BookPath
Watch Your Back
James Patterson

Watch Your Back

Quick Answer

Read "Watch Your Back" as the 62nd book in the Murder Bookshots (Standalone Novellas) sequence. This follows the recommended publication order to preserve character development.

Sequence Warning

⚠️ Do NOT read before "Last Chance" (Book 61)

❓ Can I skip this book?
❌ No — Required

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

Verdict Insight: As the 62nd installment, this volume is critical for following the central narrative progression and plot development.

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2024452 pp
<p> <b>A thief's plans to rob a corrupt billionaire's penthouse go hilariously awry in this classic heist novel by a Mystery Writers of America Grand Master.</b> </p> <p> <b>"John Dortmunder, deadpan burglar extraordinaire, leads a cast of marvelously twisted supporting characters in his stellar 12th outing. . . . Events unfold in a delicious sequence, and every step is complemented by great writing." —</b> <i> <b>Publishers Weekly</b> </i> <b> (starred review)</b> </p> <p>It's a long way from the island of Manhattan to the island resort where Preston Fareweather has his hedonistic hideout—avoiding the legal prosecutions of five embittered ex-wives and enjoying the attentions of the prettiest gold diggers who happen to come his way. A terrible human being, Preston makes the terrible mistake of getting friendly with an equally dyspeptic personality: a New York fence named Arnie Albright.</p> <p>Arnie went to the island paradise to become a happier man. It worked. After a week with Preston, Arnie comes home to New York with a whole new attitude and a proposition for his associate John Dortmunder: a can't miss, million-dollar robbery of Preston's nearly unguarded, art-filled Fifth Avenue penthouse.</p> <p>But when Dortmunder and his clean-up crew get together to plan the heist, they quickly get distracted and suddenly a billionaire from Fifth Avenue and a would-be Tony Soprano from New Jersey have one thing in common: John Dortmunder is after them both at the same time . . .and disaster can't be far behind.</p> <p> <b>"Westlake is in fine form. . . . [He] renders characters that are delightfully askew. . . . Crime may not pay, but the adventures are always rich in the company of Westlake's men of steal." —</b> <i> <b>Booklist</b> </i> <b> (starred review)</b> </p>
Next Recommended Book

Sacking The Quarterback

Book #63 of 51 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 Murder Bookshots (Standalone Novellas) 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 Watch Your Back?

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

Can I read Watch Your Back before Last Chance?

No. We recommend reading Last Chance first. Watch Your Back is the 62th book in the series and follows the core narrative established in earlier volumes.

Is Watch Your Back required reading for the Murder Bookshots (Standalone Novellas)?

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

What comes after Watch Your Back in the reading order?

The next recommended book after Watch Your Back is Sacking The Quarterback (Book #63).