RETURN OF THE SPIDER

 5 stars out of 5

Wow – this is the 34^th book featuring detective and psychologist Alex Cross? Believe it or not, I’ve read almost all of the others. One of the most popular repeat characters in this series featured another noteworthy character – serial killer Gary Soneji – a nasty dude who (ahem) Crossed paths with Alex in a few books before finally getting his due.

Well, Soneji is long dead, but the author has found a creative way to bring him back to life in this installment; apparently, the killer’s debut in Along Came a Spider wasn’t the first time the two (ahem again) Crossed hairs previously. Now a homicide detective with the Washington, D.C., Metro Police, Alex and his department friend John Sampson are called by Alex’s old partner Ned Mahoney to a house that once belonged to Soneji (a.k.a. Gary Murphy). Among other things, they find a hidden notebook that clearly belonged to Soneji; as Alex begins to read it, he’s taken back to those long-ago cases.

And of course, he takes readers with him. For the most part, current wife Bree and his delightful Nana Mama are left behind except for an occasional chapter that returns to the present. Back in Soneji’s heyday, Alex was a rookie cop married to first love Maria, already the mother of a son and not far from delivering their second one. Readers follow the progression and conclusion of the detectives’ case back then as they learn how the facts impact a current one (with a few that take both the detectives and readers by surprise.

Did I love the book? You bet. Do I recommend it to all mystery/thriller readers? In that it stands alone well, sure; but I do think that while those who are not regular followers of the Cross series will enjoy the journey, those who are well-seasoned travelers are likely to get a few more miles to the gallon. In any event, I heartily thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for taking me on a great ride by way of a pre-release copy. Well done!

Return of the Spider by James Patterson (Little, Brown and Co., November 2025); 410 pp.

THE HOUSE OF CROSS

4 stars out of 5

Like many readers, I often look forward to books in various series; over several, I become familiar with a particular character or characters and am confident that I'll enjoy the latest installment. But after a period of time - say 10 or 15 years - it's also likely I'll take a break. Most of the time, it's just a feeling of ennui; the latest story's setting may be a little different, but otherwise, it's become sort of same old, same old. It's happened with every series I've ever followed to any extent; and it's true of the Alex Cross series, which I read from the beginning until fairly recently. When I compiled a list of all-time favorite Top 20 book heroes a decade or so ago, detective Cross was on it.

And he still is. So given a little extra breathing room on my list of for-review books and the opportunity to snag this one (the 30th in the series), I took it; and I'm glad I did. Besides reviving old familiar faces and an engaging, edge-of-my-seat story, taking that break refreshed my outlook and I'm once again looking to cross paths, so to speak, with the good Dr. Cross, his family and friends. The story hits the ground running with the murders of some top-level judges in different parts of the country. Alex is a consultant on the FBI's high-profile investigations unit, so he gets an SOS from the agency.

Meanwhile, Alex's wife Bree is looking into an auto crash authorities have ruled accidental; she suspects the dead guy may be an old nemesis - a dangerous man known as "M" and leader of a dangerous vigilante group known as Maestro (he'll be familiar to regular readers). She and Metro PD's John Sampson head off in a different direction - the site of the man's demise - to do their own investigating, leaving the wonderful Nana Mama, who's now over 90, to hold down the home fort.

Alex and Ned aren't exactly setting the world on fire, but they make some progress; Bree and John's investigation, though, goes off track right out of the starting block. Suddenly, Alex and Ned must switch gears to go look for the missing couple, hoping to finding them still alive. From that point on, it's nonstop action - I had trouble putting it down to the point of staying up something like 45 minutes later than my usual bedtime to finish it. The bottom line? I'm hooked on the series once again, and I thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for bringing me back into the fold by way of a pre-release copy.

The House of Cross by James Patterson (Little, Brown and Co., November 2024); 410 pp.

DEADLY CROSS

4 stars out of 5

Psychotherapist and FBI/D.C. Metro Homicide consultant Alex Cross never left - this is the 28th book in the series; but somehow, it feels like he's back - to basics, that is. It's pretty much a straightforward police procedural interspersed with interactions among, and impact on, Alex's wife, kids and indefatigable Nana Mama. And from my perspective, that's a good thing; I like everyone in Alex's inner circle, but I prefer that the main be on detective work.

As this one begins, Alex's police commissioner wife, Bree Stone, calls to ask for his help on a brand-new murder case: the bodies of a man and woman found in a convertible near a charter school. Complicating matters is that both victims were high-profile community personalities - one very much still married to another woman and the other the ex-wife of a high-ranking government leader. In the midst of all this, there's a serial rapist and murderer on the loose; Bree's boss is not happy with the progress of the investigation, making her rethink her own priorities.

At one time, the car victim (Kay) was Alex's patient, and she has a storied history of mental issues. Alex's Metro partner, John Sampson, is dealing with serious personal issues, so Alex and FBI Special Agent Ned Mahoney set out to learn more about Kay's Alabama background. Back home, Sampson begins to follow a few leads on the serial murder investigation that just may signal light at the end of that tunnel. 

Everything comes together in the end, bringing a couple of surprises - one of which, no doubt, will take future plots in a new direction that could be the jolt that this series, while still enjoyable and by far my favorite of all the Patterson offerings, needs to get back to firing on all cylinders. Fingers "Cross"ed!

Deadly Cross by James Patterson (Little, Brown and Co., November 2020); 416 pp.

CRISS CROSS

4 stars out of 5

It's been a long time since I read an entire book in a single day, but as I think about it, I'm pretty sure the last time it happened it was a book in this long-running series featuring Washington, D.C., Metro Police detective and FBI behavioral specialist Dr. Alex Cross (this is the 27th). It is also my favorite series from the prolific James Patterson, and this one was a bit more special because some of the action takes place in northeastern Ohio not far from my home.

I've enjoyed reading about Alex, his elderly grandmother, Nana Mama, and his police partner, John Sampson, right from the start; admittedly, it took me a little longer to warm up to his second wife, Police Commissioner Bree, and even Alex's kids. But by now, they're like old friends. And happily, they all get plenty of face time in this book, although much of what happens is pretty scary  - one reason I didn't want to put it down (the other is that Patterson's usual short, bullet-like chapters make it extremely easy to keep going). The story begins as Alex and John are in Virginia to witness the execution of a murderer the two brought to justice. They're not too happy about the prospect, and the situation is made worse by accusations by the soon-to-die prisoner's mother (why she'd want to watch her son die in the electric chair is beyond me, but it gets across a point that will be important later in the story).

Worse, there's no rest for the wicked; the minute they get home, Bree calls them to a murder scene at which a note, ostensibly from the killer, tells Alex that the guy who's execution he just witnessed was wrongly convicted. The only clue? The simple signature of "M" - a moniker known to Alex for at least 12 years. Shortly thereafter, a former cop now in jail who's been telling Alex he was framed claims to have been visited by an old nemesis of Alex - a man whose death Alex witnessed four years earlier. Whoa - could it be that the man isn't really dead? Not possible, both Alex and John insist, trying to put that possibility out of their heads.

Other nasty acts happen and characters appear that may be tied to the mysterious "M," but all avenues of investigative exploration lead to dead ends (so to speak). Throughout, chunks of the book are devoted to Alex's recollections of situations from years past that involve current developments. And along the way, two of Alex's children - Jannie and Ali - find new interests that could lead to very successful futures. That is, until "M" turns his (or her) attention to Alex's family and turns their happy home world upside down. 

The ending doesn't resolve everything, alas, but it does provide fodder for upcoming books. And as usual, I'll be in line when the next one comes off the presses. Good job!

Criss Cross by James Patterson (Little, Brown and Co., November 2019); 401 pp.

THE PEOPLE VS. ALEX CROSS

5 stars out of 5


Another stellar effort - not that I'm surprised, mind you. Washington, D.C., police detective Dr. Alex Cross has long been my favorite of the author's catalog of series characters. Also unexpected, given the title, is the way this one begins: with Cross's upcoming jury trial. The prosecution claims he murdered unarmed cronies of former archenemy Gary Soneji. Alex, of course, insists that they had guns and he shot in self-defense. While awaiting trial, Alex is on suspension and not supposed to have contact with his department - including his former partner John Sampson, who has been recovering from a gunshot would to the head just returned to active duty with a new partner. 

Needless to say, Alex doesn't get much time to wallow in self-doubt or worry about whether or not the juries will find him not guilty; early on, a young blonde girl is kidnapped from a school yard - right in front of Alex and his wife Bree's son's eyes. As it turns out, it may not be an isolated incident; horrifying videos begin to appear on the Dark Web that suggest a pattern of similar kidnappings and quite possibly murder. Alex soon hears from his old partner, who needs under-the-table help with the case.

Also meantime, Alex decides to hang out his psychotherapist shingle once again, mostly to keep his mind off the trial. He asks for, and gets, referrals from some of his old cronies. One, an old friend, presents a special challenge; others, however, may not be on the up-and-up. Back at home, the indefatigable (and lovable) Nana Mama holds down the fort as the kids continue to demonstrate their considerable potential.

All in all, a thoroughly enjoyable experience that opens up new possibilities for Alex and the rest of the family.

The People vs. Alex Cross by James Patterson (Little, Brown and Co., November 2017); 413 pp.

CROSS THE LINE

5 stars out of 5


Woo hoo - another winner in the series featuring police psychologist Dr. Alex Cross! It's the 24th, for the record, and it carries on the series tradition in fine style with almost nonstop action and a plot that touches on issues in today's news.

At the outset, readers learn that a psycho on a fast motorcycle is getting his (or her) kicks out of gunning down drivers on secluded highways near Washington, D.C. Then comes the unthinkable: The department's chief of detectives - Alex's friend and mentor of his wife, Bree - is shot and killed on the streets of town. Both Alex and Bree are called in to investigate, and almost in a flash comes another puzzling case; this time, it's the mass murder of workers in a clandestine meth lab located in an abandoned factory building. Nothing's been taken, and zero clues are left at the scene; clearly, this is the work of professionals.

But professional what? Could they be from the ranks of organized crime who are trying to get rid of the competition? Are they mercenaries hired to do the job for some other unknown purpose? Could the killings here be in any way related to the motorcycle drive-by and murder of one of the department's own? As the investigation gets going, it's clear that someone needs to take charge, replacing the murdered chief of detectives. Alex gets tapped but isn't interested - and the job goes to his capable wife, Bree. Now, she's technically Alex's boss, and it's going to be tough to keep public and private lives separate, especially when they don't see eye to eye on what direction to take next.

Meantime, all the other usual suspects - meaning lovable family members like the indefatigable, live-in Nana Mama (Alex's grandmother) and three uber-talented, almost-grown kids - are woven into chapters here and there with the effect of lightening the mood. There's a surprise ending that comes against all odds, but it should make for an interesting next go-round. Bring it on!

Cross the Line by James Patterson (Little, Brown and Co., November 2016); 401 pp.

CROSS JUSTICE

5 stars out of 5

Of all the book series written (or co-written) by James Patterson, those featuring police psychologist Dr. Alex Cross have remained at the top of my favorites list ever since the very first one (for the record, this is the 23rd). I'm happy to say this one doesn't disappoint. Also for the record, I was happy to see that it doesn't follow what seems to be a trend these days - books that are closer to a novella in length than a full-length book.

As is expected with any Patterson book, the chapters are short - another selling point for me simply because for someone like me with a touch of OCD, it's much easier to get to a stopping place when life intervenes. Put another way, having to close my Kindle in the middle of a chapter is almost as unthinkable as turning off the radio in the middle of my favorite Neil Diamond song (and no, it is not "Sweet Caroline" or "Forever in Blue Jeans").

As for the story, this one takes the good doctor, his lovely policewoman wife Bree, two of their kids and his 90-something Nana Mama to Alex's home town of Starksville, North Carolina (for Alex, it's the first visit in 35 years). His cousin, it seems, is on trial for the rape and murder of a young boy who was one of his students at the local school. Another female relative is defending the young man, who insists he's innocent, but she's having a tough time disproving the prosecution's well-documented evidence. 

Tracking down clues takes Alex to Florida, where he gets tangled up in a case involving murders of socialite women - the local police need his help, albeit a bit grudgingly; several chapters flip back and forth from these murders to the goings-on in the Tar Heel State. If all this weren't enough, Alex's daughter Jannie gets off to a running start toward a possible future, all to the delight of her proud father and stepmother. But then Alex and Bree's trains of investigative thought begin to hit pay dirt, threatening the future of the entire family.

The chase also challenges Alex and Nana Mama to confront their pasts, unearthing secrets that, for the most part, went dead many years earlier. The truths include the good, the bad and yes, the pretty hokey, but it all works out in the end and gives readers new and interesting insights into both characters. 

Cross Justice by James Patterson (Little, Brown and Co., November 2015); 450 pp.

HOPE TO DIE

5 stars out of 5

Mark this day on the calendar, folks: It's the first time in a while

that I've given a James Patterson book 5 stars. His series featuring Detective Alex Cross is one of my favorites, to be sure - partly, I think, because he writes these books all on his own as opposed to "share-cropping" with co-writers to  varying degrees of success.

This rating also comes after reading, and being quite annoyed with, the previous book in the series, Cross My Heart. It was good, but the cliffhanger of an ending, as I said at the time, so reeked of promotion for this one that I almost vowed on principle not to read the follow-up.

Well, truth is I'm glad I did. At the end of Cross My Heart, the 21st in the series, Cross had lost his entire family to kidnappings by a demented killer. That scenario is continued here as he works nonstop to find them (hopefully alive); and as might be expected, the tension gets hot and heavy. In fact, if I have a complaint, it's that the drama "crosses" the line of excessive - but even that really didn't take away that nonstop, edge-of-the-seat excitement.

Cross is being stalked and mentally tortured by someone who clearly has a psychotic streak; early on, as two mutilated bodies turn up that are presumed to be Cross's wife Bree and his son Damion, Cross is so emotionally devastated that he's barely able to function. But function he must if he has even the slightest chance of catching the diabolical killer and find his precious Nana Mama and the rest of his children alive.

To be fair, there are more than a few "holes" in the story - from lapses in police procedure to how the killer manages to accomplish everything given time and circumstances to wasting too much space on repetition. Still, the action moves along fast, thanks mostly to Patterson's way with words. While I'm basically not an OCD personality, I admit that having to stop reading anywhere other than at the beginning of a new chapter when life interferes makes me crazy; short chapters make it easy to avoid that mental upset. And since I've always been a critic of what I consider to be short-changing readers by filling up to 20% of the advertised number of pages with sample chapters from other books, I'll note that the pages devoted to previews are far fewer here.

I'll also note that while this book can stand alone, it's meant to be the second of a two-parter. To get the biggest bang for your bucks, then, I suggest reading Cross Your Heart before tackling this one.

Hope to Die by James Patterson (Little, Brown and Co., November 2014); 404 pp.

CROSS MY HEART

4 stars out of 5

Countless other reviewers already have let the cat out of the bag, so I won't hesitate to carry it forward: This book is a prequel to another one - and a totally unfinished prequel at that. Needless to say, the bulk of the other reviews I've read have not been kind (and that's putting it mildly). And I get it: Paying $7.50 for a Kindle version (or, at last check, the hardcover price of $14.50) only to find you'll have to buy the next book to learn how this one ends seems tacky, to say the least.

For what it's worth, here's how Patterson explains it at the end of the book: 

"Most of us have had at least some taste of tragedy in our lives...this is uncomfortable to experience firsthand - or even secondhand in a novel we've chosen to read...I ask that you understand that I wrote the ending this way because I am trying to be true to Alex - and to you, and to myself...I believe that to be true to life - and to art - one has to accept tragedy as part of it and, from there, allow for the human spirit - be it Alex's, mine, yours - to pull us through."

I'm not sure that's a good enough explanation, but I do know that had the ending (or lack of one) not been what it is, I'd have given it 5 stars. In fact, IMHO it's one of the best in the series about Detective Alex Cross that's come around in a while. Sure, there are a few spots that are sappy and contrived - true of all the books in the series - but all in all the plot held my interest all the way to the end that isn't an end. As Cross and his wife Bree work on separate murder scenes and try to locate a one-time foster child who's gone astray, Cross discovers they're all dealing with a madman who's a master of disguises and is out to destroy everything Cross holds dear - most notably Bree, his nonagenarian Nana Mama and his children - to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that there is such a thing as the perfect murder.

Truth is, I'm already pretty sure there've been quite a number of near "perfect" murders over the years. And were it not for the fact that I'll have to buy the next book if I really care to know how this one ends (and I'm not sure I'll do that), this book might have ended up near perfect as well.

Cross My Heart by James Patterson (Little, Brown and Co. November 2013); 450 pp.