Merry Christmas, Alex Cross

By: James Patterson

Narrated by: Michael Boatman, Stephen Kunken, Cristin Milioti

Length: 6 hrs and 6 mins

Publisher's summary

It's Christmas Eve and Detective Alex Cross has been called out to catch someone who's robbing his church's poor box. That mission behind him, Alex returns home to celebrate with Bree, Nana, and his children. The tree decorating is barely underway before his phone rings again - a horrific hostage situation is quickly spiraling out of control. Away from his own family on the most precious of days, Alex calls upon every ounce of his training, creativity, and daring to save another family. Alex risks everything - and he may not make it back alive on this most sacred of family days.

Alex Cross is a hero for our time, and never more so than in this story of family, action, and the deepest moral choices. Merry Christmas, Alex Cross will be a holiday classic for years to come.

©2012 James Patterson (P)2012 Hachette Audio

Christmas Books

Would you consider the audio edition of Merry Christmas, Alex Cross to be better than the print version?

I love audio books and the narrator of this book is incredible. It puts much more life into the story.

Would you be willing to try another book from James Patterson? Why or why not?

Whenever James Patterson's books come out I almost immediately read them -- then when I've read them I have trouble finding others to fill the void. I have read almost everything single book he has written and am still catching up with some older ones.

Have you listened to any of the narrators’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Yes, and after listening to these books I often times search on the narrator to determine what book I will listen too next. I get a sort of comfort from the storyteller.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes it was. I looked for times to sneak away and listen.

Edge of the seat thriller!

What did you love best about Merry Christmas, Alex Cross?

The story was fantastic, but I have to say, the presentation really brought it to life. The narrators were terrific but the thrill was in the sound effects. This was absolutely the best Audible book I've heard to date!

What did you like best about this story?

The story line was fantastic and living on the east coast really adds a whole new dimension to it. Having worked for Amtrak for many years, I knew how authentic and well researched the details were. Terrifying and thrilling! Great job Mr. Patterson!

Which character – as performed by the narrators – was your favorite?

Naturally, Alex Cross was my favorite character, but the female terrorist was a close second. The narrator for her was very convincing, and the whole mindset of her and "the family" was a real eye opener.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

There were many touching moments that were punctuated by Alex Cross' s love and concern for his family and what his job was doing to them. In addition, my heart went out to the children throughout the book.

Any additional comments?

I highly recommend not only the book, but particularly the Audible version. This was truly the best audio production I've ever heard! I was captivated from beginning to end!

A Must Read!

If you could sum up Merry Christmas, Alex Cross in three words, what would they be?

A Must Read

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Yes it did. Like all James Patterson books, this one also flowed from one situation to another before tieing them all together for a fabulous ending.

What does the narrators bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

narrators bring the story to life.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

it made me laugh and cry

Did not care for narrater. Story line was good

If you could sum up Merry Christmas, Alex Cross in three words, what would they be?

I have read better by James Patterson.

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

Did not like how the first and second half of book did not flow together.

Did the narrators do a good job differentiating all the characters? How?

narrator not convinceing with voice.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

no

Any additional comments?

I enjoy all James Patterson's books, even the children books.
some more than others. This was not one of his best.

great read

What made the experience of listening to Merry Christmas, Alex Cross the most enjoyable?

love all the Alex Cross books, they are fast pace.

What did you like best about this story?

It keeps your attention so you don't want to stop listening.

What about the narrators’s performance did you like?

Good voice compelling.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

YES

Any additional comments?

Just keep them coming. Patterson is a great author

This is not a Merry reading...

I, too, am a Alex Cross fan and thought that this would be a good story. Instead, it seems as if Christmas is a "back drop" to a couple of crime situtations that would have happened anytime. One suspects that these were two story ideas in development and that this Merry Christmas Alex Cross was a good way to get rid of them and at the same time make a story deadline. The short stories lacked character development and involved senseless killing or attempts. While the hostage situation was somewhat interesting, it was difficult to connect to the victims and the perpetrator. Some parts of the storyline are unrealistic and inplausible such as Bree going to the hostage situation and then being allowed to return home. Also, a terrorist mother who watches her own children being tortured telling them to be brave? Not any mother could be that strong or crazy. As usual Alex's grandmother was a bit over the top with her bossiness and demanding attitude. Sitting in a chair like she is a queen? In addition, there is a a new "addition" to the Cross family. Where did this little girl come from? If she was introduced in the last story I missed her because I did not read the story due to poor reviews. The reviews were misleading for this one. Narrators were above average and did a good job with the material.

Alex being Alex

Would you listen to Merry Christmas, Alex Cross again? Why?

Yes, I enjoy listening to the ones I like at least twice. Usually I hear something I missed the first time. This is one of the best.

What did you like best about this story?

Many situations

What does the narrators bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I love being read to.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No

Awesome

If you could sum up Merry Christmas, Alex Cross in three words, what would they be?

Couldn't stop listening

What was one of the most memorable moments of Merry Christmas, Alex Cross?

Using the dogs more as a mind game than as track dogs.

Which scene was your favorite?

On the snow bank with the bulldozer after the crooks couldn't get a break and used it out of desperation.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes

Great Audio Performance by all 3 narrators!

Read from December 03 to 04, 2012

Listened for Fun! (Audible)
Overall Rating: 3.75
Story Rating: 3.50
Character Rating: 4.00

Audio Rating: 4.75(Not Part of the Overall Rating)

Part of my 25 Books for the Holidays for 2012

How Merry Christmas, Alex Cross put me in the Holiday Spirit: I love the Alex Cross series because I can always count on him to get the bad guy! That being said, it was his family that really injected the Holiday spirit into this story. His Nana was just perfect!

What I thought of the Characters/Story: Merry Christmas, Alex Cross was almost like 2 novellas in one book. The characters that we have grown to know and love through out the series were all there for Christmas (except his 6 year old that gives him a call). The story(s) were pretty typical Alex Cross situations but they felt a little rushed. Even though, I bought the timeline the action seemed a little rushed. Both situations were still very interesting and action packed. This book should not be missed by Alex Cross fans.

What I thought of the Audio: Just going to say it: the audio rocked the casbah! This was a seriously well done audiobook with 3 narrators to tell the story. The pacing was excellent, the voices spot on, and the only drawback was the over abundance of musical moments. I am thinking this is a series that I am going to start listening to on audio.

Always the best

AGAIN Thsnk you for an enjoyable time with this series
i love love audible i can get the next book right a way.