Detective Cross

Suspended from the force, Alex has reopened his psychology practice and is trying to help a young vet namedKate. At the same time his wife, Bree, is getting phone calls from someone that wants to”wake everybody up”-with bombs. The people are scared, the city seems mad. Can they find the culprit before it’s too late?
For me, this was a fantastic bookshot and a good addition to the Cross series. I enjoyed the fact that we got to see more of Bree, and I really liked the new characters. What really drew me forward was the fact that I got to know the culprit as well, and to like them. Patterson has a way of making good, interesting bad guys. I loved the story line, and the flow of the book. It’s also nice being able to see Nana Mama and Ali. As a long time reader of this series these characters are very special to me. One thing I did not like, though, was that it seemed to come up right after the last installment, but there was no talk of Sampson whatsoever. I had been waiting for news, as one does with a beloved character. Still, it was a fast and intensely interesting read. I give it five stars.
As far as the adult content goes, there is some language and a lot of violence. Neither are too very graphic though. I give it a four.

“Detective Cross” is a short story but keeps readers captivated until the end. A bomber with links to the VA sets off bombs around the Mall. He / she calls Bree each time and provides a warning so innocent bystanders can be evacuated from the site in time. One of Cross’ patients, a female who spent time in the Middle East as an IED expert in the military, is withdrawn and constantly hurting herself; she is seeing Cross as mandated by the courts, and he tries hard to gain her trust. After later seeing him on the news about the bombings, she volunteers to help Cross and Bree expose the bomber. Leery at first, Cross sees that she is energized and comes out of her shell because she feels needed. Reluctantly, Cross shares police information with her and sees a complete turn around in her disposition. She has a photographic memory and begins her own investigation – eventually tracking the bomber down.

Readers are left guessing as to the identity of the bomber and are surprised at the end as to the real identity and the reasons for the bombings. Some readers may also side with the bomber and stand with him when making his final demands. The story can be read in a single setting and like all James Patterson books, readers can take a breath and relinquish the built-up tension when finishing.

Over the years James Patterson has put out books that have a good slow build culminating in a fast paced seemingly rushed conclusion. His singular author novels are better in content compared to his joint efforts which show a clear style contrast. In these “Book Shot” efforts he eliminates the middle “fluff” of the book replacing it with the quick navigation to plot and character development. You never as a reader, get the sense or draw to the story line or characters that occur in other novels of his. While this review centers around this Book Shot, it should be noted that Patterson look to slow down his offerings each year, limiting them to a few rather then many. While story and idea are good, it reflects in the writings showing an effort that is not typical of his earlier works.

He is my number one favorite author.I always watch for any of his books , I think I have read them all and he id a champion for getting kids to read. His stories for young readers are fun and keeps them interested. His generosity is amazing. His new Black Book Novel is the best. A page turner.for sure. keeps you guessing and is one that Patterson fans should not miss. I always try to guess the ending and often i am correct, but I loved this entire book because it keeps you on your toes and has so many dark hallways and twists and turns. I highly recommend it. Even if you have never read a James Patterson book before, definitely make this your first and you will be hooked a Patterson fan for life. Love The Women’s Murder Club Series. All his books are great.

Detective Bree Stone received the anonymous call advising of the IED set to explode at a certain time and the race was on. Special Agent with the FBI, Ned Mahoney, Bree and Alex Cross co-ordinated the search for the bomber, with the dog squad joining in. But the calls continued and the bomber was as elusive as in the beginning.

What was the motive for the attacks in Washington DC? And though no one had been hurt as yet, were the bombers irrational moves escalating? Would they locate the perpetrator before a tragedy of the worst kind occurred?

Detective Cross is #24.5 in the Alex Cross series by James Patterson, and although its a novella, its an excellent, fully fledged and gritty thriller from start to finish. Another in his BookShots series, I thoroughly enjoyed this one and recommend it highly.

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