Alex Cross is back, and so is a furious and self-destructive Gary Soneji. Having been released from jail and now suffering from the AIDS infection he contracted there, Soneji is determined to exact retribution on Cross before he dies.

Moreover, we are introduced to a new pair of adversaries whose paths intersect with that of Alex and Soneji. Thomas Augustine Pierce has been hunting his nemesis, Mr. Smith, ever since the brutal murder of his fiancée. Mr. Smith is an unusual creature, with actions towards his victims so crazy and unfathomable that he is considered "not of this earth." Pierce, known in the business as St. Augustine because of his reputation for catching killers and his esteemed status with the FBI and Interpol, may even be better than Cross.

When things heat up and Alex is in a near-death coma following an attack in his own home, Pierce travels to Washington to assist with the investigation. However, just as he begins to untangle the mystery of how Gary Soneji could have fatally wounded Cross after he was believed to be dead, he is summoned to Paris with a postcard from Mr. Smith inviting him to a very special execution.

The stage is set for a thrilling and complex battle of wits and wills as these characters are drawn into a web of danger and intrigue. Who will come out on top? Only time will tell.

If you have a penchant for novels that delve into the dark and twisted world of serial killers, then this particular offering might just be the ultimate combination.

I find that I enjoy the earlier novels penned by Patterson to a much greater extent than his more recent works.

The writing in his earlier books is of a high caliber, with engaging prose that keeps the reader hooked from start to finish.

It's truly a page turner, making it difficult to put down once you've started.

The characters are well-developed, and the plot is filled with twists and turns that keep you guessing until the very end.

Whether you're a long-time fan of Patterson or new to his work, these earlier novels are definitely worth checking out.

They offer a thrilling and captivating read that will satisfy your appetite for mystery and suspense.

So, if you're in the mood for a gripping novel about serial killers, give these earlier Patterson works a try.

You won't be disappointed.

It was truly amazing to step back into the corrupt and thrilling world where the remarkable policeman, psychologist, and all-around great family man, Alex Cross, endeavors to solve insanely complex homicide cases.

Despite often being extremely violent and upsetting, delving into the darkest recesses of what crimes humans are capable of committing, I have an unwavering love for reading this series. The majority of the entries are highly addictive, and this one is no exception.

Just like the other books, this is a complete standalone novel, yet additional layers are added when they are read consecutively in the correct order. If you're new to Patterson's series or, like me, read my last entry six months ago and are now returning to the brutal environment of Washington D.C., hints and reminders about past events are provided. This ensures that the context and past actions are given without dumbing it down too much for the die-hard readers.

In a nutshell, the tale revolves around two world-class killers operating an ocean apart. One is Gary Soneji, the infamous murderer and kidnapper from "Along Came A Spider," and the other is the Jack The Ripper-esque Mr. Smith, whom journalists have dubbed an alien. Trains and cellars are frequently mentioned in relation to Soneji's troubled youth, and what's worse is that this genius psychopath, after escaping prison, now has nothing to lose. As for Mr. Smith, we know very little about him initially, as he is only referred to in passing during the first half of the narrative.

As usual, readers follow Alex's first-person perspective for the majority of the book. However, other viewpoints, such as those of his trusted partner Detective John Sampson and the killer Gary Soneji, are presented in the third person. Similar to the previous books, I appreciate the use of this device, and I think it functions admirably well. At all times, the reader knows more than Alex, and I find it fascinating to observe how he deduces minute details, gets inside the minds of monsters, and hopefully solves the crimes.

In the third quarter of the book, Alex is out of action for parts, so for the first time in the series, another character is given first-person privileges. That character is the brilliant blonde pony-tailed flaunting FBI agent, Thomas Pierce. He is a great character with a mind that rivals Alex's, although he is still emotionally distraught following the murder of his partner at the hands of Mr. Smith. It is truly interesting to explore the minds of these amazing individuals. I enjoy questioning what I would think or do in the same scenarios that they frequently encounter. That is a significant part of the fun for me.

I wonder if a real detective would be able to predict the way the plot progresses, the numerous twists, and crazy revelations while reading this. It is an adrenaline-pumping thrill ride of a book with an abundance of turns and twists. However, one of the revelations did seem a little too convenient, although not entirely predictable. There was just something about it that didn't quite sit right with me. I initially thought this revelation was meant to mislead the reader and then shock them even more when the further truth was revealed. But I was overthinking, and it wasn't that complex. I don't believe this book is as unpredictable and intricate as some of Patterson's previous entries. Nevertheless, I always seem to enjoy these books and generally breeze through them within a couple of days. If you haven't read an Alex Cross novel yet, you really owe it to yourself to start one. The action is on par with that of "Die Hard."

GAG!! Maybe 2.25 stars.

I'm usually a huge Alex Cross fan. The first two books were shit scary, which really hooked me. However, number 3 was just meh. But this one?? Seriously?!

It basically read like two books. The first half with Soneji was a flop. I didn't find it necessary at all. Although it was creepy, it was also pretty disappointing. And (ok, maybe I'm a bitch) but not one member of Alex Cross' family died?? Not even the Grandma?? Come On!!!

The romance between Cross and Christine was just gag-worthy. Seriously, it made me want to puke. Please don't ever write any sex scenes again. Never. Again. Please. If I wanted to read a romance novel, I would have picked one from a romance author.

The second half of the book was good. At 75% it took a left turn, which was surprising but not necessarily bad (or good, for that matter).

My problem with reviewing this is that I am a James Patterson fan usually, but this book was really, really disappointing. I think I'm turned off Alex Cross for a while. Sorry =S

I'm truly grateful to the Great American Read for luring me into starting to read the Alex Cross series. Cat and Mouse, being the 4th book in this captivating series, has officially hooked me. I have a deep affection for the characters, and the plots are nothing short of suspenseful and completely engrossing.

Cross' archenemy, the serial killer Gary Soneji, makes a comeback in Cat and Mouse. Soneji is hell-bent on killing Detective Alex Cross once and for all, but he's going to do it in his own violent and crazy way. Meanwhile, as Cross and his partner, John Sampson, are hot on Soneji's trail, another killer, Mr. Smith, is playing mind games with the FBI. Mr. Smith is diabolical and极其 savage in his killings, torturing people to death with the precision of a surgeon. The two cases collide violently, with their distinct killing styles, leaving both Cross and Sampson reeling.

This book is filled to the brim with action, intense investigations, and countless surprises. I repeatedly thought I had everything figured out, only to have the plot take yet another unexpected twist, leaving me guessing all over again. It's a truly enjoyable story!

However, this series does seem to have a bit of a pattern when it comes to any woman that Alex Cross shows interest in. That particular plot device is starting to feel a bit tired after 4 books. But still, I have a genuine liking for this series, and I'm more than willing to overlook this relatively minor annoyance. By far, my favorite character is Nana Mama. She's in her 80's, full of feistiness, yet she loves her family deeply. And she dishes out some truly great advice. Cross' partner, John Sampson, is an excellent supporting character. I also thoroughly enjoy Cross' kids, Janie and Damon. They are wise beyond their years and have a deep love for their daddy. :)

I listened to the audio book version of Cat and Mouse. The specific audio book available at my library is narrated by Jeff Harding. His reading is decent in terms of pace and all that. But unfortunately, I found his voice rather annoying, and his attempts at accents left a lot to be desired. Why on earth would a publisher hire a white actor to voice a black main character? I much preferred the previous Alex Cross audio book I listened to, which was narrated by Ron Butler. Harding's attempts at the voices of Cross and Sampson were simply ridiculous. If the main character in a novel is black, then PLEASE for the love of all that's good, hire a black actor to narrate the audio book!!! I was constantly yanked out of the story by Jeff Harding's really bad attempts to sound black. It was just plain bad. I sincerely hope that the next few audio books the library has are read by Ron Butler or similar talented actors. It would be so much more enjoyable.

So, all in all, the book itself is excellent. This audio book, however, could have been significantly better with a different narrator. Onward to the next book! The Alex Cross series consists of 25 books, with #26 set to be released in November 2018. I have a whole lot of reading and listening ahead of me! :)

Another great James Patterson book

James Patterson is a renowned author known for his captivating and thrilling novels. His latest offering is no exception. The story is filled with twists and turns that keep the reader on the edge of their seat from start to finish. The characters are well-developed and engaging, making it easy for the reader to become invested in their lives and fates. The plot is fast-paced and action-packed, with enough mystery and suspense to satisfy even the most discerning mystery lover. Patterson's writing style is简洁明快, making the book a quick and enjoyable read. Whether you're a long-time fan of James Patterson or new to his work, this book is sure to be a hit. So, grab a copy and get ready to be swept away into a world of excitement and adventure.

Cat & Mouse by James Patterson is a thrilling crime story that had me on the edge of my seat.

At first, it seems like a pretend murder, but then things take a spooky turn when a psycho killer named "Gary" stalks around Alex's family home while everyone is asleep. Yikes!

Then there's a realistic train station mass shooting that really amps up the tension. Alex starts investigating and links it to a past convicted killer, but the timings and distances don't quite add up.

For Alex, things just keep getting hotter. There are bosses breathing down his neck for results, a killer seeking revenge, and another killer after notoriety. Both killers are crazy as can be and are tracking Alex and his family, killing anyone in their way.

The plot is full of twists and turns, with scenes taking place in various locations like London, Paris, Delaware, Washington, hospitals, Brooklyn, and posh country homes. There are decapitated bodies, big knives, big guns, and plenty of chases.

But in the end, Alex manages to get his man because he's cool under pressure, while the killers are anything but cool and are completely jealous.

Overall, it's a very twisted story that can be a bit of a complicated mess at times. But despite that, it's also sexy, gripping, baffling, crazy, and hectic. It's a real page-turner that I highly recommend. Amen!

Rated—R (my personal opinion based on content)

This movie, in my view, truly deserves an R rating. The content it presents is not for the faint of heart. There are intense and graphic scenes that can be quite disturbing. The language used is also rather strong and vulgar at times.

The story delves into some dark and mature themes that may not be suitable for a younger audience. It explores the seedy underbelly of society and the complex emotions and actions of the characters.

The violence depicted is not glorified but rather shown in a raw and realistic manner, which can make it even more impactful. The sexual content is also explicit and adds to the overall adult nature of the film.

Overall, while this movie may have its merits in terms of storytelling and cinematography, the R rating is well-deserved due to the mature and often uncomfortable content it contains.

This was technically a reread. Previously, I had listed most of the Cross books and rated them. But then I noticed that I had this particular one in my physical pile at home. So, I thought, "Why not?" as I didn't remember much of it initially. However, as I started reading, familiarity set in.

I am truly done with Patterson.

For some inexplicable reason, I had persisted in thinking that his writing would improve over time. However, upon reading the Cross or WMC books, I have found absolutely nothing enjoyable or worthwhile within their pages.

This particular book will undoubtedly be the last one of his that I ever read.

What really puzzles me is the fact that the ratings on his books are astonishingly high. How can this be? It makes me wonder if there is something I am missing or if the majority of readers have a completely different perspective.

Perhaps his books appeal to a certain type of audience that I simply do not belong to. Nevertheless, based on my personal experience, I cannot understand the high acclaim that Patterson's works seem to receive.

It is a mystery that I may never fully solve.

Patterson truly lost me with this particular installment. It felt far too far-fetched, and that's saying something even for a dedicated fan like myself. (I can't quite recall when I read this - it was many, many years ago.)

Gary Soneji, Cross's arch enemy, has returned with a vengeance. He is now engaged in a deadly game of cat and mouse with Cross and his family.

Adding to the chaos, another serial killer is on the loose, wreaking havoc and killing people all over the world. The question remains: can Alex Cross survive the onslaught of these two deadly killers?

The answer, it seems, lies in their penchant for playing 'games'. If only they would simply focus on eliminating Cross and his loved ones, the situation would be far more dire.

Personally, if I were Alex Cross's enemy, I wouldn't waste time with elaborate games. I would go straight for the kill, targeting either him, his children, or his grandmother. And as an arch enemy, I would ensure that I finished them off properly, leaving no room for error or escape.

I really liked this book, but I have to admit that I wasn't as completely immersed in it as I was with the previous three installments of the series.

Nevertheless, it still sets the stage well for a good continuation of the series. I found the crime plots to be quite engaging, and I especially enjoyed the twists in the Pierce case. However, in my opinion, the Cross crime plot was solved a little too easily. There wasn't really a grand build-up to it, so to speak, and there weren't too many twists or turns to consider.

The characters in this series are quite amusing to follow. I've been told by so many people that the Alex Cross series will eventually become my favorite James Patterson co-authored series, but for now, I'm still holding on to the Michael Bennett series as my favorite. We'll just have to wait and see how I feel after reading some more Cross books.

My quick and simple overall assessment is that this is a quick and good read. However, it did take me a lot longer to finish than I expected, but that was mainly due to my responsibility for editing my dissertation, which took precedence over reading the book.

All in all, I'm still looking forward to seeing where the series goes from here.