Detective Cross (Alex Cross BookShots, 2)

I typically dislike novellas, because I feel plot is shortchanged, but I liked this one. A bomber is on the loose in Washington D.C. and keeps calling Chief of Detectives Bree Cross. We are given passing glimpses of the bomber, who is trying to draw attention to veterans' need for support services, both mental and physical. Meanwhile Alex is having a hard time with a female patient, Kate, who has unique insight into the psychology of bombers from her own war experiences and an skill for recalling faces. She finds the perp, essentially on her own, and the bomber's identity is a real surprise. I would have liked more background on Kate.

"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 One of Cross' patients, a female who spent time in the Middle East as an IED expert in the military, is withdrawn and constantly hurting herself; she is seeing Cross as mandated by the courts, and he tries hard to gain her trust.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 show more 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. show less

Finding himself suspended yet again, Alex Cross has resumed his practice and is seeing patients, among them Army veteran Kate Williams. Meanwhile, Bree Stone works at unraveling the mystery of anonymous bomb threat calls. Can she keep Washington, D.C. safe . . . or are the threats part of some elaborate hoax?

As with most BookShots, the story is long on action and short on character development. But, with the Alex Cross stories having already established the central characters, the action takes center stage, ramping up suspense and keeping readers on the edge of their seats. Along the way, the plot offers some unexpected twists, pulls veterans’ affairs and mental illness into the spotlight, and champions compassion and understanding. show more

Highly recommended. show less

Quick, action packed read. , The story is long on action and short on character development. Bomb threats all around DC. I can't help but wonder if Patterson's co-author had an axe to grind with Congress and the VA, as the story revolves around funding of a VA project. Fun read anyway.

Someone is calling in bomb threats to Bree Cross. Alex Cross is treating a suicidal patient. Can the patient help solve the bomb threat crisis, and help herself in the process. Love BookShots, quick and easy reads!

Excellent story with a slight twist at the end

Cute