Book Review: Hard to Kill (Jane Smith, #2) by James Patterson and Mike Lupica
As a devoted fan of thrillers that don’t shy away from tackling emotional and complex themes, I eagerly anticipated diving into Hard to Kill, the latest installment in James Patterson and Mike Lupica’s Jane Smith series. Picking up right where 12 Months to Live left us, I was ready to follow our fierce protagonist on what promised to be another tumultuous journey. The blurb boasting that “Jane Smith is the best character we’ve ever created. Bar none,” certainly set high expectations, and I’m thrilled to say that this undeniably captivating character lives up to the hype in many ways.
At the heart of Hard to Kill lies an engaging tale entwining legal drama and raw personal struggle. Jane Smith, a brilliant defense attorney battling stage 4 cancer, faces her most significant challenge yet—not only must she defend Rob Jacobson, her morally ambiguous client accused of yet another triple homicide, but she must also confront her own mortality. This dual burden pulls readers into Jane’s tumultuous world, where the stakes are incredibly high.
What struck me the most about this novel was Jane’s complexity as a character—she’s unapologetically herself: vocal, tenacious, and fiercely independent. I found myself cheering her on, even as she grappled with the grim reality of her illness. Her relationship with those around her—especially her best friend and doctor, Samantha, and her boyfriend, Ben—added layers to her journey. As I read, I felt a tightness in my chest during Jane’s moments of vulnerability, particularly when her cancer loomed heavy over her thoughts and actions.
One of the highlights of this book is the deeper exploration of Jane’s past. Her relationships with her parents and ex-husbands provide a rich context for understanding her fierce determination and emotional resilience. These moments stood out to me as poignant revelations, unraveling the ‘onion’ of Jane’s life in a way that kept me hooked.
However, while the book shines when it comes to character development, the plot does suffer slightly from a lack of focus. The complexities surrounding Rob Jacobson’s allegations often felt convoluted, introducing a myriad of characters and backstories that at times muddied the central narrative. I’m all for twists and turns, but I found myself yearning for a bit more clarity as I made my way through the pages. More questions than answers linger as we reach the cliffhanger ending—a hallmark of a second book in a trilogy, yes, yet it left me craving a more satisfying resolution.
Despite these criticisms, Patterson and Lupica’s combined voice ensures that the writing is as fast-paced and captivating as ever. While the plot may fit the mold of a classic “set-up” for what’s to come, it’s impossible not to be swept away by the emotional weight of Jane’s fight against time and fate.
For anyone who enjoys character-driven thrillers that evoke deep emotional resonance while balancing high-stakes drama, Hard to Kill will not disappoint. It’s ideal for readers who appreciate flawed yet relatable protagonists and who savor the anticipation of cliffhangers leading into future installments. Personally, I walked away from this read not only looking forward to the next chapter in Jane’s story but also reflecting on the intricate ways in which our struggles define us.
In the end, I’d rate Hard to Kill a solid 3.5 stars out of 5. If you can embrace its narrative quirks and enjoy the ride with Jane Smith, it promises to be an experience that lingers long after the final page is turned.
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