Cross Fire (Alex Cross) [Mass Market Paperback]

Friday, April 6, 2012

Cross Fire (Alex Cross) [Mass Market Paperback]

Product Details

Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Vision; Reprint edition (October 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0446574716
ISBN-13: 978-0446574716
Product Dimensions: 4.2 x 1 x 7.5 inches
Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)

By : James Patterson
Price : $9.99

Customer Reviews

Author James Patterson tells the reader something crucial early on, but it's not revealed to the key character, Detective Alex Cross. I found myself wondering exactly how and when Cross would find out for himself. Of course, I'm not going to give you any clues, but this mystery did keep me turning the pages.
The novel is largely about a series of murders in Washington, D.C., Cross's base. The victims include a corrupt politician, a crooked lobbyist, and a venal tycoon. These were people hated by many, but Cross is determined to solve the case. While investigating the murders, he finds a complex math formula in a most unusual place, gets a big lead from a submerged Suburban, and makes a life-long commitment.
Also in the picture is Kyle Craig, Cross's long-time nemesis. Patterson does a good job constructing Craig as a total monster.
This is the twelfth book written or co-written by James Patterson that I have reviewed for this site. It's near the top of the list. The prose is skillfully crafted. The pages fly by.

I've been a big Patterson fan for years and the Cross series has always been my favorite. Unfortunately, the last few have been "mere shadows of their former selves". I suspect Mr Patterson's too busy with other projects to give this once great story the attention it deserves. In the end, a "not so great" Alex Cross story is certainly better than none, but the Kindle price ($14.95) is a bit high for the length (I finished in just a few hours) and quality of this one.