I, Alex Cross

What a complete page turner - from page two! I think I read it in about four hours - could not put it does. The Alex Cross detective books are the best and this one delivers. The ending was unexpected - being connected to the White House but being this connected?! Crazy. This book will make an amazing movie. Mr. Patterson, keep the Alex Cross books coming!

I have to say, I am very happy that Mr. Patterson seems to have his mojo back! I have not enjoyed his forays in "partnering" with other authors and his off subject books. I loved this story and couldn't put it down. I was totally caught up in the main story of who the murderer was, but had it figured out pretty much mid-way through. The characters were wonderful and I was very worried about Nana! When I worry about the health of a fictional character, I know it's a good read! Welcome back Mr. Patterson.

Well I must admit that I was initially apprehensive about paying so much money for a James Patterson book after the horrible Cross Country (Alex Cross) where Alex Cross goes to Africa. In fact, not only did I write a scathing review of that book, but I seriously spent about 10 minutes trying to decide if I wanted to risk my money on this latest Alex Cross novel. However, I decide I would go ahead and risk it. Surprisingly, or perhaps not so surprisingly, I was absolutely delighted with the story and thrilled that Patterson was back in form with good fast paced writing that kept the pages turning with nary a single thought of putting the book down. Although admittedly I did a time or two in order to try and get some sleep, but it didn't work so I finished the book in one sitting. I especially liked the cameo appearance (so to speak) of another Patterson character in the Alex Cross novels and I am hoping that he will be a major player in an upcoming Alex Cross novel. Every Superman needs their Lex Luthor and this character is definitely that. And no, I am not going to give away the suprise ending. The basic plot of the story is that a loose family member (no pun intended, which you will understand within the first 30 pages or so) is found murdered and Alex Cross begins a perilous journey to find the family members killer or killers. Quite an interesting background of characters that I thought was rather well done, although I wondered just how realistic a couple of them really would have been. I am not going to give away any more than that, but it should be sufficient for me to say that being a HUGE Alex Cross/Patterson fan has me believing once again in the writing of this terrific author who needs to stick to solo projects and an already proven recipe for great stories and characters. Please, no more books like Cross Country (Alex Cross)! Shawn Kovacich Author of the Achieving Kicking Excellence series.

In the past few months I have read three of James Patterson's novels: Swimsuit, Alex Cross's Trial, and The Murder of King Tut. I, Alex Cross easily tops all three. It's skillfully written, suspenseful, and even includes a few funny zingers. Detective Alex Cross's niece, Caroline, is murdered. He learns of her death during his birthday party as his family gathered to express their deep affection for him. Cross spearheads the murder investigation. His family comes together to support him in this difficult time. A key theme in the novel is the importance of family. A pivotal figure is known as Zeus. This Zeus does not live on Mount Olympus. He's a very wealthy and powerful man who frequents a "gentlemen's club" in Virginia, just outside of Washington. The club caters to rich people with bizarre tastes. It seems that Zeus is a violent man... When it rains it pours. Cross's beloved grandmother, Nana, suffers from congestive heart failure. Her condition worsens until she is near death. Cross is overcome with concern, but he must press on with the search for Caroline's killer. As he visits a comatose Nana in the hospital, he is inspired by memories of her advice through the years. There are vicious people in this book who use their wealth and influence to cover up their crimes. There's a wood chipper that is used in a manner not intended by its manufacturer. Veteran author Patterson weaves these disparate elements together. It all builds to an exciting conclusion. The shocking identity of Zeus is finally revealed. Highly recommended.

Don't mess with Detective Alex Cross, especially when it comes to his family members. With one family member murdered, and another in the hospital fighting for their life, Cross sets out to help solve a very personal murder case--a series of brutal murders that, not only involve his niece, but will take him to the top echelons of the US government. James Patterson brings to the table, once again, all of his previous masterful talent and bold imagination. Although, some passages may disturb the squeamish, I was held captive throughout the entire book. I especially like the surprise ending. This may be one of Patterson's best efforts yet. The thriller is written in short chapters, which I like, and the font is large enough to make reading enjoyable. The prose is clear, succinct, and paints a picture of full-blown evil and terror. A fast read.