Call me crazy but this is my favorite Alex Cross book thus far. This is the fourth in the series. I've already read the first three, all of which I enjoyed. However, there was something about this one that just grabbed me right from the beginning.

I just love how Patterson weaves a tale. And, as much as I joke with my friends about his short chapters, I find them refreshing after some of the heavier things I've read this past summer. No more saying to myself, "I'll read one more chapter before I go to bed." With a Patterson book, you can safely say, "I'll read twenty more chapters" before putting the book down.

Moreover, I can't help but smile every time Patterson mentions other authors' books. He does it on numerous occasions in Cat and Mouse and I always find myself checking out the books he's mentioned.

This installment finds Alex Cross, once again, coming face to face with Gary Soneji. Those of you who have already read the first book in this series, Along Came A Spider, will recognize Soneji as the teacher turned kidnapper who wanted to commit the "crime of the century." Now he has escaped from prison and has come back to seek revenge on the man who put him there, Alex Cross.

Across the ocean on the continent of Europe, another madman is killing people by performing autopsies on them while they're still alive. The FBI is all over this killer, dubbed "Mr. Smith," and has assigned their young, crack shot, pony-tailed agent, Thomas Pierce, to head up this investigation. Circumstances will bring him back to the U.S. to help with the Soneji investigation.

Of course, it will be up to our hero, Alex Cross, to save the day. Since he's not only a homicide detective but also one with a Ph.D. in psychology, he's very adept at getting into someone's mind. This is the best part of this series - watching how Alex figures out what the murderer's next step will be.

For Alex Cross fans, one of the highlights of this book will be the love match between him and Christine, the principal of Damon and Jannie's (Alex' kids) school. Readers of this series will remember Christine as a character in Jack and Jill (the third book in this series). Sadly, her husband was murdered in that one. Could the timing be right for these two characters? One can only hope. I'm sure I'll find out when I read the next book in this series.

Cat and Mouse by James Patterson is the fourth installment in the Alex Cross Mystery series.

Alex Cross finds himself in a race against time as he chases two extremely dangerous and deranged killers. Gary Soneji, who first appeared in Along Came A Spider, is back and more menacing than ever. Joining him is Mr. Smith, a truly sadistic monster responsible for multiple gruesome killings. What makes Mr. Smith even more terrifying is his penchant for taunting the police, adding an extra layer of psychological torture to the already tense situation.

The story is a fast-paced and action-packed thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. As the investigation unfolds, Alex's family becomes targets, putting them in grave danger. This not only adds to the drama but also showcases the lengths Alex will go to protect those he loves.

Despite all the chaos and danger, it is heartening to see the relationship between Alex and Christine progress further. Their connection provides a glimmer of hope in the midst of the darkness.

Rereading this series has been a truly enjoyable experience. The combination of excitement, thrills, and well-developed characters makes it a must-read for mystery and thriller fans.

The overall quality of this work was not very good.

It seemed as if it could have been divided into two separate books.

If that had been the case, each of them might have been just okay.

However, in its current form, it lacks the cohesion and depth that could have made it a truly outstanding piece.

Perhaps the author should have spent more time developing the storylines and characters in a more distinct and detailed manner for each potential book.

This way, readers could have had a more engaging and fulfilling experience with each individual part.

As it stands now, it falls short of expectations and leaves room for improvement.

Nevertheless, there are still some redeeming qualities that could potentially be enhanced with further refinement.

Overall, it is a work that shows promise but requires significant adjustments to reach its full potential.

Another solid Alex Cross story has been presented, encompassing everything one could desire from such a narrative.

The plot unfolds with a certain predictability, as I managed to anticipate the major twist from a considerable distance. However, it was a rather satisfying experience to be proven right, rather than a situation that spoiled the enjoyment of the book.

The story also features a good cliffhanger ending, which leaves the reader eager for more. It keeps the anticipation high and makes one wonder what will happen next in the life of Alex Cross.

Overall, this is yet another engaging installment in the Alex Cross series, offering a combination of mystery, suspense, and a touch of predictability that somehow manages to work in its favor.

3 Stars.

The story is fast-paced, taking the reader back and forth across the pond. Outrageous murders are occurring in D.C., New York, London, and Paris, terrifying the public.

I found some of the criminal activity, especially that of escaped prisoner Gary Soneji, who was also the protagonist in "Along Came a Spider," to be overly exaggerated and bordering on unbelievability. "

... Spider" was the excellent entry that launched the series. If you remember, Soneji kidnapped two students from an upscale private school in Washington, and Alex Cross and fellow officer John Sampson were reluctantly pulled from their pressing duties in the projects to assist.

Soneji is back and hunting Cross. He desires revenge quickly. While in prison, he contracted AIDS, which was more of a death sentence then than now.

There is a breathtaking scene earlier in the novel when Soneji is hiding in Cross's basement while a family party is going on upstairs. Or is it someone else? Didn't Cross shoot Soneji in New York? Could the devil downstairs be Mr. Smith, who is stalking victims in the US, England, and France?

With Thomas Pierce, the FBI's new outstanding profiler in hot pursuit, "Cat & Mouse" is an apt name for this thriller. (June 2023)

The fourth installment in the Alex Cross series indeed brings back the best villain, but it is truly a tale of three distinct parts.

Part 1, with Gary Soneji, is superbly taut and moves at a brisk pace from the protagonist's point of view, keeping you on the edge of your seat. The tension is palpable, and you are completely engaged in the story.

However, Part 2, which is told from a new character's perspective, feels as if it has been written by an entirely different person. The sense of urgency that was present in Part 1 is gone, and for much of it, I personally felt disengaged from the world that had been so carefully created.

Thankfully, Part 3, the climax of the chase, is done well. It builds up the excitement and delivers a satisfying conclusion, although it does feel a bit quick and similar to prior episodes in some ways. There is a subtle twist and a cliffhanger ending, but it felt a bit unnecessary.

Overall, this book is like popcorn. It's enjoyable while you're reading it, but it doesn't completely satisfy your hunger for a truly great story.

This is by far the best of the series!

I truly wish that the audiobooks could find a single narrator and stick with it.

Having a different reader or voice for every book is really detracting from the overall experience.

It makes it difficult to build a consistent connection with the story and the characters when the voice changes constantly.

Audiobooks have the potential to bring the story to life in a unique and immersive way, but this inconsistency in narration is a real drawback.

Hopefully, the producers of the audiobooks will recognize the importance of a consistent narrator and make the necessary changes to enhance the listening experience for fans of the series.

I usually find James Patterson a bit ho hum. However, there is absolutely nothing ho hum about Cat and Mouse.

Alex, once again, is confronted with two psychopaths. This time around, they are both masters of the macabre. The violence depicted within the pages is quite graphic, so let your watchword be "take care".

The actions of the alpha villain, Mr Smith, are particularly repulsive. Who in their right mind would want to be a medical examiner? Certainly not me. There is so much happening that there is no time to get bored, let alone make a cup of coffee.

This time, author James Patterson chooses to demonstrate that Alex Cross is not infallible after all. Alex is brutally beaten and shot in his own bedroom.

The pace is rapid and unyielding, and the murders, for the most part, are rather gross.

There are a few minor criticisms. Mr Smith is revealed a bit too early for my taste. There is a lack of humour. The ending could have been better, and the dialogue between Alex and his loving family and Alex's love interest is still really cringe-worthy.

But despite all that, the book still deserved 4 stars.

I truly have a profound affection for Patterson's Alex Cross novels, and this particular installment was exceptionally good.

After Soneji met his demise, it was uncovered that a global serial killer responsible for the deaths of 19 people was, in fact, an FBI agent named Thomas Pierce. Pierce was obsessively fixated on Isabella, whom he ultimately killed.

Eventually, Pierce cuts himself open in the same manner as he did all of his victims. Just when it seemed that Pierce, also known as Mr. Smith, was about to take Alex's life with a scalpel, Sampson intervened and shot him twice, resulting in his death.

I am deeply enamored with the relationship that Alex shares with his grandmother, Nana Mama, as well as his children, Jannie and Damon. In this novel, he also commences a relationship with Christine, who is the principal at the children's school. This adds an interesting new dimension to the story and further enriches the character development.

The plot is filled with twists and turns, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat from start to finish. Patterson's writing style is engaging and captivating, making it impossible to put the book down. I highly recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys a thrilling mystery with well-developed characters and a complex plot.

Cross has a new romantic relationship. However, work will always be his priority.

Gary Soneji has returned with a plan to finish off Alex, the detective who thwarted his plans years ago in the kidnapping of two children. He wants to be recognized and his crimes not to be forgotten. Meanwhile, there is another assassin challenging the FBI, Mr. Smith. And although our protagonist doesn't want to get involved, he will have to.

When Alex and his family are brutally attacked at home, Thomas Pierce enters the plot. He will have to divide his time between the two investigations. No one imagines how both cases will end, as it seems that the assassins are always one step ahead. The ending seemed to me a bit dramatic and somewhat unnecessary.

Gary Soneji, a psychotic serial killer, seems to have nothing to lose after escaping from prison. He wreaks havoc across Eastern America, boldly proclaiming that his final target will be Alex Cross and his family.

At the same time, the FBI is desperately pleading with Alex Cross to assist them in identifying and capturing the global serial killer known as 'Mr Smith'.

For Alex, it's like getting two serial killers for the price of one in this somewhat grittier and harder hitting page turner from the best-selling series. The story keeps readers on the edge of their seats, with the tension building as Alex races against time to protect his family and stop both killers.

However, with a rating of 6 out of 12, it may not be the most highly acclaimed installment in the series. But still, it offers an exciting and thrilling read for fans of the genre.

I still have a great affection for this series.

It has certain charm and appeal that keeps me engaged.

However, it's not my absolute favorite.

There are other series out there that hold a more special place in my heart.

Maybe it's because the characters in this series don't resonate with me as deeply as those in my top choices.

Or perhaps the storylines, while interesting, don't have that extra something that makes me completely obsessed.

Nevertheless, I can still appreciate the good aspects of this series and enjoy watching or reading it when the opportunity arises.

It's just that it doesn't quite reach the level of my all-time favorite series.