Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
31(31%)
4 stars
35(35%)
3 stars
34(34%)
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100 reviews
July 15,2025
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I absolutely loved the book. It was an amazing read that I would highly recommend to anyone.

The story was filled with excitement, mystery, and plenty of twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end.

The character of Alex Cross was truly captivating. He was intelligent, brave, and had a strong sense of justice. I found myself rooting for him throughout the entire book.

If you're looking for a great book to get lost in, then this is definitely one you must read. You won't be disappointed.

I can't wait to see what the author has in store for us next with the Alex Cross series.
July 15,2025
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When Detective Alex Cross was roused from his slumber by his friend and partner, Detective John Sampson, their intended destination was Alex's son Damon's school, which was in the vicinity. The murder of the six-year-old girl was truly revolting and had a profound impact on Alex. Their unwavering search had to be meticulous; the perpetrator had to be located.


Simultaneously, a US senator was brutally slain in a particularly grisly fashion. Jack and Jill were on the prowl and had issued a menacing threat that this was merely the commencement - they vowed to strike once more.


With more corpses piling up and more murders occurring, Alex and Sampson were deeply embroiled in the case. They were resolute in their determination to apprehend the killer or killers. However, the question remained: were these murders interconnected?


"Jack & Jill" is the third installment in the Alex Cross series penned by James Patterson. It is replete with the typical fast-paced action, numerous murders, and a domestic scene that I thoroughly relish. Nana Mama and the children infuse a sense of normalcy into Alex's life (and the series), and I have always derived pleasure from these books. I'm not certain why I didn't read this one ages ago, but I have now! Highly recommended.

July 15,2025
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"Jack and Jill" is the third installment in Patterson's captivating novels featuring police detective and psychologist, Dr. Alex Cross.

Here, we witness Alex grappling with two of the most intricate homicide cases in his already illustrious career. With perhaps four or more distinct killers involved, these cases, like many others assigned to Dr. Cross, are complex and rife with peculiar, often hidden motives. A group of individuals is collaborating to achieve their ultimate aims, while some seem to be vying for notoriety in the eyes of the nation's journalists and the general public.

In the crime-ridden Washington D.C., Alex is portrayed as both a loving father and a good friend, in addition to being highlighted as the most talented detective capable of delving into the minds of the craziest and most dangerous people on the planet. In most of the Alex Cross stories I've read thus far, there has been a significant amount of distress and violence inflicted upon young children. One such case involves a beautiful young girl having half of her face caved in just outside her school with a razor-wired baseball bat. These murders hit the entire neighborhood hard and are particularly "too close to home" for Alex, as that is the school his young son Damon attends. The other targets in "Jack and Jill" are A-List celebrities, and it is suggested that some of the killers may have a vendetta against this way of life in America.

If a book could be likened to a paperback equivalent of a supercar, this would be it. It's full throttle throughout, never letting up. Our metaphorical supercar doesn't follow a straight path plot-wise either; there are thrilling twists, turns, betrayals, and moments that leave us in a state of sensory confusion. It contains numerous amazing set pieces, such as hostage situations, Alex's presence in the White House, and brutal sexually influenced murders, to name just a few. In the Alex Cross stories, we get a 360-degree view of the action. We follow Alex in the first person, which creates an affinity and adds drama as we are privy to his thoughts, internal monologue, and the intricate deduction process. The other characters, including Alex's man-mountain sized best friend and partner, John Sampson, and the killers, are presented in an omnipresent third person view. Patterson occasionally switches between the thoughts of multiple characters in these chapters, allowing the reader to be privy to everything that's happening. This builds up the tension exponentially.

Alex's detective methods sometimes border on instability, and he still consults a psychologist following the tragic murder of his wife about five years ago. In one scene, he converses with one of the killers and says, "I know how you feel," and his internal thoughts emphasize this with a statement along the lines of... and I really did.

This is just a brief review as I don't want to give too much away. It was truly awesome, thrilling, and highly engaging. These stories are like reading a Die Hard film. "Jack and Jill" was excellent, but I think "Along Came A Spider" was very slightly better, perhaps because it was the first entry and introduction to the corrupt Washington D.C. where Alex has a great deal more work to do in the future.

James

www.youandibooks.wordpress.com
July 15,2025
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This is the third Alex Cross novel, and it's a time when Patterson still penned the Cross novels on his own, not by a committee.


The book presents two serial killers, each of whom could warrant a book of their own. This is immediately one of the book's weaknesses. The killing of young children in a black community by a ruthless murderer should have received far more space in the story. Then there's the second story about a set of assassins, Jack and Jill, who kill well-known people to boost their identity. Their true aim, however, is the president of the United States.


The big issue I have with this novel is that I feel shortchanged. It could have been two great books: one about killing and social injustice, and another exciting thriller about an attempt to kill the president.


As always, Patterson's hallmark of short chapters gives a certain pace to reading the book.


As always, Patterson delivers, but this has been one of the weaker Cross books. I expected more from this book in the early Cross annals, especially since it was still written by the man himself.

July 15,2025
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The third installment in the long-running Alex Cross series appears to be a suitable point to take a breather.

At the outset, the story has a promising start, captivating the reader's attention. However, as it progresses towards the end, it regrettably transforms into a platform for the author to go on a tirade about the so-called "conspiracies" related to the assassinations of John and Robert Kennedy.

This is absolute nonsense and truly a major turn-off for the readers. It detracts from the overall quality and enjoyment of the book.

Rather than focusing on the engaging mystery and character development that the series is known for, the author seems to have veered off into a tangent that is both unconvincing and uninteresting.

It is a disappointment to see a potentially great story marred by such unfounded speculations and rants.
July 15,2025
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Jack and Jill, Came to Hill,
To kill, To Kill, To Kill.

Jack and Jill embark on a celebrity killing spree. The question looms: is the President one of their targets? There are no discernible patterns, no clues, nothing that could assist in solving the case. Their executions are clever and precise.

No Rules. No Regrets.

On the other hand, there is the Sojourner Truth School Killer, who brutally murdered two innocent children. What is his motivation for these killings? Is there a reason, or is he jealous of the attention focused on Jack and Jill's case?

Alex Cross cannot get the school killer case out of his mind. But why has the government suddenly assigned him to the Jack and Jill case? Ultimately, what do Jack and Jill stand to gain?

Am I becoming a fan of James Patterson? HELL, YESS.

I felt that if the rhymes present in the murder scenes were like little puzzles, it would add even more interest. The School Killer Case seemed like a distraction, but perhaps it holds significance in the next books of the series. The ending felt a little incomplete. Although I liked it, it left me longing for more.

Overall, the story was engaging and kept me on the edge of my seat. The complex characters and the mystery surrounding the killings made it a thrilling read. I can't wait to see what happens next in the series.

I highly recommend this book to fans of mystery and thriller genres. It's a page-turner that will keep you guessing until the very end.
July 15,2025
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Another excellent book in the series!

I'm hopelessly addicted.

This book continues to captivate me with its engaging storylines and well-developed characters. The author has a remarkable ability to create a world that draws you in and keeps you hooked from start to finish.

The plot is full of twists and turns, making it impossible to predict what will happen next. I find myself constantly on the edge of my seat, eager to discover the outcome.

The characters are so vivid and relatable that I feel like I'm a part of their lives. Their emotions and struggles are palpable, and I can't help but root for them.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good read. It's a must-have for fans of the series and a great introduction for those who are new to it.

Once you start reading, you won't be able to put it down!
July 15,2025
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Amazing! Amazing! Amazing!!! This book was an absolute page-turner. The story was irresistibly interesting, captivating me from the very first page. It has been the BEST investigatory crime book I have read so far. I simply couldn't stop turning the pages, eager to know what would happen next. With each turn, I wondered if there would be another twist, another angle, or another perspective.


PS: Don't read this at night!! (on a lighter note) It might keep you up all night with its thrilling plot.


For all those who love reading investigatory or crime books, or even if you're just an amateur reader looking for a great start, this book would be perfect for you! However, after this intense reading experience, I think I'm going to take a short break from this genre.


Do read this book and share your thoughts with me :) I'm curious to hear what others think about it.

July 15,2025
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There are two devious murderers, Jack and Jill. They are not ordinary criminals but rather a pair of highly dangerous individuals. One of them is a seriously disturbed psychopathic killer. The situation is extremely perilous as they seem to have their sights set on a target of great significance - the President.


Thankfully, there is one person who might be able to stop them - Alex Cross. He is a brilliant and tenacious detective with a reputation for solving the most difficult cases. However, the task at hand is not going to be easy. Jack and Jill are masters of deception and have managed to elude capture so far.


Will Alex Cross be able to find them in time? Can he catch these two killers before they carry out their heinous plan and get to the President? The clock is ticking, and the fate of the nation may depend on his actions.

July 15,2025
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When you can write like this, you get a net worth of $800 million.

Writing is an art form that has the power to change lives. It can inspire, educate, and entertain people from all walks of life.

Those who are able to master the craft of writing can achieve great success and wealth.

With a net worth of $800 million, they have the financial freedom to pursue their dreams and make a positive impact on the world.

Whether it's through writing best-selling novels, screenplays, or articles, these individuals have found a way to turn their passion for writing into a lucrative career.

So, if you have a love for writing and a desire to succeed, don't be afraid to pursue it.

With hard work, dedication, and a little bit of talent, you too could one day have a net worth of $800 million.
July 15,2025
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I truly despised this book.

It was recommended to me by a friend who claimed that this was an outstanding series and that this particular book was one of the finest in the series.

Well, I can clearly see that we don't share the same taste.

The writing was abominable, the plot was implausible, and it was quite simply ridiculous.

I have no intention of reading any more Alex Cross books if the rest are of the same caliber as this one.

I was extremely disappointed with this read and would not recommend it to anyone.

It's a real shame that my friend's recommendation turned out to be such a dud.

I guess it just goes to show that everyone has different preferences when it comes to literature.

July 15,2025
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Jack and Jill come to the hill

To kill, to kill, to kill

In the third book of the Alex Cross series, Cross has to deal with two murder cases simultaneously. The first case involves Jack and Jill, who only kill prominent people in society and leave a nursery rhyme beside the corpses - "Jack and Jill have come to visit."

The other case is the brutal murder of a child in Cross's neighborhood. The child was killed in a cruel manner.

Both cases seem unrelated at first, but Cross senses that there is something connecting them. If Cross fails to catch the killers, not only his own life may be in danger, but the country may also face a threat.

The beginning of the story progresses very slowly (presumably to develop the characters and the plot fully). However, once everything falls into place and the action starts, it is very exciting to follow Cross's pursuit of the killers. Although there are some points where we don't see Cross's great skills in the story (either the killers are too good or something else), the capture of the killers seems to rely more on luck than on Cross's skills. Nevertheless, it is still very enjoyable.

P.S. The first book in this series has already been made into a movie called "Along Came a Spider."
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