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cursingnurse's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
mossfroggies's review against another edition
2.0
If I were to describe this book in one word it would be 'disappointing'. It had a strong start, and the mystery immediately piqued my interest. Sure, it had some expected beats for a mystery novel, but it had some smalls twists early on that tested preconceived notions that it set. It was intriguing. Which is why I was so frustrated with everything else about this book being terrible.
There are three main things that made me stop reading this book. I will list them in increasing order of severity.
First, the writing style felt very bland. This is more of a personal preference perhaps, and something I can and did overlook-- however it adds to the overall sense of disappointment I felt for a story with such a promising premise. To put it succinctly, the way the book was written makes it feel like its target audience is for young adults or teens. It is very simple. It just didn't challenge me, and began to bore me after a while.
The second thing I did not like about this book is the romantic subplot. It felt so out of the blue and not well written. The sex scene grossed me out. It's probably another case of Just Not For Me. Thankfully, I didn't see much of this before I shelved this book for good.
But the third reason, the real reason that made me give up on finishing this book completely despite the good things I've heard about, is the bigotry. Perhaps it is too harsh to call it that, but I believe just because it is not outright for the most part, does not mean I should not call it what it is. I was constantly aware of the fact that this book was written by a man. From the way he wrote female characters, to the way he wrote his main male character and other male characters, it was painfully clear that he is by no means a feminist. The male main character was clearly some projection of the author's male power fantasy. I would give examples, but I refuse to open the book up again at this point.
The most overt example of misogyny, one that I am absolutely baffled, and will never stop being baffled by, was Alex saying, "what a waste" in response to a female victim of murder because her face was disfigured from being MURDERED. What do you mean, "what a waste"? She is DEAD! Clearly, Alex thinks she only has value in her beauty, even after death. I am still seething. I am still baffled. Likewise, there was two back-to-back insults to ADD on pages 57 and 59. Honestly, these casual sexist and ableist remarks ruined any potential value this book had to me, and confirmed my feeling that there was subtle sexism earlier throughout.
Another thing I did not like about this book was the short chapters. I do appreciate brevity to an extent, and short chapter length keeps a fast pace, but it often felt forced. Chapters that would have clearly worked better combined together -- to give some variety in pacing and not cut off in a middle of what is happening -- was divided to stick to the author's preferred chapter length. It was frustrating that they were broken down in a way that went against the natural flow of the story.
Overall, I felt beyond disappointed when reading this book, the feeling overtaking all positive ones the further I got into it. The reason I rated 2 stars instead of 1 is because I did enjoy the mystery before the author made his story utterly unreadable to me.
There are three main things that made me stop reading this book. I will list them in increasing order of severity.
First, the writing style felt very bland. This is more of a personal preference perhaps, and something I can and did overlook-- however it adds to the overall sense of disappointment I felt for a story with such a promising premise. To put it succinctly, the way the book was written makes it feel like its target audience is for young adults or teens. It is very simple. It just didn't challenge me, and began to bore me after a while.
The second thing I did not like about this book is the romantic subplot. It felt so out of the blue and not well written. The sex scene grossed me out. It's probably another case of Just Not For Me. Thankfully, I didn't see much of this before I shelved this book for good.
But the third reason, the real reason that made me give up on finishing this book completely despite the good things I've heard about, is the bigotry. Perhaps it is too harsh to call it that, but I believe just because it is not outright for the most part, does not mean I should not call it what it is. I was constantly aware of the fact that this book was written by a man. From the way he wrote female characters, to the way he wrote his main male character and other male characters, it was painfully clear that he is by no means a feminist. The male main character was clearly some projection of the author's male power fantasy. I would give examples, but I refuse to open the book up again at this point.
The most overt example of misogyny, one that I am absolutely baffled, and will never stop being baffled by, was Alex saying, "what a waste" in response to a female victim of murder because her face was disfigured from being MURDERED. What do you mean, "what a waste"? She is DEAD! Clearly, Alex thinks she only has value in her beauty, even after death. I am still seething. I am still baffled. Likewise, there was two back-to-back insults to ADD on pages 57 and 59. Honestly, these casual sexist and ableist remarks ruined any potential value this book had to me, and confirmed my feeling that there was subtle sexism earlier throughout.
Another thing I did not like about this book was the short chapters. I do appreciate brevity to an extent, and short chapter length keeps a fast pace, but it often felt forced. Chapters that would have clearly worked better combined together -- to give some variety in pacing and not cut off in a middle of what is happening -- was divided to stick to the author's preferred chapter length. It was frustrating that they were broken down in a way that went against the natural flow of the story.
Overall, I felt beyond disappointed when reading this book, the feeling overtaking all positive ones the further I got into it. The reason I rated 2 stars instead of 1 is because I did enjoy the mystery before the author made his story utterly unreadable to me.
blondierocket's review against another edition
4.0
I’m on a roll with the Alex Cross series. With Alex having finished his latest serial case, he’s finally on a decent vacation with his family. But you can always anticipate what is coming up next, when Alex gets called to check out a homicide in Los Angeles.
But one murder mystery turns into more as the rich and famous start to die under tragic circumstances. It becomes the case that tests Alex’s family the most, causing rifts between all the loves of his life.
Alex is forced to make choices that compromise not only the case but his personal life, which could leave him unemployed and without family.
This may have been one of my favorites so far. Lots of mystery and intrigue, different from some of the others, but a great combination of the storylines.
But one murder mystery turns into more as the rich and famous start to die under tragic circumstances. It becomes the case that tests Alex’s family the most, causing rifts between all the loves of his life.
Alex is forced to make choices that compromise not only the case but his personal life, which could leave him unemployed and without family.
This may have been one of my favorites so far. Lots of mystery and intrigue, different from some of the others, but a great combination of the storylines.
labunnywtf's review against another edition
4.0
I really liked this one, more than most Patterson books I've read as of late. I thought I saw where this was going, but at the last second, the twist completely threw me off balance. Nicely done.
cdarlinggg's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
3.5
sharonsueg's review against another edition
4.0
Much better than the last one in the series (London Bridges). This one has been an attention-getter since the beginning. When three quarters through the book, I was still trying to figure out who the killer was. A little disappointed that by the end, the reader learned the background info for the character Mary Smith, but not the character The Storyteller. A lot of anticipation until nearly the end and then it ended suddenly.
drb_11's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Murder
jackielayla's review against another edition
4.0
My 1st Alex Cross mystery from Patterson - don't know why I have been resisting them. Was a quick read and captured my attention.
shaambhavipathak's review against another edition
3.0
"I always keep my promises."
When I finished Jack and Jill , I was so disappointed, I almost decided to never pick up a Patterson again. However, since I bought Mary, Mary together with Jack and Jill, I had to read it, no matter, if I had to endure it again. However, I am glad that I did not give up on Mr. Patterson just yet, after all, I loved him for First to Die .
Anyways, the book is a decent and fast read. It can prove really good for the beginners who have just been introduced to Patterson's style. The plot is good and I found it interesting from the Psychological point of view at some instances in the book.
That much being said, I am not sure, whether I will buy another Patterson again, in sometime. Maybe I have outgrown him or maybe, his style is not so appealing to me anymore. Thank you for some good adrenalin filled moments, though, Mr. Patterson!
When I finished Jack and Jill , I was so disappointed, I almost decided to never pick up a Patterson again. However, since I bought Mary, Mary together with Jack and Jill, I had to read it, no matter, if I had to endure it again. However, I am glad that I did not give up on Mr. Patterson just yet, after all, I loved him for First to Die .
Anyways, the book is a decent and fast read. It can prove really good for the beginners who have just been introduced to Patterson's style. The plot is good and I found it interesting from the Psychological point of view at some instances in the book.
That much being said, I am not sure, whether I will buy another Patterson again, in sometime. Maybe I have outgrown him or maybe, his style is not so appealing to me anymore. Thank you for some good adrenalin filled moments, though, Mr. Patterson!