Cross Fire

I hate James Patterson books. They're like candy. Easy to digest, and don't take long, but afterwards, I feel like I shouldn't have really have eaten/read it.
But I keep reading them, because they're so quick to read.

However, this book was good. Still averagely written, but the storylines weren't bad this time around. Plotholes a plenty (e.g. what was the crazy maths professer motive...it was seriously crazy, and some background would have been nice. I'm sure cops would have to do further investigation)

ok, I've already written more than the book deserves, :-)

I've been following the Alex Cross series by James Patterson for years now, although I certainly wouldn't call myself a die hard fan. Readers who follow this crime series will know that Kyle Craig was a mentor to Alex until he became his ultimate enemy and was eventually captured and incarcerated. Kyle is always referred to in the series but returns in Cross Fire in a very big way.

Instead of being exciting, I found Cross Fire to be a real let down. I knew from the beginning that Kyle Craig wasn't going to get his man, Alex Cross, in the same way that when you're watching a James Bond movie, you know he's not going to come to any serious harm.

There were also a few cringe-worthy attempts at sexy scenes and one just made me put the book show more down so I could roll my eyes right back into my skull and groan out loud in disgust! Let me set the scene for you: Alex takes his love interest to a swanky hotel suite, they are in the huge jacuzzi /spa together, drinking champagne. He gets out and makes a faux bear skin rug out of the thick hotel room towels on the bathroom floor and lays her down on them and they make love there for hours. I mean, c'mon!!!! If you you're staying in a luxurious hotel suite, you're not going to pile the towels up on the bathroom floor to make love!!! Ugh! And for hours??? Who is he trying to kid here?

The only saving grace in this book is that this time he allocates enough security detail for his family - in my opinion - and there was one part of the sub-plot that did not follow the predictable path I had been expecting. I think Patterson still has it as an author, but I think he's trying (or has been forced) to spread himself to thinly over too many books and his writing is suffering as a result. That's just my humble opinion. show less

Cross Fire is the 17th book in James Patterson’s Alex Cross series. In this instalment, a sniper (or, more probably, a pair of them) are picking off victims with long-range shots. The victims are all hated public figures: corrupt politicians, judges, public servants and lobbyists are assassinated with single shots to the head. Alex has to take a break from planning his wedding to Bree Stone to investigate the case. He is forced to work with FBI agent Max Siegel, who, unbeknownst to Alex, is not what he seems. And just to round things off nicely, that pesky Kyle Craig rings Alex to let him know he’s around and hasn’t forgotten his promise to eliminate him and his family. After the absolutely woeful Cross Country, this Cross book is show more back up to the standard we have come to expect. Fast paced, excellent plot, a few red herrings, a twist or two: this is Patterson at his best. Who ordered the assassinations and their motive is left unresolved, leaving the way open for a continuation of this theme. There’s also a hint that the next book may see an appearance by Lindsay Boxer. A good read. show less

Wow, wow and Wow, I didn't want to stop reading once I started but once again life got in the way. Why the hell cannot I just read whenever I want to. I love this series of books and once again Patterson gripped me fromt he beginning. With KC back in this book there was a lot of suspense wondering when he was going to show his hand to Cross. A couple of other interesting cases in this book but Kyle was the main suspense again. He is one evil character. Thanks Patterson for another great read.

While tracking down his arch nemesis, Karl Craig, our hero decides to plan a wedding. ;-) Oh and there's also Mice and Men characters George & Lenny, or some knock off serial killers of another ilk. Familiar characters; everyone should have a Nanamoma to keep them straight. Good story. Fast chapters, easy listen.

A series of murders have taken place in Washington, D.C., Cross's base. The victims include a corrupt politician, a crooked lobbyist, and a venal tycoon. These were people hated by many, but Cross is determined to solve the case. While investigating the murders, he finds a complex math formula in a most unusual place, gets a big lead from a submerged Suburban, and makes a life-long commitment.

The question is... could a person assume another person's identity so well that not even the person's co-workers suspect anything? The reader must suspend their belief that this could happen. Overall, this is a good read.

Bit mundane really. Maybe I've read these characters too many times. Snipers, his family life just don't gell and the huntung down Crosses deadly enemy Kyle Graig dont seem plausible.