Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 99 votes)
5 stars
35(35%)
4 stars
28(28%)
3 stars
36(36%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
99 reviews
July 15,2025
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Oh. My. God.

I can't believe what I've just read. "Roses Are Red" - book 6 in the Alex Cross series - has truly amazed me. It is filled with non-stop action from start to finish. However, compared to the previous books in the series, it may not have been as gripping. Initially, I was convinced that this book would end up with a 4-star rating.

But then, I reached the last page. The very last page. What an incredibly spectacular cliffhanger of an ending it was! It completely took my breath away and left me on the edge of my seat.

Now, I find myself with very little choice except to immediately get my hands on book 7. I simply have to know what happens next. This cliffhanger has left me craving for more and has made me even more eager to continue with the Alex Cross series.
July 15,2025
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**Title: An Unexpected Incident**

Did that just happen? I couldn't believe my eyes. It was a normal day like any other, but then something completely unexpected occurred.


I was walking down the street, minding my own business, when suddenly I heard a loud crash. I turned around and saw a car had swerved off the road and hit a tree.


People immediately rushed to the scene to see if anyone was hurt. I joined them, my heart pounding with worry. Fortunately, the driver seemed to be okay, although a bit shaken up.


The police and ambulance arrived shortly after, and they quickly took control of the situation. I stood there for a while, watching as they worked to assess the damage and ensure everyone's safety.


As I walked away from the scene, I couldn't help but think about how quickly things can change. What started as a routine day had turned into a moment of chaos and uncertainty.


This incident served as a reminder to me that we should always be prepared for the unexpected and appreciate the little things in life.

July 15,2025
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“I told the truth and shamed the devil.”

I am well aware of the reason why I didn't have the same love for this as others did. I have been reading these books in a completely random order (or perhaps no order at all). The personal chapters regarding the kids and the significant others...they simply fail to engage me, yet others seem to relish the updates. I also know that I have a much greater affinity for these books when they are in audio format.

However, the story itself is captivating. It involves bank robberies that are executed with such precision, down to the very second, and in which some meet their demise while others do not. I enjoyed getting to know the detectives and I was drawn to the pacing of the story. It seamlessly jumps from short chapters related to the family to short chapters all about the robberies, the pursuit of the Mastermind, and Alex Cross's struggle to squeeze in sleep and food amidst it all. Even though I had guessed the identity of the culprit well before the big reveal, I still found enjoyment in the mystery.

Overall, despite my initial reservations, there is something about this story that keeps me coming back for more.

July 15,2025
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Roses are Red is the sixth installment in the Alex Cross series.

It chronicles the adventures of Alex Cross as he endeavors to apprehend the "Mastermind", the mastermind behind a spate of bank robberies and murders.

This was the second thriller I've delved into by James Patterson. I've come to clearly understand the allure that Patterson holds for so many. His novels are characterized by their breakneck pace, effortless readability, and the ability to keep readers on the edge of their seats, constantly guessing. This book was no exception. I found myself irresistibly drawn to read more, eager to uncover what lay in store next.

However, while I thoroughly enjoyed the book for the most part, I couldn't help but feel a tinge of disappointment with the conclusion. It was somewhat too foreseeable, leaving me with a sense that there was more that could have been explored and developed.

Overall, Roses are Red is an engaging and thrilling read, despite its slightly underwhelming ending. Patterson's storytelling prowess shines through, making it a worthwhile addition to any thriller lover's collection.

July 15,2025
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I strive not to assess a book by making comparisons with other books that I have perused. Instead, I endeavor to judge it based on the extent to which it has met or surpassed my anticipations. This happens to be the very first Patterson book that I have delved into. Given what I had gleaned from the fans of his work, I did not anticipate encountering highbrow literature. However, I did expect to come across a simply written, skillfully crafted mystery. It suffices to state that I was extremely underwhelmed. The story was interesting enough to compel me to read until the very end. Nevertheless, the writing was rife with excruciating clichés, one-dimensional characters, and cringe-worthy attempts at being clever. For an author of such renown and success, Patterson is not a particularly proficient writer. It was a quick and effortless read. There is a remote possibility that I might give ol' James another chance in the future. But for the present moment, I have had more than enough.

I feel that there are many other authors out there who can offer a more engaging and well-written reading experience. While Patterson may have a large following, his writing style leaves much to be desired. I will continue to explore different authors and genres in search of that perfect book that will truly captivate my imagination.
July 15,2025
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I’ve read quite a number of books from this series over the years, in a completely random order. Then, I went back to the beginning as I had the first 15 or so downloaded. However, I hadn't read any James Patterson for a few years after overdosing on them in the past.

It was really nice to return to one of the early Alex Cross books that he actually wrote himself. It reminded me that they are still fairly good easy thrillers. This particular one was published in 2000 and holds up quite well.

Alex Cross is hosting his baby son’s christening party when his friend, FBI agent Kyle Craig, calls him to another crime scene. This is the last straw for his partner Christine, who is still traumatized from her prolonged kidnapping by the Weasel in the previous book. Nevertheless, Cross knows he has to get involved as a team of bank robbers have been needlessly killing hostages and the police have no leads. When the first perpetrators are found dead but the attacks continue, they discover that a shady figure called The Mastermind is coordinating the heists and deliberately recruiting killers.

Cross has a lot on his plate here. His relationship is ending, his daughter is diagnosed with a serious medical condition, and the FBI is taking over the case, led by an attractive new SAC, Betsey. One of the issues I have with this series is how quickly he moves from one woman he’s supposed to be deeply in love with to the next without much looking back. The other is that he rarely actually solves a case on his own, often having to be told where to look for the killer or stumbling upon the answer by accident. I prefer detectives who actually detect. The ending of this book was a bit complicated and didn't really make sense, and then there’s the shock ending that takes us into the next book, which I definitely didn't see coming.

This was a quick read, and I’ll probably forget most of the plot within weeks, which is why I have some difficulty remembering which ones I’ve already read. But it only took an evening (after reading the first few chapters months ago and then being distracted by more urgent review deadlines), and I did mostly enjoy it as Cross is a likable hero and his family are entertaining characters. I’ll round it up to 3.5 as it was still able to surprise me.
July 15,2025
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Another good book, but with the same complaint - there is just too much of the GD already.

I do like the stories, I must admit. However, the language is deteriorating and it's really starting to turn me off more and more.

One aspect of these books that I both kind of like and hate is the endings. They often leave the questions unanswered. What I hate about this is that I have to wait for the next book to find out the answers. (Thankfully, I'm reading these after they're all out!) But on the other hand, I love that it's more realistic.

It's really genius. Patterson makes good on the promises he makes to the reader and then leaves you wondering about what happens next. It's a great way to sell books! I truly believe it's how he writes and not just a gimmick to boost sales.

I like that it's not all neatly wrapped up and tidy. There's still a residual mess from the previous cases, which I think is good as it makes it more realistic. I love it and hate it at the same time... HAHA!
July 15,2025
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I have always been aware that I am completely engrossed in a book when I find myself staying up well past midnight just to finish it. That's precisely what occurred with this particular one. Although I do regret the loss of sleep, I have no regrets whatsoever about a single word of the reading. :)


I absolutely love hearing about Alex Cross's rather unique little family. It was truly sweet to learn about a new addition to it. Besides that, the story, as is customary, was filled with non-stop action, had a rapid pace, and was brimming with really heinous murders. This is exactly what I enjoy.


The ending was especially shocking and极其令人难过. It was also a masterfully crafted cliffhanger that ensures I simply have to read the next installment in the series.

July 15,2025
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I was truly impressed with this book. It begins with a flying start, immediately hooking me. In the first couple of chapters, Alex's personal life takes a strange turn. Something occurs out of the blue, and due to the ending of the previous book, it feels a bit misplaced. There is a little recapping, but I do think these are much better in order.


I was surprised by how heart-warming some of the moments in this book were. They almost had me choked up, which I really wasn't expecting. I have truly come to like Alex and care about his personal life. It's strange - normally in this genre, I skim the personal life stuff and move on to the more exciting parts. But for this series, it really helps build the tension and the readers' intrigue.


If you're looking for a quick read, this one reads extremely fast. I think partly because the chapters are so short and snappy! I was also quite impressed with the gore and detail this book goes into. The description of mutilation and acts on dead bodies was difficult to read and it read a little like a horror, so be warned.


However, I have to talk about the ending. OH WOW! I really wasn't expecting such a twist. I'm now glad that I didn't look at any reviews because it came as a complete surprise. This ends on a cliffhanger. How could I not carry on with this series at this point? I'm loving it.

July 15,2025
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Ooo, now this was really good. It just keeps building and building, creating an intense atmosphere. Oh, and the ending! Mmmwahh! It's so captivating that it just makes you eager to grab the next book. However, it doesn't seem like it's a direct continuation.


The combination of tension and the home life of Detective Cross is a great mix. I really like how Patterson uses short chapters while still providing as much description as necessary. He doesn't include all that unnecessary rubbish like "he went with the choice of cocopops because it reminds him of his childhood, then he got his milk and a spoon." We're not really interested in that kind of stuff. What we want is the tension to build and the action to be fast-paced! Even with all the extraneous details cut out, Patterson can still write over 400 pages. Some of these newer authors go into minute detail just to increase the page count, in my opinion.


That's number 6 completed. I believe there are nearly 30 books in this series. There's a lot to catch up on. You'll know where to find me :0)

July 15,2025
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HOLY COW!

My mouth literally dropped open when I read the last sentence in this book. It was so unexpected and mind-blowing that I couldn't believe my eyes. To be completely honest, I read that same sentence like 5 times, trying to soak in every word and understand its full significance.

Holy chit, batman! I was so excited and intrigued that I couldn't wait to start the next book, Violets are Blue. I have no idea where this story is going to lead, but I'm sure it's going to be an amazing journey.

Holy cow! I'm really looking forward to seeing how the plot unfolds and what new surprises await me in the next installment. I just know it's going to be another page-turner that will keep me on the edge of my seat from start to finish.
July 15,2025
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The Alex Cross series by James Patterson is highly acclaimed, and the 6th book in this series is no exception.

It truly showcases Patterson at the peak of his writing prowess. The story is a thrilling adventure filled with numerous twists and turns that keep the reader on the edge of their seat from start to finish.

The plot is intricately crafted, with well-developed characters and a narrative that unfolds in a captivating manner. Patterson's ability to create suspense and maintain a high level of tension throughout the book is remarkable.

Whether you are a long-time fan of the Alex Cross series or new to Patterson's work, this 6th installment is sure to satisfy. It is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good mystery or thriller.

So, pick up this book and get ready to be drawn into a world of excitement and intrigue.
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