As a die-hard Patterson fan who has closely followed the character of Alex Cross throughout all of his books, it is with a heavy heart that I must admit I am truly starting to grow weary of him. This admission truly pains me because I have developed a genuine affection for all of the characters crafted within the Cross series. However, it simply feels as if there is very little vitality remaining in Alex Cross. The stories are commencing to sound monotonous, and the endings are becoming increasingly foreseeable.

To be frank, I only completed this book out of my unwavering dedication to Patterson and his characters. I cannot claim that I truly relished this particular installment. It was just okay...solely because it centered around Alex Cross, a character for whom I have developed a caring attitude. But I read for the sake of enjoyment and I have a penchant for the twists and turns of a captivating story. Regrettably, this story was sluggish and overly familiar, causing me to find myself simply indifferent towards the ending.

Hopefully, this was merely a misstep in the sequence of Cross books, and Patterson has some remarkable new plots up his sleeve to present to us. If that is not the case, he really ought to seriously consider retiring Alex Cross.

When I first saw this book, I thought it was something mediocre and not very interesting. However, it turned out to be a rather interesting detective story.

The only thing that bothered me was the way the author wrote this book. The chapters were mostly from the perspective of the main character, but sometimes there was a sharp transition to the third person, during which the events were shown from the perspective of the murderer/killer. And at the beginning, this seemed too sudden, but over time, I got used to these jumps back and forth.

There is also the mafia here, there is also a corrupt police force, there is everything that is needed, and it is presented quite simply and interestingly.

I also liked that the chapters were literally 1-3 pages long, although the font was not very large, and because of this, the book was easy to read.

The detective Cross lost his wife and was left with only three children and his mother/grandmother (I don't remember exactly), and wanted to leave the investigation and work as a psychologist, which he is by education.

However, if everything were that simple and the desire for revenge for his wife was not so great... And then the plot begins to unfold, and at the end, several important secrets are revealed, which completely turn their world upside down.

It was also unexpected to see sexism from the side of the murderer here, his harassment of the victims and even the mention of rape... There was no warning about this, so it caught me by surprise.

Therefore, I think if you want to read something simple, but at the same time interesting, then get acquainted with this book.

I gave this book 5/5

*sigh* James Patterson has been one of my favorite writers for a long, long time.

However, this book just makes me sad.

Sure, I read the whole thing.

I mean, it was an easy read.

But that's really the best thing I can say about it.

The Alex Cross series has also been my favorite of his to read on a regular basis.

But it has just gotten to the point that he doesn't put any effort into his books anymore.

Sometimes he has some good ones.

For example, "You've Been Warned" that came out a few months ago was good.

Definitely a departure from his usual.

But they just seem like they follow some sort of writing equation.

There isn't much variation.

And this one is no different.

I really can't say anything more.

I'm just gushing the disappointment as it is.

It's a shame because I used to look forward to his new releases with great anticipation.

But now, it seems like I'm just going through the motions of reading his books without any real excitement or engagement.

I hope he can find his way back to writing books that truly capture the reader's imagination and heart.

Rollercoaster of emotions! That's what it feels like when I read Mr Patterson's books.

I always think I'm prepared, but somehow, every single time, there's something that moves me and catches me completely off guard.

This latest book of his is just one more reason why I can't stop loving this series.

From the very first page, I was drawn into the story, unable to put it down.

The characters are so well-developed that I feel like I know them personally.

The plot is full of twists and turns that keep me on the edge of my seat.

And the ending! Oh, the ending! It was both satisfying and heart-wrenching at the same time.

I can't wait to see what Mr Patterson has in store for us next.

This book definitely deserves a 5

This is the Alex Cross book that I have been eagerly anticipating to read. In this installment, he finally discovers who killed his wife years ago. And it truly did not disappoint!

Alex is currently working as a full-time psychologist in private practice. However, when things heat up regarding his wife's cold case, he is right back in the investigation world. This book is extremely fast-paced, and as a reader who has now delved into a dozen books of the series, I felt a deep investment in Alex finding out the truth about his wife's killer.

I believe that the best aspect of this series is that you become addicted and deeply invested in the characters and their lives. It's not just about the mystery and the investigation; it's about the people and their struggles.

My quick and simple overall assessment is that this book is fast-paced and offers a more personal connection for the reader compared to some of the other books in the series. It keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish and leaves you eagerly awaiting the next installment.

Always enjoy an Alex Cross story!

Alex Cross is a captivating character who has been the center of many thrilling tales. The stories involving him are filled with mystery, suspense, and heart-pounding action.

From the moment you start reading an Alex Cross story, you are immediately drawn into his world. You get to experience his adventures as he battles against dangerous criminals and tries to solve complex cases.

The author does an excellent job of creating a vivid and engaging narrative that keeps you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. You can't help but root for Alex Cross as he faces one challenge after another.

Whether you're a fan of mystery novels or just looking for a good read, an Alex Cross story is sure to satisfy. So, pick up the latest installment and get ready to be entertained!

What I expect from James Patterson is a story that is quick-paced and able to maintain my interest throughout. In this regard, the book did meet my initial expectations. However, there were a few parts that really annoyed me.

Firstly, what kind of therapist in the world would break his client's trust and take matters into his own hands by going after her abuser? This is completely unethical and such a therapist should definitely lose his license. It really made me question the credibility of the character and the overall storyline.

Secondly, the geographical inaccuracy in the book was quite jarring. You simply cannot leave Florida, MA (assuming it's a fictional place) and head to the MA turnpike and somehow end up in Stockbridge, MA. The last exit on the Pike is in Lee, MA. To get to Stockbridge, one would have to take Route 8 through Pittsfield, not go as far as the Pike. I understand that it might seem like a small thing, but it really made me wonder what other details in the book might be inaccurate. It just shows a lack of attention to detail on the part of the author, which is quite disappointing.

I'm not a fan of police procedurals, quite the contrary, but the damned Patterson has a writing style and a way of engaging people that is quite captivating and I couldn't remain indifferent. What really makes me angry is that this gentleman just doesn't stop writing books and, as if that weren't enough, the damned books are always huge sagas -.-'''

Going to the story, I liked Sullivan more than Cross xD. Cross is okay and all, but it was Sullivan who gave direction to the story and made us want to keep reading to see how far his twisted and maniacal mind will go. It's a basic story, even for me who doesn't read police procedurals, where the wife of the policeman is killed and he then wants revenge (what's different here is that Cross doesn't become obsessed with it, which usually doesn't happen) and where we have a psycho who is the way he is because he had an "animal" for a father instead of a human being and then it's the typical cat and mouse story. The damned last line of the book just won't get out of my head and it only makes me want to have the book in my hands as soon as possible (just for this reason, I think maybe it's time for Patterson to retire, because my wallet is already on its last legs).

Ah! In the middle of this book I decided to watch the trailer of the movie, because I hadn't seen it and all the propaganda I had seen about it was of a muscular and bald man. Well, thanks to the trailer I realized that Cross is black (and I swear I would have read the whole book without having that idea) and that the muscular and bald man was Sullivan. I also realized something else, which was that very probably the movie and the book have absolutely nothing, but really nothing in common =S.

P.s: There was one thing that really confused me. Maria was pregnant and had 2 children before she died, right? When she died she was still pregnant and therefore had 2 children, right? If he didn't remarry, how is it that in part 2, Cross appears with an extra child? This confused me throughout the book.

Over the past eleven books, Alex Cross has faced and defeated numerous extremely dangerous individuals. However, he has never had such a deeply personal connection to a case before.

What occurs when Cross, who has essentially shaken off the dust and left the world of crime behind (to some extent), steps in to assist his old partner and best friend, John Sampson, with a particularly horrifying case?

Well, he finally discovers the identity of the person who murdered his wife, Maria, ten years ago. That's what. This case is certain to bring to the surface some long-repressed emotions.

Alex is now determined to seek blood vengeance. The only problem is that the man he is seeking revenge on is also out for blood. Only one of them can survive.

Mob gangster Irish American Michael 'The Butcher' Sullivan is nearly as cunning as Gary Soneji, the most devious perpetrator yet. How can one series have two creepy sadists who are so eerily similar? My heart goes out to their families who had no idea what their husband and father were really up to and the company they kept. The Butcher's modus operandi is terrifying.

Thank goodness Nana Mama knocked some sense into Alex's thick head, forcing him to give up his dangerous day job and return to private practice. The whole act of putting his family at risk was getting old very quickly. Having said that, Alex really can't stay away from the excitement of solving crimes, can he? It's as if someone, somewhere, will snap their fingers, and Alex will obediently follow like the 200-plus pound muscular man puppy that he is.

Also, thank the writing gods who inspire Patterson's creative juices for Alex not having to unleash his inner beast for some comfort this time!

When will we see his future wife again? Because, seriously, Dr. Cross needs someone other than his Nana or kids to keep him in line for once!

4.5 ⭐

I used to be an avid fan of James Patterson books.

His characters, especially Alex Cross, had a certain charm that kept me hooked. I adored the way Alex Cross' tough and badass exterior was juxtaposed with his soft and family-oriented side.

However, in recent times, I have decided to distance myself from Patterson's works. It seems that the magic has worn off, so to speak.

I firmly believe that the large quantity of his output has led to a dilution of the quality of his stories.

I remember reading "Big Bad Wolf" in September with high expectations, only to be extremely disappointed.

Despite this, my loyalty to the character of Alex Cross, whom I have followed for over a decade, made me curious about what had happened to Maria all those years ago.

This was the main selling point of the book for me, so I decided to give it a try.

Unfortunately, it was a huge letdown. Not only was the revelation about Maria underwhelming, but the entire story was thinly plotted and had little connection to the event that was supposed to be the focus.

It was a real disappointment for a long-time fan like me.

Book 12 in the Alex Cross series was published in 2006.

Unfortunately, for me, this installment felt like more of the same. The story features a completely out of control psychopath, who in addition to being a murderer, is also a serial rapist. This aspect makes him a bit different from the previous antagonists in the series.

As a result of a stern talking-to from Nanna/Mamma, Alex decides to quit the FBI and go into private practice as a psychologist, leveraging his diplomas and degrees.

Although it has been several years since Alex's wife was brutally murdered right in front of him, he has been haunted by the need to find the killer and exact justice in his own way.

After a series of seriously warped murder/rapes in DC, Alex receives information that the unknown subject (unsub) could potentially be the man responsible for his wife's murder. Whether he is part of law enforcement or not, there is no way Alex can remain on the sidelines and not be involved in this case.

What follows is classic James Patterson. The book is composed of short, sharp chapters, filled with lots of brutal murders. Additionally, Alex continues to struggle with forming a meaningful relationship with a member of the opposite sex.

If you have enjoyed the previous Alex Cross books, then you will likely enjoy this one as well. However, for me, it was just another 3-star read.

THOMPSON: I am Doctor Thompson from Berkshire Medical Center. How many shots

have you heard?

CROSS: Several.

THOMPSON: What is your name, sir?

CROSS: Alex Cross.

THOMPSON: Do you have difficulty breathing? Any pains?

CROSS: In the abdomen. I feel like there is some liquid moving inside. It's hard to breathe.

THOMPSON: Do you know that you have been shot?

CROSS: Yes. Twice. Is he dead? The murderer? Michael Sullivan?

THOMPSON: I don't know. Several people have died. Well, guys, give me a simple

oxygen mask. Two IV drips with a wide base. Two liters of intravenous saline solution.

Now! We will try to move you and take you to the hospital immediately, Mr. Cross. Stay

calm. Can you still hear me? Are you conscious?

CROSS: My children... Tell them that I love them.

Dr. Thompson is doing his best to assess Alex Cross's condition. The situation is critical as Cross has been shot twice and is experiencing breathing difficulties and abdominal pain. Thompson quickly orders the necessary medical supplies to stabilize Cross before transporting him to the hospital. Meanwhile, Cross is worried about his children and wants them to know that he loves them. The fate of Cross and the identity of the murderer remain unknown at this point.