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I, Michael Bennett
James Patterson

I, Michael Bennett

Quick Answer

Read "I, Michael Bennett" as the 5th book in the Michael Bennett Series sequence. This follows the recommended publication order to preserve character development.

Sequence Warning

⚠️ Do NOT read before "Tick Tock (Michael Bennett 4)" (Book 4)

❓ Can I skip this book?
❌ No — Required

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

Verdict Insight: As the 5th installment, this volume is critical for following the central narrative progression and plot development.

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2013416 pp
Police officers shot <br><br>Detective Michael Bennett arrests an infamous Mexican crime lord in a deadly chase that leaves Bennett's lifelong friend Hughie McDonough dead. From jail, the prisoner vows to rain epic violence down upon New York City-and to get revenge on Michael Bennett.<br><br>Judges murdered<br><br>To escape the chaos, Bennett takes his ten kids and their beautiful nanny, Mary Catherine, on a much-needed vacation to his family's cabin near Newburgh, New York. But instead of the calm and happy town he remembers from growing up, they step into a nightmare worse than they could have ever imagined. Newburgh is an inferno of warring gangs, and there's little the police-or Bennett-can do to keep the children safe.<br><br>Target: Michael Bennett<br><br>As violence overwhelms the state, Bennett is torn between protecting his hometown and saving New York City. A partner in his investigations, federal prosecutor Tara McLellan, brings him new weapons for the battle-and an attraction that endangers his relationship with Mary Catherine. A no-holds-barred, pedal-to-the-floor, action-packed novel, <i>I, Michael Bennett</i> is James Patterson at his most personal and most thrilling best.
Next Recommended Book

Burn

Book #6 of 16 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 Michael Bennett Series 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 I, Michael Bennett?

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

Can I read I, Michael Bennett before Tick Tock (Michael Bennett 4)?

No. We recommend reading Tick Tock (Michael Bennett 4) first. I, Michael Bennett is the 5th book in the series and follows the core narrative established in earlier volumes.

Is I, Michael Bennett required reading for the Michael Bennett Series?

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

What comes after I, Michael Bennett in the reading order?

The next recommended book after I, Michael Bennett is Burn (Book #6).