Search - Double Cross (Alex Cross, Bk 13)

I felt that parts of this one were a little slow, maybe because Cross's drama with his women is just getting old. I'd have to say one of Cross's most annoying traits is that the man is so co-dependent. I don't think I can recall him going two books without finding someone who he falls in love with. It's also kind of ironic that he's a psychologist and doesn't happen to mention it about himself but his adversaries sure seem to notice. Another thing is, is that he's an awful shrink if he can't profile his patients very well. That the killer and his co-conspirator are BOTH ballsy enough to be his patients and Cross not catching their odd comments and behavior is enough to make the reader groan out loud. (Yes, I know for some, it would be suspense, but did Cross forget killers like Soneji playing dress-up?) You'd think he'd be a little more jaded after dealing with all the bad guys and not take everything at face value.

On an "I wonder?" note, I had to ponder if the female author killed early on was a teensy representation of Patricia Cornwell (being a blond, mystery writer and all with lots of books under her belt, she kind of fit the description). I found some humor in it (twisted of me, I know) because Cornwell's books drove me crazy with their idiots-are-easily-amused plots.

It was nice to see Nana wasn't so irritating in this one and kept her complaining of Alex's job to a minimum. Nothing like having members of the family being non-supportive of you job to add to your stress levels.

Overall, it was the typical fast read because there is a lot going on, the chapters are short, and the print not tiny. Definitely good enough for a PaperBackSwap credit!

In this Alex Cross tale Washington DC is terrorized by a killer who stages elaborate murders in front of other people. When a second murder occurs there are fears of a copy cat. Alex finds himself drawn back into the police department to help solve the crimes. Adding to the mystery Alex's old nemesis Kyle Craig finds a way to escape from the maximum security prison where he has been incarcerated. Is he part of the crime spree? The blatant murders continue as the frustrated Alex seeks to find a common denominator and stop the killer or jillers before the violence hits his own family. A really good fast moving story with yet another surprise ending.

Always look to the Alex Cross books for a quick read. Formula writing, but readable.

Suspenseful,intense,and thrilling!! I don't know how Patterson invents his demented characters, because the "bad guys" in this book mastermind situations that most people could never dream/nightmare of. This book deserved the title of "#1 NYT Bestseller" that it received.

Alex Cross rejoins the police force to work on the case of the D.C. Audience Killer, a madman who stages his killings in public settings. As Alex and company put together the clues left behind at the murders, his nemesis, Kyle Craig, has escaped from a maximum security prison.

I wasn't too crazy about this book. The killers are way too over-the-top. They can break out of maximum security prisons and outrun the police in public settings over and over again. And, as usual, Alex has another girlfriend who he is totally in love with. That gets old after a while. The mystery itself it an easy read and engrossing. My rating: 3.5 Stars.

Another good Patterson book.