Δεύτερη ανάγνωση αυτού του βιβλίου, μετά από κοντά είκοσι χρόνια. Και φυσικά δεν θυμόμουν σχεδόν τίποτα εκτός από το βασικό plotline. Αυτό είναι πολύ ενδιαφέρον, καθώς όταν ξαναδιαβάζουμε ένα βιβλίο μετά από τόσα χρόνια, έχουμε διαφορετικές προσεγγίσεις και αντιλήψεις.

Ο Πάτερσον κατά κανόνα μού αρέσει αρκετά. Αν και δεν έχω κατενθουσιαστεί με κάποιο από τα βιβλία του που έχω διαβάσει, εκτός ίσως από το ''Και ήρθε μια αράχνη''. Νομίζω ότι αυτό που μου κάθεται λίγο στραβά είναι η ''Αμερικανιά'' που υποβόσκει συχνά στις σελίδες του. Ωστόσο, αυτό δεν σημαίνει ότι τα βιβλία του δεν είναι καλά.

Αναμφίβολα όμως και αυτό το βιβλίο αγγίζει τα 4/5. Έχει όλα τα φόντα του είδους που αντιπροσωπεύει. Υπάρχουν δυνατοί και καλόγραμμενοι ήρωες, σφιχτή πλοκή και αλλεπάλληλες ανατροπές που κρατούν τον αναγνώστη σε αγωνία. Θεωρώ ότι διαβάζεται άνετα από έναν μέσο αναγνωστη που θέλει να ψυχαγωγηθεί. Όσο για μένα, θα συνεχίσω να προχωρώ την ιστορία του Άλεξ Κρος με ευχαρίστηση, καθώς με ενδιαφέρει να δω τι θα συμβεί στη συνέχεια.

Meh

James Patterson's works can vary widely. Some are solid reads that keep you turning the pages, while others are not so good. The issue is that when Patterson is bad, he's really bad. And even his better books share the same problems as his poorer ones. This particular book is one of his worst, and yet I like the character of Alex Cross.

Let's begin with his common problems, which occur even in his good books. The plot often starts strong but quickly disintegrates as it becomes overwhelmed by action scenes. Additionally, the use of both first and third-person narrations disrupts the flow of what should be a thrilling novel. I don't understand Patterson's fixation on not choosing a single narration style. It doesn't work well with the short two-page chapters and the numerous two-page action scenes that dominate the book. Ironically, the first-person narration is often better than the third. Alex Cross is a charming narrator, and it would be beneficial if his scenes were generally longer. His family scenes can be quite endearing. Another problem is that Patterson's villains are overly evil, to the point of being cartoonish. Sometimes Alex Cross comes across as a good detective, but at other times, he seems to stumble upon the solutions. In this book, he just bumbles through the case. Patterson spends a lot of time establishing that Cross is a likable guy and a good father with a tragic backstory, which is true. However, his brilliance is inconsistent.

Now, let's get into this specific novel. There are a few things to discuss. The plot about the outsider businessman who becomes President reads differently now than it did in 1996. It has not aged well, but this isn't Patterson's fault. At the time he wrote it, it was probably an interesting addition to the novel. The evil Jack and Jill characters aren't terrible, as they at least have a connection, which is more than I can say for the last Patterson novel I read, "1st to Die." However, I did like that book despite its random twist. This book suffers from a similar problem with a twist in the middle that has no build-up and feels like a lazy addition. The main plot of "Jack and Jill" does have some substance. However, where the novel loses its focus the most and is most offensive is with the unnecessary subplot about the child killer who turns out to be a teenager. It didn't seem to belong in this novel and added nothing to the main plot. It just felt like a mystery I didn't care about. The subplot could have easily been the romance Cross was having with the principal from his kids' school and should have been the main subplot. A lighthearted romance would have been a welcome addition to the violent mystery main plot involving a President's life being threatened and bombs going off. Instead, adding the child killer subplot felt like an unnecessary and lazy addition, especially with the constant mention of the medication the killer was taking. It not only seems like lazy writing but also an unnecessary use of a cheap detail to describe how "crazy" he is. It's important to consider the context of the time when writing about an older book and what was acceptable then. So, I'll excuse it, but in 2021, using mental illness as a bad guy trope is a trope that really needs to disappear. Also, the constant 90s references and name-dropping do date the book. I think Patterson has the potential to be a good writer, but it often seems like he's more focused on selling books. He's sold a lot of books, so who am I to judge? I love reading page-turners, but Patterson can be so lazy at times that I wonder why I bother. However, because his books have the usual readability, and I do appreciate writers who can help pass the time, I can't completely hate James Patterson. This one was just especially bad. One star.

Wow!

When I first started this book, I really didn't have high expectations for it.

However, as I got closer to the end, I was truly amazed.

I thought I had everything figured out when I was three-fourths of the way through, but boy was I wrong.

The ending was a real cliffhanger, but it was in a good way.

It left me on the edge of my seat, eager to find out what happens next.

It makes me so excited to read the next Cross book.

I would highly recommend this read to anyone who loves a good mystery or thriller.

The story is engaging, the characters are well-developed, and the plot keeps you guessing until the very end.

Don't miss out on this great book!

I listened to this audio and read along with it whenever my vision permitted. It provided a unique experience compared to simply listening. There was a palpable tension because I couldn't "look" ahead for spoilers.

I never realized how much I would jump ahead when reading a written book until I attempted to follow along with a print copy. I guess I'm quite the cheater!

The story presents a more complex mystery than your typical Alex Cross adventure. He is drawn into a case where he is tasked with protecting and advising on how to keep the US President alive.

Overall, it's a good mystery with solid character development. The combination of listening and reading added an extra layer of engagement for me, and I look forward to more like it.

Well, Patterson can definitely write a thrilling story.

To be honest, I'm really not sure why I overlooked this series because it's truly fantastic.

Alex Cross is an extremely likable character. He is not only a great friend but also a wonderful father and a dedicated cop.

This book is filled with non-stop action and makes for a truly wonderful read. I have to admit that I had no clue who Jack and Jill were until the big reveal at the end!

If you're a Patterson fan and you haven't tried these books yet, I highly recommend you go ahead and give them a shot. You won't be disappointed!

Trust me, once you start reading, you won't be able to put it down. The engaging plot and well-developed characters will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab a copy of this book and get ready to be entertained!

He is an extremely prolific writer, and one easily takes it for granted that James Patterson is truly an outstanding writer. His plots are replete with twists and turns that keep the readers on the edge of their seats.

Not to mention that Alex Cross is a character who has been very well developed and fleshed out. Patterson was really ahead of the times when he created this character.

In this book, there were some truly surprising plot developments that added to the overall excitement and engagement.

The Audible narrators also did an excellent job, bringing the story to life and enhancing the listening experience. Their voices and interpretations added another layer of depth and authenticity to the already captivating narrative.

Overall, James Patterson's work continues to be highly regarded, and this particular book is a testament to his skill and creativity as a writer.

This is an extremely enjoyable book that truly captivated me from start to finish.

The middle part of the book was filled with unexpected twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat.

It was masterfully crafted in such a way that you were never quite given the whole picture, making it a thrilling and engaging read.

I found myself constantly trying to piece together the clues and figure out what was really going on.

I would without a doubt recommend this book to others who have a passion for the crime genre.

It offers a unique and exciting take on the genre, with a story that will keep you hooked until the very end.

Whether you're a seasoned crime fiction reader or just starting to explore the genre, this book is sure to provide you with hours of entertainment.

What can you say?

These Alex Cross books are truly excellent reading materials.

Although they may contain some violent elements at times, they more than make up for it with their great characters and captivating story lines.

The characters in the Alex Cross series are vividly portrayed, each with their own unique personalities and traits.

Readers can easily become invested in their lives and follow their adventures throughout the books.

The story lines are also very engaging, filled with twists and turns that keep readers on the edge of their seats.

Whether it's a thrilling mystery or a heart-pounding action scene, the Alex Cross books always deliver an entertaining experience.

In conclusion, if you're looking for a good read that combines great characters, exciting story lines, and a touch of violence, then the Alex Cross books are definitely worth checking out.

You won't be disappointed!

This is the 3rd novel in the Alex Cross series.

After reading several other novels in the series, I made the decision to go back and read some of the ones that I had missed.

Well, I have to say that I thought this one was truly one of the better books in the series.

It was written right after Kiss the Girls, which I firmly believed was one of Patterson's best works.

This was before he began to use co-authors to assist with the writing process.

Moreover, it was also longer and more detailed compared to some of the later novels.

Anyway, it was very readable and a page-turner as usual.

This particular story actually dealt with a pair of extremely nasty murderers on the loose - the titular Jack & Jill as well as a killer of young school children.

Both of these plotlines were complex and led Cross down the wrong path on several occasions.

The Jack & Jill part of the story almost reminded me of Vince Flynn's Term Limits, where some high-level Government officials were killed in an attempt to promote change in the government.

I thought Term Limits was a superior story, but overall I would still highly recommend Jack & Jill.

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

A good, solid introduction back into the world of Alex Cross.

It's truly a captivating entry that reintroduces us to the engaging and complex character of Alex Cross.

I'm kind of excited that I have the entire series ahead of me still to read.

The thought of delving deeper into the adventures and mysteries that Alex Cross encounters is thrilling.

I adore the Michael Bennett series, and this Alex Cross novel has not disappointed.

It has all the elements that make a great crime thriller - suspense, action, and a brilliant protagonist.

The story is well-paced, keeping me on the edge of my seat from start to finish.

The writing is sharp and engaging, making it easy to get lost in the world of Alex Cross.

I can't wait to continue reading the series and see what other challenges and mysteries await Alex Cross.

Ah, the nostalgia.

The book that started my reading frenzy was truly a memorable one. I had already delved into James Patterson's Maximum Ride series, and that's when I decided to check if my mom and dad had any interesting books.

I came across a book labeled "Jack & Jill". As it turned out, this book had been a present from my aunt to my dad.

Eagerly, I picked up the book and began reading from page 1.

You see, I was only 13 years old at that time. I had no idea what kind of content this book held, but still, I found myself enjoying it.

I made it halfway through, and I absolutely LOVED the book. However, I then discovered that it was the third in the series.

So, I promptly went to the library and got "Along Came A Spider". I have to express my gratitude to "Jack & Jill" for opening my eyes to the world of adult fiction.

But now, looking back on it (I'm 15 now), I think the book was not as good as I initially thought.

And of course, I have to thank Alex Cross and most of all, James Patterson. This book truly opened me up to all the wonderful stuff I read today, like Lincoln Rhyme, Dexter Morgan, and Harry Dresden.

Now, in my current perspective, "Jack & Jill" seemed to have too much romance and not enough of Cross. The book that was once awesome when I first read it now just appears dry and lacking.

Jack & Jill (Alex Cross #3)

There isn't much I can say about the book or the author that would truly do justice. I am a huge fan of the Alex Cross series. I was completely hooked from the very beginning with "A Long Came a Spider" and "Kiss the Girls."

Jack and Jill is an incredibly fast-paced, riveting, and suspenseful thriller. It's the kind of novel that I would absolutely love to see brought to life on the big screen. The action and excitement just leap off the pages.

James Patterson is a master when it comes to character development, which is such an essential element in the craft of writing. He has a way of making the characters come alive and feel real. The plot development in this book is also excellent, receiving great support from its chapter development and the suspenseful sub-plotting. It keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

Jack and Jill is an assassination team that terrorizes the DC area and puts Capitol Hill on high alert. They are highly skilled and highly effective, and Alex Cross finds himself right in the middle of their carnage and rampage as they attempt to execute the President of the United States. It's a race against time for Alex to stop them and uncover the reason why these "ghosts" have come out to kill.

So go ahead and find your favorite chair, make a pot of coffee or cocoa, and gather whatever else you need to be comfortable. Then let James Patterson take you on this emotional roller-coaster with Alex Cross in this 5-star read. You won't be disappointed.~LW~