3.5 Stars

"Cat & Mouse" is the fourth installment in the Alex Cross series penned by James Patterson. It marks the return of Gary Sonji, a murderer whom Alex had previously apprehended. Sonji manages to escape from prison and resumes his pursuit of getting back at Cross and everyone dear to him. Additionally, Alex gets embroiled with a European murderer, Mr. Smith, after Thomas Pierce is brought in to assist with understanding and profiling Sonji. Pierce has been on Mr. Smith's trail ever since the latter killed his fiancée.

What I find good and not so good about this book is quite an interesting mix. I'm a big fan of Alex Cross and the other recurring characters in this series. Alex, his partner, and his childhood friend John Sampson form a great team. Their banter and camaraderie, both on and off the job, are truly enjoyable. They complement each other's skills and personalities perfectly.

I absolutely love Nana Mama, Alex's grandmother. She raised him and now helps with his children. She is often the voice of reason in Alex's mind. Even when he disagrees with her, she always gives him something profound to think about. Jannie and Damon, Alex's children, are delightful characters as well. They bring a much-needed dose of love and enjoyment to what is often a dark and gruesome story.

Patterson is a master at creating vicious and scary villains, and "Cat & Mouse" has two such terrifying antagonists. The suspense steadily builds as the story unfolds. I thought the twist was ingenious and completely unexpected. It made me ponder whether some people are born evil or if a single event can cause a person to crack and turn evil.

However, what didn't work so well for me was the character of Christine. I was fully invested in the Alex-Christine romance right up until the end. I'm not sure why Patterson chose to give Alex so many different romantic attachments only to have something occur that leads to a breakup. In the first couple of books, Alex falls for the wrong woman for various reasons. In this book, it seems that his job will be a major issue. I don't know if Christine and Alex will be able to work out their problems, but by the end of this book, it doesn't look very hopeful.

My other gripe about Alex's relationships is how he dives headfirst into each new one, believing that this is the perfect woman for him. He doesn't hesitate or learn from his past bad experiences. Except for his deceased wife, Alex seems more interested in having a romance than being cautious and taking things slow. It does seem that each woman he pairs with over the course of the series is "the best woman" he's ever known. My advice to Alex would be to have fun and enjoy the physical aspect, but don't make plans for forever until a few months have passed. At least Christine has the approval of his family, so maybe this relationship will last for a few more books.

I'm not a huge fan of the narration this time around. I typically enjoy audiobooks as they allow me to read while doing other things. Unfortunately, the narrators of this book didn't quite fit (at least to my ears) with the characters. It wasn't a terrible narration; it just didn't add anything special to the story, the emotions, the characters, or the suspense. They were reading a story with very little performance added.

While this isn't my favorite book in the series, it is still good. I would recommend "Cat & Mouse" for its engaging murder mystery. If you're committed to this series, it's definitely worth investing the reading time to gain more insight into the character development. You won't be disappointed.

We have yet another thrilling book in the series.

I first read this particular one twenty years ago, and to my great delight, it was just as captivating and engaging this time around.

In this installment, there are not just one but multiple killers on the loose, which adds an extra layer of excitement and suspense.

Moreover, there are several near tragedies that keep the readers on the edge of their seats.

And here's the most interesting part - I think Cross, one of the main characters, is in love!

Alex Cross is back in top form, and this latest installment is a real page-turner.

The story is filled with countless twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

After the somewhat disappointing prequel, fans of the series will be relieved to find that this book lives up to the high standards set by its predecessors.

The characters are well-developed and the plot is engaging, making it a very enjoyable read for anyone who loves a good mystery thriller.

Whether you're a long-time fan of Alex Cross or a newcomer to the series, this book is definitely worth checking out.

So sit back, relax, and get ready to be drawn into the exciting world of Alex Cross once again.

Why do I continuously pick up Alex Cross novels even though I am constantly disappointed? Is it due to the fact that I read Kiss the Girls when I was much younger and at that time found it enjoyable? Ah, the blissful pleasures of ignorant youth.

Maybe it is simply because there happen to be so many of them in every airport bookstore that I just can't resist. This book was apparently thrown together with no regard for a cohesive story line, no thought given to how time passes, and no consideration for how real people think and feel. Alex Cross, who used to be somewhat heroic, is left looking silly and juvenile.

Why does he keep putting his family and girlfriend in danger if he is so smart and such a good guy?

Ahh. No more James Patterson!

It seems that my initial attraction to the Alex Cross series may have been a result of my youthful naivete. However, with each subsequent book, my disappointment grows. The lack of a well-structured plot and the inconsistent portrayal of the characters make it difficult for me to engage with the story.

I find myself questioning why I continue to give Patterson's books a chance. Perhaps it is the convenience of finding them in airport bookstores or some lingering hope that he will recapture the magic of his earlier works.

But after reading this latest installment, I have finally reached my limit. It is time to move on and explore other authors and series. There are surely many other talented writers out there who can offer more engaging and satisfying reading experiences.

No more James Patterson for me. It's time to say goodbye to the Alex Cross series and look for new literary adventures.

I really liked this book a great deal.

One of the main reasons is that it is set in areas of the country that I am very familiar with. There is a special kind of joy in reading about places that you know so well. It's like taking a mental journey through those familiar streets and neighborhoods.

Moreover, this book was also made into a movie, which was an added bonus. Watching the story come to life on the big screen was equally as enjoyable.

Back in the day, I went through a phase where I was really into reading James Patterson's books. So, please excuse the large number of his books that I have read.

I firmly believe that anyone who has read his books will concur that they are not overly difficult or challenging. However, what they lack in complexity, they more than make up for in entertainment value. His books are full of suspense and excitement, constantly keeping you on the edge of your seat and eager to turn the next page. I have truly enjoyed every single one of his books that I have read. I usually read them on vacation or in between reading some of the longer and perhaps not as interesting books. He has never once disappointed me, and the thrills are always there.

Just like all the great novelists in history, we need the James Pattersons of the world just as much. They bring a unique kind of entertainment and excitement to the literary world.

I'm not a thriller reader. So, for the first few chapters, I was like, "I don't know if I can deal with the style here." It's extremely compressed. I had the feeling that the writer was saying, "Come on, come on, you're too slow." Believe me, this is not a reaction I usually have regarding the pace of a book. I felt completely lost.

However, a few chapters later, I got into the rhythm of it, and the action suddenly snapped into place. I could have used a bit more suspense. But it seemed like the events that I should have worried about were there and gone almost before I could even realize that they were flying by.

I'll continue reading JP and see if I can keep up with it. I'm curious to see how the story will unfold and if it will maintain this intense pace. Maybe as I read more, I'll become more accustomed to the style and be able to fully immerse myself in the thrilling world that the author has created.

This book seemed to be over half way through.

Alex Cross had caught the criminal he sought and the man, Gary Soneji, was dead. So far, it was not a 5-star rating.

Then, out of nowhere, things changed immediately. There were terrible things happening to Cross and his family.

Another murderer was lurking in the background in the early part of the book, but did not show up to dominate the rest of the story.

Similarly, another FBI investigator also came into the picture.

Twists and turns emerged quickly, and the search was on again.

The story took an unexpected turn, leaving the readers on the edge of their seats, eager to find out what would happen next.

Would Cross be able to protect his family and catch the new murderer?

Only time would tell as the plot thickened and the mystery deepened.

The book became more exciting and engaging, making it a must-read for fans of the thriller genre.

Alex Cross novels are like hamburger helper.

They are incredibly easy to digest, much like how hamburger helper is easy to make.

These novels don't offer anything truly mind blowing that would leave you completely astounded.

However, they are always at least decent, scoring a solid 7.5 out of 10.

The storylines are engaging enough to keep you turning the pages, and the characters are well-developed.

Even though they may not be the most complex or revolutionary works of literature, they still provide an enjoyable reading experience.

Whether you're looking for a quick and easy read or just something to pass the time, Alex Cross novels are a reliable choice.

They may not be the best thing since sliced bread, but they definitely won't disappoint.

If I were to compare this book to the other three Alex Cross books that I have read thus far, I must admit that it was my least favorite. In fact, there were certain parts where I found myself turning the pages just to get through them, which is highly uncharacteristic of any other Patterson book I have read to this date. However, that is not to say that it wasn't a great story. It indeed had some fantastically suspenseful sections that kept me on the edge of my seat.

If I were to read this book on its own, it would be a great thriller/cop/murder mystery with two terrifying serial killers. The plot was engaging and full of twists and turns that made it difficult to put down. I was constantly guessing and trying to figure out who the killers were and what their motives were.

Despite being my least favorite of the Alex Cross books, I was still happy with the outcome. The ending was satisfying and tied up all the loose ends. I also look forward to reading the next book in this series to see what adventures Alex Cross will have next. He is starting to become one of my favorite book characters, and I love that he is unstoppable. No matter how difficult the case is, he always finds a way to solve it and bring the bad guys to justice.

That ending was a stinger.

It came as a complete surprise, hitting us like a bolt out of the blue. Just when we thought we had a good understanding of how the story would unfold, it took an unexpected turn.

The impact of that ending was profound. It left us with a sense of shock and wonder, making us question everything we had believed up until that point.

It was a masterstroke by the author, who managed to create a truly memorable and thought-provoking conclusion.

Even now, long after reading the story, that ending still lingers in our minds, serving as a reminder of the power of a well-crafted narrative.

It makes us eager to explore more of the author's work, hoping to experience similar moments of surprise and enlightenment.

Overall, that stinger of an ending was a testament to the author's skill and creativity, and it will surely be remembered for a long time to come.

Another great Alex Cross book

This latest installment in the Alex Cross series is truly a masterpiece. The story is filled with heart-pounding action, mind-bending mysteries, and complex characters that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

Alex Cross, the brilliant detective, is once again faced with a dangerous and elusive criminal. As he delves deeper into the case, he discovers a web of secrets and lies that threatens to tear apart everything he holds dear.

The author's writing is as sharp as ever, painting a vivid picture of the gritty streets and shadowy underworlds that Cross must navigate. The dialogue is realistic and engaging, and the pacing is perfect, never allowing the story to lag or become predictable.

If you're a fan of mystery and thriller novels, then this Alex Cross book is a must-read. It will satisfy your craving for excitement and keep you guessing until the very end.

The book "Cat and Mouse" by James Patterson is a thrilling detective story. It follows the adventures of Alex Cross, a skilled detective on a mission to stop Gary Soneji. After Alex successfully takes down Soneji, he and his family are brutally attacked by someone claiming to be Soneji, leaving Alex on the brink of death.

Enter Tomas Pierce, a new detective who abandons his Mr. Smith case to focus on Cross's. Once Alex recovers, he makes a shocking discovery - Tomas is actually the mass murderer Mr. Smith.

James Patterson does an excellent job of describing the scenes and characters in the book. His vivid descriptions, such as "It was Victorian-style, white shingled, and extremely well kept," paint a clear picture of Alex Cross's house from Soneji's perspective. Additionally, details like "I crouched down low beside Sampson. Both of us were batting away horse-flies and other unpleasant insects" create a sense of unease and anticipation for what's to come. Overall, "Cat and Mouse" is an engaging and page-turning read that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.