Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.99 AVERAGE
3.99 AVERAGE
Although this book is a part of the Alex Cross universe, I was able to read and enjoy the novel without having read all of the other books that came before this one.
I won't say too much about what happens because there are twists and turns and red
herrrings, and I don't want to spoil any of the book for anyone who reads this review.
This is because the book is so well written that the suspense of not knowing what's going to happen is so captivating, I wouldn't want to ruin that experience for anyone else.
I don't think it's attainable for me to get all of the books before this and read them all tomorrow, but I'm definitely going to be on the lookout for these other novels, because I definitely want to catch up and see the mystery entangled journey that Dr Cross has already has so far.
I thoroughly enjoyed the way the book was formatted too, each significant thing that happened or event that needed to be covered seemingly had its own chapter. As someone who can't bear to pause a book mid chapter this really made the experience better.
I'm giving five stars because I think it's a true reflection of how well written and how explanatory the book is, because I could follow along with both what was happening now and what happened before, without being up to date with previous novels. It was a gripping read and I truly enjoyed every chapter.
I won't say too much about what happens because there are twists and turns and red
herrrings, and I don't want to spoil any of the book for anyone who reads this review.
This is because the book is so well written that the suspense of not knowing what's going to happen is so captivating, I wouldn't want to ruin that experience for anyone else.
I don't think it's attainable for me to get all of the books before this and read them all tomorrow, but I'm definitely going to be on the lookout for these other novels, because I definitely want to catch up and see the mystery entangled journey that Dr Cross has already has so far.
I thoroughly enjoyed the way the book was formatted too, each significant thing that happened or event that needed to be covered seemingly had its own chapter. As someone who can't bear to pause a book mid chapter this really made the experience better.
I'm giving five stars because I think it's a true reflection of how well written and how explanatory the book is, because I could follow along with both what was happening now and what happened before, without being up to date with previous novels. It was a gripping read and I truly enjoyed every chapter.
James Patterson returns with one of his foundations series, exploring the further adventures of Alex Cross in this intense crime thriller. As the novel opens, Dr. Alex Cross is on his way to the execution of a man he helped put away for some gruesome murders. While the man’s family professes this is a frame-up, Cross is sure the evidence tells a different story. After watching the electrocution, Cross and his partner are called to the scene of a crime, one that makes he wonder if he might have made a major mistake. A crime scene awaits him, similar to those the aforementioned killer appeared to have left, along with a mocking note signed “M”. Cross scrambles to understand what’s going on and how this will reflect on him. As Cross thinks back to the case from years ago, he is forced to wonder if he got wrapped up in a quick solve, rather than weighing all the evidence. As he tries to crack open the ‘M’ case, Cross is faced with a few more copycat killings from other notorious killers he’s put away. Nothing is more disturbing than a few sightings of his greatest nemesis, Kyle Craig, who apparently died right before Cross’ eyes a few years before. As Cross seeks to uncover the great ‘M’, he is taunted repeatedly and is surely being watched from afar. When terror strikes within the Cross household, ‘M’ claims responsibility, but will stop at nothing until Alex Cross is permanently neutralized. An interesting addition to the series, which has gone on for quite a while. One must wonder if Cross might want to hang up his cuffs and enjoy a quieter life. Recommended to those who enjoy Alex Cross and his various adventures, as well as those who find solace in James Patterson’s work.
I admit that I have long been a critic of Patterson’s work, as I find it is usually rushed and slapped together in haste, selling so well because of a name and not the quality of the story. The Alex Cross series has usually been quite well written and the stories remain believable throughout the many novels that are pieces of this collection. There is little room for backstory with Alex Cross, but Patterson os keen to show how he is always on the ball to catch a killer in new and interesting ways. Cross is a family man to the core, balancing work, marriage, and his children as best he can. Patterson offers up some added information about the youngest Cross, Ali, which likely parallels his decision to create a young adult collection featuring Ali going forward. The reader gets a little more about the middle child, daughter Jannie, who is set to make some major academic decisions, fully supported by her father. Other characters find their spots in the narrative and keep the reader on their toes, while never distracting from the larger plot. The use of ‘M’ as a copycat-cum-new villain will have interesting impacts, should the series continue for the foreseeable future. The story was well written and in line with much of the past novels in the series, with Patterson using his quick chapters to lure the reader to “read a little more”. While not the best of the collection, it will keep me reading this series. On that note, one must wonder if Cross is ending his run soon, as he has reached a large number of adventures. If so, perhaps he, Michael Bennett, and Lindsay Boxer could work together, even once? It has been my long-time plea.
Kudos, Mr. Patterson, for another good read. I hope series fans are satisfied and that you will focus your attention on these stronger series and keep the vapid writing for others to pen.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons
I admit that I have long been a critic of Patterson’s work, as I find it is usually rushed and slapped together in haste, selling so well because of a name and not the quality of the story. The Alex Cross series has usually been quite well written and the stories remain believable throughout the many novels that are pieces of this collection. There is little room for backstory with Alex Cross, but Patterson os keen to show how he is always on the ball to catch a killer in new and interesting ways. Cross is a family man to the core, balancing work, marriage, and his children as best he can. Patterson offers up some added information about the youngest Cross, Ali, which likely parallels his decision to create a young adult collection featuring Ali going forward. The reader gets a little more about the middle child, daughter Jannie, who is set to make some major academic decisions, fully supported by her father. Other characters find their spots in the narrative and keep the reader on their toes, while never distracting from the larger plot. The use of ‘M’ as a copycat-cum-new villain will have interesting impacts, should the series continue for the foreseeable future. The story was well written and in line with much of the past novels in the series, with Patterson using his quick chapters to lure the reader to “read a little more”. While not the best of the collection, it will keep me reading this series. On that note, one must wonder if Cross is ending his run soon, as he has reached a large number of adventures. If so, perhaps he, Michael Bennett, and Lindsay Boxer could work together, even once? It has been my long-time plea.
Kudos, Mr. Patterson, for another good read. I hope series fans are satisfied and that you will focus your attention on these stronger series and keep the vapid writing for others to pen.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/248185-a-book-for-all-seasons
Thanks to NetGalley and The Publisher for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I'm a fan of James Patterson and have read all of the Alex Cross books. This is the 27th in the series. The earlier books were really excellently constructed but over the years they have become very formulaic.
This is a simple thriller, prefect for the beach (where I read it) or when you want something less taxing. Its still a page turner but everything is so obvious, i felt I was reading to confirm if my suspicions were correct - and they were. But there's a comfort and enjoyment that I get from reading this series that means I will be eagerly waiting for the next instalment and hoping for a return to the Alex cross of old.
Not the best but still worth a read if you like this sort of thing.
I'm a fan of James Patterson and have read all of the Alex Cross books. This is the 27th in the series. The earlier books were really excellently constructed but over the years they have become very formulaic.
This is a simple thriller, prefect for the beach (where I read it) or when you want something less taxing. Its still a page turner but everything is so obvious, i felt I was reading to confirm if my suspicions were correct - and they were. But there's a comfort and enjoyment that I get from reading this series that means I will be eagerly waiting for the next instalment and hoping for a return to the Alex cross of old.
Not the best but still worth a read if you like this sort of thing.
It may seem a bit repetitive after 27 books in this franchise but still a good chase and a compelling ending to get you to the next book
Criss Cross is the twenty-seventh instalment to feature psychologist, police force and FBI consultant Dr Alex Cross, and I am amazed at how the series continues to go from strength to strength. The plotline is very much ripped from today's headlines: terrifyingly a convicted killer and serial rapist Mikey Edgerton who was handed the death penalty as punishment has just been executed when a murder using his very modus operandi occurs. Is someone taunting the police to make sure they know they got the wrong man and he is still free or is it merely a sick hoax and a copycat killer? Alex finds a letter from the enigmatic person known only as M who has been dropping hints and guiding him in the right direction in terms of this case for years. But who knows who can really be trusted in a game where everyone plays to win.
As always with Patterson's books so long as you can suspend your disbelief and turn a blind eye to the believability factor then you're going to enjoy the ride. Every chapter has action and thrills and this serves to keep you reading just one more even when you really should be doing other stuff. Patterson knows exactly how to grip you and not let you go and this book is no exception; it's a page-turner simply overflowing with wicked deeds, twists and surprises, exciting action and a fast-moving narrative. I always try to savour his books because they are so riveting and addictive but it's an impossibility. This is an absorbing, high-octane and compulsively readable thriller that will delight fans both old and new. Many thanks to Century for an ARC.
As always with Patterson's books so long as you can suspend your disbelief and turn a blind eye to the believability factor then you're going to enjoy the ride. Every chapter has action and thrills and this serves to keep you reading just one more even when you really should be doing other stuff. Patterson knows exactly how to grip you and not let you go and this book is no exception; it's a page-turner simply overflowing with wicked deeds, twists and surprises, exciting action and a fast-moving narrative. I always try to savour his books because they are so riveting and addictive but it's an impossibility. This is an absorbing, high-octane and compulsively readable thriller that will delight fans both old and new. Many thanks to Century for an ARC.
I usually like the Alex Cross books, but this one wasn’t one of my favs.
“The past will hunt you down” it says right there on the cover and I wish it was sarcasm by Patterson to put it there. Because the past hunts only him down.
Let’s start at the beginning, though: In typical Patterson redneck manner, he lets Cross witness the state-sponsored murder of a killer he put away - right after Cross framed the guy... Cross himself about the framing part:
“You might ask if I believed the ends justified the means, and I’d answer that in this case, yes.”
Wow, just wow. But, hey, we’re not yet done with such crap because next to believing in state-sponsored murder, god and similar sources of evil, e. g. patriotism, Cross is just plain unbelievably dumb (how that reflects on his creator is left as an exercise to the reader…). An example: Right before heading deep down into an underground bunker (!) of one of those “preppers”, he asks his friend Sampson:
“I’m not back in an hour, use the Find My Friends app and come get me.”
Yes, riiiiiight…
Since our author obviously thinks he needs to be up-to-date with blackmail practices, he showcases his deep knowledge about crypto-currencies by letting a nerd (of all things…) say the following:
“The Ethereum stopped moving,” he [the nerd] said. “Okay,” I said. “Where is it?” “In two hundred and fourteen accounts spread out all over the world. Some of it has been downloaded to so-called hard wallets, but I have the codes for them. Not a Bitcoin of it has been spent, though. As far as I can tell.” “So it’s just sitting there?”
You’re not required to know but Ethereum and Bitcoin are two different crypto-currencies and the above is like saying “he didn’t spend a Dollar from the thousands of Euro”. It just makes no sense and simply displays how ignorant the author actually is.
But let’s put these blunders aside - is it a decent story? Well, it’s not too bad but, unfortunately, we’ve ready it all before - Jannie running? Check! Nana Mama being an annoying wise-crack? Check! Ali being… Well, I won’t spoil that one for you but, hey, “the (history) book on the shelf, Is always repeating itself” - WATERLOO! (Yes, Abba is much more entertaining!)
Patterson doesn’t stop at repeating himself, though, no: He even puts in large portions of previous investigations, including some Kyle Craig crap and other rehashed nonsense.
And then there’s the ending… Again, I won’t “spoil” (haha!) it for you but, honestly? How cheap can one author get?
Seriously, James Patterson is dead to me. And nothing of value was lost.
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Let’s start at the beginning, though: In typical Patterson redneck manner, he lets Cross witness the state-sponsored murder of a killer he put away - right after Cross framed the guy... Cross himself about the framing part:
“You might ask if I believed the ends justified the means, and I’d answer that in this case, yes.”
Wow, just wow. But, hey, we’re not yet done with such crap because next to believing in state-sponsored murder, god and similar sources of evil, e. g. patriotism, Cross is just plain unbelievably dumb (how that reflects on his creator is left as an exercise to the reader…). An example: Right before heading deep down into an underground bunker (!) of one of those “preppers”, he asks his friend Sampson:
“I’m not back in an hour, use the Find My Friends app and come get me.”
Yes, riiiiiight…
Since our author obviously thinks he needs to be up-to-date with blackmail practices, he showcases his deep knowledge about crypto-currencies by letting a nerd (of all things…) say the following:
“The Ethereum stopped moving,” he [the nerd] said. “Okay,” I said. “Where is it?” “In two hundred and fourteen accounts spread out all over the world. Some of it has been downloaded to so-called hard wallets, but I have the codes for them. Not a Bitcoin of it has been spent, though. As far as I can tell.” “So it’s just sitting there?”
You’re not required to know but Ethereum and Bitcoin are two different crypto-currencies and the above is like saying “he didn’t spend a Dollar from the thousands of Euro”. It just makes no sense and simply displays how ignorant the author actually is.
But let’s put these blunders aside - is it a decent story? Well, it’s not too bad but, unfortunately, we’ve ready it all before - Jannie running? Check! Nana Mama being an annoying wise-crack? Check! Ali being… Well, I won’t spoil that one for you but, hey, “the (history) book on the shelf, Is always repeating itself” - WATERLOO! (Yes, Abba is much more entertaining!)
Patterson doesn’t stop at repeating himself, though, no: He even puts in large portions of previous investigations, including some Kyle Craig crap and other rehashed nonsense.
And then there’s the ending… Again, I won’t “spoil” (haha!) it for you but, honestly? How cheap can one author get?
Seriously, James Patterson is dead to me. And nothing of value was lost.
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
As always a pleasure to read about Alex Cross
I have tried very hard to keep up with this series because it never fails to engage and excite.
Fast paced, good and decent heroes
Great
I have tried very hard to keep up with this series because it never fails to engage and excite.
Fast paced, good and decent heroes
Great