Get to know James Patterson’s New York detective.
Name: Michael Bennett
Height: 190.5 centimetres
Weighs: 90 kilograms
Nationality: Irish-American
Located: New York City
Personal:
Michael Bennett lives with his ten adopted kids whom he cares for with the help of a nanny, Mary Catherine, and his grandfather Seamus. Bennett’s wife, Maeve, died of cancer in December 2007. Since her death, he has remained single but recently started dating again, finding an attraction to FBI Agent Emily Parker.
Professional:
Bennett began his law enforcement career in the Bronx’s 49th precinct. He then transferred to the NYPD’s Hostage Negotiation Team before moving to the Manhattan North Homicide Squad. He’s currently a detective and goes by the mantra ‘discover the truth at all costs’.
Timeline of the first five cases in the series:
- Step On A Crack: After the death of a beloved former First Lady, the most powerful people in the world gather in New York for her funeral. Then the inconceivable occurs. Billionaires, politicians, and superstars of every kind are suddenly trapped in one man's brilliant and ruthless scenario.
- Run for Your Life: A man, who calls himself ‘the Teacher’, intent on exacting revenge, embarks on the worst killing spree New York has ever seen. Detective Michael Bennett is put to the test as ‘the Teacher’ leads him on a terrifying chase that brings danger perilously close to home.
- Worst Case: The son of one of New York's wealthiest families is being held hostage but this kidnapper isn't demanding money. Instead, he quizzes his prisoner, and wrong answers are fatal. The FBI send their top Abduction Specialist, Agent Emily Parker, in to assist Bennett and his work and love life suddenly get even more complicated.
- Tick Tock: Bennett is called in when an undetonated bomb in one of New York's busiest places turns out to be a warning of greater devastation to come. Another horrifying crime leads Bennett to a shocking discovery that exposes the killer's pattern – and the earth-shattering enormity of his plan.
- I, Michael Bennett: A South American crime lord has brought New York the worst lawlessness and violence the city has ever seen. The danger isn't only coming from the crime lord's killers - FBI Agent Emily Parker is back, and Bennett's attraction to her endangers his relationship with Mary Catherine (his kids’ nanny).
Margot McGovern’s Our Dark Unravelling is the must-read YA horror thriller for 2026.
Magical creatures, perilous trials and one unbelievable adventure await in Protector of Beyond, the first book in a gripping new fantasy book series from exciting new voice Shara Curlett.
Fall in love with Penguin’s selection of the best romance fiction. Explore our diverse list of new favourite reads, from YA favourites to Australian classics.
Looking for a good book to accompany your holiday? Whether you’re sitting poolside, on a snowy escape or relaxing at home, find our 10 best choices here.
At the end of a busy day, many of us like to sit down with a good book or in front of the television to relax. Both offer the chance to enjoy a great story, but they engage us in their own ways.
From a smouldering slow-burn to fiery heat at first bite, we’ve paired some of our best spicy books with our most delicious dishes.
Discover the diverse books our team recommends to broaden your reading and introduce you to unforgettable new authors.
Forget the Roman Empire. We're entering our Greek mythology era.
If you’ve been hearing these words a lot lately and not sure what they mean, here’s your guide to the DCC universe.
See Penguin Australia’s selection of the best book adaptations, from movies to TV shows. Get to reading or watching your next favourite here.
Discover Penguin Australia’s best memoirs & biographies. Find a curated list of powerful stories from the most interesting & inspiring people.
Do you already have a costume for Children's Book Week, but no book to match?