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Deborah Cameron
5.0 out of 5 stars Alex Cross #16 Enjoy I did!
Reviewed in the United States on January 2, 2021
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About the Alex Cross Series
Written by the well-known mystery author James Patterson, the Alex Cross books are among the most popular mystery series written to date, many of which have been made into acclaimed movies, including Kiss The Girls with Morgan Freeman (playing Alex Cross) and Ashley Judd. Alex Cross, better-called dr. Alex Cross is a forensic psychology specialist and a psychologist who started out working as a detective at the Washington DC police department, eventually transitioning after to the FBI as a senior agent.

Initially, he was working as a psychologist, but after his wife got murdered, his life changed full direction with him focusing, from then on, on tracking killers and bringing them to justice. What really drew me in from the very first book are the writing style and the short chapters which can satisfy even those with the shortest attention span ever. By the time you start reading, the chapter is already over. And even more so, none of the chapters are boring. You find yourself flipping the pages and zipping through the story just to see what comes next.

Sure, the main plot is about the same: Killer does his abducting and killing deeds, Alex Cross gets on the job of tracking down said serial killer, Alex Cross and killer finally meet and eventually one party (you can guess which) wins, often with serious battle scars.

Among all the Alex Cross books I’ve read so far, I Alex Cross was probably one of my most favorite ones, next to the very first one James Patterson has ever written, Along Came a Spider and Kiss the Girls.

Detective Alex Cross has just received a call that one of his own family members has been brutally murdered. As he delves into the case he quickly discovers that there are other similar murders. As Alex follows the clues he comes across a lot of high profile people that do not want him to investigate this case so that their secrets are not discovered and they definitely don't want him to solve it. Alex uncovers a big money private escort service that caters to the wealthy and there seems to be no limit to your fantasies as long as you have the money and credentials to get in. Alex's life has never been in so much danger but he's determined to solve this case.
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Amy's Bookshelf Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars Remarkable Story
Reviewed in the United States on March 8, 2019
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I am a big fan of this series by James Patterson. Alex Cross is one of my favorite detectives, and I love reading about not only his investigations, but also his family life. This story was very intense and intriguing, and very difficult for Dr. Cross, dealing with a sick Nana Mama, as well as investigating the brutal death of a relative, with ties to his late brother. I like the chemistry between Bree and Alex, and look forward to their future, and Cross's future, when he finally comes face to face with the Mastermind once again.
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Volunteer Coordinator
5.0 out of 5 stars and the death of Cross'es niece is the background for this amazing story. As Alex begins to investigate
Reviewed in the United States on May 17, 2017
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A private ranch that caters to the wealthy and powerful in Washington DC, and the death of Cross'es niece is the background for this amazing story.
As Alex begins to investigate, he learns his niece was mutilated in her death, to the point that she was referred to as "the remains".
At the same time the Secret Service is investigating a possible murderer in the white house somewhere.
The story winds around several murders, mutilation and disappearances of women.
Cross solves the case with a surprise twist,and has a surprise of his own after the case is closed.
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Sean Dunkirk
2.0 out of 5 stars As Is Usual..Great
Reviewed in the United States on October 12, 2020
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All of the Alex Cross books are worth the read. But as usual I don't see Alex take time for his kids. Real Time. In reality this is becoming a downside of the series. The character is a selfish bastard who cares for the criminals more than his family.
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Elf
5.0 out of 5 stars Creates new meaning for the word “suspense “
Reviewed in the United States on March 22, 2020
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I loved all the surprises in this book. You think you know what’s going to happen next, but then Patterson throws another curve ball and you’re stuck turning pages until your eyes burn. He’s a master. Hats off to ya Mr. Patterson!
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Bob Patin
1.0 out of 5 stars The only crime here was that I wasted hours reading this terrible book
Reviewed in the United States on February 19, 2010
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I give this book a one-star rating only because it's not possible to give it a no-star rating.

I've read amost all of Patterson's books; this will be the last. This book's only distinction was in the grisly nature of the crime; the plot was thin, badly-developed, ended as though he ran out of typing paper, and showed the writing style of a rank amateur.

WIthin the first 30 pages I found myself thinking that there was no proper development in the book; even though I already knew Cross' relationship with his grandmother, the book fell flat on making me feel it. Not only that, but I got the impression that Patterson threw this weak story into a word-processor, spliced in a few family scenes, and collected his fat paycheck. It's a shame that people will buy a book like this without reading a review--that's what I did. Had I known, I would avoided this, relegating it to the pile where "The Lost Symbol" is festering at this very minute.

So the plot cruises along, thinly populated with character development (and that's being generous)--and all of a sudden, the entire case is busted wide open in a blink of an eye. Stupid ending to a terrible book.

A bad book like this not only leaves me unsatisfied, but angry that I wasted time getting to what I hoped would be a logical and satisfactory conclusion. Instead, the book ended more abruptly than a car crash. To add insult to injury, they padded the book's puny size by using paper the thickness of tank armor and adding a teaser for yet another crummy book. The difference this time is that not only will I never buy another Patterson book, but will discourage others from doing so as well.

Patterson needs to send me my money back.
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Top reviews from other countries

ChrisE
1.0 out of 5 stars Truly awful
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 15, 2011
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I've read every Alex Cross novel, and the last half dozen have been getting progressively worse and worse. This plumbs the depths.

No plot, no characters, no warmth... no effort. It seems Patterson has a book out every week, either written by himself, or 'with' someone. The opinion of many, including myself, is that all he has done is given his name to people in order for them to sell books, as I'm sure it's impossible to write so many, even as poor as this one.

It's heartbreaking when I think back at the wonderful characters, stories, twists and situations in Along Came a Spider, Kiss the Girls, Jack and Jill, Cat and Mouse, Pop Goes the Weasel, etc. Sadly they seem to be by a different author, about different characters. Maybe they are. The term 'Going through the motions' springs to mind. And by this I mean both Patterson AND his readers regarding this character now.

Cross himself used to be likeable. Now... I don't like him very much. He seems to think he's perfect. Everyone close to him is perfect. Literally saint-like. He seems arrogant, and this isn't the man I first read about. His latest love, Bree... she's a blank canvass... after appearing in quite a few books. We still don't know much about her, or much care. I don't.

The book is 374 pages long, but in reality, probably under 200 pages. Short chapters. Many pages with just a few lines on. This means the plot moves quickly, and it's easy to read, but also means there is no tension as situations have no chance to build. We never get to meet anyone properly, or get to know them, so we do not feel any emotional investment.

I have the follow up to this book to read as it was brought as a present. I fear that will be the last Alex Cross book I will read, which is a shame, as I used to like him and care about him. But if Mr Patterson can't be bothered either to write them himself, or if he actually IS writing them... if he can't be bothered caring himself and continues to go through the motions then he doesn't really care does he? And if he doesn't... why should we?
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Tracey Shellito
3.0 out of 5 stars Cross Roads
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 11, 2010
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James Patterson books are in the unenviable position of being something I love and hate at the same time. Dreadful short chapters that make a nonsense of the concept of traditional novel structure while at the same time making it easy for the reader without much time or attention span to dip in and out of the middle-sized crime novel without missing a beat. I also admit I'm jealous of his popularity and his pay cheques as a fellow crime writer! But most of the time I can't fault the punchy stories told in his series of Alex Cross novels. This one is unfortunately one of two exceptions. Both this and its predecessor have something in common - a too thin story and too much angst. While Cross himself remains an interesting character his sickly family life gets a huge part in this story at the expense of the crime itself. If you like the character, stick to the earlier tales prior to Mary, Mary. If this is your first exposure to the character, start at the beginning with Along Came A Spider. Missing the grit of these hard to follow acts, it may well be time to retire the detective/therapist/FBI agent and leave him with his happy ever, after if Patterson cannot find a way back to what made him fresh and vibrant. Of interest only to completist fans and those discovering it for the first time.
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Mrs. R. Houldsworth
5.0 out of 5 stars Another great Alex Cross book
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 30, 2014
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Fast-paced page turners that are really enjoyable, but also instantly forgettable. Believe it or not, that's what I like in a book! I have a demanding job and don't like to think too hard or have questions left unanswered when trying to switch off (unless it's a cliffhanger entrance to another book in the series!) so these are ideal. May not win literary greatness prizes, but they are entertaining and enjoyable nonetheless.
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Sarah P
4.0 out of 5 stars Not for the faint hearted...
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 9, 2011
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Once again James Patterson proves he is a master of his craft, and Alex Cross is someone you would certainly want on your side when the chips are down. The story is a grim and gruesome one, full of money, power, and the corruption they can buy, and is brought vividly to life by the author. But it also has it's warm side, as our hero's family is the most important thing in the world to him. Not a good read if you are squeemish, but Alex Cross is someone you can really get involved with, and really care about.
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant book
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 6, 2019
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JP is just the best thriller writer. When it came I just couldn’t put it down
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