Laura S. (nisforneville) - IN reviewed Along Came a Spider (Alex Cross, Bk 1) on + 8 more book reviews
6 member(s) found this review helpful.
I felt like this book was everywhere with the plot. The race issues felt overdone to me, but the book is sort of old, so it might have been appropriate for when the book first came out. Mainly, the book was so LONG, I felt like a lot of it was just filler. Hopefully the next book in the series is better. This one wasn't a page-turner, and it took me forever to finish it. I lost interest several times and read other books. I do really like James Patterson's Women's Murder Club series, so I will read the 2nd book in this series before I decide to give up on this series.
6 member(s) found this review helpful.
This is the introductory Alex Cross book. Patterson certainly knows how to write a thriller that will keep you turning the pages, perhaps even keep you up late into the night. His charactors are real people. Alex is a very well-drawn personality and tells the story in the first person.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes thrilling mysteries.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes thrilling mysteries.
5 member(s) found this review helpful.
Having read a few of James Patterson's newer works, I decided to go back to the beginning for Alex Cross. It was a thrilling and suspenseful story. I couldn't wait to see what happened next. The end of the book completely threw me for a loop, as it was a great twist and unpredictable. It also gives some nice back story on Alex Cross for those that have read later books in the series. I would definitely recommend this book, and would consider it to be "classic" James Patterson in which everything new would be compared to.
4 member(s) found this review helpful.
Great series of books!
Sandra M. (Lighthouses4Sandy) reviewed Along Came a Spider (Alex Cross, Bk 1) on + 145 more book reviews
3 member(s) found this review helpful.
Whether a great suspense mystery or a tender love story, James Patteron never disappoints. This is a terrific nail-bitter, edge-of-your-seat read!
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
1st book in the Alex Cross series. Wonderful book that really keeps you turning the pages and wanting more. If you have never read James Patterson you are definitely missing out! The movie is good too but as usual the book is much better!!
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
This novel was amazing. I could not put it down. The movie does not do this book justice! Even if you've seen the movie, the ending of this story will shock you.
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
An Alex Cross Mystery. This novel begins with a double kidnapping of the daugher of a famous actress and the son of the secretary of the treasury. A CIA female supervisor of the Secret Service works with Alex to solve this mystery of kidnappings and a serial kidnapper who wants to commit the crime of the century.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Well James Patterson is a sick individual but it makes for one fantastic read!
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
A real page-turner, and not much like the movie. If you want a riveting story, pick up this book and enjoy!
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Very interesting book. Kept you guessing the entire story. Can't wait to read the sequels.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Along Came a Spider (Alex Cross)
This was the first time I've read a James Patterson novel. After reading everything I could find on Nelson Demille I was looking for something new to read and decided to try this one. I am now a James Patterson fan for sure. This is a true tale of good versus evil, pitting a Washington detective (Cross) against an abused and inteligent psychopath (Soneji). However, this story is not nearly as straight forward as one might expects, as it is filled with plot twists. Many of these revelations left me in complete shock only as James Patterson can. It is a must read for anyone who enjoys the suspense/mystery genre of writing, and a high recommendation for anyone else. I watch the movie after reading the book and as usual the movie was no way near as good as the book.
This was the first time I've read a James Patterson novel. After reading everything I could find on Nelson Demille I was looking for something new to read and decided to try this one. I am now a James Patterson fan for sure. This is a true tale of good versus evil, pitting a Washington detective (Cross) against an abused and inteligent psychopath (Soneji). However, this story is not nearly as straight forward as one might expects, as it is filled with plot twists. Many of these revelations left me in complete shock only as James Patterson can. It is a must read for anyone who enjoys the suspense/mystery genre of writing, and a high recommendation for anyone else. I watch the movie after reading the book and as usual the movie was no way near as good as the book.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
I really like the Alex Cross Series, but I thought that is book was a little hard to follow. To me it changes to much. The story line is fabulous.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
This book was a page turner. I couldn't put it down. James Patterson gets you interested in the book on the first page and continues until the end.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
I think I'm hooked, I liked it so much, I ordered book #2.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
One of Patterson's finest. First in the ALex Cross Series. Fast paced and thrilling!
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
really good - Alex Cross must face the ultimate test as a psychologist: how do you outmaneuver a brilliant psychopath? Especially one who appears to have a split personality-one who won't let the other half remember those horrific acts?
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
The start of a great series about Alex Cross. This one got me started on the series and then James Patterson in general.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Like all of James Patterson's Alex Cross stories this one kept turning the pages. Cross is a very likeable down to earth hero...you can't help but like him.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
What a long, dark, dreary novel. It was less of a page-turner than well-written true crime, not as well-written as either of the last two books I've finished, and I never felt as if I got to know Alex Cross, despite the first-person narration. I won't continue with this series, though the back-of-the-book excerpt from Patterson's 1st to Die was intriguing.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
The book makes the movie look ridiculous! I've seen the movie, but it just can't compare to the detail of the book.
Patterson in his early days is Patterson at his best. I've been reading again some of hi early books and once again become entranced. Sonji is a perfect bad guy causing terror. I could read this book again and again.
Very enjoyable read
I am not a fan of the Alex Cross books, so my review is not favorable.
begins with the double kidnapping of the daughter of a famous Hollywood actress and the young son of the Secretary of the Treasury. And that's only the beginning! Gary Soneji is a murderous serial kidnapper who wants to commit the crime of the century. Alex Cross is the brilliant homicide detective pitted against him. Jezzie Flanagan is the female supervisor of the Secret Service who completes one of the most unusual suspense triangles in any thriller you have ever read.
Very good book but suprised me in the end.
Linda (Angeleyes) - Parkersburg, WV reviewed Along Came a Spider (Alex Cross, Bk 1) on + 214 more book reviews
This book flies. Along Came A Spider is a perfect "fun" read. It moves at a very rapid pace. It has pretty well developed characters considering its quick pace and more plot twists than you'll ever anticipate. Just when you think you know how the story is going to go Patterson turns it on its ear. Another thing that makes this book so good is that despite the surprising plot twists everything is fairly believable within the context of the story. It's consistent, quick and exciting! Read it!
This book a an extremely fast read even though it is 500+ pages. I found myself, along with Cross, trying to understand how a serial murderer ticks???
Elizabeth (Bethms) - Baltimore, MD reviewed Along Came a Spider (Alex Cross, Bk 1) on + 9 more book reviews
I found this book rather one dimensional... I didn't like any of the characters- at all. I found myself getting tired of the shallow police banter, and the cheesy psychopath. I didn't feel like the antagonist lived up to the fear and trepidation that was struck in the protagonist character.
I found it boring and have no desire to read any more of the series.
I found it boring and have no desire to read any more of the series.
This is the first James Patterson book I ever read, it had me hooked!
Good Read
This book was by far one of my favorite James Patterson books with Alex Cross as the hero.
If you love suspense and plot twists, do not miss this one.
If you love suspense and plot twists, do not miss this one.
Brittany H. (poohbritt) - Walnut Creek, CA reviewed Along Came a Spider (Alex Cross, Bk 1) on + 37 more book reviews
It was a decent thriller. I wasn't a big fan of the main character, Alex Cross, but it was a good page turner.
Excellent story, first in the series.
This was a good Alex Cross book, but not quite as good as Kiss the Girls.
Psychological suspense.
A little gory, but a great book.
One of the great early Alex Cross books.
My mom loved this book. Suspense scary book.
Excellent read! Very fast-paced, with lots of twists and turns. Made me want to read the rest of the Alex Cross novels.
Great writer and will keep u on your toes!
Robin M. (robinmy) - Brookville, PA reviewed Along Came a Spider (Alex Cross, Bk 1) on + 814 more book reviews
First Alex Cross Novel and one of the best. Great Villian.
Anything by Patterson is good
Alex Cross, a black Washington, D.C., police detective with a Ph.D. in psychology, and Jezzie Flanagan, a white motorcycling Secret Service agent, become lovers as they work together to apprehend a chilling psychopath who has kidnapped two children from a posh private school. The psychotic villain, who aspires to become more notorious than Lindbergh baby kidnapper Bruno Hauptmann, is effectively nightmarish. Atypical characters, sex, sometimes shocking violence, and several surprising plot twists are all attention-grabbing, while short chapters with a shifting viewpoint add brisk pacing and genuine suspense. Patterson's storytelling talent is in top form in this grisly escapist yarn.
Rhonda K. (readswhilewalks) reviewed Along Came a Spider (Alex Cross, Bk 1) on + 3 more book reviews
Excellent book!! Thrilling, makes you want to read more!
It begins with the double kidnapping of the daughter of a famous Hollywood actress and the young son of the secretary of the treasury. Gary Soneji is a murderous serial kidnapper who wants to commit the crime of the century. Alex Cross is the brilliant homicide detective pitted against him. Jezzi Flanagan is the female supervisor of the Secret Service who completes one of the most unusual suspense triangles in any thiller you have ever read. It is a must read.
It held my interest from cover to cover. Great!!
This is one of the good Alex Cross novels. It won't matter if you have read any before. The plot is quick and the book is a fast read.
Great book!!
Decent commercial type mystery series.
I enjoy all of this series of books.
Great book. The First in the Dectective Cross series. Great read, fast and keeps you very interested!!
awesome book! I'm just starting the Alex Cross series and I love it. This book really gave me the creeps. I knew in the end he would catch the bad guy, but I just had to find out how. This book kept me turning pages to the very end!
Great book...love the Alex Cross series!
James Patterson is just about the only non fiction writer whose books I read. I read mostly non fiction. The first book of his that I read was Kiss The Girls because it reminded me of some of the true crime books I read. Once I read it, I was hooked! I love the Alex Cross novels. They are my favorite of his works.
Stephanie P. (dastephan6) - Lawrence, MA reviewed Along Came a Spider (Alex Cross, Bk 1) on + 129 more book reviews
an excellent beginning to the alex cross series.
LOVED THIS BOOK! A must read for sure!
James Patterson is one of the best suspence/mystery writers in this country.
A quick, entertaining read.
This is the first Alex Cross novel, and one of my favorites. James Patterson creates a terrific thriller.
Never saw the movie and that is fine - the book pulled me into its spell completely
Barbara (badhabit) - Milton, FL reviewed Along Came a Spider (Alex Cross, Bk 1) on + 57 more book reviews
Along Came a spider begins with the double kidnappingof thedaughter of a famous Hollywood actress and the young son of the Secretary of the Treasury. And that's only the beginning! Gary Soneji is a murderous serial kidnapper who wants to commit the crime of the century. Alex Cross is the brilliant homicide detective pitted against him. Jezzie flanagan is the female supervisor of the Secret Service who completes on of the most unusual suspence triangles in any thriller you have ever read.
I love the entire Alex Cross series. It's a fun and easy read that keeps you entertained. After reading the first book I ran out and bought every book available in the series at the time and read them back to back.
Another Great James Patterson Book!!
FANTASTIC. BETTER THEN THE MOVIE.
One of the most unusual suspense triangles in any thriller you have ever read.
Sheryl S. (bibliocat) - OH reviewed Along Came a Spider (Alex Cross, Bk 1) on + 76 more book reviews
First book in the Alex Cross series....if you love the movie...read the book...always better
First book in the Alex Cross series. Very excited, twist and turns right up to the end.
Elizabeth O. (MaineNana14) reviewed Along Came a Spider (Alex Cross, Bk 1) on + 14 more book reviews
Another James Patterson good read; I could imagine Morgan Freeman playing Alex Cross. If you like Patterson, you'll love this one.
A serial killer and a female Secret Service superwoman tangle with Alex Cross thrown in the triangle. Lots of suspense and twists.
Read the book, forget the movie. :)
Begins with the double kidnapping of the daughter of a famous Hollywood actree and the young son of the Secretary of the Treasury. And that's only the beginning.
excellent
A terrific mystery with plenty of twists, turns and surprises
Ashley W. (child-from-night) reviewed Along Came a Spider (Alex Cross, Bk 1) on + 28 more book reviews
A great Alex Cross thriller.
Pretty good suspense novel. As always, better than the film.
Andrew/Darcey J. (Andrew-Darcey) reviewed Along Came a Spider (Alex Cross, Bk 1) on + 23 more book reviews
A very good book from James Patterson. I love Alex Cross as a character and he shines in this book!
A first rate thriller- impossible to put down- a psychological suspense that is inpossible to put down.
A first rate thriller--fasten your seat belts and keep the lights on!
The first book in the series featuring Alex Cross, a psychiatrist and homicide cop, in Washington, D.C.
A gripping retelling of one man's struggle to unlock the secrets of a murderer's mind, while keeping his own life together.
Along came a spider...A lead character rich in dimension...written simply. powerfully, the book will satisfy mystery and thriller fans as well as students of the human condition.
Fast, spell-binding read. Patterson is always a good read.
second of the Alex Cross series
GREAT BOOK. FIRST BOOK I READ IN THIS SERIES. WILL DEFINATLY BE READING THE OTHERS.
Gary Soneji is a beloved teacher at an elite Washington private school. Soneji is also the murderous serial kidnapper who calls himself Son of Lindbergh, a human monster of such cunning that all of Washington's law enforcement armies can't outsmart him - even after he's been captured. Alex Cross is a black D.C. homicide detective with a Ph.D. in psychology. He has one obsession - a forbidden love affair with the white female supervisor of Washington's Secret Service. And he has one mission - find what powers Gary Soneji's madness before the elusive terror strikes all too close to home.
This one will keep you guessing all the way 'til the end!
This is another great thriller bt James Patterson, another page turner, and the characters are just great!!
it is about a serial killer and how he wants everyone to know that he is the one doing the murders. he wants his day.
Alex Cross is the dectective assigned to the case and he thinks that Gary might have a split personality. So he is out to find out what happened to the little girl.
Alex Cross is the dectective assigned to the case and he thinks that Gary might have a split personality. So he is out to find out what happened to the little girl.
A psychological thriller - a tough read because it is about kidnapped children - but a strong book
James Patterson keeps you guessing during the entire book! Great read !
I really enjoyed this book.
An Alex Cross Novel, the first and one of the best
four stars
First Alex Cross Series Book
Great book. Nothing like the movie.
better than the movie
Great read!! I couldn't put it down and it was full of twists and turns that were unexpected.
The first in the Alex Cross series, also my first Cross book. I was impressed. I'd seen the movie a while ago, but felt it really lacked depth in the Cross, Jezzie and Soneji characters. The book brought them out beautifully. I can't wait to read the rest of the series.
Great book, good movie followed this book
A first rate triller--fasten your seat belts and keep the lights on! says Sidney Sheldon. This reader lost a good night's sleep. Cross is the fictional detective of the 90's. says Ann Rule
First book of the Alex Cross series. Seriously disturbed person kidnaps two kids of high-standing people from their school and Alex has to figure out where both the kids and kidnapper are.
Dena (Suzie) C. (DsuzieC) reviewed Along Came a Spider (Alex Cross, Bk 1) on + 159 more book reviews
Unique and interesting.
I read the book and also seen the movie--the book is best
Story begins with a double kidnapping of the daughter of a famous hollywood actress and the son of the secretary of the treasury. The kidnapper wants to be well known and to perform the kidnapping of the century.
Many plot twists that keep you guessing till the end. I thought I had it figured out, but I was wrong!!
Many plot twists that keep you guessing till the end. I thought I had it figured out, but I was wrong!!
This book was so good I had to see the movie. But the book was 100% better. I recommend it highly.
Great read with twists 'til the end!
James Patterson at his best! I couldn't put this one down!
GOOD BOOK, BUT I LIKE OTHERS OF THIS AUTHOR BETTER.
From the back of the book: Along Came a Spider begins with the double kidnapping of the daughter of a famous Hollywood actress and the young son of the Secretary of the Treasury. And that's only the beginning! Gary Soneji is a murderous serial kidnapper who wants to commit the crime of the century. Alex Cross is the brilliant homicide detective pitted against him. Jezzie Flanagan is the female supervisor of the Secret Service who completes one of the most unusual suspense triangles in any thriller you have ever read.
Sara D. (we-love-our-greyhound) reviewed Along Came a Spider (Alex Cross, Bk 1) on + 18 more book reviews
1st Book in the Alex Cross series. Wonderful mystery/suspense series.
The very first Alex Cross novel
Book Description
A missing little girl named Maggie Rose. A family of three brutally murdered in the projects of Washington, D.C. The thrill-killing of a beautiful elementary school teacher. A psychopathic serial kidnapper/murderer who calls himself the Son of Lindbergh. He is so terrifying that the FBI, the Secret Service, and the police cannot outsmart him-even after he's been captured.
Gary Soneji is a mild-mannered mathematics teacher at a Washington, D.C., private school for the children of the political and social elite. He's so popular that the kids all call him "Mr. Chips." And he's very, very smart. Growing up, he always knew he was smarter than the rest of them-he knew that the Great Ones always fooled everybody. He kidnaps Maggie Rose, the golden-haired daughter of a famous movie actress, and her best friend, Shrimpie Goldberg, the son of the secretary of the treasury, right out from under the noses of their two Secret Service agents. But Gary Soneji is not surprised at his skill. He's done it before. Hundreds of times before.
Alex Cross must face the ultimate test as a psychologist: how do you outmaneuver a brilliant psychopath? Especially one who appears to have a split personality-one who won't let the other half remember those horrific acts?
A missing little girl named Maggie Rose. A family of three brutally murdered in the projects of Washington, D.C. The thrill-killing of a beautiful elementary school teacher. A psychopathic serial kidnapper/murderer who calls himself the Son of Lindbergh. He is so terrifying that the FBI, the Secret Service, and the police cannot outsmart him-even after he's been captured.
Gary Soneji is a mild-mannered mathematics teacher at a Washington, D.C., private school for the children of the political and social elite. He's so popular that the kids all call him "Mr. Chips." And he's very, very smart. Growing up, he always knew he was smarter than the rest of them-he knew that the Great Ones always fooled everybody. He kidnaps Maggie Rose, the golden-haired daughter of a famous movie actress, and her best friend, Shrimpie Goldberg, the son of the secretary of the treasury, right out from under the noses of their two Secret Service agents. But Gary Soneji is not surprised at his skill. He's done it before. Hundreds of times before.
Alex Cross must face the ultimate test as a psychologist: how do you outmaneuver a brilliant psychopath? Especially one who appears to have a split personality-one who won't let the other half remember those horrific acts?
What an EXCELLENT book! I simply couldn't put this book down, and I don't usually care that much for mysteries.
Geraldine Z. (gerrielady1) reviewed Along Came a Spider (Alex Cross, Bk 1) on + 103 more book reviews
I think this is the first book about Cross. It is a very good start
Excellent - I want to read all the Alex Cross novels after this one.
The first Alex Cross Novel!
This is another great thriller from James Patterson...you must read this book if you like suspense!
the crimes of the century, the manhunt of the century, the trail of the century. this is a psychological thriller that truly breaks new ground.
Awesome! I can't wait to see the movie again to compare! Just wish I had more time to read the rest of the series faster!
Beverly P. (hockeygal4ever) reviewed Along Came a Spider (Alex Cross, Bk 1) on + 131 more book reviews
A bestselling thriller and movie, this begins with the double kidnapping of the daughter of a famous actress and the young son of the secretary of the treasury. Gary Soneji is a murderous serial kidnapper who wants to commit the crime of the century. Alex Cross is the brilliant homicide detective pitted against him. Jezzie Flanagan is the female supervisor of the Secret Service who completes one of the most unusual suspense triangles in any thriller you have ever read. As always, James Patterson delivers!
Great book! I love everything the author has written. The movie was terrible in comparison.
Extremely good read - one of the best . . .
Loved this book...now a movie
Great suspense
I love the Alex Cross novels. Some people claim the chapters are too short, but with my fast-paced lifestyle, sometimes that is good. This way I won't be in a middle of a chapter when I have to put my book down. This story is one of my favorite storylines. It pits Alex Cross against his nemesis Gary Soneji. They also made a movie on the book. They did a good job but it wasn't nearly as good as the book.
This is the first Alex Cross novel. Wonderful thriller....
begins with a double kidnapping of famous people. Gary Soneji is a murderous serial kidnapper who wants to commit the crime of the century. Unusual suspense triangles of any thriller you have ever read.
begins with a double kidnapping of famous people. Gary Soneji is a murderous serial kidnapper who wants to commit the crime of the century. Unusual suspense triangles of any thriller you have ever read.
It was an excellent book I bought it after I saw the movie. The book is so much better
I read it a while ago, but I know I liked it, because I have yet to read a Patterson book that I do NOT like.
I love the Alex Cross books. I especially like this story because of the reaction my father had during the movie. It's a great series.
The first in the Alex Cross series. Very good thriller!
Would like to read before mailing. (within 2 weeks of acceptance)
great LONG book
I have found that James Patterson is one of the best. This a real page turner.
Way better than the movie!