The story presents a really good story line that successfully continues the captivating saga of the Cross family.

As the narrative unfolds, readers are drawn deeper into the lives and adventures of the Cross family members, experiencing their joys, sorrows, and challenges along the way.

The author has masterfully crafted a tale that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats, eager to discover what will happen next.

However, it is the strange twist at the end that truly sets this story apart. Just when readers think they have everything figured out, the author throws in a curveball that leaves them stunned and craving more.

This unexpected turn of events not only adds an element of mystery and excitement to the story but also cleverly leaves it open for a sequel.

It gives readers hope that they will get to explore more of the Cross family's story and find out what becomes of them in the future.

Overall, this story is a must-read for fans of the Cross family saga and anyone who enjoys a well-written, engaging story with a thrilling twist at the end.

I give it 3 stars, hoping that there is a sequel to this book. Otherwise, the ending really leaves us hungry for what happens with the murderer and the missing policeman, and that frustrates me royally!

Otherwise, I like how James Patterson weaves Cross's personal life with the police intrigue. It makes Cross more human and gives a more human dimension to the story, with some refreshing touches of family and friendly humor compared to the gloomy elements of the intrigue. It creates an appreciable balance.

The way Patterson develops the characters and the plot is quite engaging. The personal aspects of Cross's life add depth and make the reader more invested in his story.

However, the lack of a proper conclusion regarding the main plot points is a bit of a letdown. I would have liked to know more about the fate of the murderer and the missing policeman.

Overall, it's an interesting read, but it could have been better with a more satisfying ending.

Sadly, this is not my favorite Alex Cross book.

I found the first half of the book incredibly hard to get into. It seemed to drag on and on, and I was having a difficult time staying engaged. However, I’m very glad that I persisted.

As I got into the second half of the book, it became more like the fast-paced thriller that I’m used to when reading a JP book. The action picked up, and there were plenty of twists and turns to keep me on the edge of my seat.

The ending absolutely made it for me. It was exciting, unexpected, and left me wanting more. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series and find out what happens to Alex Cross next.

Overall, while this wasn’t my favorite Alex Cross book, it was still a good read, and I would recommend it to fans of the series.

Alex Cross - Book No. 6

Alex Cross teams up with the FBI to look into a series of extremely brutal bank robberies. In these heinous crimes, it seems that the hostages are being killed deliberately and at random. The book "Roses are Red" introduces the criminal known as the "Mastermind" and his cunning schemes. It also delves into the consequences on Alex's personal life from the previous book "Pop Goes the Weasel". His girlfriend is struggling to come to terms with having been kidnapped before. This is a typical Patterson thriller, full of excitement and twists, featuring one of his most well-known characters, Alex Cross. It earns a score of 6 out of 12.

2011 Read

The story keeps readers on the edge of their seats as they follow Alex Cross's investigation. The description of the bank robberies and the actions of the "Mastermind" are vivid and terrifying. The personal drama in Alex's life adds an extra layer of depth to the story, making it not just a thrilling adventure but also a exploration of human emotions and relationships. Patterson's writing style is engaging and fast-paced, making this book a page-turner that is hard to put down.

Wow!

I really didn't expect the ending at all. It completely took me by surprise.

The story had been building up in such an interesting way, and then the ending just came out of nowhere and left me completely shocked.

I'm so excited to read the next one. I can't wait to see what will happen next in this amazing series.

The author has done a great job of keeping me engaged and on the edge of my seat throughout the entire story.

I'm sure the next installment will be just as精彩.

What a twist!

It was truly unexpected and took me by complete surprise. I had no inkling of what was about to unfold.

I never saw it coming. The author did an amazing job of leading me down one path and then suddenly veering off in a completely different direction.

I loved this book. It kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. The story was engaging, the characters were well-developed, and the plot was full of excitement and mystery.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good thriller or mystery. It's a must-read!

My second encounter with a James Patterson book and the first within the Alex Cross series. I must admit that the other Patterson novel I perused, The Summerhouse, was rather lackluster. It was okay, not terrible, but ultimately forgettable. In sharp contrast, Roses are Red was significantly better. I am definitely looking forward to delving into more of the Alex Cross novels!

The storyline was truly captivating and engrossing. From the very first page, I was completely hooked on this fast-paced crime drama. I also relished getting to know about Alex's personal life. He was an outstanding character, and within this novel, I could clearly understand why his series has achieved such popularity. His family was endearing, and the subplot regarding his love life felt remarkably genuine. I remained invested in Detective Cross throughout the entire narrative.

I found Roses are Red extremely difficult to put down. It was a real page-turner that kept me on the edge of my seat. The book felt like it was of the perfect length, and it managed to pack an abundance of investigation into the short and binge-read-worthy chapters.

However, my biggest gripe with this book is that although I thought the ending was very good, it concluded far too abruptly! I received my answer, and then....? Maybe this story is continued in the next installment of the series, so perhaps I can obtain some answers in Alex Cross #7 when I eventually get around to reading it. But I would have greatly preferred to have a comprehensive understanding of precisely how things were connected and what transpired at the end of this particular book. It was a solid resolution to the mystery, but unfortunately, it left me reeling with a plethora of new questions.

(To be continued??)

This particular book held my interest to a great extent. The story was engaging and kept me hooked from the very beginning.

However, I have some mixed feelings about the ending. It's an installment in the Alex Cross series, and it definitely leaves the reader with a cliffhanger.

I'm really hoping that it plays out well in the next book. I don't want it to be the case that Patterson has simply thrown out a name for the shock factor and not have a well-developed continuation.

Only time will tell how this all unfolds. But for now, I'll keep my fingers crossed and look forward to finding out in the next installment. Happy reading!

I initially had a rather difficult time getting fully immersed in the story. This was mainly because I have become accustomed to listening to the Alex Cross series in audio format. However, as I progressed through the book and reached the three-fourths mark, something remarkable happened. I found myself completely engrossed and simply couldn't put the book down.

The story had gradually pulled me in, and I was eagerly turning the pages, eager to know what would happen next. The characters became more vivid in my mind, and the plot thickened in a most captivating way.

And then, the ending! It was a total cliffhanger, leaving me on the edge of my seat and craving for more. It was truly so good that it left a lasting impression on me and made me eager to pick up the next installment in the series.

Overall, despite the initial struggle, this book ended up being a thrilling and engaging read that I would highly recommend to others.

Pure cotton candy for the brain is like a magical treat that can bring a sense of wonder and delight. It's not the kind of cotton candy you eat, but rather a concept that refers to the things that make our minds feel light, happy, and carefree.

It could be a beautiful piece of art that makes us stop and stare, a funny joke that makes us burst out laughing, or a peaceful walk in nature that clears our minds. These are the things that nourish our souls and give us a break from the stress and chaos of everyday life.

Just like cotton candy, pure cotton candy for the brain is something that we should enjoy in moderation. We don't want to fill our minds with too much junk food or negative thoughts. Instead, we should focus on the things that bring us joy and inspiration. By doing so, we can keep our brains healthy and happy, and live a more fulfilling life.

So, the next time you're looking for a way to unwind and relax, think about the pure cotton candy for your brain. Find something that makes you smile, and let yourself be carried away by the magic. You'll be amazed at how good it feels.

Roses are Red by James Patterson is the sixth installment in the Detective Alex Cross Series.

It is yet another fast-paced action-packed book that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

In this thrilling story, Alex and the FBI are in hot pursuit of a criminal known as "The Mastermind". This elusive culprit is responsible for a series of bank robberies where people are being brutally murdered, regardless of whether they follow the given directions or not. The Mastermind hires different individuals each time he targets a bank and holds the bank managers' families hostage, leaving no room for error in his twisted plans.

On a personal front, Alex is facing numerous challenges. His relationship with Christine is strained after her return from being kidnapped. He is well aware that she cannot handle the dangerous nature of his job. However, the thought of giving up his beloved career as a detective and going into private practice as a psychotherapist is not an easy one for him. To make matters worse, his daughter Jannie is now sick, adding more stress to his already burdened life. And yet, he still has to focus on hunting down The Mastermind. It seems like an insurmountable task.

The book ends with a "to be continued" feeling, which by now has become a familiar pattern in the series.

One of the favorite quotes from Roses are Red is: “waiting in hospitals is as close as we get to being in hell before our time”. This quote beautifully captures the sense of dread and anxiety that often accompanies waiting in a hospital setting.

Warning: James Patterson will hook you with this novel. From the very first page, he weaves a web of intrigue and excitement that pulls you along for an action-filled ride. You'll find yourself completely immersed in the story, unable to put the book down.

And then...well, he does something a bit different in this novel. Patterson takes a bold turn, introducing a new element that throws everything you thought you knew about the story into question. But, in my opinion, it clearly works.

The reason it works is simple: it makes me want to keep reading. Patterson has masterfully crafted a story that is full of twists and turns, and I can't wait to see what happens next. His protagonist, Alex Cross, is as engaging as ever, and I'm invested in his journey.

Patterson and Cross are on a roll, and this novel is another testament to their success. If you're a fan of thrilling mysteries, then you won't want to miss this one.