- Paperback: 448 pages
- Publisher: Headline; Reprint edition (6 Sep 2007)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0755323173
- ISBN-13: 978-0755323173
- Product Dimensions: 17.6 x 10.6 x 3 cm
- Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (42 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 104,821 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
Cross (Alex Cross 12)
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Product Description
Amazon.co.uk
James Patterson has a position that is unassailable -- as one of America's most reliable crime and thriller writers, his best-selling status is assured. But it has to be said that he has tested the patience of his long-time readers by the series of books written in collaboration with other, lesser-known writers, in which it seemed that his own participation was the least important element. True Patterson fans will always welcome books such as Cross as the real deal: unadulterated James Patterson, sans collaborators.
Here we have Patterson's favourite protagonist, Alex Cross, in the days when he was making his mark in the Washington, DC Police Department. To his horror, he witnesses his wife being murdered in front of him by an unknown killer. Years pass, and Cross has left the FBI for his former profession as a psychologist. He feels he has come to terms with the events of the past, but then receives a call from his ex-partner John Sampson, requesting a favour in tracking down a serial rapist in Georgetown. Soon, the case presents connections to the death of Alex's wife -- is he finally being given the chance to catch her murderer?
This is James Patterson, doing what he does best: delivering a narrative in which there is not an ounce of wasted fat. Alex Cross is always, of course, a strong protagonist, and the personal element here energises an already kinetic storyline. James Patterson, we are reminded, needs no collaborators. --Barry Forshaw
Review
‘James Patterson is back in true form with his latest Alex Cross series thriller... This is his best work yet’
(Hobart Mercury )
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
It may be a little known fact, but James Patterson has written more best selling titles in the past five years than Dan Brown, J.K. Rowling, Tom Clancy and John Grisham put together. He is one of a handful of authors whose sales have been growing over the past two years, even though best selling fiction sales in general have been declining.
This is another of Patterson's novels featuring the FBI Agent Alex Cross. A tried and tested formula on the part of the author and one that always goes down well with the reader.
Alex Cross was a shining star in the Washington Police Department when an unknown killer gunned down his wife in front of his eyes. But any thoughts of vengeance or justice had to be put on hold while he raised his kids. His wife Maria was never far from Alex's mind and his thoughts of tracking down her killer have haunted many a long night. Can Alex give himself some peace of mind. Has the trail gone cold after all this time. When a case comes up that triggers a connection to the death of Maria, Alex believes that at long last there is a chance of justice for his beloved wife.
This is another of Patterson's novels featuring the FBI Agent Alex Cross. A tried and tested formula on the part of the author and one that always goes down well with the reader.
Alex Cross was a shining star in the Washington Police Department when an unknown killer gunned down his wife in front of his eyes. But any thoughts of vengeance or justice had to be put on hold while he raised his kids. His wife Maria was never far from Alex's mind and his thoughts of tracking down her killer have haunted many a long night. Can Alex give himself some peace of mind. Has the trail gone cold after all this time. When a case comes up that triggers a connection to the death of Maria, Alex believes that at long last there is a chance of justice for his beloved wife.
12 of 13 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Like many I have followed the Alex Cross novels with enjoyment and interest. He is one of the top charactor creations in this genre in my opinion.
However James Patterson, I believe, needs to spend a little more time on the Alex Cross novels. He is an undoubtedly hot author but this book compares unfavourably against the initial books in the series.
A lot of readers were looking forward to this book, one of the key enjoyments of previous novels was the relationship content between Alex and his family and with Sampson which allowed the reader to get a greater profile of Alex Cross through this plot dynamic.
These relationships are underutilised in Cross and also the Butcher as a charictor is under drawn.
It is a good and enjoyable read and I would recommend it, just not as good as I was hoping for.
However James Patterson, I believe, needs to spend a little more time on the Alex Cross novels. He is an undoubtedly hot author but this book compares unfavourably against the initial books in the series.
A lot of readers were looking forward to this book, one of the key enjoyments of previous novels was the relationship content between Alex and his family and with Sampson which allowed the reader to get a greater profile of Alex Cross through this plot dynamic.
These relationships are underutilised in Cross and also the Butcher as a charictor is under drawn.
It is a good and enjoyable read and I would recommend it, just not as good as I was hoping for.
12 of 13 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I normally love the Alex Cross books by James Patterson, however this one really didn't rock my boat.
I just can't see how it would be possible to be intimately involved in the investigation of a series of rapes that very well may involve the same person you believe may have killed your wife and at the same time continue to run your own professional practice and operate as a single father of three children. Really there just aren't that many hours in the day. It really just didn't ring true for me at all.
The symbolism, rituals and trademarks explored in some of the other killers that JP has written about were'nt really present with The Butcher and I thought that was a shame. He really just seemed to shoot a lot of people and then use his butchery skills post mortem.
For me this book lacked the real psychotic element and page turning urgency that JP does so well and the story seemed almost to exist as an explanation for Maria's shooting and as an enabler for JP to move Alex Cross on - perhaps to some kind of new serious relationship.
The final pages clearly are there to set up the next installment and I'll buy it. I love Alex Cross, Sampson, Nana and the whole cast of regular characters but I do hope I get something more akin to Cat and Mouse, Roses are Red or Four Blind Mice next time around
I just can't see how it would be possible to be intimately involved in the investigation of a series of rapes that very well may involve the same person you believe may have killed your wife and at the same time continue to run your own professional practice and operate as a single father of three children. Really there just aren't that many hours in the day. It really just didn't ring true for me at all.
The symbolism, rituals and trademarks explored in some of the other killers that JP has written about were'nt really present with The Butcher and I thought that was a shame. He really just seemed to shoot a lot of people and then use his butchery skills post mortem.
For me this book lacked the real psychotic element and page turning urgency that JP does so well and the story seemed almost to exist as an explanation for Maria's shooting and as an enabler for JP to move Alex Cross on - perhaps to some kind of new serious relationship.
The final pages clearly are there to set up the next installment and I'll buy it. I love Alex Cross, Sampson, Nana and the whole cast of regular characters but I do hope I get something more akin to Cat and Mouse, Roses are Red or Four Blind Mice next time around
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
A middle chapter
Less frantic that most of the Cross novels, this entry has more content and storyline than usual. It's a story piece, following Alex's departure from the FBI, whilst his past comes... Read more
Published 7 months ago by Mr. G. Battle
Never really hit the mark
This never really hit the mark for me, His tried and tested short chapters keep you moving through the book but felt a bit disappointed in the end as it seemed like a whole lot of... Read more
Published 11 months ago by booklover
I expected more, to be honest
As a long time Patterson reader, I have to say that whilst I was looking forward to another `Cross' novel, this one completely lacked the action and fast pace of the earlier ones... Read more
Published 18 months ago by Nicola F (Nic)
cross
James Patterson has the ability to grab your interest from the very start.just when you think you have worked it all out then the twist comes. Read more
Published 20 months ago by marilyn
what a series
the Alex Cross books are brilliant,but you need to read them all starting with the very first.His family life continues to enthrall and you imagine them all growing up and getting... Read more
Published 22 months ago by variety fan
Great read
One of the most gripping books i have read. if you are looking for detective or crime books, this is definitely the book for you. the sequel 'Double Cross' is also a great book
Published on 30 Jan 2010 by G. Douglas
Appalling !
I picked up this book in a second-hand shop having previously seen this author being recommended.... Read more
Published on 25 July 2009 by J. MCCOOL
Awful!
Having been told by friends and family how good James Patterson books are and, especially the Alex Cross books I thought I'd give it a try. Read more
Published on 16 Feb 2009 by Anon.
Formulaic but effective lightweight thriller
'Cross' is the latest episode in a long running series about Alex Cross, a psychologist who's been a police detective, FBI man and now is operating freelance. Read more
Published on 4 April 2008 by Rowena Hoseason
Excellent Read
Alex Cross has been a favourite character of mine for over 10 years now. Having read all the previous Cross novels I found this as good as all the others but just a tad... Read more
Published on 11 Feb 2008 by Scully Bloke
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