Six-year-old girl had been brutally murdered sometime earlier that night.

Her whole life silenced in an instant of madness and horror. The murderer had struck so many times and so violently that little on the right side of her face was recognizable.

A child killer this time. For years, there had been rumors about a horrifying child molester, but there was nothing concrete. Nothing had ever been proved.

The unsubstantiated rumor was that he sliced off the genitalia of young kids who lived in the projects. Little boys and girls. No gender preference.

This was a horror-show murder case that could make anyone's blood boil over.

The board game was important to Jack and Jill. It was a game of chance, making it impossible for the police or FBI to predict their movements or motive.

If there was a motive. But of course there was. They had been cooperating but also competing with each other.

Everything was too orderly and arranged. Why would they want us to suspect kinky sex might be involved?

Was that something? Were Jack and Jill frustrated lovers? Was Jack impotent? It was a particularly disturbing death scene.

The element of kinky sadism for one thing. Both murders had been carefully planned - methodical, very structured, and leisurely.

Jack and Jill were playing a cold-blooded game. I was completely hooked on the case. I was definitely hooked.

Why does he hate small children so much? Too much blood, crushed skulls... little kids.

The "unsub" probably feels that he has a good and a bad side. The bad side gets punished - destroyed, is more like it.

That murder might have been committed by somebody other than Jack and Jill. Could there be a third killer? Why would there be a third killer? How did it fit?

The boy was thirteen years old. He had already killed five times. That's what he did: he killed. Another monster. A very young, horrifying monster.

Jill the poet. Jill the book lover. The mystery, the fantasy woman, the enigma. The killer. They were merciless killers. No pity, no passion, no humanity.

Meh.

Maybe it was the archaic audio version that I listened to, but everything just felt completely over the top and campy.

I never once felt any sense of suspense or tension throughout the entire experience.

The audio reader had a way of making everything seem so incredibly fake and artificial.

I usually have a penchant for enjoying the light and fluffy kind of literature that James Patterson is known for.

However, this time around, it just didn't hit the mark for me.

There was something about this particular work that failed to engage me on any level.

Perhaps it was the combination of the outdated audio and the overdone nature of the story, but whatever it was, it left me feeling rather disappointed.

I had high hopes for this book, especially considering my past enjoyment of Patterson's works, but unfortunately, it just didn't deliver.

I have decided to quit this series here. It has become far too disturbing for me to continue.

Every time I engage with it, I find myself feeling increasingly uncomfortable and on edge. The themes and content presented are simply too much for my mental and emotional state to handle.

I understand that everyone has different tolerances for such things, but for me, this has crossed the line. I need to step back and focus on my own well-being.

Perhaps in the future, I may look back on this decision and wonder if I could have endured a little longer. But for now, I know that it is the right choice for me.

I will be moving on to other things that bring me more joy and fulfillment.

The third book in the Alex Cross series that I'm currently reading, and I must admit, I've somehow ended up reading them completely out of order.

Thankfully, it doesn't seem to be a huge issue. Although, it can get a bit confusing when some of the villains from this book show up again in later installments.

I'm a big fan of Alex Cross. He comes across as such a genuine and nice guy. I really enjoy the parts of the story that focus on his domestic life with his children and grandmother. It gives the character more depth.

He's also an outstanding cop. I love how he refuses to take any nonsense from anyone, not even his superiors.

This book is typical James Patterson fare. It's highly entertaining, filled with non-stop action, and a truly great read. In this particular installment, there are multiple murders, multiple murderers, and plenty of red herrings to keep you on your toes.

And the final reveal of Jack's identity was a complete shock to me!

If you're a fan of this genre, I would definitely recommend giving this book a read.

James Patterson is an author whose writing is truly remarkable. His works have the ability to transport readers into captivating worlds filled with excitement, mystery, and emotion.

His stories are so engaging that once you start reading, it's nearly impossible to put the book down.

Whether it's a thrilling crime novel or a heartwarming romance, Patterson's talent shines through on every page.

His attention to detail and ability to create well-developed characters make his books a joy to read.

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In conclusion, James Patterson and his fantastic writing never let me down. He continues to be one of my favorite authors, and I can't wait to see what he comes up with next.

In the dead of night, a highly controversial U.S. senator is shockingly found murdered in his bed. The killers, leaving behind a note signed "Jack and Jill," ominously promise that this is merely the beginning. Homicide Detective Alex Cross takes on both cases, but the killers continue to strike with ruthless frequency. And again and again. No one in Washington is spared from the threat - not innocent children, not powerful politicians, and not even the President of the United States. Only Alex Cross possesses the skills and the unwavering courage to attempt to crack this complex and dangerous case. But the question remains: will he be able to discover the truth in the nick of time?

"Jack and Jill" is an unrelenting roller coaster ride of heart-pounding suspense and jolting plot twists. Patterson has masterfully crafted a compelling thriller that becomes a nonstop nightmare for Cross. The story is filled with plenty of unexpected turns and twists that keep readers on the edge of their seats, eagerly turning the pages. The characters are developed so well that they come to life on the page. The enjoyment of the book lies in the numerous twists in the middle, which constantly keep the reader guessing and never quite provide the whole picture. The suspense builds steadily until the very end, leaving readers breathless. Additionally, the time period in which the book was written adds an extra layer of charm, taking readers back to a different era. Overall, this is a book that I would highly recommend to others who have a passion for the crime genre.

It is a thrilling and engaging read that will satisfy even the most discerning mystery lovers.

Mostly, it is a good book. It presents two parallel storylines, which perhaps should have been developed into two distinct books. The novel initially reaches a point where it seems to be wrapped up. However, it then continues to wrap and wrap some more. There is a bit too much filler content in certain parts, and the final stretch of the story drags on. This excessive wrapping and the presence of filler material somewhat detract from the overall reading experience. Despite these flaws, the book still has its merits. The two parallel storylines offer interesting perspectives and could have been more engaging if they were given their own separate treatments. Overall, it is a book that has potential but falls short in some aspects due to the issues with its structure and pacing.

Alex Cross is summoned to handle a major crime involving a killing duo known as Jack and Jill. These two ordinary individuals, fed up with the rich and famous, have embarked on a spree, starting with the murder of a US senator. Their ambitions are sky-high as they now have their sights set on the President.

In Alex Cross' neighborhood, where his son attends school, a disturbing series of child killings is taking place. The bodies are being left on the school property, understandably causing great worry for Alex Cross regarding his son and the other children. Cross and his superiors face difficulties in deciding which case he should focus on, but, as expected, Alex Cross is determined to solve them all.

I'm still in the process of determining whether I like Alex Cross or not, which disappoints my husband as he is Alex Cross' biggest enthusiast. Some of his inner dialogues seem rather unrealistic and are somewhat eye-rolling. Nevertheless, he appears to be a competent detective who not only cares about solving the crimes but also about protecting those who are potential targets.

I appreciated the fast-paced action in this novel and the fact that there were two concurrent crimes. However, my main criticism is that Alex Cross didn't engage in any real detective work to identify the killers.

Love the characters, but the story missed

I have to say that in this particular work, the characters are truly captivating. They are well-developed, with unique personalities and traits that draw you in and make you care about them. Each character has their own charm and backstory, which adds depth and complexity to the overall narrative.

However, despite the wonderful characters, the story itself seems to have missed the mark. It lacks a certain coherence and flow, making it difficult to fully engage with. There are moments when the plot feels disjointed or rushed, as if important details are being skipped over or not properly explored.

It's a shame because with such great characters, the potential for a truly amazing story was there. But unfortunately, the execution didn't quite live up to the promise. I still find myself drawn to the characters, but I can't help but feel disappointed with the overall story. Maybe with a little more refinement and attention to detail, this could have been a truly outstanding piece of work.

Let me begin by stating that this is not a typical read for me. I usually don't pick up suspenseful, crime thrillers, and I have never read a James Patterson book before. I made the decision to give it a go as a means to diversify my reading and give myself the chance to become engrossed in a story. My grandmother is a passionate lover of all things mystery and has an extensive collection of Patterson's books! Revisiting some of her favorite tales has been a wonderful way for us to bond and exchange viewpoints on numerous different topics. She didn't have the first two books in the series (she gave them to other people), so I started with Jack and Jill.

I can truthfully say, without any criticism towards the author, that this book is not for me. Although it was extremely suspenseful, and Patterson did an excellent job of creating highly vivid scenarios for the reader, I found myself feeling as if it was both excessive and insufficient simultaneously. At chapter 71, I was still being introduced to more characters while I was attempting to keep track of all the others that had already been introduced. Despite the book being over 400 pages long, it did not flow smoothly for me. There were chapters in the middle that, in my opinion, were needlessly prolonged (I'm speculating that the intention was to maintain my investment in the story), yet the last few chapters felt sudden and underdeveloped.
Reading the other reviews is making me question whether I should try the earlier books before determining whether or not I will read the entire series.

I'm still on the fence about it. On one hand, I'm curious to see if the earlier books in the series will be more to my liking. Maybe they will have a better pacing or a more engaging storyline. On the other hand, I'm a bit hesitant after my experience with Jack and Jill. I'm not sure if I want to invest more time in a series that didn't initially capture my interest. I guess only time will tell.

I'll probably take some time to think about it and maybe read a few sample chapters of the earlier books before making a final decision.

James Patterson's "Jack and Jill" is a captivating thriller that I had the pleasure of experiencing through audio. Patterson, a renowned master in his genre, has crafted a truly remarkable work with this older title. The two main protagonists, Dr Alex Cross and the imposing man mountain, add depth and excitement to the story. The portrayal of the evil doers, Jack and Jill, as well as the Truth School killer, is a testament to Patterson's skill. He weaves enough humanity into their characters to make the reader feel conflicted, a rare and excellent ability. This makes the bad guys relatable on some level, adding an extra layer of complexity to the narrative. The story itself is engaging and keeps the listener on the edge of their seat. The split narration between masters of storytelling further enhances the production value, making it a truly immersive experience. Overall, "Jack and Jill" is a deserving recipient of its four-star rating and a must-read for fans of the thriller genre.

It's a book that will keep you guessing until the very end and leave you eager for more of Patterson's work.

I highly recommend giving it a listen or a read.

Jack & Jill offers a spine-chilling look into the inner workings of our government.

Despite being a fictional novel, one can't help but wonder if the schemes that unfold within its pages have been attempted in reality.

Jack & Jill are two notorious killers operating in Washington D.C. They target individuals who hold prominent positions in the public eye and are steadily working towards their ultimate objective - assassinating the real Jack & Jill, namely the President and First Lady of the United States.

Can Alex Cross apprehend them before it's too late?

Simultaneously, there are mysterious child murders occurring in Cross's neighborhood. With his heart set on solving this case, he is suddenly diverted and assigned to the Jack and Jill case.

He goes undercover with his partner Sampson and a few colleagues from their department in an attempt to crack the cases on their own. However, due to the high-profile nature of the Jack and Jill killings, the child murders are receiving relatively little attention.

This novel is fast-paced and keeps readers on the edge of their seats, guessing until Patterson is ready to disclose the entire story. The Jack and Jill killings are intimate yet devoid of emotion, while the child murders evoke a sense of sadness and horror.

Patterson has once again delivered a great book.

4/5 stars. Although there were a few dull moments, overall it was an exciting read!