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4th Of July
James Patterson

4th Of July

Quick Answer

Read "4th Of July" as the 4th book in the Women's Murder Club sequence. This follows the recommended publication order to preserve character development.

Sequence Warning

⚠️ Do NOT read before "3rd Degree" (Book 3)

❓ Can I skip this book?
❌ No — Required

This book is essential to the core narrative and character development.

Verdict Insight: As the 4th installment, this volume is critical for following the central narrative progression and plot development.

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2005400 pp
A young girl is killed in the crossfire after a routine arrest goes terribly wrong, and Lt. Lindsay Boxer has to defend herself against a charge of police brutality. In a landmark trial that transfixes the nation, Lindsay fights to save her career and her sanity. While awaiting trial, Lindsay escapes to the tranquility of the beautiful town of Half Moon Bay . But the peaceful community there is reeling from a string of unspeakable murders. Working with her friends in the Women's Murder Club, Lindsay finds a link between these killings and a case she worked on years before - an unsolved murder that has haunted her ever since. As summer comes into full swing, Lindsay battles for her life on two fronts: before a judge and jury as her trial comes to a climax and facing unknown adversaries who will do anything to keep her from the truth about the killings. It all comes to a head before the big annual 4th of July celebration on the waterfront at Half Moon Bay. "Patterson knows where our deepest fears are buried. There's no stopping his imagination." -New York Times Book Review "Patterson's skill at building suspense is enviable." -Kansas City Star"When it comes to constructing a harrowing plot, author James Patterson can turn a screw all right."-New York Daily News
Next Recommended Book

The 5th Horseman

Book #5 of 18 in Series

Complete Series Reading Order

Publication Order

Preserves character reveals and plot twists exactly as the author intended.

Chronological Order

May spoil surprises but improves timeline clarity for deep lore fans.

Order Confidence

high Confidence

Why this order?

Our team of curators analyzes publication history, author interviews, and internal narrative continuity to establish the definitive reading sequence. This ensures zero spoilers and maximum narrative impact.

Why This Order Is Confusing

Many reading lists for Women's Murder Club conflict because early publishers often labeled short story collections as standalone novels, or rearranged internal chronologies for marketing. This guide follows original author intent and narrative continuity to settle the debate for good.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I skip reading 4th Of July?

This book is essential to the core narrative and character development.

Can I read 4th Of July before 3rd Degree?

No. We recommend reading 3rd Degree first. 4th Of July is the 4th book in the series and follows the core narrative established in earlier volumes.

Is 4th Of July required reading for the Women's Murder Club?

Yes, it is a core installment in the series reading order and contains critical character development and plot progression.

What comes after 4th Of July in the reading order?

The next recommended book after 4th Of July is The 5th Horseman (Book #5).