Cat & Mouse (Alex Cross)

• James Patterson knows how to write one heck of a scary book. A cold blooded murderer, Soneji, is on the loose and killing everyone who crosses his path. In Europe, another psycho, "Mr. Smith", is continuing to mutilate his victims before killing them.
  
  No one has a clue who he is and he's already outsmarted the police through 22 murders. Will they ever catch him?
  
  I didn't want to put this book down. It just grabs you and you have to keep reading. An excellent screaming terror.
  

• A former nemesis of Alex Cross, Gary Soneji, has escaped from jail and is intent on building his reputation as the best (worst?) serial killer in the world and to add Alex Cross to his growing list of victims.
  
  Shooting people like fish in a barrel in Washington and New York train stations brings Alex in close contact with this vicious psychopath whose final words seems to indicate that Cross and his family are doomed.
  
  Meanwhile in Europe another serial killer nick named "Mr. Smith" is dispatching victims at and incredible rate and he too would like to end the career of Alex Cross. As Alex becomes involved in this case he must figure out the tantalizing clues left by the killer before he too becomes a victim of the brilliant "Mr. Smith".
  
  A real page turner filled with incredible tension softened somewhat and made human by Alex's growing love for the beautiful Christine Johnson. For thriller readers a real must.
  

• Cat & Mouse was the story of Alex Cross, an African-American police officer who was working on a case of two serial killers.
  
  One was Gary Soneji--the antagonist from Patterson's previous thriller Along Came a Spider--who was hellbent on taking revenge on Cross, family included. The other was Mr. Smith, a serial killer with split personalities who performed "autopsies" on his victims while they were still alive.
  
  This book has a good balance of scenes between Cross' personal life (his loving grandmother, his huge best friend Samson, his two beautiful children, and their teacher whom he is falling in love with) and business life.
  
  I would recommend this book to anyone but be sure not to make the same mistake I made. I started the book late at night before I went to bed at about 11 o'clock. It was so good that I continued to read until three in the morning, which left me sleepy and irritable the next day at work. If you are going to read this book, be sure to start it when you have at least two hours of spare time.

Jack & Jill (Alex Cross)

• Jack and Jill is a masterpiece thriller worthy of every suspense fan's attention. Not one, but two story lines will leave you flipping from chapter to chapter in no time.
  
  Someone is viciously murdering young black children in the neighborhood of detective Alex Cross. There are no leads but Alex is determined to find the killer.
  
  At the same time a pair of stalker-serial killers known as Jack and Jill are preying on the powerful and famous in Washington D.C. When it becomes apparent that the killers have their sights set on the president, Cross is asked to help. He becomes determined to not only find Jack and Jill but to find the child murderer on whatever spare time he can afford.
  
  Cross is burning the candle at both ends and he doesn't have much time to save the president and capture the killers. Both plots progress at a fast pace. Cross' determination and excellent detective work shine and he in time finds the killers, but is he too late. As with ALONG CAME A SPIDER Patterson keeps you guessing until the very end and there is no shortage of surprises.

• This was my second James Patterson book (1st was "Kiss the Girls") and I am hooked. It took me only 1 and 1/2 days to read the 466 page book. I couldn't put it down!
  
  Detective Alex Cross is back and he is stuck between two investigations: someone is killng high profile celebrities in Washington DC and someone is killing young children in the streets of Cross' neighborhood. Are these crimes connected somehow?
  
  How does Cross choose between the loyalty to his community and his civic duty to the President of the United States? With two different plots and many twists and turns and suspects to choose from, "Jack and Jill" is sure to please anyone who loves to dive into psychological thrillers. I also recommend Thomas Harris' Hannibal Lector series: Red Dragon, Silence of the Lambs, and Hannibal (to be read in that order!)
  

Kiss the Girls (Alex Cross)

• Patterson shows us just what kind of talent he really has. Among the best in terror and Suspense novels I've ever read. I must admit I saw the film before I read this book and I'm sorry I did. As good an actor as Morgan Freeman is he could never make an Alex Cross and they also left out Samson, Cross's partner who is a vital part of the Story line.
  
  Cross is a Washington DC detective, not only that, he is also a qualified psychologist. When his niece goes missing Cross goes in search, and so begins our adventure. We are introduced to not one but two glorious Lunatics as Murderers... The problem is they are on opposite sides of the coast. The Gentleman Caller is working out of LA and Casanova is working out of Carolina. Where is his niece who has her??
  ...
  This is only the start things begin to heat up when Cross discovers that Both the Gentleman Caller and Casanova are competing against each other... Join Cross, Samson and Kate McTeirnan in Investigating and discovering who Casanova and the Gentleman really are. Hold on though you're in for a rough ride. With graphic images and Patterson's twists and turns you will hold on to this book for dear life and not let go until the last page is turned.
  

• Here is a quick review of the book. Casanova is a collector of something rare and beautiful....women. When he sees one he thinks is both beautiful and rare, he takes them and keeps them in his personal collection. The problem comes when he takes a family member of Alex Cross, a detective.
  
  Alex is soon on the case to get back the one he loves. There are also murders across the coast on the opposite side of the states. Could there be two serial killers wanting to out do each other? Or are they working together? If so, how can Alex Cross stop them both? I suggest that you read the book if you want to find out.
  
  Alex Cross is an interesting character. I liked how he had an instant bond with Kate. It seems that Kate and Alex we're almost a mirror image of each other.
  
  When it comes to fiction, it's important to have "good" good guys, but I feel it's more important to have better bad guys. Patterson accomplishes this. Casanova and The Gentleman are *incredible* some of the things that Casanova does is out right creepy.

• I read the first page or two. I bought the book. And I can't remember much after that, except that, heart pounding, palms sweating, I entered the obscenely diabolical world of two serial killers: The Gentleman Caller, and Casanova, terrorizing both Coasts at once. With skill and his own brand of genius, Patterson takes the reader into the crazed yet terrifyingly logical minds of each killer.
  
  We are there while they stalk their victims: young women who are smart, educated, self-assured, and perfectly beautiful. At least in the eyes of their killers. We are there during some of the most gruesome and terrifying murders. We are there as Casanova sexually tortures his live victims in his House of Horrors, in which one infraction of the "house rules" results in horrible death.
  
  What is the connection between these two killers? What is their sick purpose? It falls to police detective/psychologist Alex Cross to solve the mystery. But Alex has more than a professional interest in the case. His beloved niece Naomi is one of the missing women.
  
  I challenge anyone to put this book down once begun. I was absolutely amazed at the hold it had on me--and still does. I immediately ordered the next in Patterson's Alex Cross series, "Jack and Jill." And I have recommended "Kiss the Girls" to every book-loving friend I have.
  

Double Cross (Alex Cross)

• I was excited to receive an advance readers copy of Double Cross (Alex Cross)! I waited for a slow day a the Marina before cracking it open and was soon lost in the world of Cross. Alex has become like a old friend, having read so many of his trails, adventures, and tragedies.
  
  Alex's life has become more settled since we last saw him in Cross. He is back at work tending to his patients and living a normal life with his girlfriend Brianna Stone--detective Stone that is. But of course this cannot last. Washington DC and the east cost are a jitter because of a number of elaborate murders, these are not just murders but spectacles. This guy is a grisly showman. A murderer who wants fame---and to scare the pants off the entire DC metro area. Of course it is up Alex and Brianna to bring this guy down...but at what cost?
  
  Patterson's master plotting, lightening fast chapters that keep you turning the pages and on your chair edge and makes for a great beach read!
  

• James Patterson is the mastermind behind several best selling series (Women's Murder Club, Maximum Ride) but I've long felt that his books about Alex Cross are his very best. Double Cross is the 13th book about the Washington DC detective Alex Cross.
  
  Double Cross was certainly no disappointment. As we step back into Alex Cross' life - and the lives of his family - we find him out of his life as a police detective - and into his role as a full time therapist. He has a new lady in his life, DC Detective Brianna Stone, and his world is certainly sweet. The public murder of a mystery writer draws Alex back into his persona, The Dragon Slayer (his police and FBI nickname). Soon, the killer is dubbed the "Audience Killer", as each of his brutal attacks are done in front of live audiences.
  
  To complicate matters, The Mastermind, gets his wish: escape from the Maximum Security prison he has lived in for four years. For those who don't recall, Alex was involved in cracking the case of the Mastermind - discovering that FBI Agent - and friend - Kyle Craig - was the culprit. In court, Kyle Craig promised to get his revenge on the judge - as well as Alex and his entire family.
  
  Both killers are targeting Alex....and watching his family...and his friends. Will Brianna be another loss in a long line of women Alex has loved? Will his family be used as pawns? Will the killers succeed in slaughtering his oldest - and best friend?
  
  If, like me, you are an Alex Cross fan, run, don't walk, to your favorite book store and get up to date the life of Alex Cross . If you enjoy fast paced, well written intrigue, you'll devour Double Cross, just as I did. It's available beginning Tuesday, November 13th.
  
  If you've never read any of this fabulous series by James Patterson, I encourage you to start from the beginning (Along Came a Spider - and work your way through to Double Cross). You'll hang on every word....and quickly become a fan.
  

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.

Cross Country (Alex Cross)

• This is the first James Patterson book I have ever read, and I really liked it. It is definitely a page turner with an exciting and thrilling and heart-wrenching conclusion.
  
  For the uninitiated, Alex Cross is an African American detective who is justly celebrated for his wisdom and intellect when it comes to solving crimes. But this time, it's personal. A brutal, Nigerian killer for hire named Tiger and his gang of violent teens have murdered and butchered Alex Cross' ex-girlfriend and her husband and kids. Alex travels around the Washington, DC area, and then to Nigeria, Sudan, and Sierra Leone and back looking for this guy.
  
  Along the way, Alex gets kidnapped and arrested and beaten and tortured and seems to be in way over his head. Lots of good people (and bad people) die.
  
  There is plenty of violence and action in this book, and even though the book is hard to put down, there were times I put it down because the bloodletting got to me on occasion.
  
  But I can see why people like James Patterson's books. This one was great.

• I have read a lot of James Patterson's books and I especially love the Detective Alex Cross stories. I am also very happy that this author was brave enough to write about the truth as to what is happening in Africa TODAY!! These atrocities are happening as we speak. There is nothing made up about the violence being done to African people.
  
  Mr. Patterson just gave us a taste of the REAL WORLD. People can bury their heads and say TOO MUCH VIOLENCE - try telling that to the poor African people that this is happening to. Why do you think the prime minister of Sudan is under a warrant for war crimes.
  
  The Nigerians are selling children in the sex business every day. Don't hang you heads and pretend this does not happen, it does and I commend Mr. Patterson for putting the truth in fiction form so that the people who really want truth can see what is happening and position themselves to help Africa. Shame on all of you for whining about too much violence. Try living in these peoples shoes, facing rape and murder and mutilation EVERY day and see how you would feel about anyone writing about it to help your poor existence. Keep up the good work Mr. Patterson. I am proud of you.

• I have read everything I can get my hands on by this author, and have yet to be disappointed. This latest Alex Cross novel did not let me down, either.
  
  The scenario Mr. Patterson paints in such vivid detail of Africa's mobs and gangs, left me feeling like I had been in Alex's shoes, not he. I've had this passion for Africa as long as I can remember, and this 'other view' of a country I have held with such love, left me shaken, to say the least.
  
  This book may be a work of fiction, however, Mr. Patterson wrote the truth about gang lords using children to carry out their nefarious deeds upon people who cannot defend themselves.
  
  If you are faint of heart, or do not like violence of any kind, this is not the book for you. However, if you want a clearer picture of what is really happening in Kenya for example, then this is a must read. I warn you though, it will leave you shaken to your core. It certainly removed my rose colored glasses!

Run for Your Life (Michael Bennett)

• In Run For Your Life, a calculating killer who calls himself The Teacher is responsible for a series of violent murders in New York City . There appears to be no common link between them either. Detective Mike Bennett, from Patterson's: Step on a Crack (a book which I disliked) is on the case once again. He is a recent widower with ten adopted children.
  
  The Teacher, keeps moving from one seemingly random murder to another, and when he learns that Detective Bennett is after him, he even begins to start leaving clues in the form of messages. A game of cat and mouse, the story moves along very quickly.

• There is a killer on the loose in New York City targeting not so much the rich and famous, but those in contact with the rich and famous - a clerk at Polo, the maitre d' at 21, and others like them. Michael Bennett, a widowed father of ten, has been assigned to head up the team that's searching for the killer. He's also coping with a hostage situation that ended badly, children sick with the flu and continuing grief over his wife's death.
  
  Run For Your Life by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge is typical Patterson, but hey, if you've got a formula that works, why change it? I enjoyed this quick, fun read with short chapters and lots of action.

• A sadistic killer is on the loose in New York City. He calls himself the "Teacher". He is going around punishing everyone from the girl talking on her phone to the top elite of New York. The teacher reminds everyone to remember your manner or suffer the consequences.
  
  Detective Michael Bennett a trained hostage negotiator is promoted to the lead investigator on this case. He is instructed to solve these murders quickly. Detective Bennett's training kicks in and he is off in full force. At first it seems there is no connection to the shooting victims and that they were random shootings. But after some further digging and receiving communication by the teacher himself, Bennett uncovers the teacher's motive behind the killings. Bennett will have to make a choice, which is more important..., his family or his career.
  
  I have resigned myself that I will only listen to Mr. Patterson's books. I have tried reading them and found they put me to sleep right away. With audio books, I am able to experience the story the way it is suppose to be experienced. Having said that, I was excited to listen to this latest book, Run for your Life. It is the type of books I love to read.

Swimsuit

• Swimsuit is a riveting tale that you'll want to read from cover to cover.
  
  SWIMSUIT is a book within a book. The inside book is written by Ben Hawkins, an ex-cop who is a reporter for the L.A. Times. Hawkins is assigned to a hot story concerning a model named Kim McDaniels, who disappears while doing a photo shoot in Hawaii. Hawkins's book is based on his investigation into Kim's disappearance --- the reason behind it and what occurs thereafter.
  
  The reader learns almost immediately what happens to Kim. She is kidnapped and brutally murdered, which is carefully videotaped and broadcast to a very select audience of individuals around the world, known collectively as The Peepers, who pay for the privilege of watching the terrifying beginning and violent end of each victim's final moments.
  
  Henri Benoit is the mysterious, enigmatic conductor of these horrific tableaus, and though he is paid handsomely for what he does, he truly takes delight and joy in his work, a quality that makes SWIMSUIT all the more terrifying.
  
  Benoit is more than a director and an actor in his own films; he also has the ability to blend into settings and to assume different identities with such skill and superior ability that his potential victims do not recognize him as he slowly circles them. This is also true of Hawkins, who is determined not only to investigate the increasing number of cold-blooded murders that include and follow Kim McDaniels, but also to see that the murderer is brought to justice.
  
  When Hawkins attracts Benoit's attention, Benoit's reaction is anything but predictable. Instead of murdering Hawkins, he hires him to write the story of his life as a kind of twisted tribute to ensure that he gets proper credit for what he has accomplished.
  
  Hawkins has no choice but to accept the assignment, at least initially, given that Benoit has established that he can attack Hawkins or his girlfriend, Amanda, anytime and anywhere he chooses. But Hawkins uncovers one of the secrets of Benoit's seeming omnipresence and employs a brilliant deduction to determine his whereabouts. Hawkins uses his knowledge to turn the tables on his nemesis, even as Benoit goes on a murderous feeding frenzy of revenge against all those who he feels have wronged him

• First I have to give full disclosure. I am a Patterson addict! I love his fast paced thrillers, they are easy reads that always keep me entertained. However, I must admit the most recent Alex Cross novels have not been as engaging as the earlier books. My new favorite are the books he is writing with Maxine Paetro and SWIMSUIT is a another great read! This one has some great surprises and unexpected twists. It does not follow typical thriller plot liner which for me added to the suspense! Highly recomended!
  
  If you like Patterson I do recommend "A Tourist In The Yucatan" for another fast paced thriller with gritty action!

• Famous model Kim McDaniels has been kidnapped from a photo shoot in Maui. She wakes to find herself in the truck of a car. At first she thought it was her boyfriend Doug, playing a joke on her but she soon realizes that her kidnapper is not Doug. Unfortunately, Kim won't be able to model her way out of the predicament she has now found herself in.
  
  Kim's parents receive a phone call notifying them that their daughter has been kidnapped and to come down to Hawaii immediately. They get the first flight out that they can.
  
  Ben Hawkins is a former cop. He now works as a reporter for the L.A. Times. He scores the assignment of Kim McDaniels's kidnapping. Ben thought he could become the hero and swoop in and save the day. In doing so he hoped to get an exclusive rights to include in a novel he would like to write from this experience. Ben's investigating leads him down a dark, sinister path of betrayal, lust, and double crossing.
  
  First, I have to admit that I have tried reading Mr. Patterson's work and it does nothing for me. I decided to try audio books. What I discovered is that I can get into these stories better when I am listening to them. Have said that, the reason for this has to do with the narrator. He really brought this story to life. The last book I listened to by Mr. Patterson was Run for your Life. Now that one was just ok but Swimsuit really cranked up the suspense. This story is way dark, gruesome, twisted, and fast-paced. Just the way I like my mystery thrillers. If you have never tried James Patterson then you should try this book. It is a stand alone novel.