‘Criss Cross’ is the 27th novel in the best selling Alex Cross series by popular author James Patterson. Although not an avid fan, I’ve read over fan of the series and despite finding the previous read disappointing, I was looking forward to diving into this recent addition.
Alex Cross is a psychologist and works with both the FBI and local police. At the start of the novel, Cross is attending the execution of a man who he helped to investigate and convict a number of years previously. Cross and his colleague (and best friend Sampson) seemed unnerved at the execution and shortly afterwards, they are called to a crime scene and a note at the scene suggests that Cross has made a terrible error. Would is this mysterious note-writing ‘M’? Could the recently deceased convict actually have been innocent? And if so, what role did Cross play in his arrest? And so, kick starts one of the converging storylines of the novel.
Subsequent murders all bear a striking resemblance to previous cases investigated by Cross and it seems that ‘M’ is edging ever closer to meeting with Cross. Will either of them survive or will this upcoming encounter prove to the Reichenbach Falls for our hero?
The premise of a hero being painted as less than noble is not a new one but is always an appealing idea. In the hands of such an experienced author as Patterson, this book should be epic – full of decisive moments for our hero, the conflict between his heart and the “right” action etc. However, while there are certainly some thrilling moments in the book, these are few overall. After over 25 outings and many tragedys, Cross deserves better than this story – and so does the reader. Perhaps, if you are new to the series, then you can enjoy the tale but I recall the earlier stories such as the fantastic ‘Along Came A Spider’ or ‘Call the Girls’ and this story is a poor imitation.
Fingers crossed for Cross no 28.
I received an ARC of this book in return for an honest review.

Thanks to Random House UK, Cornerstone and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
#CrissCross #NetGalley

Well, what can I say? James Patterson has done it again. I am simply awestruck at Patterson's ability to consistently churn out 5 star thrillers. Indeed, Patterson has become predictably brilliant, and this, the 27th instalment in the Alex Cross series, feels as fresh and exciting as the very first time we encountered the legendary detective in 'Along Came A Spider'. 'Criss Cross' is all that we have come to expect from James Patterson. It is meticulously plotted, fiendishly clever and utterly addictive. Told at breakneck speed, this is pure adrenaline distilled in novelistic form. Patterson's uncanny ability to hook his readers from the get-go is evident in the opening stages of the book where Cross and Sampson witness the execution of a notorious serial killer. It is not long, however, before doubts begin to creep in about the condemned man's guilt. Did he really commit the crimes he was accused of, or, should the guilt be laid at the door of the mercurial 'M' - an evil genius, bearing more than passing resemblance to Cross' deceased nemesis, Kyle Craig? As Cross attempts to decipher this riddle wrapped in an enigma over the course of the book, the tension becomes palpable, and the suspense deepens. This was edge-of-your-seat, thrill-a-minute stuff, and I loved every page. With every word he writes, Patterson proves over and over that he is the undisputed master of suspense. Absolute genius.

Having been an avid reader of Patterson’s Alex Cross books for years, I was delighted when I received this ARC!

Doomsday preppers, mountain biking soldiers, an imprisoned agent, and of course, a conniving serial-killer and worthy adversary- the 27th instalment of the Alex Cross series has it all.
As the bodies of brutally murdered women keep turning up, Cross and his partners rush to prevent more gruesome murders and stop ‘M’s’ sadistic game. When ‘M’ turns his attention to Alex' family, catching him becomes even more urgent.
Some of the murders bear a striking resemblance to cases Cross has previously solved, begging the question of whether ‘M’ is a familiar foe or merely copying other murderers.

This latest Alex Cross book is highly recommended and a must read for all Alex Cross/ Patterson fans. In typical Patterson style, it is fast-paced and full of twists and turns.
I'm sure this is not the last we have heard of ‘M’.
As usual, Nanamama provides life advice and lots of great cooking (particularly the brownies sound delicious!) and the Cross children become involved in the case.
Like all Patterson books, it was very easy to read and very hard to put down. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the Alex Cross series.

This was a good story spoilt in places by poor formatting making some sentences almost impossible to read on my kindle.
The story moved at a good pace and certainly had me guessing all the way through.
Unfortunately it was spoilt at the end by a pretty far fetched story line.
I mean a doctor stating that someone might never walk again and all of a sudden they are up and killing.
That really did spoil the whole story.
Was still a reasonable read though.

Yet again Patterson delivers another brilliant installment in the Cross series - other reviews think there are too many now but I feel that the Cross books are still fresh and exciting.

Once again Cross has to face demons from his past and once again his family face danger - but instead of feeling old... this is another fast paced, gripping read.

Thanks to NetGaller for an ARC in return for an honest review.

Cross is there to watch someone he put on death row die - a gruesome serial killer, but isn't there always someone who believes in the innocence of even the cruelest of killers. His family is convinced he is the victim of mistaken identity, someone has gone to a lot of trouble to frame him. Someone like Cross.

Cross is used to the doubt and stands by the evidence, but is thrown for a loop when he is called to the scene of a murder. A murder that has the calling card of the alleged killer he just watched being executed. Then a few more occur - each with the MO of a killer he has stopped.

I admit I followed the red herring for a while, despite the fact it seemed far too obvious. I thought Cross was a little too trusting when it came to his kid, especially considering the cases he has dealt with in the past. Surely your natural instinct would be to distrust everyone? Your day job is full of serial killers and psychopaths, and you just let your kid make friends with a random stranger? Err nope.

It's a psychological thriller with an action thriller vibe. It's hard to believe that this is the 27th book in the Cross series. This one hasn't quite got the same finesse as some of the earlier ones and seemed a little rushed.

The Alex Cross series brings a lot of nostalgia with it - hopefully Patterson can breathe some of the old suspense into this series in future.

This is the first book I've read in this series, but there is a biography of the main protagonist, Alex Cross, at the front of the book. The story begins with a death, and not surprisingly, this a recurrent theme. There's mystery and suspense building, as the story flicks between the past and present and the body count increases. The main protagonist's vulnerability increases with every page turn, and still, the ominous, 'M' character, is not done with him. No major plot surprises, but still a page-turning read.

An engaging mix of menace, suspense and fast-paced, adrenaline-pumping action.

I received a copy of this book from Random House UK-Cornerstone-Century via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

Love love love James Patterson and the Alex cross series. I saw it, I requested it and read it. Love em nd didn’t disappoint. No matter how many books are published in this series I can’t get enough but can’t help thinking he’s one unlucky fella

The 27th book about psychologist and detective Alex Cross. About time I had a look.

I was aware I was entering a highly popular series by the bestselling author James Patterson and wondered if this would be a problem. However, the history of the main character both professionally and personally was covered briefly before the story began, and therefore avoided the information dump in the middle of the book. Often this can happen in a series and dampen the tale. Not so here.

There are flashbacks to a decade before to link the crimes of a serial killer to modern day murders and those involved. There are clues and red herrings, police investigations, guns, dodgy salesmen and strippers, gore and quirky aspects such as 'gummy bears'.

The hero is not a cold-hearted cop but a family man and there is a nice thread about his children, especially the sharp and advanced ten-year old son, the athletic daughter and the cosy grandmother. As a major theme of this book is revenge though, the happy family ideal always looks vulnerable. Plus the son has a new friend involved with his cycling hobby...

Criss Cross is a complex mystery thriller and action-packed crime novel. A familiar format well done with an ending that also serves as an opening for Alex Cross number 28.

The 27th novel in the Alex Cross series and the police investigator/family man is again plunged into a nightmare scenario. Fans of James Patterson will enjoy this latest outing but though it was an easy read, not one of his better novels.

Another action packed thriller from James Patterson.. He has the ability to lock you in right at the beginning and let you go at the end, always satisfied. A very emotional conclusion.

You can always rely on an Alex Cross book for an enjoyable read and this one didn't disappoint. It seems 'M' is back to haunt Alex and even though Cross knows that the man he put behind bars and who opted for death by the electric chair was the right culprit along comes 'M' to put the seed of doubt in his mind. I had thought I knew who was behind M but of course I was very wrong and changed my mind several times. This old adversary makes it very personal for Cross when he seems to know where Alex's children are and even gets to taunt Cross by leaving notes on the bodies that turn up. Has the wrong man been electrocuted?
I have given this book 4* as I did find some of the plot the same as in other Cross books.

I truly love the Alex Cross books and have read all of them. However, how many times does this author expect his fans to put up with the constant appearance of the same bad guy

I have been a James Patterson fan for many years and have most of his books, however as part of the Alex Cross franchise I didn’t find this as one of the more enjoyable reads. It was not a story line that really grabbed my attention and I didn’t get through the book as fast as I normally would. Despite it being clear that this story is not over I won’t be rushing to read the next one.

Alex Cross see’s the execution if convicted killer Micheal Edgerten . Michaels family believe Alex framed him
Just after the execution a body is found with a note from M on it . Did they catch the right killer or has an innocent man been executed
This is a very good book which has you guessing who M is . Thinking it’s one person then another .
Thanks Netgalley

Patterson is one of the top masters of crime and he certainly knows how to craft a villain-Classic Cross-magical-a fabulous read as always. What's not to like about the worlds greatest crime writer,

Love love love this book it was exciting and you really did not know who it was till the end cannot recommend this one highly enough

It is a while since I have read an Alex Cross book and reading Criss Cross was like putting on an old comfortable jumper. The reader knows exactly what they are getting and James Patterson knows how to deliver.

It'd been a while since I'd read one of James Patterson's Alex Cross books. I was a regular but they became a little repetitive and - quite frankly - it felt like there was only so many times his family could be threatened or he'd change jobs.

So, I was pleased when I started reading this latest release Criss Cross. I liked that his kids were older and really loved his son Ali (who was a baby or toddler when I last read the series I think!). The kids play pretty big roles here (in some ways) but his wife (a detective) and devoted grandmother less-so.

The book kicks off with Alex and his (old) partner Sampson attending the execution of someone they'd caught a dozen years before. I initially thought that case might have featured in an earlier book but Patterson (Alex) gives us details here, so I assume this is the first time we've come across it.

It seems likely he'll be accused of catching the wrong guy when a similar murder takes place, but it quickly becomes evident that the killer (a nemesis who's featured in previous outings... the mysterious 'M') is taunting Alex and copying other crimes.

There are a few red herrings, including an obvious one or two, and Alex questions whether another old nemesis (Kyle Craig, for those who've read the series) is still alive. There seems to be evidence that it may be the case, despite Alex seeing him die. He thinks.

We dip into the past a little and there are references to what might have been recent cases (books) which confused me a little at times. But this is a well-paced and twisty novel and an enjoyable one at that.

3.5 stars

I love James Patterson books!

This is installment number 27 in the Alex Cross series and it is a fast paced action packed thriller that starts with an execution and never lets up until the end.

It is an engrossing CPID read and I highly recommend it to all JP fans,