Get to know James Patterson’s New York detective.
Name: Michael Bennett
Height: 190.5 centimetres
Weighs: 90 kilograms
Nationality: Irish-American
Located: New York City
Personal:
Michael Bennett lives with his ten adopted kids whom he cares for with the help of a nanny, Mary Catherine, and his grandfather Seamus. Bennett’s wife, Maeve, died of cancer in December 2007. Since her death, he has remained single but recently started dating again, finding an attraction to FBI Agent Emily Parker.
Professional:
Bennett began his law enforcement career in the Bronx’s 49th precinct. He then transferred to the NYPD’s Hostage Negotiation Team before moving to the Manhattan North Homicide Squad. He’s currently a detective and goes by the mantra ‘discover the truth at all costs’.
Timeline of the first five cases in the series:
- Step On A Crack: After the death of a beloved former First Lady, the most powerful people in the world gather in New York for her funeral. Then the inconceivable occurs. Billionaires, politicians, and superstars of every kind are suddenly trapped in one man's brilliant and ruthless scenario.
- Run for Your Life: A man, who calls himself ‘the Teacher’, intent on exacting revenge, embarks on the worst killing spree New York has ever seen. Detective Michael Bennett is put to the test as ‘the Teacher’ leads him on a terrifying chase that brings danger perilously close to home.
- Worst Case: The son of one of New York's wealthiest families is being held hostage but this kidnapper isn't demanding money. Instead, he quizzes his prisoner, and wrong answers are fatal. The FBI send their top Abduction Specialist, Agent Emily Parker, in to assist Bennett and his work and love life suddenly get even more complicated.
- Tick Tock: Bennett is called in when an undetonated bomb in one of New York's busiest places turns out to be a warning of greater devastation to come. Another horrifying crime leads Bennett to a shocking discovery that exposes the killer's pattern – and the earth-shattering enormity of his plan.
- I, Michael Bennett: A South American crime lord has brought New York the worst lawlessness and violence the city has ever seen. The danger isn't only coming from the crime lord's killers - FBI Agent Emily Parker is back, and Bennett's attraction to her endangers his relationship with Mary Catherine (his kids’ nanny).
What does The Whale Rider mean to you?
There’s a version of The Odyssey for every reader - read on to find the one for you to read before (or after!) you see the movie in theatres.
Learn more and apply for the Penguin Children’s Bookseller Grant – a $50,000 initiative designed to engage young readers.
Learn how to make seven Book Week costumes inspired by the Bluey books. Each costume is easy to make and will look great during Book Week!
Can you bake a beautiful loaf of bread? We’re on a search to find the best young bread baker!
Celebrate Matariki with Dr Hinemoa Elder at events across the South Island, in conversation about her books and the wisdom that inspires them.
Tell us what you love reading so we can personalise the books, recommendations and emails you receive from Penguin.
Read the first three chapters of Ariā and the Monster Island!
For generations, Lynley Dodd’s Hairy Maclary stories have introduced young children to the joy of reading…
There is nothing kids love more than a big old belly-laugh, and when it comes to reading, a book full of laugh-out-loud moments can unlock a joy of reading for life!
Treat Mum to an amazing meal at home this Mother’s Day! We’ve curated the perfect Mother’s Day brunch using some of our most popular recipes.
Join Christopher de Hamel as he travels across New Zealand for a series of author talks, exploring the connections between his South Island childhood, medieval manuscripts and 19th century Aotearoa.