Status
Available
Call number
Series
Genres
Collection
Publication
Grand Central Publishing (2012), Edition: Unabridged, 7 pages
Description
Fiction. Suspense. Thriller. HTML: ALSO PUBLISHED AS CROSS NOW A MAJOR MOTION PICTURE STARRING TYLER PERRY Alex Cross was a rising star in the Washington, DC, Police Department when an unknown shooter gunned down his wife, Maria, in front of him. Alex's need for vengeance was placed on hold as he faced another huge challenge-raising his children without their mother. Years later Alex is making a bold move in his life. He has left the FBI and set up practice as a psychologist once again. His life with Nana Mama, Damon, Jannie, and little Alex finally feels like it's in order. He even has a chance at a new love. Then Cross's former partner, John Sampson, calls in a favor. Now Cross must go on the hunt for the most cunning, psychotic killer he has ever faced...and it pushes him dangerously close to the breaking point..… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member tymfos
When in need of a good "page turner" novel, James Patterson's Alex Cross series is always a safe bet for me. The books may not be "Great Literature," but they are well-crafted and suspenseful, filled with effective plot twists and peopled with interesting, well-drawn, complex characters.
This
Both Cross and his current nemesis are plagued by memories. Cross is lost in memories of Maria, who died in his arms over a decade prior. She was the woman who brought out the very best in Alex, and he cannot let go of her memory. His adversary, Michael Sullivan (AKA: the Butcher), is haunted and tormented by memories of his father -- the sadistic monster whose abuse made Michael the twisted, psychopathic killer that he is.
As usual in the Alex Cross series, the story is fast-paced and suspenseful. The characters are believable and multi-dimensional. And there are always surprises in store for the reader.
This
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particular installment of the series finds Alex Cross back in private practice after resigning from the FBI. But just when it seems that his days of crime-fighting are over, he is faced with the possibility of finally catching his wife's killer. And, with the help of his old D.C. police partner, John Sampson, the hunt is on!Both Cross and his current nemesis are plagued by memories. Cross is lost in memories of Maria, who died in his arms over a decade prior. She was the woman who brought out the very best in Alex, and he cannot let go of her memory. His adversary, Michael Sullivan (AKA: the Butcher), is haunted and tormented by memories of his father -- the sadistic monster whose abuse made Michael the twisted, psychopathic killer that he is.
As usual in the Alex Cross series, the story is fast-paced and suspenseful. The characters are believable and multi-dimensional. And there are always surprises in store for the reader.
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LibraryThing member debavp
Finally, some real information on the tragic past of Cross. And a few bits of realistic compulsive behavior to boot. Where Cross goes from here is going to be interesting.
LibraryThing member Heptonj
Given this the same star-rating as the book I already had . When I saw this in a book shop on holiday I checked that I hadn't got it in my 'library' and bought it. Only to discover that I had already read it under the title of Cross. Why do publishers/authors have to put their books back on the
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market under a different name? I've come across this before and it's most annoying. Show Less
LibraryThing member MeganAngela
James Patterson's Cross was my introduction into the world of James Patterson novels. His books aren't my usual fare, but this book was given to me as a present so I figured I should at least try it.
As far as style is concerned, I enjoyed the short chapters. I felt that having the chapters be that
I give this novel three stars because it did its job as a page turner, but it wasn't a book that I would reread or recommend to those seeking a book full of thrills and twists.
As far as style is concerned, I enjoyed the short chapters. I felt that having the chapters be that
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short made it easier to keep reading and helped the story keep a fast pace. There was also the alternating POVs. Some chapters were told from Alex Cross' point of view and others from Michael "The Butcher" Sullivan's. However, despite the short chapters and fast pace, I felt that the novel was lacking. James Patterson has made no dice about the fact that he is a storyteller first and foremost, not a great writer, so going into it I knew that the writing wouldn't be up to the same standard as other mystery writers. Yet, this story seemed to be kind of boring. I've learned that this is a continuation of an earlier plot line, so perhaps I'm missing something along the way. Still, while it was the very definition of a "page turner", I didn't feel like the suspense truly built and the end was miserably anticlimactic.I give this novel three stars because it did its job as a page turner, but it wasn't a book that I would reread or recommend to those seeking a book full of thrills and twists.
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LibraryThing member DavidCrawford
I was expecting more of this one. It was a page-turner, but it did not have the suspense I was expecting and therefore this disappointment. Excellent book, just not what I was expecting for the other Alex Cross novels I had read.
This is not the Alex Cross that I have enjoyed at the beginning of
I was expecting more from this novel. Still it was a page-turner, to a limited degree, because there was little suspense and this caused a big disappointment with me.
It`s not a terrible book, it just didn't measure up to the other Cross stories that I have enjoyed.
This is not the Alex Cross that I have enjoyed at the beginning of
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the series. Cross must have had a head injury because the character just seems to babble along without any intelligible analysis or interpretation of what is happening around him. And then there was this plot twist between Cross and Sampson that I'm still having trouble understanding. I was expecting more from this novel. Still it was a page-turner, to a limited degree, because there was little suspense and this caused a big disappointment with me.
It`s not a terrible book, it just didn't measure up to the other Cross stories that I have enjoyed.
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LibraryThing member Heptonj
As usual, a good fast read which you can get your teeth into. This time Alex is in private practice after having resigned from the FBI but his killer-hunting insticts are still put to good use when he and his friend John Sampson get on the trail of the 'Butcher' who presumably murdered Alex's wife
Fast-paced as usual and always unputdownable.
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years before.Fast-paced as usual and always unputdownable.
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LibraryThing member joycec
predictable - like so many of Patterson's novels
LibraryThing member edwardsgt
In this story Alex Cross has left the FBI and has set again in private practice, but finds himself unable to keep away from his friend Sampson's hunt for a vicious serial rapist, as there are echoes with his wife's murder many years ago. A chilling account of a Mafia hit-man and serial rapist who
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has been aptly named the butcher. No particular surprises in the plot, but well-written. Show Less
LibraryThing member skinglist
I read this in even quicker than typical Patterson fashion. Good, but not spectacular. Alex Cross series is very same-y but I feel the need to see it through. Whatever through is. I remember when this came out they said it would be the end but now Double Cross is coming out in November :/ I didn't
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find Sampson's revelation to be all that shocking, kind of anti climactic. Show Less
LibraryThing member Djupstrom
Yet another satisfying Alex Cross novel. Nothing new.
LibraryThing member jlouise77
Good book. Kept my attention and was a fairly quick read. I found it somewhat confusing at times, but that could be mainly because I have missed a couple of the Alex Cross series previous to this one. Good solid read.
LibraryThing member sandburg
The first Patterson's book I've read. A page-turner that I finished in two sittings. I fell for Alex Cross and buoght the whole series the next day.
LibraryThing member lmaxfield
a.) an introduction to and brief overview of the novel
--The book Cross is about a man who works for the Washington D.C. police department/FBI and after the death of his wife is focus is still the same, trying to find the killer, but its much more personal now. Throughout the book is has to decide
(b) an explanation of the book's connection to our theme (1 paragraph)
-- This book ties into the Search For Self theme in that both of the main characters live very different lives and their journey throughout the book involves knowing themselves and learning about others. Every decision that they make is done with careful thought and they even second guess themselves sometimes. Throughout the book one of the main characters is fighting with himself over the death of his wife and learning about life throughout the whole novel. This book is a good link to our theme
(c) a critique of the novel (good? bad? medium? why?) with a final recommendation (should we read?)
--I really liked this book a lot. Some parts of it were detailed to the max, but I liked the fast pace read of the book and the fact that I couldn’t put it down. I think that it linked to the theme well, and I would recommend this book to anyone, that is interested. Its more of a crime solving, murder-science, and lots of action book so if that sparks an interest it’s a really good book.
--The book Cross is about a man who works for the Washington D.C. police department/FBI and after the death of his wife is focus is still the same, trying to find the killer, but its much more personal now. Throughout the book is has to decide
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whether he can give up his job to spend more time with his kids and whether or not he is going to be able to accept his wife’s death and move on from her. The book moves at a fast pace and really give the reader a glimpse inside the characters mind. Throughout the novel the reader is also given an insight to one of the other main characters in the book whose nickname is butcher, but you will have to read to find out why!!(b) an explanation of the book's connection to our theme (1 paragraph)
-- This book ties into the Search For Self theme in that both of the main characters live very different lives and their journey throughout the book involves knowing themselves and learning about others. Every decision that they make is done with careful thought and they even second guess themselves sometimes. Throughout the book one of the main characters is fighting with himself over the death of his wife and learning about life throughout the whole novel. This book is a good link to our theme
(c) a critique of the novel (good? bad? medium? why?) with a final recommendation (should we read?)
--I really liked this book a lot. Some parts of it were detailed to the max, but I liked the fast pace read of the book and the fact that I couldn’t put it down. I think that it linked to the theme well, and I would recommend this book to anyone, that is interested. Its more of a crime solving, murder-science, and lots of action book so if that sparks an interest it’s a really good book.
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LibraryThing member ericlee
First of all, I read this as an e-book on my Palm, and was delighted to do so. I was able to purchase the book and read it when I wanted to -- and finished it within 19 hours of buying it. I've read a lot of James Pattersons and don't always like them, but this was actually not bad, a return to
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form. Cute, the various in-jokes, including the mention of actor Morgan Freeman, who has played Alex Cross in the movies. Show Less
LibraryThing member bashert
suspenseful mafia centered serial killer rapist book. some cross family involvement sidelights or diversions. suspenseful but not one of his better books.
LibraryThing member ct.bergeron
Alex Cross was a rising star in the Washington, DC, Police Department when an unknown shooter gunned down his wife, Maria, in front of him. Alex's need for vengeance was placed on hold as he faced another huge challenge-raising his children without their mother.
THE MOST TERRIFYING CROSS EVER.
Years
Then Cross's former partner, John Sampson, calls in a favor. He is tracking a serial rapist in Georgetown, one whose brutal modus operandi includes threatening his victims with terrifying photos. Cross and Sampson need the testimonies of these women to stop the predator, but the rape victims refuse to reveal anything about their attacker.
THE MOST EMOTIONAL CROSS EVER.
When the case triggers a connection to Maria's death, Alex may have a chance to catch his wife's murderer after all these years. Is this a chance for justice at long last? Or the culminating scene in his own deadly obsession?
THE MOST TERRIFYING CROSS EVER.
Years
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later Alex is making a bold move in his life. He has left the FBI and set up practice as a psychologist once again. His life with Nana Mama, Damon, Jannie, and little Alex finally feels like it's in order. He even has a chance at a new love.Then Cross's former partner, John Sampson, calls in a favor. He is tracking a serial rapist in Georgetown, one whose brutal modus operandi includes threatening his victims with terrifying photos. Cross and Sampson need the testimonies of these women to stop the predator, but the rape victims refuse to reveal anything about their attacker.
THE MOST EMOTIONAL CROSS EVER.
When the case triggers a connection to Maria's death, Alex may have a chance to catch his wife's murderer after all these years. Is this a chance for justice at long last? Or the culminating scene in his own deadly obsession?
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LibraryThing member contessa20
A waste of paper! I was SO psyched about finally finding out about the creep that killed Cross' wife so many years ago. In the end though, there was nothing special about it. I expected something FAR better to mark the end of this long awaited mystery but it just didn't deliver. Personally, I think
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Patterson's books have gone WAY downhill since he started working with co-authors and churning them out like Levi's. Show Less
LibraryThing member size12isnotfat
Cross is an edge-of-your-seat, page-turning thriller. It's gruesome crimes and heroic characters make this an unforgettable episode to the Alex Cross saga.
LibraryThing member SonicQuack
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 back to haunt him, offering the potential of closure for a theme that has run across all the novels so far. The
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narrative is denser than all the previous entries too, with smaller text and a few longer chapters. That said, the usual breakneck speed of chapters is still present in the main, thus Cross still remains both easy to consume or read in small bites, whichever suits the reader. There's a more graphic feel to the sexual and violent sequences too, Patterson is hitting hard with Cross, even though the subdued pace takes the edge off some of the tension. A good entry in the series, although his break from the norm actually reduces the impact. Show Less
LibraryThing member es135
This novel is, thankfully, reminiscent of the early books (Along Came a Spider, Kiss the Girls) in the series. It is apparent that the success of an Alex Cross novel, in my mind, is dependent on Alex's personal stakes in the cases. Patterson, whether you like his style or not, is very good at
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writing simple human emotions. When his wife's killer resurfaces after so many years, Alex will stop at nothing to put the man behind bars. This novel packs the old school style that faithful Patterson readers have come to expect and enjoy. Show Less
LibraryThing member brucemmoyer
This, in my opinion, is one of the better Alex Cross novels, however it is still an Alex Cross novel and as such, it borders on the trashy.I did find it entertaining and enjoyed the read, but all the time thinking I could be reading something better. Every Patterson Alex Cross book I have read
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adheres to pretty much the same formula, only the bad guy changes. If you like Alex Cross novels, you will surely like this one. Show Less
LibraryThing member feralcatbob
A little on the formulaic side but a fun, quick, easy read. This is the type of book that makes for excellent travel reading except for when you're swept up in the action and your flight gets called for final boarding.
LibraryThing member Nataliec7
I really enjoyed this Alex Cross book. Alex resigns from the FBI and starts up his own practice. However he gets called in on a case as its linked to the murder of his wife Maria. What I liked about this book the most was the information provided about Maria. From the 1st book, we've known she was
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killed but this book gives us the background info. I read this in 12 hours and am about to start Double Cross. Show Less
LibraryThing member buffalogr
Number 12 in the series answers a lot of questions from previous books. Our hero chases a bad guy who killed Cross' wife. Characters are exquisite. I liked Samson, who's a really bad (good guy) dude. Nana-moma is also a strong character. Read in series, these books form a great story--where's the
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next one? Show Less
LibraryThing member Nataliec7
I really enjoyed this Alex Cross book. Alex resigns from the FBI and starts up his own practice. However he gets called in on a case as its linked to the murder of his wife Maria. What I liked about this book the most was the information provided about Maria. From the 1st book, we've known she was
Show More
killed but this book gives us the background info. I read this in 12 hours and am about to start Double Cross. Show Less
Subjects
Original language
English
Original publication date
2006
Physical description
7 p.; 5.75 inches
ISBN
0759569746 / 9780759569744