Cross
by James Patterson (Author)
The most helpful favorable review
Absolutely stupendous...
By Robert Busko
I know why James Patterson is such a success and so will you when you read Cross, the latest Alex Cross novel. I came late to the series and have struggled to get caught up and I will eventually read the entire backlist. However, whether you're a old Patterson fan or Cross is you're first Patterson book, you're in for a treat. Suspensful, fast paced, and well crafted with little or no fat between the pages, Cross grabs your attention and holds it for the entire story. While Cross may be a little graphic for some readers, certainly the violence isn't gratuitous but an integral and necessary part of the story. And if you're used to Patterson's stories theres nothing here that will surprise you. Alex Cross has decided to put down his career and retire to just being a Dad. This decision doesn't last long however when he's asked to help nab Michael Sullivan, one of the worst serial rapists and professional killers to come a long in a while. Playing a game of "red light green light" Sullivan manages to lull his victims into a false sense of security. After he's finished with them all he has to do is show them pictures of some of his victims, a scalpel and that's that; end of discussion. Cross quickly links his wife's murder 13 years ago to Sullivan. At 393 pages you should be able to handle this book in a weekend if you haven't any interuptions. A terrific and memorable read.
The most helpful critical review
Like eating a bag of candy...
By Cynthia K. Robertson
Reading James Patterson is a lot like eating a bag of candy: you know it's empty calories and is not necessarily healthy for you, but you can't put it down. Patterson's latest book, Cross, is a little better than some in his Alex Cross series. But we're not talking serious mystery writing here. Maria Cross, Alex's wife, was shot and killed ten years ago and her death still haunts Cross. He regrets that he was never able to solve her murder and this prevents him from receiving any kind of closure. Before she died, Maria was counseling a woman who was raped and scared enough of her attacker that she never would reveal any information about him. Ten years later, the Metro Police see a pattern and discover that a serial rapist and murderer is at work. Cross is called in on the case (even though he no longer works for the police force)--not just because of his expertise but also, to help avenge his wife's death. The murderer, The Butcher, is just about the most evil man to walk to earth and for him, this is a game. For Cross, catching The Butcher is a matter of life and death and revenge. In Cross, Patterson fleshes out things just a little more than usual. We learn more about Maria and the circumstances surrounding her death. Cross decides that he needs to make some major changes in his life, which will take him full-circle. Also, just when you think that you've figured everything out, Patterson provides a tasty twist at the end that will come as a complete surprise. So I will continue to read James Patterson, even though they're light and fluffy. I just recommend that you read them in order so that you'll know what's happening in Cross' person life.
