Along with McMahon, Patterson is diving into the world of dystopia with one of his most recent books. Set in the not so distant future after World War III has ravaged much of North America, Toys introduces readers to the idea of Elites. These are people who are genetically enhanced to be better than regular humans. They are stronger, faster, more attractive and smarter. Basically, Elites are everything we would want to be, and they know it. Elites were created to improve on humanity, which had almost destroyed the world, and themselves, with their violence. As a result, Elites have no trouble looking down on the dirty, stinky humans. Yes, we even smell to these advanced people.

Hays Baker is just one of the Elites. In their society, he and his wife Lizbeth are considered the creme de la creme. They are even better than the rest of the Elites, and they work for the Agency, a secret organization that is sort of like a combined FBI and CIA that polices North America to keep it safe from evil, particularly humans. They are both considered heroes and have been honored by the President himself. Hays and Lizbeth also have two beautiful children, though, in this society children are not born from their mothers but from biological incubators.

As our tale begins Hays and Lizbeth are called in to investigate a horrible murder of a number of Elites in Toyz, an amazing store that carries all the modern entertainment devices in the world for purchase. It quickly becomes clear that the victims were targeted by human terrorists. It doesn't take long for Hays to be drawn into a chase with a number of the terrorists, and he finds himself hurtling off the roof of a parking garage with one of them. Unfortunately, the landing is less than smooth, and he ends up in the hospital.

As the doctors start to work on him, they notice something different about him. He doesn't seem to be an Elite. Is it possible? Could he be human? Could everything he has known be a lie?

Out of fear, Hays escapes from the hospital and finds himself on the run. He makes his way home to his parents where he learns some surprising secrets about his past that will bring him into core of the dispute between Humans and Elite. This revelation includes information about 7-4, the horrible event that killed thousands and led to the current state of affairs.

While he is being hunted by his former friends and his wife, Hays starts to get a new look at the world, and he can't help but wonder if he is on the wrong side. It probably doesn't help that the Elites now seem to want him dead.

This is a really quick and exciting read that evokes a sense of Total Recall, the early John Grisham books, and even the Bourne books by Robert Ludlum. While there is not a lot of depth, which is typical of Patterson, it is pretty fun. It's a nice easy, fluffy read that keeps ya on the edge of your seat.