Having been a long-time fan of the Alex Cross series, I was eager to open up my copy of CROSS. A lot of what I love about the series and Patterson's writing were inside the pages of this book: short chapters, straight-to-the-point dialogue, a fast-moving plot. The only problem is that the plot, in general, left me wanting to yell at someone.

I can overlook the fact that Alex Cross's wife apparently didn't die the way he had originally stated. I can even overlook the fact that after fourteen years and several other relationships (one that even ended in producing a son), Alex now seems obsessed with "getting over" his long-dead wife.

What I couldn't overlook was the fact that with this book, besides being a detailed description of his wife's murder and Alex's new committment to finding her killer, there's not a whole lot else there. The Alex in this book is moody, melancholy, and totally anti-Alex Cross to the point that I wasn't even sure, halfway through the book, that I was reading about the same character.

He's not the only one, though. His children, his friends, and even dear old Nana Mama are all acting out of character--and not in good ways.

Sure, the "mystery and suspense" part of the story is a pretty good one. Patteron's writing style is always a welcome change to me.

CROSS, though, is one Alex Cross story I could have done without. ( )

Starting to get closer to catching up on the Alex Cross series. This book was a long time coming, as Alex finally comes to face his wife’s killer.

Alex’s new life is running smooth, he doesn’t seem to have too many problems, but when a series of rapes and murders start to mirror the past, Sampson pulls Alex back to work to help save the lives of those remaining.

I really enjoyed this book, as one of the biggest mysteries has been solved. But in the Cross world, somethings aren’t always as they seem – there may be a few more surprises in store. With a cliffhanger ending, I am anxious to get started on the next book.

Easy read ( )

I really liked this book. It held my intrest and it was an easy read. I will read more books by this author. ( )

In this story Alex Cross has left the FBI and has set again in private practice, but finds himself unable to keep away from his friend Sampson's hunt for a vicious serial rapist, as there are echoes with his wife's murder many years ago. A chilling account of a Mafia hit-man and serial rapist who has been aptly named the butcher. No particular surprises in the plot, but well-written. ( )