At long last we find a solution to what happened to Alex's
wife. Her memory floats through many books, and now we can put it to rest. Great book.

Alex Cross was a rising star of the Washington, DC, police department when an unknown shooter gunned down his wife, Maria, in front of him. Alex's need for vengence was placed on hold as he faced another huge challenge -- raising his children without their mother.

This is one of the best Alex Cross books! Couldn't put it down; wanted to keep reading until finished.

Having been a long-time fan of the Alex Cross series, I was eager to open up my copy of CROSS. A lot of what I love about the series and Patterson's writing were inside the pages of this book: short chapters, straight-to-the-point dialogue, a fast-moving plot. The only problem is that the plot, in general, left me wanting to yell at someone.

I can overlook the fact that Alex Cross's wife apparently didn't die the way he had originally stated. I can even overlook the fact that after fourteen years and several other relationships (one that even ended in producing a son), Alex now seems obsessed with "getting over" his long-dead wife.

What I couldn't overlook was the fact that with this book, besides being a detailed description of his wife's murder and Alex's new committment to finding her killer, there's not a whole lot else there. The Alex in this book is moody, melancholy, and totally anti-Alex Cross to the point that I wasn't even sure, halfway through the book, that I was reading about the same character.

He's not the only one, though. His children, his friends, and even dear old Nana Mama are all acting out of character--and not in good ways.

Sure, the "mystery and suspense" part of the story is a pretty good one. Patteron's writing style is always a welcome change to me.

CROSS, though, is one Alex Cross story I could have done without.

Another good James Patterson book. I thought however that finding out who is wifes killer was would be more...shocking. Still all in alll a great read.

Fabulous! Characters you've grown to love at it again. Tight mystery; enjoyable all the way through. Highly recommended.

I must say this is one of Patterson's best. Fast paced & Alex Cross at his best.. A must read for Patterson fans!

From Publishers Weekly
Forensic psychologist Alex Cross's storied career in private practice, with the FBI and as a Washington, D.C., cop has brought him into contact with all kinds of seriously disturbed killers, but his 12th outing from bestseller Patterson (after 2005's Mary, Mary) may be the ultimate in lunatic deadliness. Beginning with a flashback to the murder of Cross's wife, Maria, Patterson quickly introduces Michael Sullivan (aka the Butcher of Sligo). What follows is a frenetically paced series of brutal rapes and killings by Sullivan, once employed by the mob as a freelancer and now at war with them. Cross juggles being a single parent and being involved in the dangerous game of tracking serial killers until he finally decides to give it up for his family. Needless to say, he's drawn back into the game when it promises a chance of finding Maria's killer. Cross's competence and vulnerability make a stark contrast with Sullivan's sadistic mutilations and psychological manipulations of his victims. Fans know that Cross will survive, but at what cost?

excellent book! could not put it down

This is the book where Cross finally deals with his wife Maria's murder. I've been waiting for this book for years, and was NOT dissapointed!

***** I absolutely LOVED this book. It's now one of my very favs by J. Patterson. CROSS is a really good sit-on-the-edge-of-your-seat book!!! Very suspenseful. Must read if you love J. Patterson.

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This book is definitely not one of Patterson's best. The plot is weak and the characters are over developed. There were no unexpected twists and turns which was very disappointing.

A great book. I love all of James Patterson's books.

good book

Patterson may not be a fancy writer, but he's great when it comes to telling a story. This one is interesting and exciting without getting ridiculous and unbelievable when it comes to side-stories involving someone's personal life.
Granted, Alex does have some drama with Nana though, because she hates that he puts himself in danger due to his job. Truthfully, her character has irritated me more often than not because of this. I highly doubt she would tell another person in the same job to not come to her rescue if he had a family at home. (Sadly, if her character ever does leave the series, I don't think I'd miss her.)

In this one we find out about the man believed to be responsible for killing Cross's late wife. It's definitely a page-turner and a fast read because it's hard to put down (plus it has really short chapters and average-sized print.)

Couldn't read the book fast enough. Great character development.

Easy read. Another good Alex Cross novel.

I wish I'd Crossed this one off my list of reads. I love James Patteson but I was so disappointed in this book. I know alot of folks think it was a fantastic read, I unfortunatly was not one of them. However, you must draw your own conclusion and order this book from me :)

Learning more about the Cross family was great!!! Terrific read! Keep them coming. Do not want to see this series end.

Fast-paced detective story with our favorite Alex Cross.

One of the better books in the Alex Cross series. This book feels more personal, and it is a little less scattered than Patterson's other books. This book felt more whole and complete, compared with many of Patterson's books. It's definitely a fun read.

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