Cross takes on the case and plunges into a netherworld of secret clubs and role-players, a world full of poseurs and playactors - and someone demented enough to have crossed the line from dark ritual to real blood. At the same time, a lethal super-criminal from Cross' past - known as the Mastermind - is stalking him, taunting him, and threatening everything he holds dear. Cross has never been closer to defeat, or in greater danger. In a shocking conclusion, Alex Cross must survive a deadly confrontation - only to discover at last the awful secret of the Mastermind.
©2001 James Patterson, All Rights Reserved; (P)2001 Time Warner AudioBooks
"As exciting as anything Patterson has written." (Publishers Weekly)
"One of the best Alex Cross thrillers yet." (Amazon.com)
"Patterson is first-rate." (AudioFile)
"Overrated by the Author"
Paterson spent several minutes at the beginning of this audio book tell us how good the book is. Clearly he did not listen to it.
It is bloody for the sake of being bloody. It has ?Police Activities? that make no sense, such as, exhuming a body to look at it, then doing nothing else with it. The protagonist is utterly unbelievable, though the crimes are only partially so.
All in all it is not a book to bother with.
"Acceptable"
It is a fast paced story with the famous Alex Cross. The plot is far fetched but most people could be suspended in disbelief for a few hours - especially when the book moves fast.
The narration is excellent. Clear and dramatic pronounciations.
Overall, it is not great, but not bad either. It is not the best Alex Cross story, but it is an "acceptable" listen.
Vickifer
"Narration a Disappointment"
Admittedly I've not read/listened to the Alex Cross books in chronological order. That being said by the time I started listening to Violets are Blue Alex Cross had become embodied by Peter J Fernandez. Violets is a sequel to Roses are Red narrated by Peter. To go from Roses to Violets is a disappointment. The person voicing Alex Cross while having a dramatic voice, reads much too quickly for Alex. Alex does nothing quickly he's a thinker and doesn't give away much. This narrator seems to be in a hurry to get the story over with. The story is the culmination of the Alex Cross/Kyle Craig story line begun in Roses are Red, it would have been served the story best to keep the same narrator.
"Not a favorite...."
Out of all of the Alex Cross series, I found this one a disappointment. But, admittedly I'm not sure if it was simply the content which I did not find appealing.
"Great Book"
I love herring the same voices reading the story.
Loved the story very much. I enjoy James Pattetson series.
No
"Fan of James Paterson"
Good listen. Like most of James Patterson work I on it until the end. This one is no different,
Many twists and turns. Which how Patterson keeps his reader's engaged.
All.
Too many to make a real choice. As all way's. :)
"Another good book by Patterson!"
Up there
With all of the Alex Cross books that Patterson has done.
Finding out who the mastermind was.
Aways
?
No
"Slightly disappointed"
I love James Patterson books but this one was difficult for me. The story line was strange for me but I still couldn't put it away.
The theme and the amount of details used to tell the story was difficult for me.
I enjoy the Alex Cross series and don't want to miss anything in the full story.
I don't think I would buy a follow up book.
Worth the time if you don't mind the graphic details.
"Could not put it down."
Have not read it, loved listening to it.
The end when Cross was in the trenches. I could not see a way out for him. Also when he was put in the trunk of the car by the military. Hightened thriller.
I really liked them both!!!
Intriguing and Suspenseful
I enjoy the balance between Cross's family life (sweet), his friendship with Sampson and his detective work.