Criss Cross

Romped through the latest Alex Cross book! Great read that I just couldn’t put down. It’s not exactly classic literature but if you’re a fan of the cross series this one seemed to pick up the pace in what had been a tired series. I’m not entirely convinced of the role Alex cross has currently but it allows him to continue his fight.

Another great Alex Cross story, from the master James Patterson at his best. An intriguing storyline involving the Cross family and enemies from his past. A rather surprising side of Alex Cross revealed in this story. A must read for Patterson fams.

Who is the elusive M? Why is he so intent on causing problems for Cross? How far will he go to disrupt Cross's life, both personal and professional? I've read every single Alex Cross books and this one didn't disappoint. It has a great mix of new cases linked to old cases for Cross. I love the scenes at home with his family and how they play such a huge part in the story. Nana Mama continues to have great influence on family life. The story starts with us wondering if an innocent man has been executed and keeps us wondering right to the end. I read this book in one sitting and highly recommend it.

I’ve read Alex Cross books previously, although not for some years now. I enjoyed this book, found it started off well, and held my attention and quickly picked up pace. While there are references in the book to previous characters and cases in the Alex Cross series, this book can be read on it’s own. The twist at the end was a shock, and I expect the character M to appear in future books. This was a good read. There were many parts in the book where the words ran together without spaces and it was a little difficult to read there, I assume this will be corrected before the book is released.

Thank you to Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A great addition to the Cross series by the most known author in the world for mystery thrillers stories.
I absolutely loved this book and once I started reading I just couldn’t put it down. It’s a fast-paced read, no time to take a break or breath out as the situations and mysteries are on a roll and unstoppable.
There are turns and twists so that you can see coming but many that are very unpredictable and that’s what makes this story so good in my opinion. There are new characters in sight as old ones, and I loved especially the connection with the kid and how it shows that the job it’s sometimes our life but we have feelings and doubts about everything else in life as well.
I hope we’ll get to see all of these stories in a movie as this one, in particular, gave me a lot of The Mentalist vibes.
Read it and you won’t be disappointed.

Dr Alex Cross and John Sampson return to action together in another book in the series. Having read most if not all of the preceding titles, this one intrigued me. It references a crime solved by the due 12 years ago and has references to this old case throughout. My memory is such that I kept thinking I sort of remember this and that character rings a bell, etc., so the thread of the story felt very familiar, yet different. A very weird feeling, but not a bad one.

As one would expect from a James Patterson book, it pulls the reader into the tale from very earlier on, there are hints of threats to Cross's family which, in a horror film, would have one jumping that bit too early, and these sub-currents add to the suspense element of the story.

I do not wish to spoil the book for anyone, so will not comment too much more on the story. The book will appeal to those familiar with the series, for those fans of JP that haven't read any of them and to all readers that love a tale well told.

I have to say that this is one of my favourite Alex Cross books on a long time! The story is multi-faceted, or flows really well and has surpasses along the way, where I'd figured out a character as being a nemesis but wasn't. O enjoyed thr historic elements of Alex's past, with one particular revelation about a hair (hope that isn't a spoiler!).

If you are after an engrossing, enjoyable read then I highly recommend this!

Alex Cross and John Sampson are back together again in this page turner. Some old cases come back to haunt Alex, causing him to doubt himself and his investigations after a powerful scene in prison. As always with this author, he had me from the first page, and kept the pace up to the last. There are enough twists and turns to keep everyone interested, and some you wouldn’t expect. We also get to see Alexs’ children growing up, with their own problems, as they affect all the family, especially nana mama. Nothing less than I expected from this author. Roll on the next instalment.
Thanks to netgalley and Random House for allowing me to read this book before its published.

While I am familiar with Alex Cross from films based on the stories, this is the first novel I have read featuring him. Apparently, it is number 27!

Alex and his family are threatened by an elusive serial killer so Alex must not only try to find the killer to solve the case but keep his family safe at the same time.

The novel works fine as a standalone novel.

The story is a real page-turner and although some of the paths the story would follow were predictable, there were plenty of surprises, even along the predictable paths.

I would recommend to others.

My thanks to NetGalley and publisher Random House UK, Cornerstone, for the ARC.

Well, James Patterson has once again given us a well-written, complex and innovative mystery/thriller!

"What in God's name have we done?" - Dr Alex Cross asks John Sampson, after witnessing the execution of Michael 'Mikey' Edgerton.
There are secrets to be revealed in this latest (#27) book featuring the consultant forensic psychologist.
Edgerton's wealthy family vow to prove Mikey was framed but Cross is convinced he was responsible for at least 8 murders.
Cross and Sampson are called to a murder scene where they discover a copy-cat killing displaying a personal note to Cross and signed by "M". This is now personal and Cross needs to protect his family. Who is "M" and just how does he manage to keep well ahead of the investigation into a slew of gruesome murders.
The narrative takes us intermittently back 12 years beforehand as Cross considers answers lay in old case notes and he re-visits his thoughts and actions at those times in relation to what's happening now.
Cross's family feature heavily in this particular story, giving us delightful family scenarios and interactions with his grandmother and 2 children, providing snippets of information which are woven into the investigation.
There are lots of twist, turns and red-herrings - just as you think Cross has it all worked out, you have to think again because "M" is targeting Cross directly amidst his killing spree. Is this psychopathic serial killer capable of out-foxing our Dr Cross?

Great read - wish more of these books would be turned into film.

Standard JP, love Alex Cross and his family, great story as always, fadt paced from beginning to end and wrapped up nicely, but with a little hint of what could come next

I received this ARC from Net Galley to give an honest review.
James Patterson is a brilliant storyteller and once again he has written another page turner. Once I started reading the book I found it difficult to put down. You get carried away with the story but you also enjoy his family the brilliant Nanna Mama the glue that holds the family together, his children that we all have cheered along the way also felt their fears. They play such a large part of his life and this is written brilliantly into his stories.
There was so many twists and turns you find your self going in so many directions the story is unpredictable but that is why his books so thrilling.
I do not want to give anything away in the story but if you like to sit on the edge of your seat then please read this book you will enjoy it and go back for more’

Found this book amazing! Would love to read more of her books.
5**** from me
Would definitely recommend this to others

I’m a massive fan of Alex cross books & this one certainly didn’t disappoint. If highly recommended this to anyone. Amazing as always.

I really enjoyed this. I’m a big fan of the Alex Cross series but I have just read the previous book in the series and was a bit underwhelmed by it and felt the series was getting stale. Criss Cross however is an excellent pacy read. Alex and John are back together, there is lots of family action and some of Alex’s old nemesis's return to make for a cracking good read. Can be read as a standalone but the subplot development and characters are a joy, especially young Ali

Omg what another fantastic read from James Patterson he always has you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end , had to read this book in one sitting look forward to the next book in this series of books .

After witnessing the execution of Michael Edgerton, a man he helped convict of several murders, Alex Cross thought he could finally put the case behind him.

But when a body turns up with a note signed by 'M', Alex knows that the nightmare is far from over.

Accused by Edgerton's family of framing him for murder, Cross fights to clear his name as the case against him builds.

And as more notes - and more bodies - start appearing, Cross is determined to put an end to this case once and for all.

I've always been a fan of the Alex Cross novels and this one was no exception!

This action packed story did not disappoint, I loved delving into Alex's past cases as well as checking in with all the regular characters especially Nanna Mama.

As always I love James Patterson books. I love the Alex cross series and have found as much enjoyment in the family life of the character as I have in the crime story in each book.
The characters of Alex cross and his family have changed so much over the years, and it's been good to follow them. I find reading a series in order is much better as you understand the backgrounds of each charcter.
Alex and Samson have been brilliant characters together I think they bring out the good in each other and work brilliantly when tackling things together.

The one downside I had with this book was trying to read it with such bad formatting. Many of the words didn't have any spaces between them and I feel this let it down with the enjoyment of reading. I had to keep going over some sentences to try and figure out what was being said or happening and at times it got really frustrating. I will certainly read this book again when I can buy a corrected copy and look forward to flying through it again.

I enjoyed this novel very much. The characters were extremely well drawn and sympathetic, and the story line was seamless. Highly reccomend this excellent book.

I have read many James Patterson books in the past with Alex Cross as the main character. As usual I found this to be a great read. It may not be high literature but it is an ideal piece of escapism. A worthy addition to the 'Cross' series.

I enjoyed this book very much, it is very much a page turner, I read late into the night because I didn’t want to put it down. There are problems, Alex Cross does make assumptions and acts on them without being completely sure of his facts, and a few innocent people get hurt in the process. The assumptions appear to be correct, but are proved false very quickly. Cross’s son Ali proves to be a very astute and clever child!

The serial killer ‘M’ proves to be extremely elusive, he manages to escape from a hospital even though he apparently cannot feel his legs! He is an extremely evil person, he seemingly has very righteous reasons for killing some of his victims, but they are not guilty of the crimes he lays at their door. He is a psychopath who believes he is invincible. I imagine his come-uppance will happen in the next book of the series. It is interesting that he has picked on Cross to torment even though they have never met, so no old grudges coming into play.

I like the mix of happy family life and intense working life, I was quite surprised that nobody thought of Cross’s home, and mobile, being bugged earlier in the story, from everything he knew it seemed obvious quite early on. All in all an exciting read, very much worth reading.

I love James Pattersons books and this rises up amongst one of the best I have read, in fact read it in one day as totally unputdownable ( my own word)
Alex Cross is a man of many talents who now lends his abilities to his local police force in Washington, his wife Bree is police chief and he is still working with his trust friend Sampson
Everyone in the Alex Cross novels are there including nana mama, janine and his youngest boy Ali
As well as some of his past nemesis like Kyle Craig, yep I thought he had died years ago and Cross had seen him blown up
But he seems sto be back under the alias of 'M'
Alex chases this illusive man everywhere but he is always a step ahead of him
Then M snatches Ali and taunts cross about where his son is, will Cross find his little fire cracker of a son Ali
This book has it all as usual Patterson does not disappoint

This was a story full of twists and turns, every time I thought I knew ‘whodunnit ‘ I was wrong. There’s a lot to keep up with and the book goes back to and forth to a previous case but it was a very cleverly plotted book and you won’t regret reading it.
James Patterson always brings heart to his characters, particularly Alex Cross’s family and closest friend Samson which helps balance the sometimes horrific crimes - and these crimes are pretty horrific!
If you’re a James Patterson fan you’ll be glad you read the book, and if you’re not, well I think you soon will be.

Alex Cross travels to be a witness at the execution of a killer that he and a former partner convicted. However, before the death certificate is even dry another killer strikes, one with alarming similarities to that of the recently deceased killer. Are they looking at a copycat? Did they get the right guy first time around?

The Edgerton family are wealthy beyond belief and they vow to ruin Alex and prove that he fromaed Michael. Can Alex prove the conviction was safe before the killer takes someone close to home?

This a great book and Mr ptterson has long been the master of the Craft but I do feel that the series is starting to log slightly. There are only so many times the Cross family can be in peril and survive.

Still a tightly crafted story, just wondering if it's time for Alex to retire and a new leading man emerge?

Alex Cross is back and this time better than ever . After witnessing a criminal he convicted put to death in The Electric Chair he is taunted by another murderer . He continues to hunt for him with his old friend Sampson . His family is threatened but he carries on with the hunt and brings it to a head . A fast moving thriller .

I am a long time fan of the Alex Cross series, its fast paced, plenty of drama although not exciting drama if you’re stuck in the middle of it, more run of the mill everyone dies drama as you would expect from a Cross book…. Alex & Samson are back together again and they make a great team running down and tracking what could be/is Alex’s arch enemy, could he really be back? Another great addition to this series.

I have been an avid reader of the Alex Cross novels. The format could maybe do with a revamp as this seemed samey to me that said there were enough twists and turns and suspense to keep me hooked. Enjoyed the flashbacks to previous cases which intermeshed well with the storyline. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to review it.

James Patterson is back at the top of his game with this one.

It is intense, fast paced and full of twists. Just when you think you know what's going to happen.......... you don't!

His trademark short chapters keep you hooked and guessing until the last page.

Reading about Alex, Bree, Jannie, Ali and of course Nana Mama is like catching up with old friends.

A taught, thrilling plot will keep you reading into the early hours!

Can't wait for the next one.

I'm a massive fan of the Alex Cross series so I jumped at the chance to review the latest installment, and I'm so pleased it didn't disappoint.
When a potential copy cat killer calling himself "M" starts taunting Detective Alex Cross, he finds himself drawn into a dangerous game that threatens those he loves. The story is full of twists, gruesome crime scenes and plenty of Cross family moments - everything you'd expect from an Alex Cross novel!
It's action packed right from the start and had me gripped straight away. With short chapters the story moved at a quick pace and I raced through it. In my opinion this is one of the best Alex Cross books in a long time, and I'm looking forward to seeing what's next for the Cross family. Thankyou to netgalley and random house uk for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Alex Cross is a determined man who cares about justice and helping others. But, a ‘mastermind’ M has taunted him for years with his crimes and the number of deaths are escalating. Who is M?
This book is fast paced with lots of twists and turns. My first James Patterson but not my last, really enjoyed and so will you.

I have long been a fan of the Author and his long running Alex Cross series and this book does not disappoint .

Alex watches the execution of a serial killer he helped convict ………. however a short time afterwards he is called upon to investigate a murder ……..... one that shares many similarities with the previous case .
Is this just a coincidence or is a copycat at work ………. has Alex helped convict an innocent man ?
As more and more links to old cases start to emerge Alex becomes concerned for not just himself but also for his family , even his children might not be safe .
Who is targeting him ?
Could it be ex FBI agent Kyle Craig, or the mysterious “M” once thought to dead ?
With the help of John Sampson, his long-time friend and partner and detective with the Washington Police’s Major Case Squad , Alex must try to solve the puzzle …….. who is determined to bring him down .
As with normal Detectives case loads - Alex and John must also work a kidnapping case and try to solve the case of an FBI agent being set up for murder ,

In this thriller the action is fast paced with flashbacks to previous cases , full of suspense , with many twists and turns , a real page turner .


I was given an ARC of this book by Netgalley and the Publisher in exchange for an honest review.



















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Another thrilling book from the greatest writer ever
I enjoy the cross books and really do think of the series will start to become boring and repetitive but oh no !!!
They grab you from the first page and keep you going until the early hours
Another must have read
Highly recommended

Alex across watches the execution of a serial killer he helped convict. Shortly afterwards, he’s called into a new murder investigation which shares many similarities. Is it a copycat, or did Alex get an innocent man executed? As more links to old cases start to emerge, it’s clear that M has scores to settle with Alex and his family.

I’ve been a fan of James Patterson and Alex Cross since Along Came a Spider way back when, and Criss Cross didn’t disappoint. Fast paced and action packed, the pages flew by as I couldn’t stop reading, so desperately did I want to find out the identity of M. I did find the resolution slightly disappointing, in that I wasn’t totally clear on why M had been targeting Cross, but it was a thoroughly enjoyable story nonetheless.

A good story from a good author.

A very good Alex Cross novel. It meshed flashbacks and a current case very well and developed Cross’s family story.

If you have read any of James Patterson’s Alex Cross books, you will know what to expect with his latest offering, which, I am sure, will certainly not be a disappointment. If you are not familiar with the author and Alex Cross, a Washington DC based psychologist turned consultant detective, this would make a great start, as this story provides a look back over some of Alex’s past and his clashes with two of his long term nemeses, ex FBI agent Kyle Craig, and the mysterious “M”. This book starts with Alex and John Sampson, his long-time friend and partner and detective with the Washington Police’s Major Case Squad, attending the execution of a serial killer that they had been involved in apprehending. The killer had been convicted of numerous murderous sexual assaults on young women, all of whom had been finally strangled with a silk tie. Shortly after this, the pair are called to the scene of a new homicide, where the female victim has been assaulted and finally killed with a silk tie! Is this a copy-cat killer, or has the wrong man been executed? To make things worse for Alex, a message has been left for him saying he has messed up badly, with the message apparently coming from “M”, an old adversary he was convinced was dead. This sets the stage for a roller coaster ride of a thriller with flash backs to Alex and John’s earlier clashes with “M” and with Kyle Craig, whom Alex had also witnessed dying – or so he thought! The book moves at the usual rapid pace of a James Patterson novel and also features some of Alex’s family, with daughter Jannie trying out for an athletics scholarship and son Alex Jr’s newly discovered passion for mountain bike riding. Realistically for detectives, Alex and John get embroiled in more than one case in this book and whilst trying to solve a kidnapping, and clear the name of an FBI agent whom they believe has been wrongly accused of murder, Alex learns that Alex Jr has gone missing on a bike ride, which seems to be yet another kidnapping. Pulling all these strands together leads us eventually to a thrilling and surprising climax to what I think is one of the best of the Alex Cross books that I have read – so far! Many thanks go to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book for review.

Thanks to netgalley and the publishers for allowing me to review this book

A bit slow to get going and I nearly gave up but it eventually took off and it was a very good ending.

This book was sent to me to read and review in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

Alex Cross goes through a really gruelling time in this book - from witnessing an execution to having to revisit past cases and events from the resurfacing of someone who has been taunting him for years - the mysterious M.
A fast paced story full of action, this book was fantastic from start to finish.
Everytime I thought I had M figured out the book twisted and I had to rethink the direction of the story.
Will he uncover who M is? And can he protect those he loves most from danger?
Find out for yourself - you wont be disappointed!
James Patterson has done it again and created another fantastic read!

I would like to thank Netgalley and Random House UK, Cornerstone for an advance copy of Criss Cross, the twenty-seventh novel to feature psychologist Dr Alex Cross, consultant to the FBI and Washington DC Police Dept.

Hours after watching Mikey Edgerton executed for serial rape and murder Alex Coss is called out to a copycat murder. Has he made a mistake or is there more to it? A note from the mysterious M who has been contacting him for years would suggest so. As M ramps up his campaign it would seem that everything Alex Cross holds dear is under threat.

I thoroughly enjoyed Criss Cross which, as ever, is a high octane thriller with several twists and what seems like action in every chapter. Obviously the reader has to park their scepticism about realism, like how M could know so much and be so flawless in his planning and execution, on page one and go with the flow. It’s worth it as this is an exciting read that seems to fly by. It is told in the first person from Alex Cross’s point of view and is mostly set in the present although there are flashbacks to some of his previous crimes that link to the present. It could be confusing in the hands of a lesser storyteller but it all makes sense within the reality of the novel. I particularly liked the final twist which seems fitting, given the rest of the novel.

This is not a novel that requires much in-depth thought, being more of a series of action scenes with the thread of catching M. It does, however, present a more reflective Alex Cross who has doubts and despair about catching M but who never gives up the effort, to the extent of recklessness, another out of character trait. It all adds up to a compulsive narrative.

Criss Cross is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.

James Patterson at his best. Familiar likeable characters and great storyline. He makes you care what happens to the family and keeps you guessing until the last page . Perfect holiday read, pure escapism.

James Patterson was the catalyst for my interest in crime fiction. It started with the very first in the Alex Cross series, Along Came A Spider. I was hooked and continued to devour every book until around book 13 when I felt they were becoming a little predictable and repetitive. Since that time I have read and lately reviewed many crime fiction authors, good and bad. When I was offered Criss Cross to review, I knew I had to read it. I needed to know how good I would find James Patterson after all this time. It was like discovering an old friend and finding out what they had got up to in the intervening years since we last met. How were the family? His colleagues? His enemies? While it was nice to be reacquainted with his family and colleagues, it was with utmost disappointment that some of the book went over old ground and crimes and even reincarnated one old enemy. I felt the book was churned out in a hurry to appease the publishers and although there were some tense, fearful moments and some clever and evil plots, I found it all rather predictable. I am in two minds whether to read No.28 when it is published. On the one hand it is like a comfort blanket with familiar characters but on the other I feel I know what is coming and the cliffhanger of Criss Cross could well continue into book 29 and beyond. Thanks to NetGalley for the advance copy.

A well-written crime thriller in the latest of Dr Alex Cross' investigations. The death penalty for a killer should be the closing chapter on his crimes but Patterson ensures things are not that simple with 'Criss Cross'. Dr Cross and the readers find themselves in the middle of a confusing web of murders that are further complicated as the killer ensures Cross is personally involved.
Definitely one for fans of Patterson and those readers not yet familiar with his writing but who love Detective thrillers.

Thank you to NetGalley and Little Brown and Company (Penguin Random House) for this copy in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 stars.
This is the 27th book in this very successful series and, although I do admit that I haven't read them all, I have read enough of them that I understood the main background necessary to read this latest offering.
We open with Alex and John Sampson attending the execution of Mikey Edgerton for the crimes that they previously solved. On his deathbed (chair) he still protests his innocence and encourages his family to avenge him, but Cross and Sampson are convinced otherwise. But the dust hasn't finished settling on this episode when Cross and Sampson are called to the scene of a fresh murder. A very familiar scene is in front of them, along with a note addressed to Alex telling him that he messed up, signed by "M". But the obvious suspect is dead. Could this be the work of a copycat, determined to undermine Alex and make him question his past and indeed his idea of Mikey's guilt/innocence.
Meanwhile, the incarcerated Martin Forbes is still protesting his own innocence and pleads with Alex to help him prove it. The waters are further muddied by the apparent reincarnation of one of Alex's past nemeses which causes him to start to question everything. The body, and head count rises as Alex and Sampson chase their tails, beaten to the quick every time. Just how is the elusive M managing to evade their every turn? Things come to a head when the action comes closer to home than Alex would have liked when one of his family members is targeted. Can he hone in on his tormentor and bring them to justice before time runs out?
This is quite a convoluted plot which brings together a number of Alex's past cases, as well as continuing the stories of his family and what they are up to. It's definitely a very busy book. But, having previously invested in the lives of Bree, Nana Mama, Ali and Jannie (with Damon also popping in) I was happy to catch up with them and see how they were going.
What I am not really happy about is the number of unanswered questions and things that have been left unresolved. Having invested quite a bit of time and energy in playing along with the cat-and-mouse guessing game along the way, I was a bit disappointed by the way the final reveal went and then, after that, how the book ultimately ended. I always feel a bit cheated when I don't get the satisfactory ending I feel I deserved. I guess certain things may be carried forward into the next book but I'm not a fan of that stuff either! Alex himself swings between being brilliantly clever and downright dumb, both depending on how fast the plot needs to develop. He's not as consistent as I remember him being at all.
All in all, it was nice reconnecting with some old favourite characters but the story itself, the point of reading the book, just didn't really do it for me. I think maybe my relationship with this series could have run its course. Shame really as I did used to enjoy it.
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

I’ve not read an Alex Cross book for a while so I forgot how good a writer James Patterson is. I loved the fact I didn’t feel like I was missing out by reading the first of his books in the series and then stopping for a while and picking up with this new one.
Fast action thriller as always. Alex seems to have calmed a little now he is getting older but is still a tough and likeable character. His past is back to haunt him in this book and the writing was gripping as ever. .

Although this is part of a series, it can be read as a stand-alone. Patterson gives a brief history of Alex Cross near the beginning. Alex is still being taunted by a criminal M. There are hints of Holmes and Moriarty. I lost count of the dead bodies and how many had been beheaded so it's not for the squeamish. The plot does stretch credibility especially as M, a known mass murderer escapes police custody. Obviously there will be a sequel.

The great thing with Alex Cross books is that you know more or less what you’ll get! It’s a warming feeling picking these books up, the characters are the same and the family is the same loveable family that, if you’ve been lucky enough, you’ve fallen in love with over the years. Criss Cross is number 27 in the series and although with that many books there’s always a possibility that certain storyline begin the feel familiar. For me however it doesn’t take anything away from these books, I tune in more often than not to see what Nana Mamma is cooking for the family! She never disappoints!

The story moves along at a rapid pace, especially towards the conclusion. It’s almost impossible not to turn the pages in quick time, such is the power of the plot and the characters involved. I really enjoyed Ali – Alex’s young son – playing a pivotal role in this episode. What an incredible character he has turned out to be!

Another superb instalment in the Cross household and one that really leaves things wide open for a continuation in the next novel.

Is there anything left to say about James Patterson and Alex Cross. Year after year we have been absorbed in the development of his family, his love life, his friendships and his mental state. Do any of his regular readers not cry when Nana Mama falters, not respect John Samson's loyalty and common sense.
Then there is always the evil genius that we watch Alex try to penetrate his impossible, labyrinthian motives and plots. Brilliant yet again. Long Live Alex Cross, Long Live James Patterson.

I think this one constitutes a must read for fans of Patterson and Dr Cross. Spindling through cases and years past and tying family up with the detective's daily bread and butter, this was an easy ready and seems designed to appeal to fans who will recognise the old along with the new. Well faced and full of action, I'm sure fans of Patterson will swallow it speedily.

A fast paced thriller with an ambiguous ending..All the characters are great,Nana mama is my hero. Twisted,complex plot brought to a satisfactory/unsatisfactory ending.

I've counted James Patterson in the past as one of my fave authors always getting the books when they came out and loving every one. However, too many collaborations which didn't live up and just the books becoming too frequent to keep up I've lapsed and not even kept up with the Detective Cross books in the last few years.
When the preview chance came along I jumped at it and was eager to get back into the Cross world.
As it turns out the format is still very similar and it all felt comfy and familiar. The Cross family characters are all still going strong and the usual mix of family strife interlaced with the latest serial killer cat and mouse chase are present again.
Did I enjoy it - yes for sure.
Do I count these as must reads now - no, not 100% as I once did. But far, far better than many of the collaboration series also still going strong!

4 stars from me with a big thanks for the preview copy.

I do also note that on my early version Kindle it was very badly formatted and almost unreadable in places - presumably to be sorted before wider release.

You get what you came for, a good, fast pass story line with the typical twists and turns, high drama to domestic challenges. If you enjoy Patterson you will enjoy this book. Great holiday beach reading

Although this book is a part of the Alex Cross universe, I was able to read and enjoy the novel without having read all of the other books that came before this one.

I won't say too much about what happens because there are twists and turns and red
herrrings, and I don't want to spoil any of the book for anyone who reads this review.

This is because the book is so well written that the suspense of not knowing what's going to happen is so captivating, I wouldn't want to ruin that experience for anyone else.

I don't think it's attainable for me to get all of the books before this and read them all tomorrow, but I'm definitely going to be on the lookout for these other novels, because I definitely want to catch up and see the mystery entangled journey that Dr Cross has already has so far.

I thoroughly enjoyed the way the book was formatted too, each significant thing that happened or event that needed to be covered seemingly had its own chapter. As someone who can't bear to pause a book mid chapter this really made the experience better.

I'm giving five stars because I think it's a true reflection of how well written and how explanatory the book is, because I could follow along with both what was happening now and what happened before, without being up to date with previous novels. It was a gripping read and I truly enjoyed every chapter.

Alex Cross never disappoints!
As a long term fan I am always keen to read the latest Cross book and this one is fantastic!
Thought to have been executed for his crimes, witnessed by Cross, but hours later seeming to rise from the dead and kill again as a murder occurs with a note from M left on the corpse.
Ever elusive but always there, in the background and threatening Cross and his family, M continues to evade detection. Meanwhile old cases, previously solved (or were they?) crop up to haunt Cross as he works his way through the current caseload.
Coupled with the extreme aggression from the family of the executed man this is a tense and thrilling ride through Alex Crosses latest case and demands to be read in one sitting!

I have read all the earlier Cross series then stopped because they had become a bit predictable. I do love the family though so thought I would give this a go. It was fast moving and did keep me interested, but I did get lost a few times. I was wrong with who I thought it was from the beginning but I would recommend this book.

Another amazing Dr Cross book, a modern day Sherlock Holmes and Moriaty action packed thriller. M continues to be one step ahead of Cross and his sidekick Sampson sending cryptic clues and leaving a trail of corpses for Cross and Sampson to deal with. A well written book that should appeal to most people.. Recommended.

Another really good Alex Cross story. I have read and loved them all. Nana Mama is definitely my favourite character. This book has a lot of suspense and great characters along with more about Alex Cross and his family. Each book feels like meeting old friends again.

Thank you to Netgalley for my copy.

Another top installment to the cross series. As usual well written and I was gripped throughout,

Would definitely recommend and im looking forward to the next installment

Love James Patterson books and especially Alex Cross. Really enjoyed this one, tho you have to wonder have much can happen to one family!! They have the worst luck!! Decent plot and writing as always though this story is clearly going to run over a couple of books. It finished a bit abruptly but I can understand why! Thanks for letting me review the book.