Alex Cross #5

Pop Goes the Weasel

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Detective Alex Cross is back-and he's in love. But his happiness is threatened by a series of chilling murders in Washington, D.C., murders with a pattern so twisted they leave investigators reeling. Cross's pursuit of the killer produces a suspect, a British diplomat named Geoffrey Shafer. But proving he's the murderer becomes a potentially deadly task. As Shafer engages in a brilliant series of surprising counter moves, Alex and his fiancee become hopelessly entangled with the most memorable nemesis Cross has ever faced.

461 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published October 19,1999

This edition

Format
461 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published
January 1, 1999 by TIme Warner Books
ISBN
9780446608817
ASIN
B006TO0420
Language
English
Characters More characters
  • Alex Cross

    Alex Cross

    The main character, a homicide detective. Deputy Chief of Detectives and in his mid 30s in Along Came a Spider. Has a doctorate in psychology. Works and lives in the ghettos of Washington DC. Smart and observant, hard-working, and black. Has 2 children, D...

  • John Sampson
  • Janelle

    Janelle Jannie Cross

    The young daughter of Alex. Adorable. About 4 years younger than Damon....

  • Damon Cross

    Damon Cross

    The young son of Alex. Adorable. About 9 in "Cat more...

  • Christine Johnson
  • Regina

    Regina Nana Mama Cross

    Alex Crosss grandmother. About 80. She lives at his house, and generally rules the roost. Lovable but feisty. Raised Alex since he was 8.more...

About the author

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Official US Site
Official UK Site
JIMMY Patterson Books
ReadKiddoRead

James Patterson is the most popular storyteller of our time. He is the creator of unforgettable characters and series, including Alex Cross, the Women's Murder Club, Jane Smith, and Maximum Ride, and of breathtaking true stories about the Kennedys, John Lennon, and Tiger Woods, as well as our military heroes, police officers, and ER nurses. Patterson has coauthored #1 bestselling novels with Bill Clinton and Dolly Parton, and collaborated most recently with Michael Crichton on the blockbuster Eruption. He has told the story of his own life in James Patterson by James Patterson and received an Edgar Award, ten Emmy Awards, the Literarian Award from the National Book Foundation, and the National Humanities Medal.

This author also writes under the following name: Džejms Paterson

Community Reviews

Rating(4.2 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
47(47%)
4 stars
28(28%)
3 stars
25(25%)
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100 reviews All reviews
July 15,2025
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The Alex Cross series is back with a thrilling installment that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. In "The Fourth Horseman," Cross, a detective with the Washington, D.C. Police Department and a liaison between the FBI and the local police, is faced with a complex and disturbing case. A series of women have been brutally murdered, and the killer seems to be operating under a mysterious guise. With the help of four colleagues, Cross must race against time to solve the case and bring the killer to justice.

The story is filled with twists and turns that keep readers guessing until the very end. The characters are well-developed and engaging, and the plot is both exciting and thought-provoking. Patterson does an excellent job of creating a sense of tension and suspense, making it difficult for readers to put the book down.

One of the strengths of the novel is the way Patterson explores the psychology of the killer. The Fourth Horseman is not your typical criminal, and his motives and actions are both chilling and fascinating. Patterson delves deep into the mind of the killer, providing readers with a unique perspective on the inner workings of a deranged mind.

Another亮点 of the novel is the relationship between Cross and his colleagues. The four of them work well together, each bringing their own unique skills and perspectives to the case. Their interactions add an element of humor and humanity to the story, making it more than just a simple mystery.

Overall, "The Fourth Horseman" is a must-read for fans of the Alex Cross series and for anyone who enjoys a good thriller. Patterson has once again proven himself to be a master of the genre, delivering a novel that is both entertaining and engaging. So, if you're looking for a book that will keep you up all night, look no further than "The Fourth Horseman."
July 15,2025
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The first one of JP's works that I ever read truly amazed me, and I was instantly hooked!

It was such an engaging piece that I couldn't put it down. From the very beginning, the story had me completely captivated.

The characters were well-developed and the plot was full of twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat.

I found myself completely immersed in the world that JP had created.

Probably one of my favorites of his, this work stands out for its unique style and compelling narrative.

It has left a lasting impression on me and I can't wait to read more of JP's books.

I would highly recommend this particular work to anyone looking for a great read.

It's definitely a must-read for fans of JP and for those who enjoy a good story.

Overall, I was extremely satisfied with this first encounter with JP's writing and I'm excited to see what else he has in store for us.

July 15,2025
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One of the few series that just keeps getting better and better. It's truly a mystery to me why it took me such a long time to start this series from the very beginning. I have an immense love for Alex Cross.

James Patterson never fails to disappoint! His writing is captivating and engaging, drawing the reader in from the very first page. And a huge thank you goes out to him for...well, I don't want to spoil anything for those who haven't yet read the series.

All I can say is that Patterson has an incredible talent for creating thrilling and suspenseful stories that keep you on the edge of your seat. I'll just reiterate that he has never let me down. Each book in the Alex Cross series is a masterpiece in its own right, and I can't wait to see what he has in store for us next.

July 15,2025
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While Patterson's writing, at times, has an unintended comical aspect to it, he manages to craft a truly engaging and tightly-knit mystery that simply kept me hooked. I found myself thoroughly enjoying a journey back in time, albeit just 20 years ago, to the era of AOL chatrooms, pay phones, and Rod Strickland. It was a fascinating glimpse into a bygone technological and cultural landscape.


The main character, Alex Cross, and his trusty sidekick, Sampson, are both extremely likeable. Their personalities and the way they interact make them characters that you can't help but cheer for. As the story unfolds, you become invested in their success and are eager to see how they will solve the mystery and overcome the challenges that come their way.


Overall, despite the occasional comical moments, Patterson's ability to create a captivating mystery and develop likable characters makes this a book that I would highly recommend to mystery lovers.

July 15,2025
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Not the best Alex Cross book I have read, but it was still completely readable and highly entertaining. I have a soft spot for Alex Cross and his small family. The side story about his relationship with Christine added an interesting layer. The main plot of the Four Horsemen, in true Patterson style, was extremely exaggerated but still utterly captivating and a real page-turner.


I am methodically making my way through the Alex Cross series. Whenever I'm in the mood for a great book that will amuse me without requiring too much thought, I reach for one of these. So far, I haven't been disappointed.


The story had its flaws, but overall, it was an enjoyable read. The action was fast-paced, and the characters were well-developed. I'm looking forward to reading the next installment in the series and seeing what adventures Alex Cross will have.

July 15,2025
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I have a rather complex opinion about "Pop Goes the Weasel" by James Patterson.

On one hand, I can't stand the character of Alex Cross. He seems too perfect - a flawless father, an ideal boyfriend, a brilliant investigator, and a competent psychologist. There is no room for error or imperfection in his character, which makes him feel unrealistic to me. I often find myself rolling my eyes when reading the parts about his family and girlfriend, Christine.

On the other hand, I really enjoyed the story line and the villain. The new killer that Alex Cross is facing is completely random in his killings, making it difficult for anyone to anticipate his next move. The fact that he can blend into the crowds unnoticed adds an element of mystery and danger. And although the reader knows right away that the villain is Geoffrey Shafer, a British diplomat, the real question is whether Alex Cross can figure it out.

I especially liked Geoffrey Shafer. He was so smug and evil, which made him a fascinating character to read about. Additionally, I enjoyed how the book was not just about the hunt for the killer, but also included , which added another layer of complexity to the story. Overall, while I may not like Alex Cross, I still found the book to be an engaging and exciting read.
July 15,2025
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How do you go up against 4 serial killers who are former British spies and assassins and have transformed their passion for killing into a role-playing game named The Four Horsemen?

This is indeed a captivating concept to delve into. However, regrettably, I felt that Patterson didn't fully explore its potential this time.

In this story, the main antagonist isn't characterized by his superior intellect and the "mastermind" style of crime planning. Instead, he comes across as a deranged individual who gets fortunate repeatedly. Alex Cross's investigation also seems to struggle throughout the novel, and he needs a great deal of help from other agencies. Overall, there were some really interesting concepts, especially the idea of the Four Horsemen as an RPG, but this aspect wasn't explored as thoroughly as I had anticipated. Even the main villain wasn't developed very well.

Nevertheless, the novel is a page-turner. It's a quick read with some enjoyable moments. But I had been hoping for another fascinating Patterson antagonist, and so in the end, I was a bit disappointed.
July 15,2025
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I must say that I truly liked this book a great deal more than the other ones I have had the pleasure of reading by James Patterson.

This particular work seemed to have a certain charm and allure that set it apart from the rest. The story was engaging from the very beginning, drawing me in and keeping my attention firmly fixed until the very end.

The characters were well-developed and relatable, making it easy for me to invest in their lives and care about what happened to them.

The plot was filled with twists and turns that I never saw coming, which added an extra layer of excitement and anticipation.

Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of James Patterson or enjoys a good mystery or thriller. It is definitely one that I will be thinking about for a long time to come.
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