
Jennifer W. (
GeniusJen) wrote on 9/14/2009...
Not as impressive as the first Alex Cross books like KISS THE GIRLS and ALONG CAME A SPIDER, but definitely better than CROSS, the last book.
Most of the characters are back to normal, acting more like themselves, and this book has a better mystery. In fact, it's a two-fold arc, with the devious and psychopathic Kyle Craig causing havoc from prison, and a new serial killer keeping Detective Brianna Stone, Cross's new love interest, busy with murders committed in the limelight.
It's a quick, okay read, but definitely not my favorite.
Read the rest fo the cross books - Patterson is suspenseful as usual - a page turned no doubt.
This may be the last book that Patterson wrote by himself. It has all the great writing that was evidenced in his earlier books. Dr. Cross is being stalked by two killers. One his old nemesis, his former F.B.I., Kyle Craig. The other is a brilliant killer who leaves clues at every crime scene, only which clues are the right ones. He also needs an audience. The killings occur before more and more people. All the characters from the earlier works are in this book, Sampson, Bree, Nana Mama and his children. Patterson seems to instinctively know when you need a break from murder to the sanity of his family or Bree. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this.
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!
Another good one by James Patterson! In this one, Alex Cross rejoins the D.C. police force to help solve a series of murders done by two diabolical killers. One becomes known as the "Audience Killer" and the other? None other than Kyle Craig, murderer and prison escapee, not to mention - a former co-worker of Alex Cross.

Sherrill G. (
nicljack) wrote on 6/19/2009...
enjoyed it
I hadn't read a book of his in a while - a good "beach book". Predictable.
Alex Cross rejoins the DC Police force to confront two of the most diabolic killers he's ever encountered. Just when his life is calming down, Alex is drawn back into a lethal game like no other. In DC a maniac stages his killings as spectacles in public settings. Alex is pursuing a genius of terror who has the whole city on edge. And the killer loves the attention - he even sets up his own Web site and live video feed to trumpet his madness. In Colorado, another brilliant madman is planning a triumphant return. From his supermaximum security prison cell, Kyle craig has plotted for years an impossible escape. If he has to join forces with DC's Audience Killer to get back at the man who put in that prison - Alex Cross - all the better.
So happy that Alex is back!