Yes, that's right. Brett Partridge is Red John.
He just playing a dumb guy, because he has to be hide the real personality from Jane. This is just a trick, because in real, he is a criminal mastermind. I think, every fan has a feeling that he is Red John.
My opinion is, Patrick has a great sense that Brett Partridge is Red John, but he has to be careful, lest spotting by Red John., because he kill him immediately if realize in danger.
His character fits perfectly:
- he is an expert (has a connection law enforcement)
- he knows how could kill by undetected
- totally macabre (cold, psychopath man)
- just under 6 feet tall, not muscular but not soft either
- has a gentle, odd voice
- he is appears in prior episodes (and we will see him at this season finale!)
A lot of people will be disappointed when the show ends, because he was Red John from the beggining.
So again, Brett Partridge is Red John. Other suspects just a red herrings to confuse us.
