Cross (Alex Cross)

• James Patterson created Alex Cross in The novel Among Came a Spider. The idea of Cross and his adventures have taken twists and turns. It has come to a head in its latest opus Cross. Cross has always been a widower.
  
  In the beginning of this audio novel, we meet a younger Cross and the story of his wife's death. Then the audio novel turns to the present Cross and a search for a serial rapist (who also is his wives killer)
  
  Peter Hernandez bring the great job of side of good (Cross). Jay O Saunders narrates the evil side of this tale with a creepy air. The text flows easy and fast paced with these two excellent narrators at helm
  
  So if you love a great mystery, the audio novel will fit in the year's best.

• Alex Cross's grandmother, Nana Mama has been the glue that held his family together, without her to take care of his three children, he could never spend the time needed to work the kinds of cases he does. And ever since the death of his wife Maria, by a sniper, Alex has thrown himself into his work, catching the worst kinds of killers imaginable. But when Nana Mama decides she can't take it any more and walks out, Alex is forced to make some tough decisions.
  
  He quits the FBI and starts a psychology practice, but it doesn't take long before he's pulled back into police work. His best friend Sampson, who is still a Washington DC detective, wants some help on a serial murder/rape case. Sampson believes there is a connection to Maria's murder and that's all Alex needs know know.
  
  Brooklyn-born killer-for-hire Michael Sullivan, also known as the Butcher, because of his cruelty and the way he mutilates those he kills, is in a bit of a pickle, because now the mob, his former employers, wants him dead, so now as he stalks his victims, he is being stalked himself.
  
  As Cross and Sampson start putting the case together you have to wonder if they'll get to Sullivan before the mob does. And if they do, will Cross be content turning the man over to the criminal justice system or will he take justice into his own hands?
  
  This is the Alex Cross story I've been waiting for for a long time. There is much about Alex Cross we learn here, it's been a long time coming, it was worth the wait.

• Alex Cross, former Washington, DC detective and former FBI agent, is still in the hunt for the killer that ended his marriage with his beloved Maria and left his children without a mother. Almost every case he is called on to assist with, Alex hopes that case will be the one to lead him to his wife's killer. Alex is now in the consulting business to assist anyone needing his expertise.
  
  Michael Sullivan, alias The Butcher, and his buddy Jimmy "Hats" Galati, are fearless gangsters and they themselves fear no mafia or other gangland organizations. Either would kill without any qualms, would not hide from anyone, but instead instill the fear of opening their mouth to anyone in fear of their life. The Butcher loved Jimmies companionship because he knew he had him under control to do what he wished.
  The Butcher would cut you up and kill you without blinking an eye, Jimmy included.
  
  One of the reasons Alex Cross was so determined to find Maria's killer was that she had died in his arms, a fact he never told his family. The recent killings have brought Maria's killing to his mind, as the circumstances were too similar. Eventually Alex's old buddy and former partner on the force, John Sampson, asked him if he would come on board and assist in the horrible crimes that had been taking place.
  
  This gave Alex a good excuse to return to help his friends while hoping to find Maria's killer. The problem was the complaining by "Nana" who had to lovingly take care of Alex's children when Alex worked the long hours required tracking down evidence. Alex had earlier agreed to cut down on the time needed for his private work but soon after had to renege and beg to Nana that he had to work longer to assist the police in tracking down this brutal butcher.
  
  Nana, of course, had no idea that the present crimes were similar to the killing of Maria. She had to agree since Alex insisted so vehemently.
  
  The story continues as the butcher becomes even more of a danger and a very major killer. He also knew Alex was hot on his trail so he played games with Alex and other law enforcement. The rest of the story continues very smoothly but with many twists and turns as The Butcher continues his evasion of police in plain sight with his many disguises and actions. You will not guess the ending until after you have read it. Patterson has again given a terrific story in his Alex Cross series.
  
  One would think that readers would tire of his stories but he keeps coming through with new angles that are not "run of the mill" nor do they have a predictable result.
  

• Just like in the latest Batman movie where I thought the evil "Joker" was the strongest and best character, here the "Butcher" was the best. Not that I approve of evil, but this character was done the best. I liked Alex Cross of course who plays the good guy as a former FBI agent, D.C. detective, and now a psychologist. With the help of D.C. detective, John Sampson, they pursue a serial rapist and murderer, "The Butcher".
  
  The Butcher, Michael Sullivan, an Irish hit man for the Mafia got carried away in his profession, to a point to where even the mob was afraid of him and wanted him out of the picture. Micheal's Father was a for real butcher in New York City, but he sexually abused Michael to a point where it drove him insane.
  
  This one will keep you turning the pages and it has a very exciting ending. I'm right into "Double Cross" next.