Scan barcode
rachelmarie20's review against another edition
challenging
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
gbdill's review against another edition
4.0
Cross Fire by James Patterson is a thrilling and engaging novel that is sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. This book is part of the popular Alex Cross series and is a prime example of why the series has remained a favorite among readers for years.
One of the most impressive aspects of this novel is the way that Patterson is able to create a compelling and complex story that keeps the reader guessing throughout. The plot is full of twists and turns that are both surprising and satisfying, and the characters are fully fleshed out and believable.
In addition to its exciting storyline, Cross Fire also features Patterson's trademark prose style, which is both fast-paced and engaging. The dialogue is snappy and realistic, and the descriptions are vivid and evocative, making it easy for the reader to imagine themselves right in the middle of the action.
One of the standout elements of this book is the way that Patterson is able to balance the action and suspense with more emotional and introspective moments. Alex Cross is a deeply human character, and his struggles and relationships are just as important to the story as the danger he faces.
Overall, Cross Fire is a fantastic addition to the Alex Cross series and a must-read for fans of Patterson's work. It is a well-crafted and gripping thriller that will keep readers hooked from beginning to end.
One of the most impressive aspects of this novel is the way that Patterson is able to create a compelling and complex story that keeps the reader guessing throughout. The plot is full of twists and turns that are both surprising and satisfying, and the characters are fully fleshed out and believable.
In addition to its exciting storyline, Cross Fire also features Patterson's trademark prose style, which is both fast-paced and engaging. The dialogue is snappy and realistic, and the descriptions are vivid and evocative, making it easy for the reader to imagine themselves right in the middle of the action.
One of the standout elements of this book is the way that Patterson is able to balance the action and suspense with more emotional and introspective moments. Alex Cross is a deeply human character, and his struggles and relationships are just as important to the story as the danger he faces.
Overall, Cross Fire is a fantastic addition to the Alex Cross series and a must-read for fans of Patterson's work. It is a well-crafted and gripping thriller that will keep readers hooked from beginning to end.
harasnicole's review
3.0
These Alex Cross novels are probably the only books that I'll never read in their exact order, but that's okay. As a long time reader of James Patterson, I do like that you can read his books out of order and still not be lost, because at some point the book(s) recaps what happened previously.
Cross Fire isn't a great book; if anything, it gets the job done when you're looking for a book that's a quick, easy read. The chapters are ridiculously short, so you almost always find yourself reading more than half of one in a day, even if you didn't plan on it.
The story follows the same formula as all of his crime/thriller/suspense novels in that you get a look at the killers and that first crime, and the police procedural to solve it, add in some family dynamics, and then Alex Cross saves the day until next time. Honestly, if you read even just one Alex Cross novel, with how many there are, you've kind of read them all. The only thing that really changes is the nature of the murders, but the killers almost always have a grudge against Alex Cross.
This isn't to say I hated it, though. I did enjoy the fast pace of it, and I always love that each book starts with the planning and execution of the first murder, but eventually you read enough that it starts to sound redundant. I mostly just read these books to help me get out of reading slumps because they're so easy and don't require too much thought. It's not so much of a suspense when you know who Kyle Craig is and know that he's had plastic surgery to change his face. I guess it's more of a "When will Alex Cross figure it out?" kind of story. Only he never does, and ends up needing it spelled out for him.
He's not much of a detective, is he?
Cross Fire isn't a great book; if anything, it gets the job done when you're looking for a book that's a quick, easy read. The chapters are ridiculously short, so you almost always find yourself reading more than half of one in a day, even if you didn't plan on it.
The story follows the same formula as all of his crime/thriller/suspense novels in that you get a look at the killers and that first crime, and the police procedural to solve it, add in some family dynamics, and then Alex Cross saves the day until next time. Honestly, if you read even just one Alex Cross novel, with how many there are, you've kind of read them all. The only thing that really changes is the nature of the murders, but the killers almost always have a grudge against Alex Cross.
This isn't to say I hated it, though. I did enjoy the fast pace of it, and I always love that each book starts with the planning and execution of the first murder, but eventually you read enough that it starts to sound redundant. I mostly just read these books to help me get out of reading slumps because they're so easy and don't require too much thought. It's not so much of a suspense when you know who Kyle Craig is and know that he's had plastic surgery to change his face. I guess it's more of a "When will Alex Cross figure it out?" kind of story. Only he never does, and ends up needing it spelled out for him.
He's not much of a detective, is he?
psigna's review against another edition
3.0
Does Alex cross over to the Women's Murder Club Series in the end?
joanjeffery's review against another edition
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 against another edition
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.
beccarose94's review against another edition
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 against another edition
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 against another edition
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 against another edition
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.