Community Reviews

Rating(4.2 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
47(47%)
4 stars
28(28%)
3 stars
25(25%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
100 reviews
July 15,2025
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Another high impact, fast paced thriller in the Alex Cross series. Patterson's gift for creating engaging and thrilling stories is truly undeniable. After five books, it seems that each villain is the most formidable that Cross has ever faced, almost unstoppable. Without giving away any spoilers, I can't go into too much detail. However, I can say that the love interest in this one has a dramatic impact, both heartbreaking and heartwarming. Given the author's pattern with this character, it's difficult to hold out hope, but again, no spoilers.


Pop Goes the Weasel is interesting because the villain/s are lost in the world of gaming. I really enjoyed the connection to the Four Horsemen. And as always, I simply adore Cross's family. They add a touch of warmth and humanity to the story. I'm really looking forward to book 6 and seeing what new challenges and adventures Patterson has in store for Alex Cross.

July 15,2025
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Detective Alex Cross is on the hunt for the killer of a series of "Jane Does." To most investigators, these murders seem random. However, Cross discovers that the culprit is Geoffry Shafer, a serial killer who selects his victims through a role-playing game called The Four Horsemen.


In this game, a simple roll of the dice determines whether a person lives or dies. What makes it even more chilling is that anyone can unknowingly become a player in the game, including Shafer's own family.


So far, I have been enjoying the Alex Cross series. However, I am starting to feel frustrated because in each case, the serial killer seems to involve Cross's family in some way. I understand that such things can happen in real life, but it seems a bit too coincidental that it occurs in every single case.


Because of this, if the option was available, I would have given this book a 3.5 out of 5 instead of a 4 out of 5. I am hopeful that in the next book, Patterson will find a way to keep the Cross family safe and out of harm's way.

July 15,2025
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I hope the narrator(s) can make some improvements.

Personally, I find the overly dramatic reading style to be quite distracting.

So far, I have read 5 books in this series.

However, I am still not entirely sure how I feel about it.

On one hand, it is engaging enough to maintain my attention.

But on the other hand, it doesn't reach the level of being "OMG, so good".

I am still in a bit of a dilemma.

I'm not sure if I will continue with the series or not.

Maybe with the next book, my opinion will change.

Or perhaps the narrator(s) will improve their performance and make the reading experience more enjoyable.

Only time will tell.
July 15,2025
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It was fine.

Not my typical read, although I've really enjoyed the movies.

I don't generally like reading this kind of lighter fiction.

I read it because I'm trying to learn how to write, and James Patterson is certainly successful.

He's also a good writer.

It's just not my genre.

However, I have to admit that Patterson's writing style has some aspects that are worth learning from.

His pacing is excellent, keeping the story moving forward at a brisk pace.

The characters are well-developed and engaging.

Even though it's not the type of book I would usually pick up, I can see why it's so popular.

Maybe in the future, I'll give this genre another chance and see if my opinion changes.

For now, I'll continue to explore different writing styles and try to improve my own writing skills.

Who knows, maybe one day I'll be able to write a book that's as successful as James Patterson's.

July 15,2025
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The book in question had an exciting plot that was interesting to a certain extent. However, being the fourth book in a series, it unfortunately fell flat for me.

The character of the Killer was indeed interesting, and there were parts of the book that managed to hold my attention. But the fact that I was constantly checking how many pages I had left made me question if I was truly invested in the story.

Moreover, the easy ending was just mediocre and felt a little too convenient. It didn't provide the kind of satisfaction that I was hoping for.

Overall, I would suggest that you read this book as part of the series, rather than as a stand-alone. That way, you may have a better understanding and appreciation of the story and its characters.

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July 15,2025
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This is truly a great read. It contains Patterson's usual excitement that keeps the readers on the edge of their seats.

However, the only thing that really annoys me about his Alex Cross books is the significant amount of space he insists on using to talk about his family and love life. It feels like it disrupts the flow of the crime story. I wish he would just skip all that and get right on with the thrilling crime narrative.

The old Patterson books are all like this. They have a certain charm and authenticity. But the newer ones, in my opinion, are simply junk. It seems like he has just put his name on them, but they must be written by his co-authors because the quality is pretty bad in my eyes.

Anyhow, it was highly entertaining to read the "old" Patterson who was truly a MASTER at this genre. I had actually read this one before, years ago. But since I can't remember what I had for breakfast anymore, re-reading a book is no problem at all. It's just like experiencing it for the first time again, and that's a wonderful feeling.

July 15,2025
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James Patterson has once again crafted a page-turner novel that immediately immerses you in a thrilling murder-mystery story.

I have a particular fondness for the characters of Alex Cross and his partner, John Sampson. The book begins with a powerful start, grabbing your attention right from the outset. However, it unfortunately concludes with a rather lackluster ending.

Patterson introduces the reader to a murderous game known as the Four Horseman. This role-playing game leads to the murders of innocent people, adding an exciting new twist to the story and fueling the emergence of a new nemesis, Geoffrey Shafer, a truly deranged individual.

Alex's girlfriend, Christine, is kidnapped, but this aspect of the story is not developed sufficiently. The resolution of the issue involving her at the end feels simply unrealistic.

While the book is a page-turner, I believe Patterson needed to slow down and take the time to develop key points more fully. There is a sense that too much is crowded in without proper explanation. The ending seems rushed and anti-climatic.

Overall, the book is an easy read, with short chapters and a few unexpected twists and turns. However, it could have benefited from more careful pacing and a more satisfying conclusion.
July 15,2025
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Patterson and Alex Cross did it again!

This time, they have brought us a thrilling and heart-pounding story that keeps us on the edge of our seats from start to finish.

The Dragonslayer, a horrific mastermind murderer, is on the loose, and it's up to Alex Cross to catch him. But it's not going to be easy.

The Dragonslayer is cunning and elusive, and he seems to be one step ahead of Cross at every turn.

Meanwhile, Cross is dealing with his own heart-wrenching personal circumstances, which only add to the tension and drama of the story.

Can he solve the case and bring the Dragonslayer to justice, or will his personal problems get in the way?

Find out in this latest installment of the Alex Cross series by James Patterson.
July 15,2025
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Another fast-paced Alex Cross book!

OMG, I wasn't expecting the ending I got on this one. It was truly a surprise. But it was so nice to see some happy outcome for Alex.

The story had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. The plot was full of twists and turns that kept me guessing.

Alex Cross is such a great character. He's smart, brave, and always willing to do whatever it takes to solve the case and protect those he loves.

I can't wait to read the next book in the series and see what adventures Alex has in store for us.

Overall, this was a great read and I would highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good mystery thriller.
July 15,2025
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Patterson, when it comes to the Aleks Cross series, really varies in quality. First, it goes extremely well, then it drops, and then it's excellent again and so on in a cycle. For example, the fifth part of the series was good and to my taste. It was fast-paced and engaging. I think it's enough to say that I read the book in a few hours. In a certain group of book lovers, I wrote that Lasica and The Big Brain are my dearest literary villains - antiheroes. The idea with the four horsemen particularly impressed me, all in all just because of a couple of flaws in the story 4 *.

However, despite these minor drawbacks, the overall experience of reading the Aleks Cross series has been quite enjoyable. Patterson has a way of creating characters that are both complex and interesting, and the storylines are usually full of twists and turns that keep the reader on the edge of their seat. While not every book in the series is a masterpiece, there are definitely some standouts that are well worth reading.

Overall, I would recommend the Aleks Cross series to anyone who enjoys a good thriller or mystery. Just be prepared for some variation in quality from book to book.
July 15,2025
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Alex Cross - Book 5


Alex Cross is deeply engrossed in the investigation of a string of Jane Doe murders that have occurred in a predominantly Black and impoverished area of Washington. As the case unfolds, it becomes evident that over 100 murders might have been perpetrated by the same severely psychotic individual, ominously nicknamed 'the Weasel'. Alex soon realizes that his own department lacks the decency, resources, or political will to even entertain the possibility that these cases could be the work of a serial murderer.
In "Pop Goes The Weasel", Patterson presents the story in his typical page-turning style, chronicling the intense hunt for this elusive killer or killers. The investigation takes a very personal turn for Alex, adding an extra layer of complexity and emotional investment to the narrative. With a rating of 5 out of 12, this installment of the Alex Cross series keeps readers on the edge of their seats, eager to discover the identity of the culprit and the outcome of Alex's pursuit.
July 15,2025
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Pop Goes the Weasel is the fifth book in the Alex Cross series.

What makes this book distinct is its unique narrative style. Right from the start, the reader is made aware of who the culprit is, and Alex Cross also figures it out rapidly.

However, due to diplomatic immunity, the focus of the plot shifts more towards the question of whether the criminal will be made to pay for his crimes rather than simply whether he will be caught.

The sudden twist at the end is a brilliant way to conclude the book. It not only leaves the reader on the edge of their seat but also creates a sense of anticipation for the next installment.

In fact, it has me eagerly looking forward to picking up the sixth book in the series to see what new adventures and challenges Alex Cross will face.
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