Paranoia – Michael Bennett’s Gripping Investigation | Book & Audiobook Review by James Patterson

1. About the Author: James Patterson

James Patterson is one of the best-selling authors in the world, with over 300 million copies sold globally. Born in 1947 in New York, Patterson is best known for his fast-paced thrillers and gripping storytelling. His name is tied to iconic series like Alex Cross, Women’s Murder Club, and especially the Michael Bennett series.

What sets Patterson apart is his short, punchy chapters that keep the pace brisk and the suspense high. He’s the first author to have 76 books on the New York Times Best Seller list. In Paranoia, Patterson teams up again with James O. Born to deliver another edge-of-your-seat installment in the Michael Bennett saga.

2. About the Narrators: Will Collyer, Kiff VandenHeuvel, Peter Giles

The Paranoia audiobook features performances by three seasoned voice actors: Will Collyer, Kiff VandenHeuvel, and Peter Giles. Each narrator brings their own unique style, helping to distinguish characters and enhance the immersive experience.

Will Collyer’s calm and articulate tone fits the analytical mind of Michael Bennett. Kiff VandenHeuvel adds emotional depth and nuance to supporting roles, while Peter Giles infuses tension and urgency into key moments. Their combined performances elevate the audiobook to a cinematic level.

3. About the Book: Paranoia – A Michael Bennett Thriller

Paranoia is the 17th entry in the Michael Bennett series. The story opens with a string of apparent suicides involving former NYPD officers. As the body count rises, Bennett suspects foul play and is discreetly recruited by Inspector Celeste Cantor—who believes she may be next.

The novel explores themes of mistrust, corruption, and psychological pressure within law enforcement. It also dives into Bennett’s personal life as a father of ten and soon-to-be father of eleven, adding emotional resonance to the plot.

• Genre: Crime, Thriller, Police Procedural

• Average Ratings:

  • Goodreads: 4.45/5 (5,800+ reviews)

  • Amazon: 4.6/5 (4,700+ reviews)

• Sales: Not officially released, but ranked among Audible’s and Amazon’s top thrillers for March 2025.

4. Book Review: Paranoia – A Michael Bennett Thriller

Paranoia succeeds in delivering a tightly written, suspenseful narrative that combines gritty police work with heartfelt family dynamics. The biggest strength lies in the pacing—thanks to Patterson’s signature short chapters—and the compelling mystery that slowly unfolds.

Michael Bennett remains a strong, relatable lead: a no-nonsense detective balancing crime-solving with fatherhood. His interactions with new partner Rob Trilling add freshness and character depth.

One minor critique from readers is the title “Paranoia,” which some feel doesn’t perfectly align with the plot. However, this hardly detracts from the overall experience.

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5. Audiobook Review: Paranoia

The audiobook version of Paranoia is a standout experience. The narration trio—Will Collyer, Kiff VandenHeuvel, and Peter Giles—deliver dynamic performances that make the characters and suspense feel alive.

Listeners praised the distinct vocal styles, which help differentiate characters and heighten the drama. Collyer’s precision, VandenHeuvel’s emotional delivery, and Giles’ intensity create a seamless, engaging audio journey.

• Audible Rating: 4.6/5 (almost 3,000 ratings)

• Pros: Professional voice acting, immersive storytelling

• Cons: Voice switching may be slightly distracting for some new listeners

6. Who Should Read or Listen to This Book?

Paranoia is ideal for:

• Fans of modern detective fiction and crime thrillers

• Long-time readers of James Patterson or the Michael Bennett series

• Audiobook enthusiasts looking for high-quality, full-cast narration

• Busy professionals who enjoy listening while commuting or multitasking

If you enjoy intricate investigations, realistic police drama, and strong character-driven storytelling, Paranoia is well worth your time.

7. Conclusion

Paranoia: A Michael Bennett Thriller showcases James Patterson’s continued mastery of suspenseful storytelling. With a gripping plot, emotionally grounded characters, and a top-tier audiobook performance, this entry stands out in the crime thriller genre.

Whether you prefer reading or listening, this title delivers on all fronts. Add Paranoia to your reading list—you won’t regret it.

8. Where to Listen to the Audiobook

You can listen to Paranoia: A Michael Bennett Thriller on:

• Audible – Offers a 30-day free trial and full access to the audiobook

• Audiobooks.com – Stream or download with flexible membership options

Pro Tip: Becoming a member gives you access to free monthly credits and allows you to enjoy audiobooks anytime, anywhere.