Customer Reviews

Cross

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I became a James Patterson fan with the movie, "Kiss the Girls," starring Morgan Freeman and Ashley Judd. I loved the way the female protagonist was a match for the serial killer villain and how she fought back against him. Upon reading the book, I became a fan of Alex Cross as well. The middle class cop/FBI agent/psychiatrist raising his two kids without their dead mother, but with the help of his grandmother, "Nana-mama," charmed and intrigued me.

Since then, I've read a few Patterson novels that were pretty sketchy on plot and characters, but the Alex Cross books hold up pretty well. Maybe it's because I have already formed the characters in my mind, and can fill in any gaps the author leaves out while writing about them, but I think his portrayal of piano-playing, music-loving detective remains true.

In "Cross," Alex Cross tries to leave the FBI to spend more time with his family, but once again gets involved in a case to which he can't say no, a serial rapist and killer who MAY have murdered his beloved wife, Maria, ten years earlier. It's an easy, suspenseful read, that doesn't pass through your brain like skim milk, but which doesn't require much heavy lifting either.

This book was intriguing and emotional. There was never a dull moment. So far it's one of my favorites featuring Alex Cross.

One of Patterson's best! Thrilling, spell-binding, action oriented; great character development. I became completely absorbed in the story and couldn't wait to find out what happens next. I read the book in two days. The plot was calculating, typical of James Patterson, and his writing style developed it exquisitely. For action-packed mystery thrillers "Cross" is right up at the top of the list.

Has the reading public truly sunk to the level that this drivel is considered quality entertainment? My 11 year old could spin a better tale than this!

The plot: transparent
The characters: unbelievable, paper thin and engaged in stilted conversation

No suspense, no plot twists; in fact, I kept reading out of sheer disbelief. If this is a sample representing James Patterson's typical writing, how did he even land a book deal?

I think the movie verions of the books have been intriguing and the producers were lucky enough to cast wonderful actors in the roles, but let's not forget - just because you might love Morgan Freeman as Alex Cross doesn't mean the book is a good book.

This was a good book but they're getting to be predictable. C'mon Jimmy-boy, get your thinking cap on again and give us something with a smashing ending!

I have never read James Patterson before and I really enjoyed this book. Some things were very predictable, but it was a quick read and it really sucked you in keeping you wanting to know what happens next.

Cross by James Patterson is an excellent read. Good pace, with the right smattering of back-story. No overwhelming narratives or stage setting. Characters easily identifiable and readily drawn to. I've "read" a lot of bad guys, but Michael Sullivan - rapist and assassin - is evil at its vilest.

I so see Morgan Freeman in Alex Cross, in his dialogue and mannerisms, dry humor. Of course, it doesn't hurt that the distinguished Freeman is one of my all-time favorite actors. And that voice . . . ahhhh.

Came across this novel at a resale shop and what a pleasure it's been to read. If you like a finely honed tale of suspense, you won't be disappointed. I'll be seeking out more from this author.

This is my first Alex Cross book. I liked the action. For most part the pace of the book went pretty quickly. The only downfall was the relationship Alex had with his wife and kids. I just kept rolling my eyes through those parts. They were just a bit too perfect and seemed too far fetched for me. Since that wasn't a major part of the book I only docked it 1 star. Otherwise the action between Cross and the Butcher were pretty intense. Looking forward to reading others in this series.

Prolific author James Patterson has written over 75 books. He has penned young adult stories, romance novels, and non-fiction. He is known best, however, for adult thrillers, especially those starring Alex Cross. Cross is a homicide detective and psychologist who lives and works in Washington, D.C. At the time of this writing, Alex Cross has appeared as the protagonist in 16 Patterson novels. In a seventeenth Alex Cross book, the character is presented as the author of a historical novel. Two of the early Alex Cross books were made into films (miscast, in my opinion, by the otherwise talented Morgan Freeman). A third Alex Cross movie is slated for 2011 release starring Tyler Perry. Let's just say that I'm skeptical but still eager for the film's release.

Over the years, James Patterson's writing style has changed drastically. The author was once quite verbose. His books included long paragraphs, detailed descriptions, and chapters that consumed a night's reading. Now those traits are gone. Today Patterson writes what I like to call "Goosebumps for Grown-ups" (trademark pending-ha!) Short chapters, minimal description, and speedy dialogue abound. His chapters are often 2-3 pages, some shorter.

Fellow American author Stephen King isn't impressed with Patterson's style, going so far as to call Patterson a "terrible writer." Furthermore, King accuses Patterson of writing "dopey thrillers." Not high praise from a contemporary who has sold in excess of 350 million books.

In my opinion, King misses the point. Patterson defends himself by saying, "I am not a great prose stylist. I'm a storyteller. There are thousands of people who don't like what I do. Fortunately, there are millions who do." Excellent response. When I named Patterson's books Goosebumps for Grown-ups, I intended it as praise. Patterson's newest adult thrillers are fast-paced, tense action frenzies. Call them thrilling sprees (trademark also pending). Whenever I pick up the latest Patterson book, I have difficulty putting it down until, eyes red and imagination blurry, I've Alex Cross-ed the finish line.