross, Max, and the Women's Club (and miss it on TV). Thanks for the insite. (Karin Tillotson 9:42am July 17, 2009)
What a fun thing to do. Thanks, Marjorie (Marjorie Carmony 9:50am July 17, 2009)
Thanks for your comments, everyone. I think Swimsuit is a terrific read: :) altho a bit graphic for the squeamish reader. we go far afield in this book. Glamorous locations, European cities and a very, very creepy killer. and so smart. (Maxine Paetro 11:13am July 17, 2009)
What a wonderful story and great memory! It must be very satisfying to look back at a special time in your life! (LuAnn Morgan 11:25am July 17, 2009)
Wow amazing how you cam full circle with James Patterson. The books are great. (Annetta Stolpmann 11:46am July 17, 2009)
I guess it's what they say about going around, coming around... :) (Maxine Paetro 11:52am July 17, 2009)
'I started reading the Women\'s Murder Club this past year, but it didn\'t take me long to collect all the books. It\'s one of my favorite mystery series. I enjoy the strength of the female characters and appreciate & envy the show of friendships among the group. (Wasanaa Smith 12:36pm July 17, 2009)
I enjoy James Patterson's reads! (Teresa Warner 12:40pm July 17, 2009)
Your story is such an inspiration to some of us. Going out on your own. I'd never have the courage. Have a great day. (Roberta Harwell 12:40pm July 17, 2009)
Hi Maxine, I love that you are collaborating on books with James Patterson. I'm a huge fan and am always checking when the next one is coming out. They are great reads. Keep up the good work and I wish you continued success with your writing. I would love to read Swimsuit as I have not read that one yet. Thank you for the opportunity. Best wishes. (Donna Leggate 1:15pm July 17, 2009)
I love that story, that you call him Jim and it has a cat! Congrats to you. Would love to dip into swimsuit! (Julie Holden 1:22pm July 17, 2009)
Have been a long time fan of James Patterson since "Jack & Jill". I did read "your" Women's Club book, Maxine & loved it too. I also read Patterson's non-crime fiction & couldn't believe it was the same writer. I think you are comfortable enough in your own skin to know what works best for you. You set a wonderful example for women everywhere. (Donna Petrilla 1:33pm July 17, 2009)
It's so amazing to read the story of how you have come so far with James Patterson, it gives hope to those of us just embarking on this journey! Thank you for sharing it. (Angela Rogers 2:09pm July 17, 2009)
That is a terrific story that goes to show that you never know which people you meet in life will have the biggest effect. Life's funny like that. Anyway, I'm so glad you are working with Mr. Patterson because you are obviously a great team! (Michelle St. James 2:10pm July 17, 2009)
What an inspirational story...and it is so great that you found what makes you happy in your work. I don't think many people ever do that. Congratulations! (Ruby Davis 4:00pm July 17, 2009)
Hi, everyone, thanks so much for the wonderful e-mails. I've enjoyed reading your messages to me so much. Jim has been quite an inspiration to me. Not to get sloppy here, :) but he's not just very very smart, he's funny, too.
Here's a little true story. About a year ago, I said that it had gotten to the point that my name was so linked with his, that I thought for sure his name would be in my tombstone. Maxine Paetro, co- writer with James Patterson... lol. He said, deadpan, "Why would your name be first?" I said, "My body?" He said, "James Patterson presents..." I still laugh when I remember this. :) (Maxine Paetro 5:23pm July 17, 2009)
How great is turn-about! Glad your happy following your dream - wish I could write! Thanks! (Kelli Jo Calvert 5:42pm July 17, 2009)
I think that collaborations can be very fruitful, as you've proved with James Patterson. I can imagine that it requires a great deal of mutual respect and tolerance--something like a successful marriage, . I know I could never write alone and that's why I don't. (Sigrun Schulz 6:13pm July 17, 2009)
I love the Women's Murder Club books. Thanks to both you and Jim for your wonderful collaboration. (Robin McKay 6:22pm July 17, 2009)
Hi, guys. Sigrun, we don't fight about anything. He's the boss, but he likes me to run with the ball. So, it all works out. :) (Maxine Paetro 7:06pm July 17, 2009)
These books are new to me. They sound interesting. (Elaine Carlini-Davis 8:55pm July 17, 2009)
You're life seems very exciting. Not many people have the option to change what they are doing for something new. I love the Woman's murder club series It seems collaborating together was the right fit for both of you. My husband and I can't wait to read Swimsuit. (Theresa Buckholtz 9:40pm July 17, 2009)
I've enjoyed other James Patterson collaborations and I look forward to yours! (Sue Ahn 10:58pm July 17, 2009)
What an interesting story. Fate has a strange way of making things happen. I love the Women's Murder Club. The characters just pull you in. Congratulations! (Rosemary Krejsa 11:00pm July 17, 2009)
Hello, again friends, Thank you for your affirmative postings. I do feel very lucky to be doing something I love to do, to work with a long- time friend and to be able to express myself through the actions of such gutsy fictitious characters. "The Ninth Victim" is the next installment of the Women's Murder Club. It will be coming out in 2010 and Jim has shared plans with me for more WMC books to come. We are working on another series -- it's a secret right now, but I think those of you who enjoy James Patterson books will be delighted with this new series. Meanwhile, "Swimsuit" entered the New York Times best sellers list this past Sunday at #1. The killer in this book, Henri Benoit, is certainly evil, but he is a very compelling, complex and haunting bad guy. I hope you'll have a chance to travel the world with him and with his adversary, journalist, Ben Hawkins. I don't think you will be bored for a second or a page! I enjoyed blogging today, my first blog, ever. And I'm looking forward to signing a book to today's contest winner. (Maxine Paetro 11:05pm July 17, 2009)
We never know when we meet someone, what the future will hold for us. Who would have guessed when you interviewed him so many years ago that he would achieve the writing success he has and you would be his co-writer. I love your little story about your tombstone. It is nice that you are doing what you like and being successful at it. That you are happy and enjoying it is a bonus. (Patricia Barraclough 11:07pm July 17, 2009)
Lol, Patricia, Naturally, I hope I won't have to be sharing credit with Jim on my tombstone anytime soon! Having way too much fun. :) Jim tells a story in an essay he wrote for my book called "How to Put Your Book Together and Get a Job in Advertising." He wrote: "When I was a boy, in the summers, I used to spend every Tuesday riding with my grandfather on his delivery route. "My grandfather had a truly awful voice and he used to sing every morning at 5:30 a.m. as he drove over the Storm King Mountains in upstate New York. "He told me he really didn't care what I became when I grew up -- the President, a ditch-digger -- the only important thing was that I sang a happy song as I went to work every morning. "And I do." I certainly didn't know that Jim would turn out to be the success he became -- but, I know that he is pretty fearless, can multi-task like no one else I know, and loves to tell a great story. Next time I talk to him, I've gotta remember to ask him to sing. :) (Maxine Paetro 11:33pm July 17, 2009)
Great post.
Thanks!!! (Donna Simmonds 1:57am July 18, 2009)
the Women\'s Murder Club this past year, but it didn\'t take me long to collect all the books. It\'s one of my favorite mystery series. I wish they would bring it back to TV as enjoyed it when it was on. I Appreciate & envy the show of friendships among the Women's Murder Mystery Club Group. (Shirley Sego 11:46am July 18, 2009)
That is cool you met James Patterson, and are doing well on your own. (Robert Cunningham 2:03pm July 18, 2009)
hi Maxine, have you wrote any books in your own name,??? loved " swimsuit, " i thought the sex in it really spiced it up, more so from a womens point of view, just as well my wife was away, hahaha but i am 69 now, so maybe wishful thinking, more please, frank (Frank Hughes 1:29am August 2, 2009)
Hi, all, forgot to check in on my blog. :) Frank, glad you enjoyed the book. Jim and I are working on a new Women's Murder Club book now. It's shaping up very well and it's cool to be working with him to make an idea into a fully realized story. Enjoy your summer, everyone. (Maxine Paetro 3:36pm August 9, 2009)
I have read Patterson since day one and love his books. When it comes to the WMC series, I see a huge drop in quality writing, sentence flow and overall paragraph structure. I am currently reading The 8th confession and this has so many confusing, miscombulated aspects I am very disapointed as to why he would feel sorry enough for you to continue to put his name with yours. He has written with other authors and none of them are as bad as you are. Incoherent thought patterns that arent explained yet written in this book leave readers wondering just what you are talking about. In this one I am reading now.8th Confession: Last para: chapter 49 "I hear hoofbeats coming down the road Sarah Darlin, I,m thinkin horse, you are a definite zebra."
I see Mr Patterson feeling sorry for you and letting you ride on his well-credentialed reputation, but you are only fooling yourself if you think you are some kind of great writer. THAT is the reason you aren't writing on your own. (Dan M 5:20pm February 2, 2011)
Just read "Confessions" (Sept. 2012) and couldn't put it down. Love your style on this one (and your others). Please keep them coming. Thanks for a great read. (Lynn Addington 11:39pm December 1, 2012)
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