The Quickie

James B. Patterson (born March 22, 1947) is an award-winning American author. Formerly an advertising executive for J. W. Thompson in the early 1990s, Patterson came up with the slogan "Toys R Us Kid". Shortly after his success with Along Came A Spider he retired from the firm and devoted his time to writing. The novels featuring his character, Alex Cross, a black forensic psychologist formerly of the Washington, D.C. Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation, now working as a private psychologist and government consultant, are the most popular books among Patterson readers. James Patterson has been criticized by Stephen King, who called Patterson's books "dopey thrillers".[citation needed] Patterson shrugged off the comments, stating that he wants to be the "thrillingest thriller writer of all time".[citation needed] James Patterson has also been put as one of Forbes magazine's top 100 celebrities.

The best-laid plans of Homicide Detective Lauren Stillwell go awry when she plans a surprise lunch date with her husband and discovers heÕs about to have a nooner with someone else. Not only does Lauren get mad, she gets even by having an indiscretion of her own. Only LaurenÕs quickie is anything but brief. It takes on a life of its own that could destroy both her personal and professional lives. Mary Stuart Masterson performs this psychological suspense with a voice that has just the right understated ÒeverywomanÕsÓ quality. Masterson takes her audience along for the various cliff-hangers and plot twists and helps listeners empathize with the main character. Music cues throughout the production heighten the tension. G.E.O. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine