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joanjeffery's review
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
jakennedy's review
1.0
Once upon a time, I was a huge James Patterson fan. The Alex Cross series was a well-written, fast paced and just overall enjoyable series to read. The latest enstallment finds our character stuck in a rut. The story is predictable, pooy written and honestly, not worth the time.
thriller_chick's review against another edition
5.0
Brilliant! What James Patterson did with Kyle Craig in this one is terrifying. This series just keeps getting better and better.
beccarose94's review
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
suvata's review
4.0
Finally got caught up on the Alex Cross series. I really like most of James Patterson's work but Alex Cross is definitely my favorite. Can't wait for #18 to come out at the end of the year.
ncvb89's review
3.0
Good read, but the ending? Really? Very poor. LOL-ed over its ridiculousness, covert advertisement for the next book? Sad.
chri5ti's review
2.0
I finished it today and was a little stunned by the anti-climatic finish between Alex and Kyle. I think that relationship should have had a more developed ending. Overall I enjoyed the book, but when I think about it I can't tell you why. I think the writing carries you along, but the story itself was a little lacking. I expected more.
yorugua1891's review
4.0
"It was all part of my punishment for catching him the first time"
It is official, Patterson has hit his stride again with this series, and it is a very welcome change. He is basically taking us back to the basics of what made him a favorite among many, a fast-pace thrilling plot that has enough surprises and chilling moments to keep us reading non-stop until we are done. Those that have read the previous book in the series already know what was coming in this one: Kyle Craig is back! And he is back with a vengeance, with a new identity, a new face and a Machiavellian plot to ruin Alex Cross once and for all.
One of the characteristics that make Kyle such an effective "bag guy" is that he is very good at using psychological warfare. For example, he calls Alex and makes veiled threats about his family, or leaves clues in crime scenes about his involvement and about Cross' fault for these events. Patterson has taken the time and effort to develop a killer that gives the reader chills and he uses this character almost to perfection.
The other aspect that provides this book with added interest is the personal developments associated with the main characters, such as Alex's engagement to Bree, or things having to do with custody of Ali. There is of course the ever lasting Nana and some of the others fan favorites.
The only drawback that I found with this novel is that after a huge buildup in tension and excitement, I felt that the ending was a little flat. I understand that it is hard to match expectations once the scene has been set up this well, but I ended up with the feeling that the author really did not try to come up with a finale that was up to par. Almost as if he decided that his work was done and he just needed to wrap things up. Regardless of this flaw, this is one that you would not want to miss.
It is official, Patterson has hit his stride again with this series, and it is a very welcome change. He is basically taking us back to the basics of what made him a favorite among many, a fast-pace thrilling plot that has enough surprises and chilling moments to keep us reading non-stop until we are done. Those that have read the previous book in the series already know what was coming in this one: Kyle Craig is back! And he is back with a vengeance, with a new identity, a new face and a Machiavellian plot to ruin Alex Cross once and for all.
One of the characteristics that make Kyle such an effective "bag guy" is that he is very good at using psychological warfare. For example, he calls Alex and makes veiled threats about his family, or leaves clues in crime scenes about his involvement and about Cross' fault for these events. Patterson has taken the time and effort to develop a killer that gives the reader chills and he uses this character almost to perfection.
The other aspect that provides this book with added interest is the personal developments associated with the main characters, such as Alex's engagement to Bree, or things having to do with custody of Ali. There is of course the ever lasting Nana and some of the others fan favorites.
The only drawback that I found with this novel is that after a huge buildup in tension and excitement, I felt that the ending was a little flat. I understand that it is hard to match expectations once the scene has been set up this well, but I ended up with the feeling that the author really did not try to come up with a finale that was up to par. Almost as if he decided that his work was done and he just needed to wrap things up. Regardless of this flaw, this is one that you would not want to miss.
gianouts's review against another edition
3.0
A very easy read comprising three threads. It lacked a wow factor for me but was still an okay read that had a bit of a dull ending and some of the threads lacked any real depth. Light entertainment.