Customer Reviews

Four Blind Mice

5 star:		(63)
4 star:		(65)
3 star:		(53)
2 star:		(35)
1 star:		(43)

 

 

This is a more than adequate prototypical James Patterson assembly line thriller involving another case for fans of DC Detective Alex Cross. The dialog is simple, the action is fast, the murders are brutal, there is a mastermind to catch, and the chapters are shorter than ever (less than four pages on average). However, I found this book much more enjoyable than the last few Cross books. First, we don't get so many mindnumbing gruesome details about the murders. Second, John Sampson's character gets fleshed out and he has a more instrumental role in the story. Third, it was much more a straighforward police procedural and detective story despite a few stupid and unrealistic actions by Cross (including breaking and entering at the home of one of the suspects). Last, I personally was glad that a bestselling author like Patterson addressed the continuing effect of the Vietnam War on many veterans and the ethical dilemmas which they faced, even if this is a very superficial treatment.

As usual, Patterson hooks you through immediate action and the fact you're several chapters in the book almost before you have begun, since it's always easy to read another three or four pages. This is no literary masterpiece and there are no long descriptive sections, just the necessary facts to advance the plot intermixed with more than usual degree of involvement in the personal lives of Cross (and his new girlfriend Jamilla), Sampson, and Nana, Cross' grandmother.

Sampson's Vietnam buddy, Ellis Cooper, is convicted of a brutal triple murder based on compelling physical evidence. He contacts Sampson from Death Row and he and Cross become convinced that he was framed. As they investigate, they uncover several previous murders where Vietnam vets were apparently similarly framed and executed. We are then introduced to the three killers, a professional hit squad that was a covert assasination team in Vietnam. (Thus, in this book the suspense is more about how Cross and Sampson will trap the killers and why the murders have been committed than by whom or how.) Further murders occur and Cross and Sampson confront the killers but run into hostility from the miltary as they attempt to build their case. The action soon moves to the campus of West Point and direct involvement of the Army, and it becomes clear that there is someone directing events behind the scenes. Kyle Craig (known to previous Cross readers as the murderous FBI agent now in a maximum security federal penitentiary) appears briefly as a confidante of Tran Van Luu, also a prisoner, former Army agent in Vietnam, and leader of the NY Vietnamese gang, the Ghost Shadows.

I found the conclusion more satisfying than recent Alex Cross books, and the explanation for the killings and the revenge exacted for long hidden events a sort of rough justice for all involved. Of course, as usual in Patterson novels a lot of questions concerning the details are left unanswered. For just a few examples, we don't know how all the evidence was fabricated, why the innocent victims were chosen, or how Kyle and Tran operated from supposedly solitary confinement. This book is recommended for both Alex Cross devotees and new James Patterson readers who want a quick easy read with a plot with a few intriguing twists.

Every time James Patterson releases a book, readers use this space to complain about his latest work. People who have never read Patterson should understand something: He does not write with the forensic detail of a Ridley Pearson, or develop a plot like Jeffery Deaver, nor does he have the hard-boiled edge of a Michael Connelly. James Patterson attempts to do one thing and one thing only - entertain his readers - and he does it very well.

Four Blind Mice is the eighth installment in the Alex Cross series of books. While this one is not quite on par with Kiss the Girls or Along Came a Spider, it is certainly better than any of the more recent Cross novels, especially Violets Are Blue.

There were several positive aspects to this novel. The first and most noticeable is that Patterson brings John Sampson in for his most fully developed role yet. Sampson is a very likeable character and plays well with Cross. In fact, the Sampson character highlights the better parts of Cross more than any other. The second plus to this book was that the plot is better than it has been in the previous two Cross novels. Although most of Patterson's plots are unrealistic, and this one is no exception, this one seems more grounded in plausibility than Violets Are Blue, for example. The killers, whom we know are a group of former army rangers less than 10 pages into the book, are much better as villians than Vampires. This only ads to the story. The final thing frequent readers of Patterson's novels will notice is that the Cross character is fleshed out more fully and from different angles. We get to see Cross the detective, Cross the buddy,Cross the Dad, Cross and Jamilla, and Cross and Nana-Mama. This really helped to give the character a three-dimensional feel.

All in all, this book is worth the purchase, especially for a Patterson fan. It is easily read in one sitting and is a highly entertaining read. If you're new to Patterson, it certainly helps to read the Cross books in order, starting with Along Came a Spider.

Also Recommended - The Lou Boldt Series by Ridley Pearson, The Lucas Davenport Series by John Sandford, any Jeffery Deaver Book, as well as anything by Greg Iles. For light reading akin to James Patterson, Stuart Woods does the trick.

After reading 'Violets are Blue', I felt that James Patterson had become locked into a pattern in his suspense stories. At one end of the story is Alex Cross, psychologist turned homicide detective and at the other is one or another variation of the psychotic mastermind. Because this is such a generic formula, one can get a lot of mileage out of it before it becomes noticeably repetitious. However, 'Violets are Blue' was not all that well written, and I found myself predicting too much of the book's events.

'Four Blind Mice' is a much better vehicle, although the basic pattern is still present. This time Alex's partner and friend, John Sampson drags Alex into a case that starts out ugly and then gets very frightening. Sgt. Ellis Cooper, a man Sampson admires greatly, is sitting on death row awaiting execution for crimes that he apparently did not commit. The two detectives pour a tremendous amount of energy into finding the truth, but they can only find shadows and whispers of a pattern of murder and accusation that has led a series of Viet Nam veterans to their deaths.

Again Patterson exposes the killers almost immediately, and leaves the reader waiting impatiently for Cross and Sampson to catch up, while we get to spend time inside the heads of the killers. Even when it is clear that the executions are really assassinations, it is difficult to uncover the underlying motivation. Cross finds himself receiving anonymous messages from someone named 'Foot Soldier', who is apparently the mind behind much that is going on. But nothing comes clear easily.

Alex has a lot going on in his life to distract him. He is falling in love with Jamilla Hughes, a detective on the other side of the continent, he is considering leaving his job, and something is not quite right with Nana Mama, who has been most of the stability in Alex's life. Much to worry about and not many easy answers.

Despite the improvement in narrative, I still find books that immediately reveal the killers less satisfying than those that keep more secrets. Patterson simply does not leave much for the reader to guess, turning this from a mystery story to a pure suspense tale. Whether you will like this or not is largely a matter of your preferences as a reader. I can tell you that the writing is good, the characters are interesting, the puzzle is intricate, and the suspense really is there.

You can count on being entertained by James Patterson's Detective Alex Cross series. The characters are familiar and well-drawn and the plots are challenging and provide page-turning entertainment.

In this installment, the first after the "Mastermind" killer was jailed in Violets are Blue, puts Alex's partner Sampson in the forefront as he suspects that an Army friend has been framed for murders he did not commit in Fort Bragg. So starts what appears to be a pattern of cases where Army soldiers are framed in a convincing way in a pattern of ritualistic and gruesome murders. As the plot continues we find a connection with a series of murders that took place in Vietnam in 1969. But who is ordering the murders and why--this is the element that holds your interest until a very satisfying ending.
Also of interest in this book are love interests for Cross and Sampson and a health threat for Nana Mamma who is the heart and glue of the Cross household.

Some reviews call Patterson's work predictable. The only predictable element I find is that I am fairly sure that when I pick up a Patterson novel I will be happily entertained and challenged with plot twists. This was a very enjoyable and quick read--I finished it in one 24 hour period.

That it can be read in a few hours is the best thing I can say about this book. Reads more like a rough draft or outline than a complete novel. Cardboard characters, cursory plot development and unimaginative prose are among the flaws. A total waste of an afternoon.

James Patterson these days seems to have a new novel every couple of months. Readers in the last year and a half could choose between a romance novel, Suzannes Diary of Nicholas, a second book from a new series featuring four women, 2nd to Die, an Alex Cross novel Violets are Blue and most recently a thriller co-written with Peter DeJonge, The Beach House. And while these books were for the most part were somewhat satisfying reads, I kept waiting for James Patterson to once again write a book featuring Alex Cross as exciting as Along Came a Spider and Kiss the Girls and other titles from this series. Four Blind Mice is just this book. A return to old time Patterson known for his thriller plots, endearing characters and a plot filled with wonderful twists and turns.
And when Patterson is good, one cant help but enjoy spending time with out favorite detective/psychologist Alex Cross, his family and good friend John Samson.

Still reeling from a horrendous and violent experience spent tracking down the Mastermind, Alex Cross has finally made up his mind to resign from the Washington DC police force. But before the day is over he finds himself once again embroiled in a baffling situation and one which may cause the death of his good friend John Samsons Viet Nam buddy. Samsons friend is about to be executed for the brutal murder of three military wives. But this decorated military man from the beginning claimed he was framed and is totally innocent although he cant really supply an alibi. Alex promises himself this will be his last case and begins to investigate the murders. As he and Alex move deeper and deeper into the case they suspect that men known as the three blind mice, massacres during the Viet Nam war and higher ups at West Point may be involved in the systematic murder of innocent people and the framing of military personnel who are equally innocent. As Cross and Samson crisscross the country it becomes clear that there is a fourth blind mice. Who this is and why the cover up provides readers with an ending hard to imagine.

In Four Blind Mice, Patterson provides readers with a fast and thrilling read. But if one expects only a thriller read, they may have to think again. For within the plot the reader once again returns to visit with Alexs lovable grandmother Nana Cross, his three children, a new love woman in his life Jamilla and even a love interest for John Samson.

I highly recommend reading this book if youve followed the series up to now. And even if youve never read any of these books you owe it to yourself to become familiar with this author and his Alex Cross characters. As for me, my faith is restored in thisauthor. After a couple of so so Patterson books, I finally read one that I truly enjoyed. And I am happy to say that Four Blind Mice is exactly what I wanted. An old time Patterson book. The kind of read which kept me turning the pages throughout the night wondering whats going to happen next. Once again I can hardly wait for Patterson's next book.

Just when we feared homicide detective Alex Cross was losing his touch, he himself fretting about the job and the anxieties attendant to it (in the prior story "Violets Are Blue"), along comes "Mice", supposedly his last job on his last day of duty with the DC cops. His best friend and long-time colleague, John Sampson, begs him to help clear an old army friend who seems unjustly convicted (via overwhelming evidence) of a gruesome triple murder. Their work on the case raises many questions but not in time to prevent the execution. Finding shades of similar crimes dating back many years, Cross pursues every slight clue as he and Sampson piece together a story about assassins too much in love with their own work. They spend most of the book chasing "three blind mice" and we wonder if the fourth will ever surface.

What makes this a fine entry in the Cross series (now eight in all) is Patterson at his entertaining best - action galore (must be a dozen murders or more...), frantic pace, intriguing plot that captivates `til the very end. We burned through it in one day, which also speaks to its intensity and grip on the reader. A little romantic interest for both Alex and Sampson, whom we meet in more detail than ever before, temper the blood and guts a little and generate a smile or two to relieve the tension. Lastly, we find out at the end the direction Cross seems to be heading with his career, leading us to believe there just might be a few more stories left in the ol' word processor! Not a Patterson to be missed.

James Patterson phoned in "Four Blind Mice"---if, in fact, he actually bothered to write any of this uninspired, preposterous, formulaic, cookie-cutter thriller.

The villains in this Alex Cross novel are unrealistic cartoonish parodies---the plot predictable, simplistic, unbelievable and all too pat.

The love interest for Dr. Cross a painfully embarrassing distraction that fails to move the plot along and is nearly unreadable.

Loose ends abounded.

It is hard to believe this is the same author who gave us such absorbing, compelling and rousing fiction as: "The Midnight Club," "Black Market", "Pop Goes the Weasel", "Cat and Mouse" and the Edgar winning "Thomas Berryman Number."

On the plus side, John Sampson is a spectacular supporting character. And, Mr. Patterson's short chapter, fast-paced writing style makes for a fast read.

Too many trees died for this book.

Four Blind Mice is yet another example of Patterson's work with the detective we are familiar with -- Alex Cross.

In this "nursery rhyme named novel" we are faced with many questions: are the three blind mice going to be the last case that Alex solves - due to resignation -- or are the three blind mice going to create the end for Alex? Who are they and what do they want? Why do they carry memories and hold onto their identity from Vietnam?
And then there is Alex's family -- "Nana" is aging, and he wants to be around for Nana's elder years....then there is "Jamilla", Alex's interest....and, of course, his children.
This novel may be about blind mice, but it sure gives readers a clearer picture of Alex's personal life. It also opens our eyes to the destruction that comes from war. And as for Alex he is told- "his continuing journey is interesting...You want to make things right...Your country has produced so many killers...I don't know why this happens in such a civilized country. A place with so many blessings."
The crimes committed in this novel were a bit graphic for my taste, butI won't spoil anything for readers. I will say one thing, though: Even if this novel was not Patterson's best, it makes us count our blessings regarding work, love, family, and the people who put effort into protecting the innocent-- like "Alex", and of course "Sampson," Alex's sidekick and friend.

While not as wretched as Violets Are Blue, Four Blind Mice is still a disappointing entry in the long running Alex Cross series. Rather than building suspense and developing his characters, Patterson has sunk to the level of romance writers by including boring relationship drivel in his so called suspense novels.

The plot, or lack thereof, revolves around three army officers, whose identities are revealed in the first ten pages of the book, who call themselves the three blind mice. But there is another who is secretly controlling them; the fourth blind mouse. The quartet is framing other officers for horrendous murders all over the country. Cross and longtime pal John Sampson must stop them before they send another innocent Army officer to death row. All of this sounds entertaining, but it isn't. Knowing the identities of three of the four culprits from the beginning of the novel doesn't help anything.

With Four Blind Mice, James Patterson continues the downward spiral that began with Suzannes Diary For Nicholas. The fact of the matter is, he's trying to do too much. He's now releasing three novels per year, which is simply too many. Back when he was only coming out with one or two, the quality was much better. His next work doesn't sound like it's going to be a literary masterpiece either. The Jester, which is apparantly going to revolve around a king who has to pose as a court jester to save the love of his life, sounds like something out of a Julie Garwood book. Hopefully, Patterson will realize the error of his ways, and start delivering electrifying, thrilling novels in the tradition of Kiss the Girls and Along Came A Spider.