Sadly, the second installment didn't prove to be any better. However, it was still an okay read, albeit a bit predictable.

I find myself gradually making my way through the series, this time in the proper order.

Each book seems to follow a somewhat similar pattern, which can make it a bit less exciting. But there are still some redeeming qualities.

The characters are somewhat likable, and the overall story arc has enough potential to keep me interested.

Despite the predictability, I'm still curious to see how the series will unfold and what new twists and turns might be in store.

Maybe the next book will break free from the formula and offer something more unexpected and engaging. Only time will tell.

Cross is now facing an extremely crazy killer. This deranged individual not only takes pleasure in killing but also in brutally butchering his victims. Cross strongly suspects that this is the very killer who took the life of his beloved wife, Maria.

He and his partner, Samson, are hot on the pursuit, determined to bring this murderer to justice. However, Patterson cleverly leaves the reader in a state of suspense, with no clear conclusion in sight.

The story builds up tension and anticipation, making it almost impossible for the reader to put the book down. In order to discover the thrilling finale and find out if Cross and Samson are able to catch the killer and solve the mystery of Maria's death, one must eagerly pick up the next book in the series.

It is this element of mystery and the promise of a resolution in the subsequent installment that keeps readers hooked and eager for more.

Deludente per gli standard di Patterson.

An investigation that delves deep into the saddest past of Alex Cross. There are too many intrusions into his personal life and an investigation that unfolds almost in a whisper.

It seems that Patterson has deviated from his usual high standards in this story. The plot lacks the usual excitement and tension that his readers have come to expect.

The focus on Alex Cross's personal life, while interesting, overshadows the main investigation. The story meanders at times, losing its momentum and leaving the reader feeling a bit disappointed.

However, there are still some redeeming qualities. The character of Alex Cross is as complex and engaging as ever, and Patterson's writing style is still smooth and easy to read.

Overall, while this may not be one of Patterson's best works, it is still an enjoyable read for fans of the Alex Cross series.

I have completely given up on both Patterson and Cross. But why?

Well, let's take a look at Alex Cross. He is this highly vaunted, seemingly perfect super-detective and shrink. But then he goes to the abuser and breaks the trust of his client! How could he do such a thing? There is simply no excuse for it. In fact, I was so upset and disgusted by this that I didn't even bother to find out what happened next. I just quit right then and there.

That is exactly why I have said goodbye to Mr. Cross and Mr. Patterson. Their actions or the actions of the character they have created have completely turned me off. It's a real disappointment, but sometimes you just have to walk away from something that doesn't meet your standards or values.

This latest installment in the Cross series may have you thinking it's the last.

Alex has turned in his resignation to the FBI and has settled into private practice as a psychologist. One would assume he'd now spend more time with his kids and Nana Mama. But that's not the case.

He's being recruited by the DC police and his long-time friend John Sampson. Sampson, for his part, is reluctant to involve Alex. The reason? The murderer they're after might just be the man who killed Cross's own wife Maria, over 10 years ago. This rapist and murderer is known for leaving a terrifying message with the victims: "tell anyone and I will come back and kill you," and he always keeps his promises.

Despite the risks, it's another fast-paced romp that won't fail to satisfy the devoted Cross addict. However, you needn't worry. The prolific Patterson is back at it. He's already released another Cross book, not to mention several other stand-alone novels and a new one in his Women's Murder Series. I highly recommend these to fans of suspense thrillers.

There's always more excitement and mystery to come from the talented pen of Patterson.

I didn't read this book in the order of the cross series, and yet, strangely enough, it didn't seem to matter at all.

The writing within its pages is truly superb. It has a certain charm and elegance that draws the reader in from the very first sentence.

I have to be honest and admit that there are definitely sexual assault triggers present in the story. However, what makes it all worthwhile is Patterson's remarkable character development.

The way he crafts each character, making them come alive with their own unique personalities, flaws, and strengths, is truly a work of art.

And when justice is finally served, it is so satisfying that it makes all the hardships and difficulties that the characters had to endure seem worth it.

This book is a must-read for anyone who loves a good mystery with well-developed characters and a satisfying ending.

I don't know why I keep doing this to myself. The Cross books are, without a doubt, better than some of the other works Patterson keeps producing with his co-authors. However, that doesn't mean they are as good as they once were. I think I've reached the conclusion that all good series must eventually come to an end, and this one seems to be no exception.

After many years, Alex and his friend Sampson are hot on the trail of the person Alex believes killed his wife Maria, known as 'The Butcher of Sligo'. Alex decides to quit the FBI and embark on this journey on his own, accompanied by his trusted friend John Sampson. Together, they investigate a series of rapes that have occurred in DC. Eventually, they discover a connection between these rapes and the murders being committed by the Butcher, who is revealed to be a mob hit man. To make matters worse, the Butcher is not only killing people for money and engaging in horrible acts of rape and torture, but he is also being pursued by both the mob, who want him dead, and the police. And to add another layer of complexity, he is trying to play the role of a good daddy.

Meanwhile, Alex is also dealing with a multitude of other issues. He is setting up his practice, helping a woman who is being abused by a police officer, worrying about his friend Kayla who has been stabbed, and trying to finally come to terms with the death of his wife Maria. There is simply too much going on in this book, and as a result, the story only scratches the surface of each individual plot. For me, there just wasn't enough depth.

This thriller is an absolute delight to read. It is written in an easy and very pleasant style, and it is a pleasure to turn the pages. James Patterson is rightfully considered one of the best writers in the world, and this book is a testament to his talent.

As soon as the book was released, I immediately went to buy it. Partly because it is Patterson, partly because of the spectacular synopsis, and partly because of the trailer for the movie based on this book, which premieres on January 3, 2013, and which I fully intend to see.

The new publisher also did a great job. In addition to betting on an excellent author, they published this book with an absolutely captivating cover design. I loved the black pages that separate each chapter. It gives the reader an even richer sense of how dark this character of the Butcher is, as well as Cross's life.

Although this publisher is new to the market, they bet on the presence of a translator (Maria João Freire de Andrade) as well as a reviser (José João Leiria). A fact to be praised! However, I found a paragraph that made no sense: "Although the location of the condominium was well known, the large trees that bordered it were safe, and Maggione had doubled his bodyguards." 4th paragraph, page 288.

I just asked for a little more care from the ladies and gentlemen of this publisher, because if they intend to continue publishing Patterson's works, I fully intend to continue buying them. And those who don't do it don't know what they are missing!

Returning to the phenomenal writing of this author, it is difficult not to be seduced. With a sharp perception and intelligence, we go from brutal moments to moments of humor, and even to sentimental ones (of pain, loss, grief, or reflection). With a contract killer who is impossible to predict, brutal deaths, and a Cross tormented by the death of his beloved and the constant threat to his family while trying to preserve some mental sanity, I couldn't put this book down until I finished it.

But what I had forgotten about Patterson is his biting irony. From Cross watching a Tyler Perry movie and "applauding like a crazy person", and now who is playing Cross on the big screen? Tyler Perry!! Even a dig at the literary work of another very well-known author called John Updike. Because didn't the cold and cruel Butcher read the work "Sins and Seductions" and say of whom that "(...) the old Updike (...) was in his seventies or so, and still scribbled about sex as if he were an adolescent on a Pennsylvania farm who ate everything he found, everything that had two or three or four legs." And it didn't end here!!! No! The Butcher even calls Updike a "(...) excited toad (...)".
I couldn't stand it. When I read this, I had to stop to let out a laugh. Patterson... what a naughty one!
I just didn't give it a perfect score because I thought the ending was a little too rushed.

In summary - Those who haven't read it should give it a try because it's worth it!

I truly love Alex Cross. I do. I have a deep affection for his entire family - the children and Nana Mama. I find myself completely immersed in his life, and I firmly believe that he is one of the finest characters within the thriller genre.

However, I become extremely upset when Patterson shortchanges Alex. Throughout this series, the unresolved murder of Alex's wife Maria has been a significant issue for him - impacting his relationships and leading him to adopt a workaholic lifestyle.

So, when the time comes to solve this murder, it should be an epic case that leaves both Alex and the reader feeling satisfied. Regrettably, Patterson seems to have been more preoccupied with the blatant product placement of a Mercedes crossover vehicle (how unoriginal!) than with a major event in the life of his beloved character.

This is truly disappointing. The story of Maria's murder merits far more than what this book provides. Alex himself deserves better. And the reader most definitely deserves more. I sincerely hope that whatever amount of money Patterson received for that Mercedes product placement was truly worth it.

This is one of my favorite books in the Alex Cross series.

I was truly captivated by the mob aspect presented in the story. The character of The Butcher was an extremely intriguing psychopath.

He committed heinous acts, raping and brutally assaulting a young woman in Georgetown, Washington DC, around the time when Maria, Alex's wife, was tragically shot and killed.

As a result of these events, Alex Cross quits the police force and decides to focus solely on practicing psychiatry for a while.

However, fate has other plans as The Butcher reemerges, and Alex finds himself irresistibly pulled back into the fold of working with the FBI and the DC police.

The story takes on a new level of intensity as Alex once again faces the challenge of tracking down and stopping this dangerous criminal, all while dealing with the emotional turmoil of his past.

It makes for a thrilling and engaging read that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

I'm giving this one star because, well, to be honest, I really have my doubts. I guess someone actually sat down and put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) and wrote it, but I'm not 100% convinced of that.

I truly wish I knew how to create a shorthand symbol that could represent a big, fat raspberry. This book is just so boring. It lacks any real substance whatsoever. It's not even the kind of guilty pleasure read that you can enjoy despite its flaws.

It almost seems as if the author woke up one morning and randomly thought, "Hmm... I guess it's time to crank out another Alex Cross novel." But Alex Cross deserves so much better than this subpar effort. I mean, come on - he was portrayed by the great Morgan Freeman, for Pete's sake!

How could they do this to such a beloved character? It's really quite disappointing.

This isn't the worst James Patterson novel I have read - not by a long shot!

This one was at least a little restrained and not completely outrageous and ridiculous.

This is apparently the 12th in his Alex Cross series. Here, we have the great man trying to get his life in some sort of order after the shooting death of his wife Maria. He resigns from the FBI and attempts to make a go of his psychologist practice, as well as spend a bit more time with his growing kids.

But, of course, he is dragged back into crime busting (he refers to himself as the Dragon Slayer - LOL) when there is a possibility that he might, once and for all, resolve who actually killed his wife.

Patterson introduces yet another psychopathic character, an Irishman named Michael Sullivan, aka 'The Butcher'.

The Butcher is a nasty type who delights in sadistic rape. He scares the bejeezus out of his female victims by showing them photos of his other handiwork, that of killing and then artfully slicing up various victims he is paid to murder in his vocation as a professional hit man. His favourite game is Red Light, Green Light - I will leave you to find out what that involves.

You get the picture? Not nice at all.

Anyway, Patterson is still pretty bad at writing decent prose, hopeless at any form of character development, creates plots that are insanely improbable and has never, ever written a decent line of dialogue.

But, as I said, this is not his worst - not that I have read too many of his prolific catalogue. (Of those I have read, bottom place belongs to Along Came a Spider).

I figure that it is okay to slum it with the occasional bit of pulp fiction trash, just to make sure you don't take the good stuff by writers with actual talent for granted.