- Hardcover: 400 pages
- Publisher: Century; 1st edition (22 Oct 2009)
- ISBN-10: 1846052602
- ISBN-13: 978-1846052606
- Product Dimensions: 23.6 x 15.2 x 4.2 cm
- Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (48 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 109,581 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
I, Alex Cross
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Product Description
Amazon.co.uk Review
James Patterson is unquestionably one of the world's most successful crime writers, with a following (and sales) that are the envy of many of his peers. His secret, of course, is his immense readability: Paterson has a narrative grasp that ensures total reader commitment from first page to last. So as his new book, I, Alex Cross, appears, it is tempting to speculate on what his response will be to the words being uttered by many of his admirers; ‘It's a Patterson-only outing again -- thank God!’ As the author’s solo books are almost always more authoritatively written than the legion of novels he produces with an army of collaborators, one wonders why he feels the need to sustain this highly profitable writing factory (some might argue that this question is answered by the word ‘profitable’, but Patterson comfortably outsells most of his rivals, and acquiring even more revenue can't be such a pressing need, can it?) But to the business at hand: here's a new Alex Cross novel, and that's always a cause for celebration.
In I, Alex Cross, Patterson's eponymous hero is dragged from a family celebration and given some very unwelcome news: Caroline, his niece, has been savagely killed. Cross makes an instant promise: he will use all his resources to track down the murderer. But disturbing facts begin to emerge: Caroline was involved with a particularly strange endeavour in Washington, an organisation that promises to fulfil every fantasy of its participants, however outlandish. As Alex learns, the people involved in this sinister dream factory are both powerful and influential, and only those with the most copper-bottomed credentials are allowed to join the party. With the aid of his girlfriend, Detective Brianna Stone, Alex Cross gets closer and closer to these mysterious figures, and the reason behind Caroline's brutal murder. But (as so often before), he realises that he is up against people who will stop at nothing to maintain the clandestine nature of their activities. What's more, Alex discovers there is far more at stake than just a modern day version of the hellfire club -- there are revelations in store which could shake the foundations of society.
As the above suggests, James Patterson's return to solo writing has obliged him to raise his game in terms of the reach of this latest Alex Cross outing. If the book doesn't seem, perhaps, to be in the class of some of the vintage Alex Cross outings, that may (to some extent) be due to our familiarity with the character – it’s more difficult to ring the changes. What isn't in dispute, though, is the author’s total professionalism, and his ability to comprehensively grip the reader remains undimmed. --Barry Forshaw
Book Description
A Cross family member is murdered, and the case catapults Alex into a world where power masks unfathomable evil.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
41 of 46 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
Alex Cross is a character that has been one of James Patterson's longer running themes. He returns in this blockbuster along with a few familiar faces.
They are celebrating Alex' birthday in the opening chapter, but as usual are interrupted with the phone call they always dread...Work! Alex and his long time girlfriend Detective Briana Stone along with his kids Ali and Jannie (who live at home), and the ever faithful Nana are welcomed back. Nana and his children have been the one consistence in his life that has brought him stability, support and love, however his love for his job sometimes gets him putting his priorities the wrong way round. The call he receives becomes personal as Alex finds out that a killer has got to one of his own. His niece has been murdered and they want him in on the case. He throws himself into the case head first and discovers that this serial killer won't be so easy to catch. This is no ordinary serial killer and Alex soon discovers that the whole case is wrapped up with some high rollers who are protected by those around them. That means breaking the rules and doing what needs to be done to catch the killer. Alex realises that to do his job he has to trust nobody and do things his own way.
I have on a few occasions' mentioned that I was unsure what James Patterson was doing to quality of his own work, due to the sheer volume of novels he seems to produce or complete with a co-author. My opinion has been in the past that his novels (especially the Cross ones) seem to decline the more books he produces. This book showed me glimpses of some of the great work that he has produced in the past, however still left me undecided as to whether his work is back to its usual quality. His chapters are short and sharp but keep the pages turning. The story was a good one and flowed throughout, with the added bonus of ending the book on a great opening for the next one.
I did enjoy this and think it is better than his last Alex Cross Novel (Cross Country). However, although still an avid James Patterson fan I find that I am leaning towards his other follow on books with the lead character of Michael Bennett (e.g. Run for your life). I will continue to read James Patterson's work and can only hope that the Alex Cross books continue to catch the audience. This book can be read as a stand alone but I would advise that if you enjoy this, that you try some of his other earlier books.
They are celebrating Alex' birthday in the opening chapter, but as usual are interrupted with the phone call they always dread...Work! Alex and his long time girlfriend Detective Briana Stone along with his kids Ali and Jannie (who live at home), and the ever faithful Nana are welcomed back. Nana and his children have been the one consistence in his life that has brought him stability, support and love, however his love for his job sometimes gets him putting his priorities the wrong way round. The call he receives becomes personal as Alex finds out that a killer has got to one of his own. His niece has been murdered and they want him in on the case. He throws himself into the case head first and discovers that this serial killer won't be so easy to catch. This is no ordinary serial killer and Alex soon discovers that the whole case is wrapped up with some high rollers who are protected by those around them. That means breaking the rules and doing what needs to be done to catch the killer. Alex realises that to do his job he has to trust nobody and do things his own way.
I have on a few occasions' mentioned that I was unsure what James Patterson was doing to quality of his own work, due to the sheer volume of novels he seems to produce or complete with a co-author. My opinion has been in the past that his novels (especially the Cross ones) seem to decline the more books he produces. This book showed me glimpses of some of the great work that he has produced in the past, however still left me undecided as to whether his work is back to its usual quality. His chapters are short and sharp but keep the pages turning. The story was a good one and flowed throughout, with the added bonus of ending the book on a great opening for the next one.
I did enjoy this and think it is better than his last Alex Cross Novel (Cross Country). However, although still an avid James Patterson fan I find that I am leaning towards his other follow on books with the lead character of Michael Bennett (e.g. Run for your life). I will continue to read James Patterson's work and can only hope that the Alex Cross books continue to catch the audience. This book can be read as a stand alone but I would advise that if you enjoy this, that you try some of his other earlier books.
15 of 17 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
I've never been the type to write bad reviews, always of the opinion that I'd rather recommend a good book than criticise a bad one that may appeal to someone who would otherwise buy it... but I'll make an exception this time.
It's not only the fact that the novel just isn't up to scratch; what really irks me is this practice of using ghostwriters who publish under Patterson's name in order to milk every penny out of the franchise. I think it's cheating readers even when it's made clear that it was a `collaboration'.
Separate from that, I found the book to be despairingly predictable. The pace plods along and then hits periodic high-activity parts that are over so quickly, you don't even have a chance to get absorbed in them. I think this is a case of quantity over quality; a poor effort overall.
Fewer books, better quality please, Mr Patterson!
It's not only the fact that the novel just isn't up to scratch; what really irks me is this practice of using ghostwriters who publish under Patterson's name in order to milk every penny out of the franchise. I think it's cheating readers even when it's made clear that it was a `collaboration'.
Separate from that, I found the book to be despairingly predictable. The pace plods along and then hits periodic high-activity parts that are over so quickly, you don't even have a chance to get absorbed in them. I think this is a case of quantity over quality; a poor effort overall.
Fewer books, better quality please, Mr Patterson!
7 of 8 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I was a die hard Patterson fan, having read most of his other books and almost all of the Alex Cross series, except I have missed out Cross Country, (mainly due to poor reviews). I am not a fan any longer.
For those familiar with Goosebumps and Point horror, you will see a writing style similar here. I am not criticising those books, I love them and do read books aimed at a younger audience regularly. I just do not expect this style of writing for an Alex Cross novel which is after all very much adult material.
Having said that, the book is quick and easy to read. But, the content is woeful. If there is a plot, it is shallow at best. Most scenes are glossed over and dealt with very quickly with no depth whatsoever. Any reference to Alex's family is similarly dealt with, none of the warmth and atmosphere of the family unit is there. Any suspense in the story is lost. The book is disjointed and the leads to finding the killer all too easy.
What has happened to Patterson's books? Gone are the days of Along came a spider, Jack and Jill and other earlier and very well written works. I struggled to finish this one; I doubt Patterson wrote it to be honest. I am just glad I only spent £1 on it in a charity shop and didn't buy it new. Pity I shall not get to finish the Women's murder club books, I got as far as 7th Heaven, but don't now feel motivated to read any further.
One thing I am sure about, I shall not be reading any more of his books. James Patterson, you have lost a loyal fan.
For those familiar with Goosebumps and Point horror, you will see a writing style similar here. I am not criticising those books, I love them and do read books aimed at a younger audience regularly. I just do not expect this style of writing for an Alex Cross novel which is after all very much adult material.
Having said that, the book is quick and easy to read. But, the content is woeful. If there is a plot, it is shallow at best. Most scenes are glossed over and dealt with very quickly with no depth whatsoever. Any reference to Alex's family is similarly dealt with, none of the warmth and atmosphere of the family unit is there. Any suspense in the story is lost. The book is disjointed and the leads to finding the killer all too easy.
What has happened to Patterson's books? Gone are the days of Along came a spider, Jack and Jill and other earlier and very well written works. I struggled to finish this one; I doubt Patterson wrote it to be honest. I am just glad I only spent £1 on it in a charity shop and didn't buy it new. Pity I shall not get to finish the Women's murder club books, I got as far as 7th Heaven, but don't now feel motivated to read any further.
One thing I am sure about, I shall not be reading any more of his books. James Patterson, you have lost a loyal fan.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Fast-paced thriller
This looks like a thick book, but with 117 chapters, each on average about 3 pages long, there is an awful lot of white space, and if it was re-formatted I bet you could reduce the... Read more
Published 23 days ago by Avid reader
Another James Patterson hit!
Book 15 of the Alex cross series and James Patterson still manages to come up with yet more unseen twists and turns and even a happy ending (well almost!) a great read
Published 1 month ago by leigh the sewing diva
I, Alex Cross
i loved it could not put it down i have read most of James Patterson books and i must admit i loved every one the kindle make it a lot better to hold the book now my hands are bad
Published 4 months ago by susan
I Alex Cross -James Patterson
Fantastic book, couldnt put it down. I think each book is better than the last. I am never disappointed with James Patterson. Read more
Published 6 months ago by smf
I, ALEX CROSS
Another quality item from Amazon.Quick delivery. Yet another brilliant book from my favourite author. Perfect! You will want to stay up all night to finish it.
Published 8 months ago by pawprints
utter tripe
I picked up this "thriller" while on holiday in Greece as I had got through my holiday reading and needed something else to read fortunately there were plenty of books left behind... Read more
Published 9 months ago by Mr. N. J. Price
Better - but not nearly good enough
Having promised myself that I would not pick up another Alex Cross book after the disaster that was Cross Country I gave in an decided I'd have another go. Read more
Published 9 months ago by Alex Eavis
Truly awful
I've read every Alex Cross novel, and the last half dozen have been getting progressively worse and worse. This plumbs the depths.
No plot, no characters, no warmth... Read more
No plot, no characters, no warmth... Read more
Published 11 months ago by DirtyBearIOW
Not for the faint hearted...
Once again James Patterson proves he is a master of his craft, and Alex Cross is someone you would certainly want on your side when the chips are down. Read more
Published 12 months ago by Sarah P
I Alex Cross
Maybe I'm weird but I just love the Alex Cross series, it's by far and away the best of JP's works (all of which I read and like)
TW.
TW.
Published 13 months ago by Tommy Widd
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