Alex Cross #2

Kiss the Girls

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Alex Cross is back.

In Los Angeles, a reporter investigating a series of murders is killed.

In Chapel Hill, North Carolina, a beautiful medical intern suddenly disappears.

And in Washington D.C., Cross needs to find the solution to the most baffling and terrifying murder case ever. Two clever pattern killers are collaborating, cooperating, competing - and they are working coast to coast. Is Alex Cross up to the challenge?

481 pages, Paperback

First published January 11,1995

This edition

Format
481 pages, Paperback
Published
July 1, 2000 by Warner Books
ISBN
9780446677387
ASIN
0446677388
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...

  • Gary Soneji

    Gary Soneji

    In "Along Came a Spider," he is a teacher of math and computer science at Washington Day School. Balding with a droopy moustache. Popular with students. Nickname Mr. Chips. Smart with an ego.more...

  • Kyle Craig

    Kyle Craig

    An FBI Special Agent. Becomes one of Alex Crosss go-to people at the FBI. He works at their facilities in Quantico, Virginia.more...

  • 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...

  • Kate McTiernan

    Kate Mctiernan

    A leading character in Kiss the Girls. First names: Katelya Margaret. A 1st year intern doctor at N. Carolina University Hospital. Stunning beauty. 30. Strong-willed. Rents a room from a widow in Durham. Her recent boyfriend was History Professor Peter Mc...

  • Jezzie Flanagan

    Jezzie Flanagan

    We meet her in Along Came a Spider. The first female supervisor of the Secret Service. Blond, rides a motorcycle. Agents under her include Victor Schmidt, Charlie Chakely, Jeb Klepner. and Mike Devine. Lives in Arlington Virginia with her mother. Divorced...

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(3.9 / 5.0, 99 votes)
5 stars
28(28%)
4 stars
38(38%)
3 stars
33(33%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
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99 reviews All reviews
July 15,2025
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This is my second encounter with this book, and I must confess that I'm currently experiencing a bit of an existential crisis. You see, I used to truly relish this series. Back when I was 14 or 15, I would voraciously devour the Alex Cross series, nurturing my growing love for murder and mayhem as a maturing reader. After closing a Patterson book, I would think, "yeah, so good." However, guys, seriously, it's so bad. Patterson's prose is truly atrocious. There is absolutely no depth to the plotting. There are no fewer than two overwrought clichés per page. And if you believe that female characters should be more than just cardboard caricatures, then you should look elsewhere. Because here, we only have space for stereotypes and sexual objectification. Now, I'm aware that people will disagree. Patterson has a large following. But, you know... The last time I heard the words "baby, sweetie, honey" and "daddy" so frequently, I had to clear my browser history afterwards. The pet names made me feel uncomfortable. The dialogue is awkward, cheesy, and just plain odd. Alex Cross is kind of gross. I much prefer Morgan Freeman's portrayal. But in this book, he's in the midst of a serious serial murder investigation, yet he's constantly thinking about whether a victim, whose face is still battered, wants to have sex with him. The women in this story exist solely as victims and sexual objects. From Alex's erection leading him around to the two psycho killers who are "loving" women by anally raping them with snakes - yes, snakes. Anal. With snakes. There is so little character development that the brutal scenes lack a human counterpoint. It's all just a misogynistic nightmare play. The only character Patterson gives any attention to is Alex - but only in a very superficial way, constantly reminding you about how incredibly awesome he is. *eyeroll* A real sentence: "He made a noise. It sounded like 'yaaaaaaagh.'" Come on. Seriously? Patterson is wealthier than any of us could ever dream of being, and he achieved that with sentences like this? ⭐½ | 1.5 stars rounded down.

Book Blog | Bookstagram
July 15,2025
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This was when James Patterson was truly at his peak, right at the beginning of his remarkable career.

The second installment in the Alex Cross series, Kiss the Girls, is an electrifying and fast-paced thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat, guessing until the very end.

Alex, a highly skilled forensic psychologist with the Washington police force, finds himself in a desperate situation when his niece goes missing while attending university in North Carolina. As he delves into the case, he discovers a disturbing pattern. A significant number of young women, all beautiful and intelligent, have vanished. Sadly, one or two of them have been found dead, having endured a truly horrible demise.

Initially, Alex is not warmly received by the local police, and for the most part, he has to rely on his own instincts and skills to solve the mystery. To make matters even more complex, the FBI gets involved, indicating that this case is far more significant than it initially seemed.

Just when things seem hopeless, one of the missing girls miraculously turns up. Her account of what she and the other girls have been through is truly horrifying. It's an understatement to say that these girls have been living in a living hell.

The race is now on to find Alex's niece before it's too late. You might think you have figured out who the psycho is, but the truth will only be revealed in the last few pages, leaving you completely stunned.

July 15,2025
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This thriller about serial killing is as good as it gets.

It keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. The plot is full of twists and turns that will leave you guessing until the very end.

The characters are well-developed and the acting is superb. You really feel like you are inside the minds of the serial killer and the detective trying to catch him.

The movie also does a great job of creating a sense of atmosphere and tension. The dark and rainy streets add to the overall feeling of dread and danger.

If you are a fan of thrillers, then this is definitely one that you don't want to miss. It is a masterclass in suspense and will keep you entertained from beginning to end.
July 15,2025
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Too much violence against women is an extremely concerning and widespread issue. Women around the world are constantly facing various forms of violence, whether it is physical, sexual, emotional, or psychological. This violence not only causes immediate harm and pain to the victims but also has long-term consequences on their physical and mental health, as well as their social and economic well-being.


It is unacceptable that in the 21st century, women still have to live in fear of being attacked, abused, or violated. We need to take immediate and effective measures to address this issue. This includes raising awareness about the problem, providing support and resources to the victims, and strengthening the legal and social systems to ensure that the perpetrators are held accountable for their actions.


We must all work together to create a world where women can live free from violence and discrimination. This is not only a matter of human rights but also a matter of social justice and equality. Let us stand up and speak out against violence against women and do everything we can to protect the rights and dignity of every woman.

July 15,2025
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Before expressing my views on this book, which is the second one centered around Alex Cross, it is only just to reveal that I have an intense admiration for the Alex Cross/John Sampson duo.

I firmly believe that Mr. Patterson could incorporate these two characters into even the most ordinary of storylines and still manage to produce a captivating book. Fortunately, this is not the situation with "Kiss the Girls."

This is an exquisitely written mystery that offers numerous opportunities for the reader to determine who, what, when, where, and why. The human monsters in this book are pitiless, haughty, unrepentant, and truly despicable.

As a reader, the longing for Cross and Sampson to catch the atrocities masquerading as humans is even slightly stronger than the need for the victims to be rescued.

That being said, some of the victims are remarkable, strong women, leaving the reader with a desire to witness the ladies take action.

Is there any possibility that Mr. Patterson is kind enough to fulfill everything that the reader hopes for in a book? You will have to read it to find out.

July 15,2025
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When I initially picked up "Along Came A Spider" a short while ago, I had some concerns regarding how Patterson would approach writing a Black male character. However, I was swiftly hooked and thoroughly enjoyed the manner in which he portrays not only Alex but also his best friend and partner Sampson, Alexis' relationship with his two children, and even with his grandmother.

"Kiss The Girls" further continues the development and provides insights into Alex and how he copes with being a single parent while being engaged in solving gruesome crimes. By gruesome, I truly mean extremely disturbing. In "Kiss The Girls," there are some disconcerting descriptions and on-page scenes that I could have done without. Nevertheless, it didn't prevent me from continuing to read, and I will definitely continue the series.

I can't yet speak for the rest of the books in this series, but if you require trigger warnings for rape and abuse, you might want to skip this installment.

Overall, this was a page-turner, and although it is a bit darker than what I typically read, I am looking forward to continuing this series.

Where you can find me:
•(♥).•*Monlatable Book Reviews*•.(♥)•
Twitter: @monicaisreading
Instagram: @readermonica
Goodreads Group: The Black Bookcase
July 15,2025
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I don't understand how James Patterson can be so popular with such hasty writing. In the Alex Cross series, there is no advantage in focusing on the character, and there are thousands of holes in the middle of the story. If you think you can keep the suspense throughout the whole book and then hang the main thread at the end, then you are very wrong, sir. Moreover, even if all the possible motives of the suspects are stated, the motive of the main suspect is completely muddled. And as far as I can understand, there is nothing else to say about this except for some chaos. The Gentleman Killer and the Casino Nexus were completely immature and full of holes. I have read Patterson's book before (the first one in this series). I had the same experience before. This time I hope it will be better. And in life, I will not take this path again, father!


It seems that the author is quite critical of James Patterson's writing style and the quality of his books. The author believes that the stories are full of holes and lack coherence, and the motives of the characters are not clearly explained. The author has read Patterson's books before and had a similar experience, but still hopes that the next one will be better. Overall, the author's tone is rather disappointed and frustrated.
July 15,2025
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I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

It was an absolute page-turner, extremely hard to put down as it was filled with non-stop action.

There are two serial killers on the loose, namely the Gentleman and Cassanova, and they are being hunted by the renowned detective Alex Cross.

Patterson is well-known for his short chapters, and in this book, although it consists of numerous short chapters, it is still packed with intense action from start to finish.

If you have a penchant for a combination of crime and mystery, then this is definitely a great book for you.

It keeps you on the edge of your seat, constantly guessing and trying to figure out the motives and identities of the killers.

The story is engaging, the characters are well-developed, and the plot is full of twists and turns that will leave you breathless.

I highly recommend this book to all fans of the crime and mystery genre.
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