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The Patrick Bowers Files #3
The Knight
In The Knight, the third installment in the bestselling series of thrillers featuring FBI criminologist Patrick Bowers, the stakes have never been higher.
Agent Bowers is used to tracking the country's most dangerous killers, but now it looks like a killer is tracking him. When he realizes the murderer is using clues from an ancient manuscript as a blueprint for his crimes, Bowers faces a race against time to decipher who the next victim will be and to stop the final shocking murder--which he's beginning to believe might be his own.
Gritty, chilling, and intense, this psychological thriller is guaranteed to keep readers up all night.
Agent Bowers is used to tracking the country's most dangerous killers, but now it looks like a killer is tracking him. When he realizes the murderer is using clues from an ancient manuscript as a blueprint for his crimes, Bowers faces a race against time to decipher who the next victim will be and to stop the final shocking murder--which he's beginning to believe might be his own.
Gritty, chilling, and intense, this psychological thriller is guaranteed to keep readers up all night.
494 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2009
About the author
Steven James
135 books1,707 followersSteven James is the award-winning, critically acclaimed author of twenty novels and numerous books on the craft of novel writing, including the new release, DELVE, PIVOT, PROPEL, which explores revolutionary new approaches to fiction writing. With a master's degree in storytelling, James teaches writing worldwide and has appeared on five continents telling stories and teaching storytelling at over 2000 appearances.
His latest Young Adult horror novel, RIFT, is the first in a new trilogy that takes place in the Southern Appalachian Mountains. James lives in Eastern Tennessee and loves watching sci-fi movies, playing basketball, and eating chicken fajitas—although not all at the same time.
James has been penning smart, taut thrillers that actually thrill, since 2007, when his acclaimed psychological suspense novel, THE PAWN, released.
If you love stories and storytelling, check out his podcast, The Story Blender, on which he has interviewed nearly 200 of the world's top writers and storytellers.
His latest Young Adult horror novel, RIFT, is the first in a new trilogy that takes place in the Southern Appalachian Mountains. James lives in Eastern Tennessee and loves watching sci-fi movies, playing basketball, and eating chicken fajitas—although not all at the same time.
James has been penning smart, taut thrillers that actually thrill, since 2007, when his acclaimed psychological suspense novel, THE PAWN, released.
If you love stories and storytelling, check out his podcast, The Story Blender, on which he has interviewed nearly 200 of the world's top writers and storytellers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 304 reviews
April 26, 2023
I LOVED this book! It is one of the best thrillers I have read in a long time! I've read his first two books and they were good, but this was AMAZING! I thought the story was perfect, enjoyed the side story with what was going on with his step daughter Tessa, the villain was creepy and his murders were incredibly creepy (and graphic...) and ingenious! Wow probably the most creative yet gruesome murders I have read about yet. Seriously I don't want to give spoilers so I will just say this book was brilliant!
March 3, 2024
2024 reread
The Knight was such a good reread! This is my fourth time (I think) reading it and I actually remembered who the killer was. I loved how in this story we got to learn more about Tessa and her mom's story - some of the details were quite shocking. The killer was horrible and I couldn't believe some of the things he/she did. I plan on rereading The Bishop soon, as I continue my way through this series once again.
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"The Knight" is probably my favorite book in The Patrick Bowers Series so far. The story concept it so unique - a killer telling what he is going to do next through a medieval manuscript and then doing it. Although you'd think it would be easy to stop him, it's so not!
In this story Tessa (Patrick's Stepdaughter) finds a box in Patrick's closet (while packing his stuff) that is filled with her dead mother's momentos. One of those momentos is a key...but what does it go to? And how will it affect her?
I'll forewarn you there are some gruesome murder scenes in 'The Knight' but even though I didn't like reading it, it seemed true to the story. Along with all of Steven James' books there was a surprise twist ending and who I thought was the culprit, wasn't!
This book also made me think about how we all are totally depraved sinners that could never do anything good or right without Jesus's sacrifice & God's grace and mercy. A Bible verse that I always find comfort in is Romans 5:20-21 - "Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord"
The Knight was such a good reread! This is my fourth time (I think) reading it and I actually remembered who the killer was. I loved how in this story we got to learn more about Tessa and her mom's story - some of the details were quite shocking. The killer was horrible and I couldn't believe some of the things he/she did. I plan on rereading The Bishop soon, as I continue my way through this series once again.
---
"The Knight" is probably my favorite book in The Patrick Bowers Series so far. The story concept it so unique - a killer telling what he is going to do next through a medieval manuscript and then doing it. Although you'd think it would be easy to stop him, it's so not!
In this story Tessa (Patrick's Stepdaughter) finds a box in Patrick's closet (while packing his stuff) that is filled with her dead mother's momentos. One of those momentos is a key...but what does it go to? And how will it affect her?
I'll forewarn you there are some gruesome murder scenes in 'The Knight' but even though I didn't like reading it, it seemed true to the story. Along with all of Steven James' books there was a surprise twist ending and who I thought was the culprit, wasn't!
This book also made me think about how we all are totally depraved sinners that could never do anything good or right without Jesus's sacrifice & God's grace and mercy. A Bible verse that I always find comfort in is Romans 5:20-21 - "Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord"
October 18, 2020
Suspense with a tiny touch of romance. I have to say that Steven James books are well written with complex characters. But each one in this series seems to get more gruesome and creepy. Definitely the type of book that could leave a reader with nightmares. I believe I will leave the others to possibly read next year.
June 30, 2015
Patrick Bowers is in his home state of Colorado trying to locate a serial killer that likes to depict stories in his killings. Several people have died and it looks like Pat is on the killers list to play a leading roll.
At the same time he is working the case in Colorado Patrick is having to fly back to Chicago to testify in the retrial of one of his most infamous foes. Richard Devin Basque was one of the first serial killers that Patrick put away. Unfortunately Pat made a mistake while arresting Basque and now Basque's lawyer is going to use that against him to get Basque out of prison.
Of course Patrick can't have all of that going on in his life without having some major issues with his step-daughter Tessa thrown into the mix! While packing for their move to D.C. Tessa discovers a shoebox filled with memento's of her mother. One of the things in the box is a key to her mother's diary. Tessa insists on reading it in the hopes of finding out who her real father is.
As always, this Patrick Bowers novel is filled with action and killing and mayhem. Lien hua and Patrick are having issues so enter another law-enforcement woman to step in to Lien hua's place. Cheyenne is tough, witty and beautiful. She has asked Patrick out before, but the timing was never right. I like their banter back and forth, but Patrick isn't over Lien hua yet so there are several awkward moments between them. Once again Tessa irritates the snot out of me! To me she acts more like a 14 year old rather than an almost 18 year old. But even though she irritates there is a brokenness about her that captures a persons heart. She really is just a lost young woman. But grrrr! She knows how to manipulate adults feelings and get her way. It will be interesting to see if she can locate her real father, I wonder where that will put her and Patrick's relationship? Patrick's FBI friend Ralph is back in this book as well and he cracks me up! His new obsession is yogurt covered raisins and he eats them by the handful. Yup, that catches up with him! There are run-ins with rattlesnakes that creeped me out much more than the descriptions of the killings! Patrick has ticked off a whole lot of bad guys and I can't wait to start the next book to see who goes after him next!
At the same time he is working the case in Colorado Patrick is having to fly back to Chicago to testify in the retrial of one of his most infamous foes. Richard Devin Basque was one of the first serial killers that Patrick put away. Unfortunately Pat made a mistake while arresting Basque and now Basque's lawyer is going to use that against him to get Basque out of prison.
Of course Patrick can't have all of that going on in his life without having some major issues with his step-daughter Tessa thrown into the mix! While packing for their move to D.C. Tessa discovers a shoebox filled with memento's of her mother. One of the things in the box is a key to her mother's diary. Tessa insists on reading it in the hopes of finding out who her real father is.
As always, this Patrick Bowers novel is filled with action and killing and mayhem. Lien hua and Patrick are having issues so enter another law-enforcement woman to step in to Lien hua's place. Cheyenne is tough, witty and beautiful. She has asked Patrick out before, but the timing was never right. I like their banter back and forth, but Patrick isn't over Lien hua yet so there are several awkward moments between them. Once again Tessa irritates the snot out of me! To me she acts more like a 14 year old rather than an almost 18 year old. But even though she irritates there is a brokenness about her that captures a persons heart. She really is just a lost young woman. But grrrr! She knows how to manipulate adults feelings and get her way. It will be interesting to see if she can locate her real father, I wonder where that will put her and Patrick's relationship? Patrick's FBI friend Ralph is back in this book as well and he cracks me up! His new obsession is yogurt covered raisins and he eats them by the handful. Yup, that catches up with him! There are run-ins with rattlesnakes that creeped me out much more than the descriptions of the killings! Patrick has ticked off a whole lot of bad guys and I can't wait to start the next book to see who goes after him next!
September 5, 2021
Wow! Amazing thriller!
The Patrick Bowers Series continues to deliver excellent characters and compelling story lines. I love Patrick's sarcasm, spatial reasoning, intelligence, heart and courage.
In The Knight, Tessa's wit and role has returned full force. Love her snarkiness as well as the soft sides shown on occasion. The secondary story of her grief and more add to the strength of the novel. The secondary female character was phenomenal with her honesty, use of humor and skills. The crime had me riveted throughout and especially in the final chapters.
Superb.
Caveat: this series is edgy and covers difficult aspects of crimes. The author does an excellent job of not getting overly detailed, but as with any book, will not be a good fit for all.
The Patrick Bowers Series continues to deliver excellent characters and compelling story lines. I love Patrick's sarcasm, spatial reasoning, intelligence, heart and courage.
In The Knight, Tessa's wit and role has returned full force. Love her snarkiness as well as the soft sides shown on occasion. The secondary story of her grief and more add to the strength of the novel. The secondary female character was phenomenal with her honesty, use of humor and skills. The crime had me riveted throughout and especially in the final chapters.
Superb.
Caveat: this series is edgy and covers difficult aspects of crimes. The author does an excellent job of not getting overly detailed, but as with any book, will not be a good fit for all.
February 23, 2023
Read again 2023. Love this series!
Never gets old. This is just as good the 3rd or 4th time. Fantastic author!
Never gets old. This is just as good the 3rd or 4th time. Fantastic author!
August 29, 2009
Whoa! If ever there was a book written that is just itching to be made into a movie - it is definitely "The Knight" by Steven James. Without even reading books #1 and #2 in the Patrick Bowers Thriller series I would say that this could be the next great trilogy of movies!
I am literally sitting on the edge of my bed, my eyes skimming the pages as fast as possible because the writing is so tight and intense that I fear I'm going to miss something! Is the killer going to succeed before Pat gets there? The amazing thing is that at no time can you just assume as a reader that Pat will stop the killer, he has killed so many times already that no body is sacred and anyone could die at anytime. I was actually holding my breath!
I will absolutely not giveaway anything that would spoil a moment of this book for any of you readers out there so I will not talk plot line at all, I will only emphasize that this is one of the single best suspense thrillers I have ever read. Do you love Brandilyn Collins? You'll love Steven James. Do you enjoy Colleen Coble? You'll love Steven James. Does Ted Dekker bring you to the edge of your seat? Add Steven James to your keeper shelf right next to Ted Dekker, he totally deserves to be there!
I am literally sitting on the edge of my bed, my eyes skimming the pages as fast as possible because the writing is so tight and intense that I fear I'm going to miss something! Is the killer going to succeed before Pat gets there? The amazing thing is that at no time can you just assume as a reader that Pat will stop the killer, he has killed so many times already that no body is sacred and anyone could die at anytime. I was actually holding my breath!
I will absolutely not giveaway anything that would spoil a moment of this book for any of you readers out there so I will not talk plot line at all, I will only emphasize that this is one of the single best suspense thrillers I have ever read. Do you love Brandilyn Collins? You'll love Steven James. Do you enjoy Colleen Coble? You'll love Steven James. Does Ted Dekker bring you to the edge of your seat? Add Steven James to your keeper shelf right next to Ted Dekker, he totally deserves to be there!
August 28, 2015
Quick review:
Cover: Fitting
Rating: R
Thumbs Up: 4.5
Overall: Entertaining
Characters: Well Written
Plot: A killer with a story to tell
Page Turner: Yes
Series Cont.? Yes
Recommend: Yes
Book Boyfriend: Patrick
SUMMARY (50 words or less)
This installment was better than the last and brought me to what I expected after reading the first. This author knows how to multilayer a story to keep your interest throughout.
For a full review and yummy pic, see my blog post at:
http://www.mybookboyfriend.net/2015/0...
Audio Review
Richard Ferrone did a good job with the narration and capturing the emotions from all the characters.
Cover: Fitting
Rating: R
Thumbs Up: 4.5
Overall: Entertaining
Characters: Well Written
Plot: A killer with a story to tell
Page Turner: Yes
Series Cont.? Yes
Recommend: Yes
Book Boyfriend: Patrick
SUMMARY (50 words or less)
This installment was better than the last and brought me to what I expected after reading the first. This author knows how to multilayer a story to keep your interest throughout.
For a full review and yummy pic, see my blog post at:
http://www.mybookboyfriend.net/2015/0...
Audio Review
Richard Ferrone did a good job with the narration and capturing the emotions from all the characters.
January 8, 2020
Another thrilling Steven James novel - tracking down a serial killer in Denver who bases his kills on Medieval novels. Parts are gruesome. Again, Patrick's life is in danger. And there are twists and turns. A great writer.
August 16, 2010
Although I quite enjoy this third book in the Patrick Bowers series (I remember just LOVING the other two), I felt that there were just too many loose threads and unanswered questions at the end of this one for it to merit more stars. I'm not sure if the author is planning on addressing these in the fourth book "The Bishop," but is seemed to me that they should have been attended to while the details were still fresh in the reader's mind.
Nevertheless, the chase was still a thrill with so many unexpected twists and turns and the murderer kind of came out of left field which is always a bonus. I also really enjoyed how the author developed Tessa's character (Patrick's step daughter). The reader gets more than just a glimpse of Tessa's history and mind frame and I couldn't help but feel for her as she overcame her struggles.
I will definitely be looking out for "The Bishop" as it is due to hit the stores this week.
Nevertheless, the chase was still a thrill with so many unexpected twists and turns and the murderer kind of came out of left field which is always a bonus. I also really enjoyed how the author developed Tessa's character (Patrick's step daughter). The reader gets more than just a glimpse of Tessa's history and mind frame and I couldn't help but feel for her as she overcame her struggles.
I will definitely be looking out for "The Bishop" as it is due to hit the stores this week.
October 22, 2013
TRUST NO ONE.
Seriously. That's the conclusion I've gathered from reading Steven James's books.
In The Knight, a serial killer who calls himself Giovanni murders people in specific ways to match grisly deaths that were portrayed in a book dating from the 14th century. A lot of the book is told from Giovanni's point of view. Since I've read two other James books I knew that Giovanni was going to be someone whom the main characters were already acquainted with, and I was right. I had my suspicions about who he was, and was I right about that?
Nope.
If you like to read intense thrillers that keep you guessing until the very end, then I suggest you read these books. And make sure you keep all your doors locked. After making sure the killer isn't locked inside with you, of course.
Seriously. That's the conclusion I've gathered from reading Steven James's books.
In The Knight, a serial killer who calls himself Giovanni murders people in specific ways to match grisly deaths that were portrayed in a book dating from the 14th century. A lot of the book is told from Giovanni's point of view. Since I've read two other James books I knew that Giovanni was going to be someone whom the main characters were already acquainted with, and I was right. I had my suspicions about who he was, and was I right about that?
Nope.
If you like to read intense thrillers that keep you guessing until the very end, then I suggest you read these books. And make sure you keep all your doors locked. After making sure the killer isn't locked inside with you, of course.
September 20, 2016
I read this book over two years ago, but I loved rereading it. I never got bored, at all, because it was a reread - which is sometimes possible. I couldn't remember who the culprit was or how the story ended, but while reading different things did seem familiar.
The story is about Patrick Bowers and in this one some characters from his past play a role. The ending is a real shocker, I didn't see it coming at all.
I definitely can see myself reading this book again in a few years, the book is that good. I'm looking forward to finally reading the next book in the series.
The story is about Patrick Bowers and in this one some characters from his past play a role. The ending is a real shocker, I didn't see it coming at all.
I definitely can see myself reading this book again in a few years, the book is that good. I'm looking forward to finally reading the next book in the series.
December 13, 2017
Such an intense book! And not for the faint of heart. If you like Criminal Minds then you'll enjoy this book.
February 5, 2013
Imagine my surprise after reading all the Patrick Bower series by Steven James and in wanting to write a review of the books, to discover that this series is labeled as being published by a Christian publisher, as well as authored by a Christian...ergo, the Patrick Bowers series is labeled Christian Fiction. I'll tell you this, as an atheist, I didn't have a clue (not even a suspicion) of this throughout my reading of these novels.
Now, now, I am not implying that good Christian fiction doesn't exist! I have read a few good ones in my time. Having said that, however, I do not like novels with an ulterior motive, novels written to spread the word, so to speak. I stay away from them: period. No such problem with this series. In fact; there's nothing in these books that even hints at the above. So, do read on!
Suffice it to say that morality is not the exclusive province of religion. If that were the case, no fiction, no protagonists, antagonists, or plots could ever be written. Steven James, the author, understands that. And you gotta know something about this series...it's all about morality, about choices made and not made, volitional experiences and their consequences made and perpetrated by protagonist and antogonists (this series has some of the best and most evil antogonists to be found anywhere!). Steven James - whether or not because of his religious affiliation - does understand the nature of evil. In fact, it's almost uncanny at how the author creeps into the minds of some of the most colorful, if not horrendous minds of his fictional villains. So, a word of caution, these novels have the propensity to creep you out.
From my perspective, this series is about a war between intellect and demons (personal and real), between mental and scientific strategy and unrelenting impulses, between Criminology and the worst of the worst criminals, with Patrick Bowers at the helm of this singular intellect. Both cerebral and emotive, Patrick battles evil with an unerroring eye for detail, with near photographic memory, and with plenty of physical volatility all aimed at heart-pounding suspense and boy! Does S. James know how to deliver stunning endings!
In regards to Criminology, the readers of this psychological thriller series will be exposed to the latest in scientific analysis: Environmental Criminology. Patrick Bowers focuses on criminal patterns within built environments (cities, landscapes, etc.) and analyzes the impacts of these variables on people's cognitive behavior. This places him in somewhat of a conflict with the FBI's profilers who tend to dismiss Bower's expertise. Here as in other places, Bowers is aided by powerful allies, notably by his friend Calvin, a professor as well as the originator of Environmental Ciminology.
The characters are extremely well developed, very believable, and often help carry the weight of the protagonists role as powerful allies in themselves, such as is the case with Tessa...Patrick's step-daughter. This is a character with whom the reader sympathizes as much as they do with our hero. Wild, dark-haired, often an unwilling ally, and deeply compassionate, Tessa is at the core of Bower's universe, if not the series. She is his island which he protects at all costs and needless to say, she suffers the consequences of her father's aim to destroy evil. She is also the last testament towards his capacity for love.
Note: one of the things I love about Goodreads is their categorization of series into numbered series. In this case, please note that #6 (recently published), is actually the pre-quel to the remaining Patrick Bower series. So, read it first!
As with my other reviews that involve series, this review is the same for all the Bower's series, so if you've read this one, you've read them all.
Now, now, I am not implying that good Christian fiction doesn't exist! I have read a few good ones in my time. Having said that, however, I do not like novels with an ulterior motive, novels written to spread the word, so to speak. I stay away from them: period. No such problem with this series. In fact; there's nothing in these books that even hints at the above. So, do read on!
Suffice it to say that morality is not the exclusive province of religion. If that were the case, no fiction, no protagonists, antagonists, or plots could ever be written. Steven James, the author, understands that. And you gotta know something about this series...it's all about morality, about choices made and not made, volitional experiences and their consequences made and perpetrated by protagonist and antogonists (this series has some of the best and most evil antogonists to be found anywhere!). Steven James - whether or not because of his religious affiliation - does understand the nature of evil. In fact, it's almost uncanny at how the author creeps into the minds of some of the most colorful, if not horrendous minds of his fictional villains. So, a word of caution, these novels have the propensity to creep you out.
From my perspective, this series is about a war between intellect and demons (personal and real), between mental and scientific strategy and unrelenting impulses, between Criminology and the worst of the worst criminals, with Patrick Bowers at the helm of this singular intellect. Both cerebral and emotive, Patrick battles evil with an unerroring eye for detail, with near photographic memory, and with plenty of physical volatility all aimed at heart-pounding suspense and boy! Does S. James know how to deliver stunning endings!
In regards to Criminology, the readers of this psychological thriller series will be exposed to the latest in scientific analysis: Environmental Criminology. Patrick Bowers focuses on criminal patterns within built environments (cities, landscapes, etc.) and analyzes the impacts of these variables on people's cognitive behavior. This places him in somewhat of a conflict with the FBI's profilers who tend to dismiss Bower's expertise. Here as in other places, Bowers is aided by powerful allies, notably by his friend Calvin, a professor as well as the originator of Environmental Ciminology.
The characters are extremely well developed, very believable, and often help carry the weight of the protagonists role as powerful allies in themselves, such as is the case with Tessa...Patrick's step-daughter. This is a character with whom the reader sympathizes as much as they do with our hero. Wild, dark-haired, often an unwilling ally, and deeply compassionate, Tessa is at the core of Bower's universe, if not the series. She is his island which he protects at all costs and needless to say, she suffers the consequences of her father's aim to destroy evil. She is also the last testament towards his capacity for love.
Note: one of the things I love about Goodreads is their categorization of series into numbered series. In this case, please note that #6 (recently published), is actually the pre-quel to the remaining Patrick Bower series. So, read it first!
As with my other reviews that involve series, this review is the same for all the Bower's series, so if you've read this one, you've read them all.
December 19, 2015
I have a confession, long time ago as a college student I loved to read true life crime stories and all Stephen King books. Some of them being "difficult" to read. So before I review this book I want to pass along what I was told myself (but be sure to read my opinion about the book below):
*A word of caution: this book is considered "gritty, chilling and intense". It contains graphic descriptions of disturbing crime scenes. While not for the faint of heart, the series has been described as "suspense thriller writing at its highest level" and is likely to keep you up all night.
The Knight picks up in The Bowers Files series (I reviewed The Rook here, which was a 2009 Christy Award Finalist), starring FBI criminologist Patrick Bowers, who is assigned to tracking the country's most dangerous killers. But when he is called to his most disturbing crime scene yet, Bowers begins to realize that this criminal mastermind has actually been tracking him.
To get to the bottom of this cold-blooded case, Bowers uses his cutting-edge investigative techniques to decipher the evidence and discovers that the murderer has been using an ancient manuscript as a blueprint for his crimes. This sends Bowers on a race against time to stop the killer before he takes his next victim in another grisly crime.
But even as he is working to crack the clues of this bloody trail, Bowers finds himself stumped by another matter: An old murder case haunts him, causing him to question himself and wonder which is more important--truth or justice. The answer might set a killer free or change Bowers into a criminal himself.
Steven James Bowers Files series has become a favorite of mine. If you love reading FBI mysteries that keep you on the edge of your seat you will love The Knight. There were a few scenes I think Steven James could have left out and the book would still have been scary enough. This book goes a bit over the top in the area of chilling and intense. With that said, I did enjoy reading the book and I will read more of Steven James books. Just be sure to read the warning that was mentioned above because this book will not be for everyone, but if you enjoy "gritty, chilling and intense" then I would recommend The Knight by Steven James.
*A word of caution: this book is considered "gritty, chilling and intense". It contains graphic descriptions of disturbing crime scenes. While not for the faint of heart, the series has been described as "suspense thriller writing at its highest level" and is likely to keep you up all night.
The Knight picks up in The Bowers Files series (I reviewed The Rook here, which was a 2009 Christy Award Finalist), starring FBI criminologist Patrick Bowers, who is assigned to tracking the country's most dangerous killers. But when he is called to his most disturbing crime scene yet, Bowers begins to realize that this criminal mastermind has actually been tracking him.
To get to the bottom of this cold-blooded case, Bowers uses his cutting-edge investigative techniques to decipher the evidence and discovers that the murderer has been using an ancient manuscript as a blueprint for his crimes. This sends Bowers on a race against time to stop the killer before he takes his next victim in another grisly crime.
But even as he is working to crack the clues of this bloody trail, Bowers finds himself stumped by another matter: An old murder case haunts him, causing him to question himself and wonder which is more important--truth or justice. The answer might set a killer free or change Bowers into a criminal himself.
Steven James Bowers Files series has become a favorite of mine. If you love reading FBI mysteries that keep you on the edge of your seat you will love The Knight. There were a few scenes I think Steven James could have left out and the book would still have been scary enough. This book goes a bit over the top in the area of chilling and intense. With that said, I did enjoy reading the book and I will read more of Steven James books. Just be sure to read the warning that was mentioned above because this book will not be for everyone, but if you enjoy "gritty, chilling and intense" then I would recommend The Knight by Steven James.
March 9, 2014
Too much of this book was wasted words. There was a lot of drama that had absolutely nothing to do with the killer and was meaningless to the storyline. Warning: this is not a book for male readers. All the soap-opera-type garbage with the lead characters daughter reading her mother's diary was painful to read and I skimmed most of it to get back to the actual story. There were also some dry courtroom scenes. The action and ending were decent, but this book could have been shorter. I devour most books from this genre in a day or 2, but this one took me nearly a week to finish, even skipping large portions of some chapters. If you wish to try this author, I recommend The Pawn, the first of this series, but the second, The Rook, was weaker and had a poor ending, and this one, the third was the worst of the 3. I won't bother with the 4th.
December 20, 2013
This was another great suspense read by Steven James! I really enjoyed it, I'm not sure that I loved it quite as much as the first two books mainly because there was one part of the killer's arsenal of weapons that personally didn't like (I don't want to spoil anything, but if you want to know what it was, and why I didn't like it feel free to message me!)
It was such a treat to immerse myself in the lives of these characters again, I love Patrick, Tessa is awesome, Ralph is absolutely hilarious, and Cheyenne was really cool, although I was a tad bit disappointed that Lien-Hua wasn't in this story.
I am loving this series, and I can't wait to read the next book, The Bishop as soon I can!
It was such a treat to immerse myself in the lives of these characters again, I love Patrick, Tessa is awesome, Ralph is absolutely hilarious, and Cheyenne was really cool, although I was a tad bit disappointed that Lien-Hua wasn't in this story.
I am loving this series, and I can't wait to read the next book, The Bishop as soon I can!
August 30, 2021
Another great thriller in the Patrick Bowers series. I just love Patrick - he has his flaws, but I enjoyed his internal struggle to do the right thing, trying to solve the case, but also be there for his stepdaughter, Tessa.
The thrilling suspense was great again. So many twists and turns, a twisted killer and a revelation I did not expect. I like that we can see the POV of the killer as well.
I enjoyed how the author writes about Rem's personal life without having that be the focus point, but are focused on Rem's pursuit of the killer and his relationship with Tessa, Ralph and Calvin.
Looking forward to the next one in the series.
*I listened to this on scribd.*
The thrilling suspense was great again. So many twists and turns, a twisted killer and a revelation I did not expect. I like that we can see the POV of the killer as well.
I enjoyed how the author writes about Rem's personal life without having that be the focus point, but are focused on Rem's pursuit of the killer and his relationship with Tessa, Ralph and Calvin.
Looking forward to the next one in the series.
*I listened to this on scribd.*
March 16, 2017
Thriller/Suspense; 3rd in the Patrick Bowers series. Let me just say that Steven James does not disappoint. The plot was excellent and I was surprised at the big plot twist. Although I am not a huge fan of the whole romantic entanglement parts, I do really enjoy the exploration of the relationship between Patrick and his step-daughter. The narrator was very good and one of my favorite things about this series is that I always learn from his stories. Definitely continuing the series--highly recommend.
April 30, 2012
A very good read. An element or two disappointed me or felt contrived, but it was nothing that detracted from the overall reading experience. Steven James definitely has cornered the market on crime thrillers, and I always get deeply embedded in the story and irritated with real life for interrupting the read. :-D
September 10, 2018
Read it in one sitting during a flight. Loved the characters (especially Tessa) and the plot with lots of twists I did not see coming.
June 17, 2020
A good well developed read.
October 13, 2017
Steven James continues to knock it out of the park. While I think that the author could have done more to establish a relationship between protagonist and antagonist, this was overall a very good read. On to "The Bishop."
August 25, 2009
I had the privilege of interviewing Steven James, on our radio show “Kingdom Highlights”, for his new book, The Knight, the third book in his series on Patrick Bowers published by Revell. If you haven’t read the first two books you have missed a great treat. Steven James writes like Alfred Hitchcock directed, with incredible tense scenes that have way more going on in them then meets the first run through. Let me tell you right away this book is 492 pages of roller coaster intense ride. Don’t start this book late at night because it will be very difficult to put it down or stop thinking about it.
This time the action takes place in Denver, Patrick Bowers home state, and also in Chicago for the trial of Richard Basque who has been mentioned in the previous two books. As always there is a serial murderer who, this time, is using a literary manuscript, that had been banned by the Catholic Church, as his guide to a string of murders and it’s quite possible that the final victim will be Bowers himself. With the body count rising, how will Agent Bowers outsmart this Knight who may be closer than you think?
Tessa, his stepdaughter, is back, and their relationship has changed over the course of the three books. As always she provides part of the human interest in Mr. James’ highly complex thrillers. All the secondary characters that we love are here again to enjoy as they help Patrick in his quest to catch what may be the most dangerous of all the criminal masterminds we have encountered so far. We even have a new character introduced to us for good measure and one that we hope will come back in Mr. James’ next book, The Bishop.
Move, counter move, think four, five moves ahead of the current move; that is how you play a game of chess. I am pretty sure I don’t ever want to play chess with Steven James. If he plays as well as he writes then Mr. James will always be the number one chess champion. Page after page Steven James keeps surprising us. With stories like these, sometimes you tend to be able to solve the crime before the main character but The Knight keeps you guessing right until the final confrontation.
As always there is more to a Steven James book then just the story and this is no exception. This is a book about relationships. Everyone has a relationship in this story, some of them are good: Patrick & Tess, others are evil: Patrick & Giovanni, and others are human. It is how these other relationships play out that helps propel the story to its riveting finish.
If you missed the interview for The Knight and/or would like to hear the previous interview where we discussed the first two books please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.
To listen to 24 Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org
The Knight Available August 2009 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
March 11, 2021
Steven James' The Knight is a gripping adventure that will leave readers hooked until the very last page. Following the adventures of FBI agent Patrick Bowers as he travels through the mountains of Denver, one of the largest struggles regarding this book is knowing when it is time to take a break. Having found the preceding books on a shelf in my brother's basement, I was almost immediately captivated with the storytelling strategy of switching between first and third-person depending on the part of the story, a technique that I had never seen before.
After the events of the previous book in the series, known as The Rook, FBI geographic profiler Patrick Bowers is given a new case regarding a series of killings in the mountains of Denver, Colorado. After finding a recording that talks directly to him in the mouth of one of the bodies, Pat realizes that this case is more personal than he might wish for. No matter what he does, the killer is always a step ahead of him, and just when it seems that he will be able to catch the villain, he strikes again, claiming more and more lives as the days go by. At the same time, Pat has to deal with his seventeen year-old stepdaughter Tessa, who has found out about the existence of her dead mother's diary and wishes to discover what secrets it holds, despite her mother's wishes that the book not be opened until Tessa's eighteenth birthday. Even on top of this, Patrick must also deal with a trial in Chicago that threatens to dig up skeletons of the past best left buried, as well as dealing with his hidden feelings for his partner Cheyenne.
Eventually, Patrick and his team discover that the killer is not killing randomly; rather, he is reenacting the stories told in a condemned book from centuries ago, most of the stories revolving around lovers whose lives were destroyed, and in some cases, ended by the same thing that had brought them together: love. Despite the story reenacted by the murderer being modernized for people to enjoy, Pat is finally able to connect the dots and predict the killer's next moves at an increasingly rapid pace, albeit always just a little too late to save lives. Eventually the time comes for the final story to be reenacted, but who could the killer be planning for the victim?
Overall, this book is very gripping to anybody who loves reading. Lovers of detective stories will most definitely love this book, as well as people who love a story with a lot of suspense. For those like me that cannot get enough, this book is the third in a series known as The Bowers Files, beginning with The Pawn. To sum it up, this book earns all five stars, and maybe more.
After the events of the previous book in the series, known as The Rook, FBI geographic profiler Patrick Bowers is given a new case regarding a series of killings in the mountains of Denver, Colorado. After finding a recording that talks directly to him in the mouth of one of the bodies, Pat realizes that this case is more personal than he might wish for. No matter what he does, the killer is always a step ahead of him, and just when it seems that he will be able to catch the villain, he strikes again, claiming more and more lives as the days go by. At the same time, Pat has to deal with his seventeen year-old stepdaughter Tessa, who has found out about the existence of her dead mother's diary and wishes to discover what secrets it holds, despite her mother's wishes that the book not be opened until Tessa's eighteenth birthday. Even on top of this, Patrick must also deal with a trial in Chicago that threatens to dig up skeletons of the past best left buried, as well as dealing with his hidden feelings for his partner Cheyenne.
Eventually, Patrick and his team discover that the killer is not killing randomly; rather, he is reenacting the stories told in a condemned book from centuries ago, most of the stories revolving around lovers whose lives were destroyed, and in some cases, ended by the same thing that had brought them together: love. Despite the story reenacted by the murderer being modernized for people to enjoy, Pat is finally able to connect the dots and predict the killer's next moves at an increasingly rapid pace, albeit always just a little too late to save lives. Eventually the time comes for the final story to be reenacted, but who could the killer be planning for the victim?
Overall, this book is very gripping to anybody who loves reading. Lovers of detective stories will most definitely love this book, as well as people who love a story with a lot of suspense. For those like me that cannot get enough, this book is the third in a series known as The Bowers Files, beginning with The Pawn. To sum it up, this book earns all five stars, and maybe more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 17, 2022
After thoroughly enjoying The Pawn, which was Steven James’ first book in his series of the Patrick Bowers thrillers, I was disappointed by his second book, The Rook, mainly because I felt that it was more like comic-book science-fiction instead of potential real-life situations. However, not wanting to judge the entire series by just one book, I went ahead and got a copy of the third installment and boy am I glad. The Knight is everything plus more of what I hoped it would be and, to me, is the best of the three.
No science-fiction here, as everything in this book could, as individual events, actually occur in real life. This makes for not only a fast-paced thriller, but a spine-tingling chiller – the kind that will make you triple-check your doors, leave on a night-light, and be extra cautious of your surroundings. And what makes the book even more interesting and fun to read are the subplots involving the main character’s professional relationships with his FBI associates, and personal relationships with his stepdaughter and a couple of female coworkers. While these subplots provide welcome breaks by slowing down the action, they are in no way boring or distracting.
Looks like I am once again hooked on these books and have set a personal goal to read all of them. It would be nice to take a little break between the books, but the suspense from the two cliffhangers at the end of The Knight forces me to move on to The Bishop as soon as my copy arrives, and I can’t wait.
Note: There is no profanity in this book but, due to graphic crime descriptions, this book is not recommended for the squeamish.
No science-fiction here, as everything in this book could, as individual events, actually occur in real life. This makes for not only a fast-paced thriller, but a spine-tingling chiller – the kind that will make you triple-check your doors, leave on a night-light, and be extra cautious of your surroundings. And what makes the book even more interesting and fun to read are the subplots involving the main character’s professional relationships with his FBI associates, and personal relationships with his stepdaughter and a couple of female coworkers. While these subplots provide welcome breaks by slowing down the action, they are in no way boring or distracting.
Looks like I am once again hooked on these books and have set a personal goal to read all of them. It would be nice to take a little break between the books, but the suspense from the two cliffhangers at the end of The Knight forces me to move on to The Bishop as soon as my copy arrives, and I can’t wait.
Note: There is no profanity in this book but, due to graphic crime descriptions, this book is not recommended for the squeamish.
May 8, 2012
From my blog:
So, maybe not an official review. I don't really read them, so I don't know what needs to be in them, but if you are looking for a great mystery series, with adrenaline pumping twists and turns. GET THIS BOOK. Actually, get The Pawn, The Rook and THEN GET THIS BOOK.
With this latest story Steven James as solidified himself as my favorite author ever, and as the granddaughter of a large used bookstore owner, who loves to read. I've read A LOT of books!
Steven James has a way of writng that really makes you feel you are there. He writes word pictures in such a way that you can see and feel everything, but without getting so bogged down in the descriptions that the plot is left behind. You will find yourself struggling with the same moral dilemnas, experiencing the anxieties, and feeling the emotions of the characters. Your mind will race trying to piece together the puzzle in time---before it's too late. You will find yourself with conflicting emotions wanting to hurry up and know "who dunnit" and wanting to slow down so the book will last longer.
This is not a book you will finish and go straight to the next book on your list. You will want to savor the memory of the adventure. You will not want to push it out of the forefront of your mind too quickly in order to make room for the next story.
I soooo can NOT wait for summer, 2010 when I get to read The Bishop
So, maybe not an official review. I don't really read them, so I don't know what needs to be in them, but if you are looking for a great mystery series, with adrenaline pumping twists and turns. GET THIS BOOK. Actually, get The Pawn, The Rook and THEN GET THIS BOOK.
With this latest story Steven James as solidified himself as my favorite author ever, and as the granddaughter of a large used bookstore owner, who loves to read. I've read A LOT of books!
Steven James has a way of writng that really makes you feel you are there. He writes word pictures in such a way that you can see and feel everything, but without getting so bogged down in the descriptions that the plot is left behind. You will find yourself struggling with the same moral dilemnas, experiencing the anxieties, and feeling the emotions of the characters. Your mind will race trying to piece together the puzzle in time---before it's too late. You will find yourself with conflicting emotions wanting to hurry up and know "who dunnit" and wanting to slow down so the book will last longer.
This is not a book you will finish and go straight to the next book on your list. You will want to savor the memory of the adventure. You will not want to push it out of the forefront of your mind too quickly in order to make room for the next story.
I soooo can NOT wait for summer, 2010 when I get to read The Bishop
December 15, 2012
This was an easy four star plus book. I am not to terribly loose with throwing out five stars but I almost did for this book. This one goes to at least a 4.5 rating. Patrick Bowers is called in on an investigation of a serial killer operating in the greater Denver area. But it comes down to who is really hunting who. His step daughter Tessa in an adjacent story line is struggling with who she is and Patrick himself is having some personal issues of his own. This all combines to add a real human side to the main character that I found worked extremely well with the rest of the page turning action. And then you have the identity of the killer. Operating under a pseudonym the reader gets to see the killer operating but will not find his real identity until the end portion of the book. And the author does a great job keeping the reader guessing the real identity right up to the big reveal. This is really shaping up to be a first rate series and I would highly recommend this to anyone looking for a good read.
January 28, 2016
THE KNIGHT by Steven James, the continued saga of Patrick Bowers, is a fast paced thriller that keeps you turning page after page.
FBI Agent Patrick Bowers is juggling more than his fair share. A serial murderer he put away thirteen years ago who might go free, a sadistic killer copying the deaths of those in Decameron a piece of Renaissance Literature and targeting Bowers for the grand finale, and his personal life-both romantic and with his step-daughter, Tessa - continue to be hit both highs and lows. From courtroom drama to a tense cat and mouse chase, THE KNIGHT had me riveted until the very last page. Though I was a bit frustrated by the stops and starts in his personal life, I continued to enjoy the evolution between Patrick and Tessa. Twists, dead ends, and shocking reveals are the name of the game. A must read for those who love suspense novels. I can’t wait to read THE BISHOP.
FBI Agent Patrick Bowers is juggling more than his fair share. A serial murderer he put away thirteen years ago who might go free, a sadistic killer copying the deaths of those in Decameron a piece of Renaissance Literature and targeting Bowers for the grand finale, and his personal life-both romantic and with his step-daughter, Tessa - continue to be hit both highs and lows. From courtroom drama to a tense cat and mouse chase, THE KNIGHT had me riveted until the very last page. Though I was a bit frustrated by the stops and starts in his personal life, I continued to enjoy the evolution between Patrick and Tessa. Twists, dead ends, and shocking reveals are the name of the game. A must read for those who love suspense novels. I can’t wait to read THE BISHOP.
May 7, 2015
The Knight was just as thrilling and suspenseful the second time around as when I first read it 3 (almost 4) years ago. The plot was very interesting and the ending was intense! It was intriguing how the killer was following an ancient manuscript as his template for the crimes he committed -- and pretty much foretold what he planned on doing next. Very creepy!
As with the previous books, Tessa was my favorite character. I just loved how cheeky she was and that she wasn't afraid to speak her mind. Cheyenne was a new character and I also loved the scenes with her!
Overall, The Knight was a thrilling story! A lot of twists and a ton of suspense. I recommend it, as long as you aren't easily frightened.
*I did not get this book for review. I purchased my own copy. As always, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*
As with the previous books, Tessa was my favorite character. I just loved how cheeky she was and that she wasn't afraid to speak her mind. Cheyenne was a new character and I also loved the scenes with her!
Overall, The Knight was a thrilling story! A lot of twists and a ton of suspense. I recommend it, as long as you aren't easily frightened.
*I did not get this book for review. I purchased my own copy. As always, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*
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