I happened to pick up this book from the book barn located right by the elementary school. It turned out to be a rather decent read overall. However, I must admit that there were certain aspects of it that seemed a bit unbelievable. The plot had its moments, but at times, it felt a bit stretched and hard to swallow.
Nonetheless, as I reached the very end of the story, there was a noticeable improvement. The conclusion managed to tie up some loose ends and provided a bit more satisfaction than the middle part of the book. It was as if the author suddenly found a way to bring everything together in a more coherent and engaging manner.
Despite its flaws, I still found myself somewhat interested in the story and glad that I had given it a chance. It goes to show that sometimes, even a book that starts off a bit shaky can surprise you with a good ending.
Alex Cross - book No. 8
Four war veterans, in a devious and elaborate plot, attempt to cover up their own heinous crimes. Instead of taking responsibility for their actions, they intricately devise a plan to pin the blame on their fellow soldiers. These veterans, who should have honored the code of conduct and loyalty among comrades, have chosen a path of deception and betrayal. Their actions not only shatter the trust within the military community but also bring disgrace to the noble institution of the armed forces. As they manipulate the evidence and spread false accusations, the lives of the innocent soldiers are put at risk. The consequences of their actions are far-reaching, causing emotional turmoil and potentially ruining the reputations and futures of those unjustly accused. It is a sad and shameful chapter in the history of these war veterans, who have failed to uphold the values and principles that they once swore to defend.
Firstly, this particular book is the #8 Novel in the Alex Cross series. I would strongly caution against recommending it to anyone who has not been following the Alex Cross saga from the very beginning. The reason being, it contains a significant number of spoilers from the previous installments. This can really take away the excitement and surprise for those who are new to the series.
Secondly, the book suffers from a highly predictable script. It fails to truly entice the reader and keep them on the edge of their seats. Moreover, it delves too deeply into the characters, but this exploration doesn't really add much to the plot twists. It feels more like filler rather than something that enhances the overall story.
However, there is one saving grace. The book has a crisp and fast pace. This quick tempo makes it easier for the reader to stick with the protagonist, Alex Cross. Despite the flaws in the script and character development, the fast pace does manage to hold the reader's attention to some extent.
4.5 stars. This is an outstanding book with a great story and excellent character development. It truly stands out as one of the best, if not the very best, in the Alex Cross series so far. The plot is engaging from start to finish, filled with twists and turns that keep the reader on the edge of their seat. The author has done a remarkable job of creating complex and believable characters that the reader can easily become invested in. Alex Cross, in particular, is a well-developed and relatable character who undergoes significant growth and change throughout the story. The supporting characters are also well-written and add depth and dimension to the overall narrative. Overall, this is a must-read for fans of the Alex Cross series and anyone who enjoys a thrilling and engaging mystery.