This was an atypical James Patterson book. Some of the scenes were quite gruesome but, it was a quick read and a page turner. ( )

Good read. Your typical James Patterson. If you are looking for a fast paced story that is interesting, this is for you.

On the back cover, the blurb states”: “Alex Cross tells the irresistible story – passed down through the generations – of an ancestor’s courageous fight for freedom.”

Actually, the only time we are introduced to Alex, and his true voice, is in the preface. In it, he prepares the reader by telling them they are about to read an account of a man his family knew, a brave man, who was part of a trial, and not just the literal kind, that affected all those who knew him.

As the story unfolds, learn about Ben Corbett in a way that we quickly forget that this is a book within a book.

Ben’s voice is strong, and it is through his eyes we see a Mississippi in a time when racial tensions still ran strong, and at times, was a deadly affair.

Corbett, a lawyer in the early 1900’s, takes on cases for the right reasons, but somehow ends up on the wrong side of the judgments, and his family, as he continually champions against racism; not a popular cause at the time.

There is a resurgence of violence in the South, the Klan becoming active and more dangerous than ever before. Corbett is called upon to return to his home town to investigate and find a way to curtail, if not cease, the Klan’s activities.

I’ve seemingly given you the whole plot, but there is more to the story than a plotline.

For me, the characters have to be as strong, if not stronger, and here is where these writers excel. I must admit, I am unfamiliar with both. Yes, you read that right. This is the first James Patterson I’ve read. DiLallo, is an even greater unknown, but obviously works well with Patterson in developing a cohesive, coherent, and well-paced story with characters that become people you care and cheer for.

My only issues are with the style and the ending, which I feel was a bit curt and forced.

Many Patterson fans will what I speak of regarding the style: Short, as in sometimes paragraph length chapters. As a reader accustomed to literary fiction where chapters sweep you up, take you for a ride, setting you down to catch your bearings before continuing, reading Patterson is like being on a train which likes to travel at breakneck speeds but makes frequent – very frequent – stops.

For some a momentum builder, for me – not so much. It took a while to get used to, and I did manage to enjoy the read regardless of the style. I would definitely choose this author when selecting reads for a trip or commute.

This is also my introduction to Dectective Alex Cross, although as stated above, it isn’t much of one. That’s okay as this book is not about Alex. I have to say though, that after reading this, I do like the character and any other Patterson book I do get, will be one from the series he has written with Detective Cross as the lead.

It’s great to have options and a variety when choosing a book or author to read. I can’t say this one will be ever be a favorite, however I’m happy to add him for author’s to watch and bear in mind when I’m looking for something different than what I’m used to. ( )

James Patterson is like many successful authors. He writes a really good book or two, becomes famous, and then pours forth one mediocre (or sometimes just plain bad) book after another. I keep reading them hoping for another one like the really good ones, but it never appears. This is better than the last few of his I have read.

It occurs at the turn of the century when the blacks are free in theory but still under the suppression of the whites, particularly deep in Mississippi where this story takes place. A Washington DC lawyer who grew up in Eudora, MS, returns there at the request of the President to quietly investigate the alleged actions of the Klan against the blacks. He finds it is even worse than reported with frequent lynchings for the slightest perceived provocation, or just because they want to do so. He becomes friends with Abraham Cross, an elderly black man, and his family. When Klan action escalates and is directed toward the Cross family, he sets out to help convict those involved. The characters are okay. The plot is okay. The book is not a great book, but it certainly is readable and a little different from his previous stories. It is not a book I would tell a friend they should read, but if you are a Patterson fan, you probably will enjoy it. ( )

The latest in the Alex Cross series by James Patterson, Alex Cross's Trial isn't actually about Alex. Instead it is a book within a book - a novel that Alex pens about his great uncle Abraham Cross.

Ben Corbett served with Teddy Roosevelt in the war. He is asked by the president to return to his hometown to secretly investigate reports of rampant racism and injustice. Roosevelt tells him to connect with Abraham Cross in the black quarter of Eudora, Mississippi.

What follows is a disturbing and appalling story of discrimination and corruption. Some listeners may find the descriptions of violence unsettling. Ben's attempts at justice seem to be thwarted at every turn as the presiding judge in town is his estranged father. Much of this tale has it's origins in history. What's discouraging is that some of the scenarios used are not at all in the the past, but still operating in the present.

I listened to this in audio format. The opening preface is read by Shawn Andrew as Alex. Gospel music is used effectively as background. Dylan Baker is the main reader and his voice is perfectly suited to portray Ben. His folksy, down home voice captures Ben's initial innocence and his later, his determination and purpose. His cadence and inflection somewhat reminded me of Garrison Keillor.

Patterson features short cliffhanging chapters in his books. In audio, I find I can't stop until I've listened to the entire disc!