Product Description
Syd, a breathtakingly beautiful supermodel on a photo shoot in Hawaii, disappears. Fearing the worst, her parents travel to Hawaii to investigate for themselves, never expecting the horror that awaits them.

LA Times reporter Ben Hawkins is conducting his own research into the case, hoping to help the victim and get an idea for his next bestseller. With no leads and no closer to uncovering the kidnapper's identity than when he stepped off the plane, Ben gets a shocking visit that pushes him into an impossible-to-resist deal with the devil.

A heart-pounding story of fear and desire, SWIMSUIT transports readers to a chilling new territory where the collision of beauty and murder transforms paradise into a hell of unspeakable horrors. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (266)

very disturbing
I love James Patterson, but this book was too much. I actually had nightmares. Still kept me on the edge, but if I had it to do over, I would skip it and keep the horrible images out of my brain!

if you like James Patterson, skip this book
Horribly and unnecessarily vivid descriptions of how Benoit kills.As far as the ending goes, I think it was a set-up to bring Benoit back in another book.Hopefully I'm wrong.

Swimsuit
Parts of this book are great & then other parts left me wondering why I was wasting my time reading it.This is definitely not one of Patterson's best literary works but at the end of the day I have read worse novels.

Good until the end
I really enjoyed this book until the end. The last chapter just seemed like a quick end and left me with more questions. So that made it a little disappointing. I was expecting something great like the rest of the book.

The only Patterson book I never finished reading
If you're used to the usual high pace and quality of James Patterson's works, then this is a huge disappointment. I couldn't enjoy it. It was thin on story, the characters were weak and unbelievable, the dialogue was cheesy and in general I spent a lot of time cringing during the first pages. It is wordy without saying anything ... James Patterson definitely missed the mark on this one. ... Read more

Product Description
THE #1 BESTSELLING SENSATION

#1 New York Times
#1 Chicago Tribune
#1 Washington Post
#1 Entertainment Weekly
#1 USA Today
#1 Wall Street Journal

America's most popular thriller writer, James Patterson, presents his most daring-and astonishing-novel ever.

With the perfect marriage and a great job, Lauren Stillman loves her wonderful life . . . until she sees her husband with another woman. Devastated and lusting for revenge, Lauren has her own affair. It's supposed to be a quickie, but Lauren's night of passion takes a shocking turn when she witnesses an unbelievable and deadly crime.

Now her horrifying secret threatens to tear her life apart, pitting her need to uncover the truth against her fear that the truth may be too horrible to bear. And whichever choice she makes may cost her dearly-her job, her marriage . . . or even her life. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (383)

Bones on the beach
Book was an easily and great read! the condition of the book was excellent too.
thanks Amazon.Com

Awesome authors
I love James Patterson.I always look forward to reading his books.I can't wait for the next book to come out, which is next month.I had the pleasure to meet James Patterson at a book signing last year.Keep up the awesome writing.

Great book
I loved this book!! It was eventful from the very begining to the very end!!

Interesting
I really didn't know what to think of this book.I'm a big fan of James Patterson's Alex Cross series as well as the Women Murder Club books.I've only recently ventured into his other books; first with Swimsuit and now The Quickie.

I have to admit I almost gave up on this book in the beginning.The characters were uninteresting and flat.The main character Lauren was extremely boring.I stuck with the book and towards the middle things finally started livening up a little.

I won't give anything away but Lauren was described as being very intelligent and at the top of her game in her occupation; however, the seemed to overlook MAJOR character deficiencies in both her husband and the recipient of "The Quickie".

There were good twists and turns throughout the book that kept me reading until the end.

It was a quickie for me. 78 pages and in the fireplace.
The 78th page of the paperback was the end of Chapter 27. It's beyond me why I read that much. I thought I'd go to Amazon and see what others had opined. I went to the one star reviews. They confirmed what I was thinking; throwing this book in the fireplace was the right choice. Any one star review would parrot what I thought of this piece of dreck. ... Read more

Product Description
Andie DeGrasse, an aspiring actress and single mom, is not your typical juror. Hoping to get dismissed from the pool, she tells the judge that most of her legal knowledge comes from a bit part curling around a stripper's pole in The Sopranos. But she still ends up as juror #11 in a landmark trial against a notorious mob boss.

The case quickly becomes the new Trial of the Century. Mafia don Dominic Cavello, known as the Electrician, is linked to hundreds of gruesome, unspeakable crimes. Senior FBI agent Nick Pellisante has been tracking him for years. He knows Cavello's power reaches far beyond the courtroom, but the FBI's evidence against the ruthless killer is iron-clad. Conviction is a sure thing.

As the jury is about to reach a verdict, the Electrician makes one devastating move that no one could have predicted. The entire nation is reeling, and Andie's world is shattered. For her, the hunt for the Electrician becomes personal, and she and Pellisante come together in an unbreakable bond: they will exact justice-at any cost.

James Patterson spins an all-out heart-pounding legal thriller that pits two people against the most vicious and powerful mobster since John Gotti. Judge & Jury is a stunning feat by "one of America's most influential authors" (New York Times). ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

judge and jury
this story kept me turning the pages. These guys make a great team as always. ... Read more

Product Description
A New York Times Bestselling Author

Alex Cross travels to Los Angeles to hunt for a killer more brutal and ambitious than he's ever encountered - a woman who has it in for Hollywood's hottest players. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (192)

Fast Service
The book was new as described.
Received it within 5 days.
will not hesitate to use this seller again.

Ultimately, just so, so
I've read only a few of the Alex Cross novels, in no particular order, and while "Mary, Mary" contains an intriguing enough story and a clever twist or two, it lacks the consistent energy that fueled other entries in the series. In "Mary, Mary," Alex Cross heads to LA to investigate the murders of A-list Hollywood actresses. Ultimately, the story's criminal action moves rather briskly, but it's the time spent on Cross' personal life, particularly with his family, that slows the novel down. In the prior Cross novel's I've read, Patterson's inclusion of Cross' family provided a good counter to the murder mayhem Cross is surrounded in. However, the family scenes here mostly don't amount to more than Cross expressing his regret for the time his job forces him away from his kids. Patterson has explored this in the novel's I've read, and while it's a worthy facet to the Cross character, it becomes mundane and repetitive in "Mary, Mary." Patterson needs to present Cross' personal conflicts from a new angle if he intends to continue merging Cross' crime-solving exploits with his personal pressures.

Amidst the police tape in L.A., Mary is a mysterious murderess that Patterson writes with vivid detail, but the reader still knows that something is missing. Mary's big secret is a reveal I did not see coming. It makes sense of the gaps clearly present to misguide the reader. The ultimate twist is rather involving and I would have enjoyed it more had Patterson dropped a few more tie-ins during his development of Mary and her crimes.

"Mary, Mary" is not a lost cause, but I wouldn't recommend it be your first venture into the Cross series. Cross classics "Kiss the Girls" and "Along Came a Spider" are better paced and would serve as a better introduction to the character. For the seasoned Cross fans or the casual dabbler like myself, "Mary, Mary" is a quick and enjoyable enough of a story to justify the read, just so long as you don't mind tolerating a little less-than-inspired family moments.

Not his best
First of all - I LOVE James Patterson.I love the pace of his novels - the twists and turns - and the fact that his writing style clear and direct.But, I did not LOVE this one.It seemed disjointed and convuluted - like he was juggling too many balls at one time.The surprise ending was good - but by that time, I felt like I had worked a little too hard to follow the story.

easy read; surprise ending
This is an average James Patterson book -- better than some, not as good as others.I read it on a 4 1/2 hour flight and it was an easy read.

If you like plot twists and a multiple surprise ending, you will enjoy it very much.If you like detailed clues so you can figure out who done it as you read through the book, this one will leave you frustrated.

The sub-plot involving lead investigator Alex Cross' custody battle with his ex-wife is interesting, but ultimately unsatisfying.

Buy it used and enjoy a good quick read.

Not bad... actually good enough
1.I'm the least capable to review Patterson's books in that this is the first one I've read. With that being said, I wasn't expecting much, but overall--> it was entertaining / engaging. Overall, it was definitely good enough for me to read another Patterson book. ... Read more

Product Description
During a state funeral for a beloved former First Lady in New York City's largest cathedral, the unthinkable occurs. Armed men disguised as monks seize the church and seal themselves inside, along with more than one hundred of the most powerful people in America. The captives include world leaders, actors, TV stars, athletes, and politicians, and the kidnappers are armed with enough C4 explosives to blow a crater in the middle of Manhattan.
NYPD officer Michael Bennett is pulled into the standoff as lead negotiator. Despite the escalating danger, Michael faces an even more terrifying crisis at home. His wife has been diagnosed with a devastating disease, and Michael faces the prospect of losing the love of his life and having to raise their ten children alone. With his own life teetering and the lives of thousands suddenly his responsibility, Michael struggles to diffuse the tense situation fast. Yet the kidnappers' moves are impossible to predict, and they block every attempt to break into the cathedralmost as if they are privy to their deliberations. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (218)

Definitely not the next Alex Cross
This book reads like all of James Patterson's books...fast moving plot, short chapters, and basically like-able characters.Unfortunately the main character, Michael Bennett, just didn't hook me like Alex Cross (of Patterson's more famous book series) did.This is relevant because the marketing of this book positions Bennett as the successor to Cross.

I thought the Bennett family itself was unbelievable and trite.10 kids (all adopted) who are basically perfect in every way.That can be justified somewhat by the way they are presented (from their father's POV, who obviously thinks the world of them), but in the end it just left them feeling unreal.Instead of making me want to root for Bennett, the family really added nothing to the story, and in fact made it feel less realistic, pulling me out of the main plot.

The rest of the story works well, but like most of Patterson's recent books, the details don't stick with after you're done.I'd recommend the book to Patterson fans, but for those that are burned out on his recent novels, this won't do anything to pull you back in.

James Patterson Step On A Crack
I love James Patterson so I love buying his books especially when we comes out with new ones or ones that I haven't read. Amazon is great and ships them quickly and for a good price

Hi, Jack
A team of highjackers crashes a funeral at NYC's St. Patrick's Cathedral, taking as hostages dozens of high profile mourners. The police immediately cordon off the area and begin negotiations with Jack, the leader of the criminal pack. At the center of the crisis is senior Detective Michael Bennett, who has taken part in many operations like this. Or so he thinks. Whatever strategies the police employ, Jack and his cohorts neatly outsmart them at every turn. How do these guys know so much? As the hours drag by, another hostage is brutally murdered.

The plot and characters are winners as far long as the hostage situation is the focus. Lamentably, however, there's an important subplot. Detective Bennett is not simply a husband and father. He has 10 kids, all adopted, all sweet as can be, and a more-Irish-than-leprechauns wife, Maeve, who is hospitalized with terminal cancer. Poor Mike is torn between the needs of family and the demands of his job, but he's rescued by another couple of ultra-Irish characters, father in law turned priest and au pair sent over from the Auld Sod. To top it all off, it's Christmas.

The highjack story is rather ingenious, but the family scenario (at one point Michael muses that it could be the next holiday Hallmark special - hmmm, maybe he's onto something?) is sheer melodrama. Regrettable.

You can't sleep until it's finished- Step on a Crack
This is one of the best page turners to ever come along.
Everyone that I recommended it to loved it. 100% !

Excellent Read.
I absolutely love James Patterson novels.This is just another masterpiece in his collection.You must read. ... Read more

Product Description
The Womens Murder Club returns in a shockingly suspenseful thriller. Plunging into a burning townhouse, Detective Lindsay Boxer discovers three dead bodies...and a mysterious message at the scene. When more corpses turn up, Lindsay asks her friends Claire Washburn of the medical examiners office, Assistant D.A. Jill Bernhardt, and San Francisco Chronicle reporter Cindy Thomas to help her find a murderer who vows to kill every three days. Even more terrifying, he has targeted one of the four friends. Which one will it be? ... Read more

Customer Reviews (199)

was not the best JP
This was not the best james patterson i have read. was a bit confusing at times.i am looking forwaard to 4th of july.

3rd Degree
I have finally pinpointed what I find disconcerting about these books. It's the split narration! There are some chapters in a third-person omniscient style, where the author follows the killer, or one of Lindsay's friends, and then other chapters are narrated in first person by Lindsay herself. After reading the first book, I half expected the second to have one of the other ladies as the first-person narrator. Unfortunately, all these books follow Lindsay.
This third book was a bit different in that up until the fourth killing, I was partially rooting for the bad guys---going to war with corrupt CEOs and unethical leaders of health care organizations. I don't actually think those people should be killed, but I do think they may need to shape up.
The ending was mildly surprising, although one can expect that the person responsible for the deaths will always be someone slightly different than expected when reading a novel by Patterson.
Overall, a compelling read and worth the day and a half it took me to read it. (Not that all I did was read this book for the past day and a half, I did other stuff too...like go to work.)

Book 3 of Women's Murder Club
This book took a little longer to arrive than the others - but it did get here in the allotted time.Book was in the condition stated and the overall book was really good.Highly recommend this series by James Patterson.

My favorite of the series!
I'm reading the entire series and to date, 3rd Degree was the most shocking and also my favorite of the series to this point. I was sad when it ended and within hours had my nose in 4th of July to continue the story. This is for the series of books as a whole, I'm so very glad I picked up that first book. They are all good and there has been no disappointment.

The Woman's Murder Club is to Die For
I picked up "3rd Degree" and I was off. First off you have to know about the Woman's Murder Club. The members are San Francisco Police Detective Lindsay Boxer, Assistant DA Jill Bernhardt, Medical Examiner Claire Washburn, and crime reporter Cindy Thomas and "3rd Degree", is the best book in the series by far. These women first got together in "1st to Die" and started getting together more often, going over what they knew about a murder and thus the Woman's Murder Club was born and it continued on to the next book "2nd Chance" and then to "3rd Degree". I don't know how James Patterson just turning out such excellent thrillers. You can't go wrong with anything of them. ... Read more

Product Description
In the middle of the night, a controversial U.S. senator is found murdered in bed in his Georgetown pied-a-terre. The police turn up only one clue: a mysterious rhyme signed "Jack and Jill" promising that this is just the beginning. Jack and Jill are out to get the rich and famous, and they will stop at nothing until their fiendish plan is carried out.

Meanwhile, Washington, D. C., homicide detective Alex Cross is called to a murder scene only blocks from his house, far from the corridors of power where he spends his days. The victim: a beautiful little girl, savagely beaten--and desposited in front of the elementary school Cross's son, Damon, attends.

Could there be a connection between the two murders? As Cross tries to put the pieces together, the killer- or killers - strike again. And again. No one in Washington is safe - not children, not politicians, not even the President of the United States. Only Alex Cross has the skills and the courage to crack the case-but will he discover the truth in time?

A relentless roller coaster of heart-pounding suspense and jolting plot twists, Jack and Jill proves that no one can write a more compelling thriller than James Patterson-the master of the nonstop nightmare.Amazon.com Review
A child killer is stalking the inner city of Washington, D.C.,his latest victim Shanelle Green, an adorable first grader fromSojourner Truth School. This killing is especially unsettling toDetective Alex Cross. Sojourner Truth is the school his son Damonattends, just four blocks from his home.

While the death of an inner-city black child doesn't garner much mediaattention, another murder is making big headlines. The same day thatShanelle was beaten to death, Senator Daniel Fitzpatrick was foundhandcuffed to a bed and shot execution style. The only clue the policehave to go on is a bizarre rhyme, signed "Jack and Jill,"promising more high-profile executions, ultimately targeting thepresident of the United States. When Cross is called in to helpprotect the president, he begins to suspect that the two cases aresomehow related. As he races to put all the pieces together, thekillers continue their bloody rampage, paralyzing the city.

Like Along Came aSpider and Cat& Mouse, Jack & Jill is a rapid-fire thrillerfrom start to finish, with enough plot twists to satisfy even the mostjaded mystery fan. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (266)

Could have been better
I have read all the Cross books.Jack and Jill in my opinion went no where.I found it to be a little slow, and never really got excited about it.To put it in perspective , I read Kiss the girls in 4 days and couldnt put it down this book was just to slow.Took me 2 months to read it because i couldnt get into it.It didnt have the energy and excitement of the other Cross books.I wouldnt say dont read it, but would save it for last.

My Third Patterson Novel, I'm Done
I've tried, after numerous recomedations, I just can't get into Patterson's style of writing nor his character, Alex Cross.I agree pretty much with the other 3 Star or lower reviews. Alex Cross is too boring, contrived, andunlikely as a detective for my enjoyment.I don't enjoyAlex's family ties, his partner, his methods of investigation [he has noneother than his "intuition"].The dialogue isn't realistic...I feel I could do better and I don't consider myself a writer. The murders, the victims, and the perpetrators are beyond my realm of believability or interest.I'm a big Micheal Connelly and Harry Bosch fan. Maybe i'm spoiled by the suspense and realism of the crimes, police work, and dialogue of his books and characters.Patterson's stye of "whodunnit" doesn't do it for me.

A real letdown
What an odd book this is. Yes, the killers are caught, but Patterson's detective contributes nothing to their capture. His psychological "insights" (all pretty obvious stuff) don't lead to any identification of suspects, and he discovers no clues, puts together no strings of evidence. Of the two sets of murderers here, the boy killer has to expose himself because the police, including Cross, are unable to even guess at his identity. And the Jack and Jill killers are caught because Cross comes across a video that any rookie cop would have found on a bookshelf in a suspects apartment--a video left there by one of the killers specifically for the cops to find. Even when he finds the video, the killer is right there on it, requiring no detecting at all. Most mysteries and thrillers work because the writer gives the readers clues and gives the reader a chance to put them together before the detective can. Here, there are no clues, and the reader has nothing to do but wait for the killers to expose themselves. And as far as that goes, the killers are far more clever and interesting than the cop chasing them.

All that might be tolerable if the writing was sophisticated, but Patterson does what every journalism student learns not to do: he shows instead of telling. Each emotion a character is feeling has to be explained rather than revealed, and the significance of each plot turn has to be spelled out, then repeated several times, just in case you the reader are too dense to get it. For example, when the Jack and Jill killers are finally uncovered in their suburban home, Patterson spends an entire page telling us over and over how striking the contrast is between their heinous crimes and the seemingly innocent setting of the killers' home. As a reader this sort of thing is not only annoying and unrewarding, it's insulting.

All in all this is a very disappointing read, and better skipped. It's the first Patterson novel I've read, and I think it will be the last.

Jack & Jill came to Capitol Hill...
I am not much of a critic but I will give it a shot.It was interesting, not an edge of your seat type of thriller, but it kept a good pace.You know from the beginning who the killers are, but not really what their driving force is.So it keeps you trying to figure that out.
This was only my second Alex Cross book.I have 3 more now to read but I am not a speedy reader. It takes me a couple of weeks to get through a book with a full time job, online schooling with lots of homework, a home, husband and cats etc...But I definitely found time to read this book.It was interesting and hard to put down. I would read at night when I went to bed until I literally fell asleep and the book slipped from my hands.I give it 3 stars as it was interesting, but I have a lot more of James Patterson's books to read.One can't give them all 5 stars.

Wasn't as impressed with this outing
I am a huge fan of Along Came a Spider... and Kiss the Girls. I usually read this series at least once a year. Going through it, I found myself flying through the first two books. Yet for some reason, when I hit this book, it just never grabbed me. While Patterson is never really known from actually dropping enough hints for you to actually solve the crime yourself for a good "I KNEW IT!" moment, there are usually decent lead ins on multiple read throughs. With this book, it just felt off.
Both plot lines just seemed to have been half an idea each, and with the interweaving, all it did was prevent each plot line from being developed in the proper Cross fashion. The ending to me was disappointing. Everything just suddenly gives you this "Oh wait, forgot about this.." feeling in the last 10-15 ish pages.
I haven't bought any new Cross Novels since after Big Bad Wolf. I have to say that seeing the reviews for this one being so high, and London Bridges being so low (along with Cross Country), that I feel I made a wise decision. I will probably get the rest soon, just to have something new to read, but I think 17 novels in such a short time (Series started in 1993) is more about rushing the product rather than creating a quality product. ... Read more

Product Description
Detective Alex Cross pursues the most ruthless killer he's ever encountered-to a land of sheer terror and back. It's the worst crime scene Alex Cross has ever seen, and then more killings, each one more ruthless than the last, quickly follow. After one death comes terrifyingly close to home, Alex realizes he's chasing a horrible new breed of killer.


Digging deeper into the case, Alex and his girlfriend, Detective Brianna Stone, uncover a shocking Washington, D.C., underworld: a gang of teenage thugs headed by a warlord known only as the Tiger. When the Tiger's elusive trail turns up in Africa, Alex knows that he must follow. Unprotected and alone, can Alex manage to both survive and catch the killer? ... Read more

Customer Reviews (378)

A strange miss by Mr. Patterson
I love the Cross series, however I cannot recommend this book to anybody. I can understand why Mr. Patterson want to tell us those terrible things in Africa, but I fail to grasp the way he use Alex in this book. Alex acts recklessly, put everybody close to him in danger, and totally forget his family and loved ones in a strange land that he has no business with. Alex is way out of characters in Cross Country in my humble opinion.

Cross Country
I wouldn't have finished this book if I were not on a long road trip and listening to the audiobook. The self reflection of Alex Cross was too often shallow, obvious, unnecessary, and annoying. The character portrayal of Alex Cross was as deep as a puddle. A few times I wished the main character would die so that my suffering through this book could end. The greatest disappointment was a premise with great potential that didn't develop into a great story.

Ouch! Not really an "Alex Cross" novel
The subject matter is important. I share Patterson's (apparent) belief that more notice needs to be taken of the atrocities being committed in the countries/areas Alex Cross visited. The downside is as noted by many other reviewers. The plot, what little there was, was contrived, at best. This was not a "real" Alex Cross story, and anybody expecting one would have been sorely disappointed. Additionally, Cross did not act in the calm, cool, collected, rational, manner in which he normally does. Very out-of-character. I can recommend this book if you want a shallow overview of what's happening in various African nations. I can't recommend this book if you want a more detailed look at the situation there, or if you want to read "an Alex Cross" book. A much-too-generous three stars on this one.

So diaapointed
I am a faithful reader of all things Alex Cross but this one was terrible. It was unrealistic, Gruesome and when I was reading it I felt like it was about a totally different character unlike my beloved Alex. I forced myself to get through it and was disappointed in the end.

Publisher rip off!Paperback $5 cheaper than Kindle edition
I started reading the Alex Cross series a few months ago on my Kindle.The first book I bought was $9.99, which seemed a bit high relative to other books I'd purchased.The prices have fluctuated as the series has progressed, but with this particular book (Cross Country), it has jumped to $14.99 (which is supposedly set by the publisher).I wouldn't mind paying that IF the book was a new release, but it's not.Furthermore, the paperback version is only $9.99 through Amazon.Why the heck do they think I'm willing to pay more for an electronic version?It actually costs them less to produce since they don't have to print it, distribute it, etc.So, publisher, take note -- I'm not buying it.And I won't buy any of your books that are priced higher than what the paperback costs.There are tons of other authors out there and it's easy to find one that isn't handled by a publisher that is as greedy. ... Read more

Product Description
Detective Alex Cross is back-and he's in love. But his happiness is threatened by a series of chilling murders in Washington, D.C., murders with a pattern so twisted they leave investigators reeling. Cross's pursuit of the killer produces a suspect, a British diplomat named Geoffrey Shafer. But proving he's the murderer becomes a potentially deadly task. As Shafer engages in a brilliant series of surprising countermoves, Alex and his fiance become hopelessly entangled with the most memorable nemesis Cross has ever faced.Amazon.com Review
Likened to a "young Muhammad Ali," Alex Cross, thePorsche-driving profiler, doctor, detective, and father of two hasseen his fair share of vicious killers. From a bloodthirsty butcherwho came after his family (Cat and Mouse) to adevilish duo working cross-country (Kiss the Girls),Cross has managed to outmaneuver all of his enemies. Until he meetsthe Weasel.

A series of killings in the forgotten, crime-infestedghettos of southeast D.C. has sent Cross and his 6'9" 250-poundpartner, John Sampson, in search of the "Jane Doe" killer. However,their racist, tyrannical boss George Pitman orders them to stay out ofthe southeast and investigate the high-profile murder of a wealthywhite man. Cross already has suspicions that the murders are linked,but when Sampson's ex turns up in an abandoned southeast warehousekicked to death, the two detectives carry on with their originalinvestigation. Meanwhile, Cross's longtime love, Christine (Cat andMouse), has taken prominence in his life, and it looks as if thetwo will finally get hitched--with one glitch: Cross puts everythinghe loves in jeopardy as he obsessively goes after the Weasel.

Akinto a slick Hollywood action flick, Pop Goes the Weasel doesn'thave time for meaningful character development or thoughtful moralanalysis. And it doesn't need to. Its winning formula is based onshort scenes (chapters average about 3 pages), addictive plotprogression, and mean dialogue: "Sampson sighed and said, 'I think hertongue is stapled inside the other girl. I'm pretty sure that's it,Alex. The Weasel stapled them together.' I looked at the two girls andshook my head. 'I don't think so. A staple, even a surgical one, wouldcome apart on the tongue's surface.... Crazy glue would work." --Rebekah Warren ... Read more

Customer Reviews (383)

Vicious Weasel
Another great Alex Cross story.He so loves his family and finally finds love after being widowed and everything looks like it's going to be great.Then comes the Weasel.What a heartless villian!Definitely disturbed and really puts Alex through the ringer and then some.A very interesting villian and just when you think you know all the answers, he throws in a few twists.Not the type of ending that I prefer, a definite end for the villian, but it kept me reaching for the next novel to see what happens in Alex's love life and where the villian will pop up next.

A SUPERB READ...
POP GOES THE WEASEL is the James Patterson I love to read. The novel is tense and fast paced, chilling, with a villain most diabolical. Evoked joy and sadness, and disgust, loathing in the four horsemen and their wicked game. Loved that Cross is in love. Appreciated the cliff hanger ending and rallied at the surprising twist in the final pages. Suspense through the last chapter. A superb read. Now that I've skipped a few books in this series, I've got to go back and fill in the gaps. Oh, such torture...

Pop goes the weasel
This is another great Alex cross book There IS a lot of violence in it so it is not a PG book but it is SO interesting and good you will not be able to put it down!

i've decided i love alex cross
i've read some a few james patterson novels, and awhile ago i read cat&mouse as my first alex cross novel, which i really enjoyed. i randomly bought pop goes the weasel and i'm pleased with the amount of time patterson spends on getting a reader not aquainted with the characters, well aquainted with them. very suspenseful thriller, interesting, and actually a page turner, no matter how cliche that sounds. since this is the second ever alex cross novel i've ever read i was surprised that patterson is not afraid to sacrifice main characters, even though apparently his wife was killed in an earlier novel. that's part of what makes patterson interesting, anyone can go, bar cross of course, which isnt a formula generally used by authors. recently i ventured out and bought a thriller by someone else, and no matter the different reviews that say how patterson's more recent books are failing, other authors still don't hold a candle to him on his worst day. seriously

More of the same...
James Patterson repeats his usual formula: impossibly clever and strong bad guy threatens Alex Cross's loved ones. The plot was interesting in the first few books but now feels tired and worn.If you've read the others, don't bother with this one.
... Read more

Product Description
In Los Angeles, a reporter investigating a series of murders is killed. In Chapel Hill, North Carolina, a beautiful medical intern suddenly disappears. Washington D.C.Us Alex Cross is back to solve the most baffling and terrifying murder case ever. Two clever pattern killers are collaborating, cooperating, competing--and they are working coast to coast. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (371)

I LOVED THIS BOOK!
I could not put this book down!Kiss The Girls transformed me into a James Patterson fanatic!

Kiss the Girls
The following has been presented to you spoiler free. (:

Let me just start off by saying this is the novel Swimsuit (by the same author) tried to be, but failed miserably. If you really want to hear my rant on that book, check out my review of it.

I waited a long time before reading this book. Mainly because I wasn't that impressed with the first book in this series, Along Came a Spider. But I'm so glad I did. This is by far my favorite James Patterson book that I've read so far.

It follows two pattern killers, Casanova and The Gentleman (oh, James Patteron and his nicknames for every single one of his antagonists), who abduct young women who are perfect in every way. They torture, rape, kill, and do every other horrific thing to them. And of course, Alex Cross takes the case because his niece, Naomi, was one of the girls that was taken.

This book is definitely gruesome. Especially a certain snake scene. If I may relate it to Swimsuit again, it has the same gross-out factor, but the story around Kiss the Girls is much more complex and fleshed out than Swimsuit was. So, if you can get through all the killing and rape scenes, this book is fabulous.

The plot is complex and interesting, as well. The storyline is unlike anything I've ever read before. And since it was written a good fifteen years ago, I'm sure it was the first of its kind. But if it wasn't, I don't really care, I loved it anyway.

Don't get me wrong, there were some things about this book that irked me. The fact that Kate (one of the victims) could fall for Alex not a week after being raped and tortured is completely unbelievable. Kate, if you're looking for a excuse to swear off men forever, you have one of the best reasons in the world. Also, the scenes with Alex's children are way too sugar-coated. James Patterson wrote two of the most angelic kids ever created. They were really bothersome. Thankfully, these things didn't bother me enough to keep me from enjoying the story completely.

Overall, I highly reccommend this book. I would read the first in the series, Along Came a Spider, before reading this one, however. It does reference events in that book quite a lot, especially towards the end.

A Fast-Paced Thriller
Beautiful young women have been disappearing in North Carolina and Los Angeles at an alarming rate, and some are turning up dead. So when Washington D.C. Detective Alex Cross's niece goes missing from Durham, he heads down there, determined to find her, without or without local police support. For a while, there is no support, which is why is good friend, Detective John Sampson, decides to help him. Alex is soon taunted by a killer calling himself Casanova, but he's not the only murderer aware of Alex. So is the LA serial killer known as The Gentleman Caller. Complicating things further is Alex's growing attachment to a young intern who's met Casanova in person and has good reason to fear for her life.

I'm not sure it was James Patterson's intention to create a story so strongly associated with the number two, but it struck me that two pairs of detectives are looking for Casanova, Alex has two children, and there are two serial killers at large. Whether this is significant or not probably depends on how closely you analyze the pairs' relationships.

Kiss the Girls is a fast-paced page-turner that had me totally engrossed until the lack of logic in places became irritating. To divulge where and why the logic didn't work would give too much away, but these absences made the story too contrived at times. Still, the suspense kept me reading to the satisfying conclusion.

Debra
Fatal Encryption (Alex Bellamy mystery)
Taxed to Death (1st in Alex Bellamy Series)

Great Alex Cross book of the series
I've read up thru The Big Bad Wolf - this one was my favorite - Kept me on the edge of my seat....

Char from Alabama
Excellent Service.I enjoyed the James Patterson Alex Cross series that I ordered more of the series. ... Read more

Product Description
Don't give away the ending... Don't give away the beginning. How does it feel to be desired by every man and envied by every woman? Wonderful. This is the life Nora Sinclair has worked hard for, the life she will never give up. She doesn't just attract men, she enthralls them. So why is FBI agent John O'Hara interested in Nora Sinclair? Mysterious things happen to people around her, especially the men. And there is something dangerous about Nora, something that lures O'Hara at the same time that it fills him with fear. Is something dark hidden in the gaps in her past? As O'Hara spends more and more time getting to know her, is he pursuing justice? Or his own fatal obsession?. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (285)

Black Widow Gonna Eat You Up
Imagine you're a rich guy. You got the house, the car, the big bank account and even a secret bank account in the Caymens, or Zurich. You've got it all. Well, not quite. You need the trophy wife. And it doesn't hurt if she's good in bed too. In fact, for you, that's a requirement.

Enter Nora Sinclair. She's great on the eyes, better in the sack and smart to boot. And what's more, she can wipe up a delicious meal. Why eat out when you can eat in, fall in bed right after dinner and make love the night away.

You fall in love, how could you not? You can't wait to get married, buy the the biggest rock you can find, give it to the girl of your dreams.

But what you don't know, is that the love of your life has been rooting around in your secret things. She's found out about your bank account, found your passwords and bank account numbers too. You also don't know about the special meal she's planning for you. Of course you eat it, then you feel the pain. Is it a heart attack? Nora gets you some medicine. You take it. More pain. You grab your chest. Your world goes black. You're dead.

The FBI, in it's ongoing war against terrorism, has been checking into the movement of money between off shore bank accounts. They stumble onto Nora and assign Agent John O'Hara to investigate. He knows she's killing off fiance's and husbands, just can't figure out how. He falls in love, crosses the line and falls into her bed. He can't help himself. She figures out about him, makes him one of her special meals. Now it's his turn to grab his chest.

And you'll be grabbing for the light switch as the sun goes down, because you won't be able to sleep till you finish this thriller. I read it in one sitting. Nora is truly a black widow, not much to like about her. Truth be told, I didn't like Agent O'Hara that much either, but I loved the book.

Patterson's lost a lot off his fastball
At one time, James Patterson was one of the most popular writers around and his Alex Cross novels were big sellers because people liked Dr. Cross and Patterson had a gift for character development and story lines that hooked readers from the first page and didn't let go. However, Patterson's last several books have been very disappointing and this tale of a gold-digging black widow who poisons her men, then cleans out their bank accounts by wiring the funds to her offshore accounts is just plain ludicrous. The hero is a compromised FBI agent, the murderess is a psychopath with no conscience, and Patterson makes his novel more complicated than it needs to be. This book began well but Patterson got a little too cute for his own good and spoiled what could have been a diverting work of fiction. He should take a break from writing and reassess a career that seems mired in mediocrity.

Best $2 I ever spent!
I bought this book on a whim, being that it was only $2. I was skeptical about it, as the cover made it look like it was some cheesy romance novel. However, I really enjoyed this book! I read it in less than a day...I couldn't put it down. I enjoyed the various points of view on the story. The only thing I didn't "get" was the Tourist parts, although it tied together at the end, in a weird way.

Fast Moving with Many Twists and Turns
I read this book in 3 days.I could not put it down.Nora was the type of character you wanted to hate, but didn't due to her traumatic childhood.

As far as John...I wasn't that impressed with him until the end, when he owned up to all of his infidelities in the past and became whole again.

James Patterson
i love all of james pattersons books, this book was in great shape...very pleased. got it fast too ... Read more

Product Description
Travis McKinley's life has drifted sideways. His job, his marriage, even his children all feel disconnected and distant. Has he really accomplished nothing of consequence in his life? One Christmas Day, Travis plays a round of golf and finds himself for the first time in the zone--playing like a pro. In astonishingly short order, Travis is catapulted into the PGA Senior Open at Pebble Beach, where he advances to the final round. And while his wife, his children, and a live television audience watch, a miracle takes place that changes Travis, and his family, forever. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (74)

Miracle on the 17th Green
As always, James Patterson, knows how to write and keep you wanting more. I am not a golfer but enjoyed every word. The desire to fullfill a dream and to go for it was an insriration. The characters,humor and wit were icing on the cake. Great little read.

A Good Listen
Just listened to the audio version and really enjoyed it. Most of the positive reviews got it right on. I would have to say that it would probably help if you had a working novel of the game of golf. The narrator did a good job with both voice inflection and reading different characters.

A fine story of change
Miracle on the 17th Green receives a fine reading by Brian Bascle, who has performed numerous character voices for LucasArts and more, and who adds a dramatic fair to this story of Travis, who feels disconnected from his life and family. His discovery of his self and talents while playing golf make for a fine story of change.

Miracle on 17th Green
Literally couldn't put it down. Started reading about 10 pm and stayed up til 1:00 AM to finish. Whether you play golf or not, a great book! Highly recommend to anyone!

Easy, cute read that gives you a little insight into the world of golf...
Not a golfer...and recommended by another non golfer, I still enjoyed this light book.An easy read in one day.

Cute, a bit funny, a bit of a dream come true. ... Read more

Product Description
MARK APPLETON FACES HIS WORST NIGHTMARE AS HE HUNTS A KILLER, BUT LITTLE DOES HE KNOW THAT HE IS THE ONE BEING HUNTED.


KIRK WESTON IS A DETECTIVE WITH THE DETROIT POLICE DEPARTMENT. HIS LIFE, ALTHOUGH NOT GOING AS PLANNED FINDS HIMSELF INVESTIGATING A MYSTERIOUS GROUP KNOWN ONLY AS THE WJA. JUST WHEN HE IS ABOUT TO MAKE A BREAKTHROUGH ON THE CASE SOMETHING TERRIBLE GOES WRONG…HE FINDS EXACTLY WHO HE IS LOOKING FOR!

... Read more

Customer Reviews (29)

A Really Good Read
I really enjoyed this book because just when I thought I figured it out, it completely turned around. It had me guessing throughout. I actually spent 3 hours last night just to finish it because I couldn't put it down without knowing what happened. I went through all kinds of emotions feeling for some of the characters and while I thought some of it was a bit on the fantasy side I actually still enjoyed it very much. I fully intend to purchase another book from this author is short order.

Such a great book!
I bought this book by accident, thinking I was getting an incredible deal on a James Patterson book. I literally had trouble putting this book down. It is one that keeps the reader on their toes. Just when you think you've got it all figured out, it all changes. Such an incredible book. If you're looking for a book that will keep you up all night saying, "Just one more chapter..." then this is the book for you. And at such a low price, how can you not get this one? I highly recommend this book! It's one that you will want to read numerous times.

Sweet Dreams
Really loved this book.
I do wonder if the misspellings are the author's
or a problem with publishing.Example: "the sun was shinning..."
Good story.I didn't want to put it down.

Sweet Dreams book
What a great book. Could not put it down. Its was downloaded into my new Kindle. Love it.....

Not worth the time.
Although the book started off promising, it very quickly deteriorated.The glaring errors would bother me to the point I would have to return to a previous section, just to make sure I hadn't read it wrong.A previous comment posted was also correct regarding the abrupt plot turns and unrealistic sci-fi twists.If you want to read excellent books that combine science fiction with mystery/thriller, try James Rollins or, F. Paul Wilson's Repairman Jack series. ... Read more

Product Description
Alex Cross despuntaba ya en la Policia de Washington cuando una supuesta bala perdida acabo con la vida de su mujer, Maria. Aunque el cuerpo le pedia venganza, el cuidado de sus hijos resulto ser una realidad imposible de posponer. Pero ahora, diez anos despues, su vida ha cambiado radicalmente: se ha retirado del FBI e incluso su vida familiar parece en orden. Entonces, su antiguo companero John Sampson le llama para pedirle un favor. Esta siguiendo la pista a un violador en serie con un brutal modus operandi: amenaza a sus victimas con fotos aterradoras de torturas cometidas por el mismo. Cross y Sampson necesitan el testimonio de alguna de las mujeres, pero ellas se niegan a revelar nada acerca de su agresor. Tanto Cross como Sampson ven clara la conexion de este caso con la muerte de Maria; parece que Alex tendra la oportunidad de capturar al asesino de su mujer despues de todo este tiempo. ¿Podra por fin cerrar aquel doloroso episodio o esto es solo la culminacion de su propia obsesion?/Forensic psychologist Alex Cross's storied career in private practice, with the FBI and as a Washington, D.C., cop has brought him into contact with all kinds of seriously disturbed killers, but his 12th outing from bestseller Patterson (after 2005's Mary, Mary) may be the ultimate in lunatic deadliness. Beginning with a flashback to the murder of Cross's wife, Maria, Patterson quickly introduces Michael Sullivan (aka the Butcher of Sligo). ... Read more

Customer Reviews (264)

Not a waste of time but..........
I've been reading Patterson/Cross novels for years now. You know a book is good when you can't put it down. Let's just say that I started this book last summer. I had to bribe myself, with another book, just to make it to the end. I'm disappointed and reluctant to continue the series.

I'm sorry I can't suggest this book.

Am I Crazy?
I didn't finished yet (English version) but I have read all the Alex Cross Series so far. I always remember him driving an old black sports car. Never mentioned it was his wife's car or that it was white. Also in previous books it said she was killed in a drive by while Alex was working in the soup kitchen. He ran out when he heard shots. How come this whole storyline has changed? Was I reading a different book or did the author forget his previous books?
The characters all seem like new people to me.If this was the first book I could understand.

Great
Great action filled book.Hard to put down once you start. Would love to see a movie made off of it.

superb James Patterson
This book, like the many Alex Cross books before it, was excellent. Can't wait to continue reading the Alex Cross saga.

Ho HUM
I have been a long time reader of all of James Patterson's books, and though they all vary from "excellent" to "okay," Cross may be the worst in the Alex Cross series yet.Thoughts:
1.Michael Sullivan just isn't interesting or engaging.I was not intrigued.The red light/ green light game is just stupid and an obvious attempt at a unique gimmick.
2.Where are the TWISTS and jaw-dropping reveals that make me read hurriedly to the end??Where is the plot?They are NOT here.
3.What is up with the Mercedes product tie-in???I was just embarrassed by this obvious "thank you" to Mercedes.What ... did the company buy a new one for Mr. Paterson and ALL his friends?
Advice to the Reader:
If you've read Patterson's Cross series, read this one.This will give you information about Maria Cross' death but little else.DON'T BUY this book, it is barely worth reading once.
Advice to James Patterson:
What is happening with your books?They are less and less interesting.Are YOU writing them?Please get back on track and put out fewer, and hopefully BETTER, books each year.How much money do you need for God's sake?? ... Read more

Product Description
Separated by time

From his grandmother, Alex Cross has heard the story of his great uncle Abraham and his struggles for survival in the era of the Ku Klux Klan. Now, Alex passes the family tale along to his own children in a novel he's written--a novel called Trial.

Connected by blood

As a lawyer in turn-of-the-century Washington D.C., Ben Corbett represents the toughest cases. Fighting against oppression and racism, he risks his family and his life in the process. When President Roosevelt asks Ben to return to his home town to investigate rumors of the resurgence of the Ku Klux Klan there, he cannot refuse.

United by bravery

When he arrives in Eudora, Mississippi, Ben meets the wise Abraham Cross and his beautiful granddaughter, Moody. Ben enlists their help, and the two Crosses introduce him to the hidden side of the idyllic Southern town. Lynchings have become commonplace and residents of the town's black quarter live in constant fear. Ben aims to break the reign of terror--but the truth of who is really behind it could break his heart. Written in the fearless voice of Detective Alex Cross, Alex Cross's Trial is a gripping story of murder, love, and, above all, bravery. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (177)

Alex Cross's Trial
I liked this book but not nearly as much as James Patterson's other Cross books. Usually I finish those books in about two days. This one, however, took me about a week. Couldn't get into it as easily. Although the content was a powerful message I prefer the Alex Cross of the present.

What a Worthless Book
Apparently the formula that James Patterson and Richard Dilallo have come up with is to take every stereotypical personality from white redneck Ku Klux Klaners, to crooked southern lawyers, to racist judges, to a lawyer on the side of the angels whose mother was saved by a little black boy who reappears in the story as a journalist ( ??? ) to a black prosecutor and even to Uncle Tom himself and put them together in a story that draws on every sensational trial in Southern history from lynchings to Emment Till.Then come up with the most hackneyed improbable tale imaginable that takes 391 pages to resolve exactly nothing and you'll get a feeling for Alex Cross's Trial. Oh, I forgot you also need to throw in a few real people like President Theodore Roosevelt for what reason I didn't get. And what does Alex Cross have to do with it all ?I don't know.

Now before you say, oh this is just another southerner in denial about how it was, please know in the interest of truth in packaging, I am not saying that the stereotypes were necessarily wrong.Hell, I grew up in Mississippi.I knew a lot of those people.It is just that they are all folded into the story in such a dreary preductable formula.

James Patterson should be embarassed to have his name on such a bunch of
crap.This book has no redeeming value whatsoever.Unbelievably bad.
Save your money

Alex Cross's Trial
Quick read because I couldn't put it down.A little disappointed with the ending but really how else could it end.

Interesting historical fiction from a great writer
I found this book to be very different from the stereotypical Patterson novel.I was expecting a typical Alex Cross book, however I was pleasantly surprised.It is a historical fiction father than his traditional crime novels.The horrifying details, often left out of history books, shows the reader what it was like to be a Southern Black during the early 1900s.Overall, it was a good story, but again, don't expect your typical Patterson novel.

Do not limit yourself
I just listened to this book and am exhausted.It was hard to hear, but I would not have wanted to miss it.For those of you who felt betrayed by the title, I ask this.Is there a better way to understand the character of Alex Cross, than by reading this story which was a part of his heritage?Nana Mama raised him on what happened in the past.Try not to limit yourselves folks, this was worth reading. ... Read more

Product Description
The world is changing: the government has seized control of every aspect of society, and now, kids are disappearing. For 15-year-old Wisty and her older brother Whit, life turns upside down when they are torn from their parents one night and slammed into a secret prison for no reason they can comprehend. The New Order, as it is known, is clearly trying to suppress Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Being a Normal Teenager. But while trapped in this totalitarian nightmare, Wisty and Whit discover they have incredible powers they'd never dreamed of. Can this newly minted witch and wizard master their skills in time to save themselves, their parents--and maybe the world? ... Read more

Customer Reviews (194)

Slow but good
The book itself came in great condition BUT paid for the expedited shipping and it took 7 days to get here, I would have just had it shipped regularly if I would have known it would not have taken any longer :-/ blah

Witch & Wizard
If you are expecting this to be "the next Harry Potter", you will be deeply let down. I saw the ads for this book and had very high hopes that this would be the next series to captivate audiences around the world, gain its own movies, and achieve its own fansites. I honestly don't think it will even get close.

The plot of this story had great potential, but the way it was executed made it hard for me to enjoy this book. I felt as though it was trying to be HP so much that it, quite frankly sucked.I found it hard to believe that with magical parents, you would not know you had magical powers until you were convicted for them and then suddenly have complete control on them in a matter of days. I had several problems with the writing also, I thought the language the teenagers in this book use was not realistic to what it actually is. For example, when Whit finds out he will be put to death he says, "tough noogies". I find it very hard to believe that I would say something like that if I had just found out I would die in a matter of weeks. I also thought that it was hard to remember who's POV the story was in because it kept changing back in forth. Another problem I had was that everything happened so fast that I didn't know what was going on, especially at the end.

The cliffhanger ending indicates that several more books in the series will follow, but I am not so excited to find out what they hold in store.

very interesting book
witch andwizar is and amazing book. the book made me feel like i was in it. I like the action and aventure. i am a big fantacy fan and majorty of the books i read are fantacy. james paterson is an amazing writer. i have not been this iterested in a book for a long time. i definatly prefer this book to everybody

if it's not JP's
I was very excited to read the book at the beginning as this book is like one of my most anticipated book I wanted to read so much this year. As I got it in my hands, and opened the first page, then started to read it, I said, I was going to love this. But I'm not. I love Maximum Ride Series so much that it blinded me about this one. I was over expecting about it. But, don't get me wrong. I don't love it, I just like it. I was thinking the book is a 5 but, in the end I gave it a 3.5.

The idea of witches and wizards really stunned me. I love the combination of magic and kids which Whit and Wisty are very strong characters with great powers. The only thing that buggering me is that, he tried to put a lot of mysteries in there and make it sounds like too forceful and unbelievable. It has a great potential in the story line but it still lack of something like relatable scenes with so many back and forth. It really made me hard to enjoy to read the book. James Patterson's writing style of short chapters interest me the most before, but now in this book, that really doesn't work. I found too much of scenes to gasp and hold my breath to wonder what will happen. I love it before, but like I said, it doesn't work this time. It's like a fake and not really believable

Love James Patterson!
couln't wait to get this book and was pleasently surprised to get it so quickly. ... Read more

Product Description
D.C. Detective Alex Cross has seen a lot of crime scenes.But even he is appalled by the gruesome murders of two joggers in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park - killings that look more like the work of savage beasts than humans.Local police are horrified and even the FBI is baffled.Then, as Cross is called in to take on the case, the carnage takes off, leaving a trail of bodies across America and sweeping him to Savannah, Las Vegas, New Orleans, Los Angeles . . as his nemesis, the merciless criminal known as the Mastermind, stalks him, taunts him, and once again, threatens everything he holds dear...Amazon.com Review
Fans of James Patterson's resourceful cop Alex Cross will be relieved to find that he's back on familiar territory with Violets Are Blue--and, more importantly, that this is one of the best Alex Cross thrillers yet.

The malign criminal genius of Roses Are Red is fixing to give Alex a hard time once again. The FBI joins Patterson's dogged cop in a particularly unsettling investigation: two San Francisco joggers have been viciously murdered and are found suspended by their feet, with all the blood drained from their corpses. And when further brutal deaths follow in California and on the East Coast, Alex is forced to contemplate the bizarre possibility of modern-day vampires, although his instincts point him to one of the many sinister religious cults that flourish on the West Coast. Aided by Jamilla Hughes, a streetwise young woman detective from San Francisco, Alex finds that he has to crack not one but two impenetrable mysteries to stop further bloodletting.

Patterson fans expect the extremely concise, page-turning chapters (116 of them here!), along with a reluctance to dawdle over details of his hero's personal life, and both characteristics are firmly back in place. If you can resist reading this one in just a few sittings, you deserve some kind of a thriller reader's medal. --Barry Forshaw, Amazon.co.uk ... Read more

Customer Reviews (342)

This is a good early Patterson thriller
This is an early Patterson novel, about Detective Alex Cross, the protagonist that made Patterson famous, a book written when he had only 17 other books to his credit, when he only had one that was written with someone else. Today, although less than a decade has passed, this franchise writer has about three times that number to his credit, most of which were written with others. The books he writes alone are far superior to the others. He draws his readers into a suspenseful well-told story. This is, therefore, one of his better books.

There are two crime plots and the general Cross family story that Patterson tells so well, with pathos, love, and schmaltz. One crime drama focuses on vampires, those who "know" that they are real vampires and thrill seekers who play at it or who just think they are real. The vampires have killed people and drained their blood for some eleven years. The "real" ones are charismatic and have an almost hypnotic draw over their victims.

The second plot concerns "the mastermind" who calls Cross daily, harasses him, and threatens that he will kill him. He knows all about Cross, where he is and what he is doing. He kills people that Cross likes, including his female partners, because he wants to hurt him. His praises himself constantly on his intelligence and on his ability to hide from Cross and torment him.

The best so far
This novel is never ending with surprises. James Patterson is the best at what he does, and hasnt let me down yet. Once you think Alex is about to grabe the culprit, the whole table is turned around.

Violets Are Blue
Love the Alex Cross stories.James Patterson is a great writer. I just recently start reading his books and I'm really enjoying them.

Violets are blue (Alex Cross)
The order was for a new book, the pages of the book are brown and dried out.This was not a new book, Im am very disapointed.
F.DelPrete

excellent
Book was in excellent condition and arrived in a very timely manner.Very pleased with this purchase. ... Read more

Product Description
A missing little girl named Maggie Rose. A family of three brutally murdered in the projects of Washington, D.C. The thrill-killing of a beautiful elementary school teacher. A psychopathic serial kidnapper/murderer who calls himself the Son of Lindbergh. He is so terrifying that the FBI, the Secret Service, and the police cannot outsmart him-even after he's been captured.Gary Soneji is a mild-mannered mathematics teacher at a Washington, D.C., private school for the children of the political and social elite. He's so popular that the kids all call him "Mr. Chips." And he's very, very smart. Growing up, he always knew he was smarter than the rest of them-he knew that the Great Ones always fooled everybody. He kidnaps Maggie Rose, the golden-haired daughter of a famous movie actress, and her best friend, Shrimpie Goldberg, the son of the secretary of the treasury, right out from under the noses of their two Secret Service agents. But Gary Soneji is not surprised at his skill. He's done it before. Hundreds of times before.Alex Cross must face the ultimate test as a psychologist: how do you outmaneuver a brilliant psychopath? Especially one who appears to have a split personality-one who won't let the other half remember those horrific acts?Soneji has outsmarted the FBI, the Secret Service, and the police. Who will be his next victim? ... Read more

Customer Reviews (359)

The Web that is weaved easily deceives
This initial book in the "Alex Cross" is great old fashioned detective book with several twists and turns that are not easily anticipated.There is a nice juxtaposition of heroes and villain types.Most of all it is a great page turner that may keep you up later at night than you planned.It is a great commentary on many social issues some of which are present and past.In summary the book was a blast!

UGH
So mad at this book.It was pretty good for the first 3/4.Then it completely goes off the rails.First is some annoying, distracting moralizing about interracial dating.It's totally out of place in a psychological thriller.Did the author need to fill pages for his book contract?Then the farce of a trial.Somehow the allegedly split-personality killer gets hypnotized during the trial.Yes, hypnotized.During the trial.You could not make this schlock up.Well, I guess you could.If you were an overrated hack.There's 8 hours of my life I will never get back.

Along Came a Spider
This was the 1st James Patterson novel I ever read.I am now officially hooked to his books!You will not be disappointed with this thriller.Alex Cross is fabulous.

This Is One Fast Page Turner!
It's been a while since I've picked up a good suspense novel and man, I was NOT sorry I chose this one! It grabbed me from the very first page and then it was off to the races! I highly recommend this book. Now, I'm all about the Alex Cross character and the next one I've got on my shelf is "Kiss the Girls"! I hope it's just as fascinating!

Wow
I just started reading Along came a spider series. If you are looking for suspense, or thrillers this is the book for you. In order to enjoy this book you must know there are 11 in all. Alex Cross is a detective, and solves high crimes, but in the meantime he has a personnal life that is always shifted...I just hope in the series to come he will settle down. ... Read more

Product Description
The perfect life

A successful lawyer and loving mother, Nina Bloom would do anything to protect the life she's built in New York--including lying to everyone, even her daughter, about her past. But when an innocent man is framed for murder, she knows that she can't let him pay for the real killer's crimes.

The perfect lie

Nina's secret life began 18 years ago. She had looks to die for, a handsome police-officer husband, and a carefree life in Key West. When she learned she was pregnant with their first child, her happiness was almost overwhelming. But Nina's world is shattered when she unearths a terrible secret that causes her to run for her life and change her identity.

The perfect way to die

Now, years later, Nina risks everything she's earned to return to Florida and confront the murderous evil she fled. In a story of wrenching suspense, James Patterson gives us his most head-spinning, action-filled story yet--a Hitchcock-like blend of unquenchable drama and pleasure. ... Read more

Product Description
For every secret

Detective Lindsay Boxer's long-awaited wedding celebration becomes a distant memory when she is called to investigate a horrendous crime: a badly injured teenage girl is left for dead, and her newborn baby is nowhere to be found. Lindsay discovers that not only is there no trace of the criminals--but that the victim may be keeping secrets as well.

For every lie

At the same time, Assistant District Attorney Yuki Castellano is prosecuting the biggest case of her life--a woman who has been accused of murdering her husband in front of her two young children. Yuki's career rests on a guilty verdict, so when Lindsay finds evidence that could save the defendant, she is forced to choose. Should she trust her best friend or follow her instinct?

There's a different way to die

Lindsay's every move is watched by her new boss, Lieutenant Jackson Brady, and when the pressure to find the baby begins interfering with her new marriage to Joe, she wonders if she'll ever be able to start a family. With James Patterson's white-hot speed and unquenchable action, 10th Anniversary is the most deliciously chilling Women's Murder Club book ever. ... Read more