James Patterson churns out a book every several months, but sometimes it's preferable to take the time to work the kinks out of a story. His latest novel with co-author Howard Roughan, You've Been Warned, is an example of such a book. Patterson, known for strong characters like Alex Cross and Lindsay Boxer, creates a disappointing protagonist in You've Been Warned.

Kristin Burns is an aspiring New York photographer who pays the bills by nannying two adorable kids. She begins an illicit affair with the father of the children, whose wife is a caricature of the rich mothers from the novel The Nanny Diaries.

All of a sudden Kristin begins having terrifying nightmares and visions, and she can't discern dreams from reality. She sees dead people, including her father who committed suicide and her sexually abusive former pediatrician who was murdered by the father of another victim. She receives collect calls from herself and is given warnings by various people, although she does not understand the message.

Kristin walks through the streets of New York with her camera, taking pictures and rushing home to develop film to see if her visions are real. She begins stalking her flame and believes she is losing her mind. The climax centers around four body bags in front of a hotel.

Patterson and Roughan write a fast-paced book that veers more toward horror than mystery. Although a page-turned, the plot is contrived and at times nonsensical. The biggest disappointment in You've Been Warned, though, is Kristin, who is not particularly likeable and infuriatingly self-centered with regard to her ill-fated relationship.

- Ashley