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).
See the Penguin Random House NZ books shortlisted for the 2026 NZ Booklovers Awards
Easter fun with Bluey! Whether you're a fan of quizzes, crafts, colouring, or biscuit decorating, we've rounded up the best Easter activities so you and your little ones can celebrate Easter with their favourite, Bluey!
So, you’ve watched a particular hockey romance series that left you wanting more? You’ve come to the right place. After all, every great series is based on an even better book.
Cath, our Penguin NZ Children's Publisher on what makes STEPPING UP by David Hill a very special book
Children's books to encourage understanding, kindness and inclusion.
Join the analogue movement! Check out four key tips for the best screen free hobbies, from colouring in to starting a book club.
Come and join as Elisabeth Easther launches Seed, her always hilarious and sometimes heartbreaking new novel
Take this quiz to find out whether you're a Beth, Amy, Jo or Meg!
The summer holidays are the perfect time to encourage kids to learn something new and explore their interests!
The film adaptation of Emily Henry’s People We Meet on Vacation is fast approaching it’s January release. The film follows Poppy and Alex over 12 summers as their relationship transforms from enemies, to friends, to… you’ll have to wait and see.