Four Blind Mice

By: James Patterson

Narrated by: Peter J. Fernandez, Michael Emerson

Length: 8 hrs and 2 mins

Publisher's summary

Detective Alex Cross is on his way to resign from the Washington, DC police force when his partner shows up at his door with a case he can't refuse. One of John Sampson's oldest friends, from their days together in Vietnam, has been arrested for murder. Worse yet, he is subject to the iron hand of the United States Army. The evidence against him is strong enough to send him to the gas chamber.

Sampson is certain his friend has been framed, and Alex's investigation turns up evidence overlooked - or concealed - by the military authorities. Drawing on their years of street training and an almost telepathic mutual trust, Cross and Sampson go deep behind military lines to confront the most ruthless - and deadliest - killers they have ever encountered. Behind these three highly skilled killing machines there appears to be an even more threatening controller. Discovering the identity of this lethal genius will prove to be Cross' most terrifying challenge ever.

On his visits home, Alex must confront another, more disturbing mystery: what's the matter with Nana Mama? As he explores the possibility of a relationship with a woman who offers him new hope, Alex must also face the fact that his beloved grandmother is only human.

©2002 James Patterson, All Rights Reserved (P)2002 Time Warner AudioBooks, a Division of the AOL Time Warner Book Group

Critic reviews

"Everything clicks in this novel, from Patterson's patented short chapters to the whiplash plotting." (Publishers Weekly)
"Patterson delivers another exciting thriller, with some intriguing new developments for [Alex] Cross." (Booklist)

The Clarity #1

I fully enjoyed the background to the reading & clarity of the narrators. Very enjoyable. 5 stars

Classic Alex Cross

I really enjoyed the novel. It was not what I was expecting. The military stuff was pretty good. If you like Alex Cross novels, you will enjoy this one as well.

great book

very interesting murder mystery. could not stop lisening. I will be reading more of his books.

Just churning them out

As with his last couple of books, I feel like Patterson is just churning out his novels to meet a deadline. This one is no exception, and while it is entertaining, it pales in comparison with his early Alex Delaware novels. It is a good read to while away the time, and the narration is good. Just don't get excited if you think it will be a spinetingler like his first books.

Vintage Patterson

Vintage Patterson, but a little more in depth with characters (Nana mama and Sampson) makes for some depth. A good "read".

this book is amazing

this book kept me on the edge of my seat. Really a true page Turner!

VERY GOOD ALL AROUND!!!!!

What did you love best about Four Blind Mice?

I have been changing the audiobooks that I listen to...and I am hooked once again to Alex Cross and James Patterson...Great story and performance!!!!!

One of the best, so far

As I work my way through the "Alex Cross" series, I have rarely been dissapointed, although it does happen. "Four Blind Mice" has been one of my favorites yet, the twists, and plot turns were much better than other's. Very detailed, a lot of movement around the country, with all the usual surprises. By far the best narration, for those of us who prefer audiobooks. Highly reccomended!

no music please

I didn't care for the music. James creates the ambiance with his writing. The music seemed distracting to me.

Heading Downhill

Alex Cross is tired. James Patterson is tired. Together, they are damned near worn out! Patterson is at his best when he is moving and twisting and turning, as he did in First to Die and Second Chance. Those are Patterson at his best. But this Alex Cross novel sounds like he'd like to write Alex off if only he could think of a satisfying way to do it. I found the central theme of the story so unbelievable when revealed, that it simply left me going "what the heck?" For the most part, I'm willing to give Jimmy a break when he constructs a plot, but this one just went too far. When I put it down, I was glad it was over. I doubt if I will be picking up another Alex Cross novel. Part of the problem is that the wisdom and humor that used to flow from the pages is lacking. The Nanna-Momma character who used to provide such wisdom and direction is an afterthought, as are the children. The time lines are not coherent. It is almost like this one was ghost-written. Get Second Chance or First to Die and pass this one up.