Well, what can I say its James Patterson (and others) and Alex Cross? Unputdownable as are all his books. He is the master of his game. Brilliant.

Target: Alex Cross by James Patterson is exactly what you want, thrilling fast fiction. I have read so much Patterson over the years and I’m never disappointed.
This is the 26th book in the series, but you can pick it up as a stand-alone book. I think Alex Cross is a character that Patterson seems to be heavily invested in as he manages to keep the story familiar so you know what’s coming, but it’s still entertaining.

I would like to thank NetGalley and Random House UK, Cornerstone for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

Having read many Alex Cross books I was excited to have the opportunity to read and review this novel. Having just finished it I’ve mixed feelings: it’s taken me weeks to finish it as I kept falling asleep as I read at night before bed - I felt there were too many characters introduced in the first half of the book for it to flow. Saying that the storyline was very novel, current and different from others out there and I was keen to reach the conclusion. Pleased to have read it but not sure it’s done enough to be memorable for me

Siberian Dogs don’t get sick or Good Bye James Patterson.
I have to admit I was in love with him. I met him by share accident. Along Came a Spider was lying on the car floor in my fiancé’s car. He bought the paperback but never read it. I had. I read it and I was hooked.
Every Christmas I would get more and more Patterson’s books. I devoured. Alex Cross was my favourite. I absolutely loved girls from Women’s Murder Club.
Then, it started to get bad. It started slow with expansion into one-off novels and partnerships, into mystery and science fiction. Some books I could not read at all. Every now and then Alex Cross’ novel would come out. Patterson would write it by himself. And it would make me remember why I fell in love with the author and his characters.
And here comes Target: Alex Cross. I guess this novel had to come about. I had to finish the relationship at some point. The relationship was not bringing my any joy. I was becoming a jaded reader and would not do any good for the author. This novel was just the cherry on top or the last straw, or the last fight, or the last word.
It felt like watching my ex-husband explode when I announced I was leaving. He threw everything at me. And I did not feel a thing. I stayed and watched the whole thing till the end. You can’t avoid watching a disaster or something horrible. You can’t not explore the depths of betrayal even know there is nothing and will remain nothing at the end.
This book was it. I will throw the rest of Patterson’s books out. I will not read another one ever again. I am sorry but this is me. I cut relationships off.
I am not even going to explain why…
Yes, the book is well written. Yes, there is enough suspense to make you sit on the edge of your chair. Yes, Alex Cross is brilliant and likeable as always. But, Siberian Dogs don’t get sick. Mr Patterson should not have given in to ‘cold-war-like’ hysteria about Kremlin and Bad Russians.
Yes, Patterson’s Big Bad Wolf was amazingly done. Bad Russian was as bad as they come. He was strong and enigmatic. He was fun. But all the hoo-haa about Kremlin’s attacks, Kremlin’s hand at anything that goes bad in the States. I am sorry, do grow up.
At the end of the day (or book) Bad were your own, not Russians..
I thought better of you…

I am a huge fan of the author, and this series in particular. As I went to read this I realised I hadn’t read the previous book yet, so I quickly remedied that before immediately starting this one.

Alex Cross finds himself involved in a case which takes him to the highest possible level of American government, the president himself. What starts as a terrible tragedy quickly gets out of control and leads everyone involved into danger.

Fans of this series will enjoy this latest instalment, as will those new to the series due to background information being included within the pages.

The final chapter, and in particular the final line, promises even more to come and I can’t wait to find out what that may be.

Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing a copy.

I have read a few James Patterson books but not many featuring Alex Cross but although this is the 26th book in the Alex Cross series it is more than capable of standing on its own and is thus accessible to fans and newcomers alike.

The synopsis is available in many places and so does not bear repetition here but suffice to say that this book blends political thriller with the procedural (medical and police) superbly delivering a fast-paced book that is a delight to read. Its themes are current and it will keep you on the edge of your seat (or bed).

I particularly liked the fact that the chapters, although numerous, were short meaning it is an ideal "book at bedtime".

Thoroughly recommended.

With thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy for review,

It is a while since I have read an Alex Cross book. This was a stand alone book with just a brief nod to the back story. An easy read with an entertaining plot.

Years since I read a James Patterson book.
Always liked his writing style, nice short sharp chapters and when one finishes you always want to read the next one. The writing style certainly hasn't changed over the years and nor should it as it patently works for his avid readers. I felt however that whilst this book was entertaining enough, it was nothing special and didn't have the wow factor for me and wasn't unlike many publications I've read by this author previously.

Excellent entertainment. Fast-moving, unfussy, full of action. Could be read as a comment of the combustible nature of contemporary US politics, with senators being assassinated, but can more straightforwardly be enjoyed for its short, sharp chapters, fleshed-out characters, and high-concept storyline. Much better written and paced than many thrillers that get marketed as 'high brow'.

The sublime Alex Cross and co is back!

I love this series so much. There is no dumbing down of plot to play to the masses. It's buckle up and prepare to be bamboozled at every turn. Just when you think you have the plot sussed...blammo you get hit in the grey matter by another twist!

Alex and his family attend the funeral of the late present who had died from a brain tumour. But as the Big Wigs and political piranha settle in with the new President, Alex has some new patients to deal with. But Alex is still on retainer to the FBI and they need Alex to profile the assassin of a senator. But in a slight conflict of interest, Bree is the Chief of Detectives who are also investigating the death.

But as one assassin is uncovered, two more pop up. Then there are assassins taking out assassins, closing dead ends in an effort to head off the investigations into more high profile assassinations.

Add in cryptocurrency plots, political backstabbing and the Cross family are once again front and centre in the action. There was a nice sub plot involving the budding romance of Alex's son. The other subplot involving Alex new patient is a doozy and again you're left reeling and trying to grasp the "WTF" moments!

Its fast paced, tumultuous, terrifically twisty and just all around brilliant writing!

It has been a few years since I have read one of James Patterson’s books in the Alex Cross series and while this is #26 it works well as a stand-alone.

It begins with Alex Cross and his family at the funeral of President Catherine Grant and her sudden demise caused a lot of upset and sadness for not only Alex, but the whole nation.

The new President is James B Hobbs and when a Californian Senator is assassinated, Cross is called into the investigation.

Cross finds himself in a very complex case where he feels there is more to come.

This is a great political, conspiracy thriller that’s fast pacing brings tension and suspense to life and a stunning cliffhanger too.

I would like to thank the Author/the Publishers/NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a fair and honest review










#TargetAlexCross #NetGalley

Another exciting episode in the life of Alex Cross and his family.. The victims are dropping like flies as Alex and his colleagues race against time to uncover the villains.

Men and women from across the nation line the streets of Washington D.C. to mourn the unexpected death of the President. A sniper's bullet strikes another devastating blow to the heart of Washington with the assassination of a prominent senator. The new President calls on Alex to lead an unparalleled FBI investigation to help capture America's most wanted criminal. Alex has a terrible feeling that the assassination is part of a much larger plan. All too soon he is proved right when chaos descends. 

I have to say I was severely disappointed with the first half of this book, I found it boring and hard to get into, in a way I could not see what Patterson's overall plot was. However, the second half really heats up. What happens when the presidency of America is threatened? Read this book to find out. The second half is full of attack, drama and excitement, there are shocks flying off the page, I barely recovered from one reveal when Patterson was onto the next, equally thrilling, instalment. This turns into a real adrenaline ride. 

The joy of this book, is of course the master creation that is Alex Cross. The beginning did have me wishing for the early Alex Cross books and their brilliance but the latter half certainly makes up for my initial disappointment. The Cross family have a large role as well and I always relish being able to catch up with them and what they are all doing. The antics of the Cross family save the first half of the book for me and I cannot wait to see what they get up to next time.

Then, just when you are beginning to recover from the shocks of the plot, Patterson throws an almighty shock on the very last page of the book. The book really does build to a crescendo, Patterson expertly leaves the reader wanting more and I for one eagerly anticipate the next Alex Cross book to see what impact the ending of this book has had. 

'Target: Alex Cross' is not my favourite in the Alex Cross series but Patterson builds the tension to a thrilling second half. This is an enjoyable read for any fan of Cross' 

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House UK, Cornerstone Century for an advance copy.

Patterson does it again - another great read. It is a little slow to start and one wonders why Alex Cross is picked to save the USA, but, once it gets going you have to keep reading.

The president dies and several leading politicians are killed. Is it a co-ordinated plot by Russia to destabilise America or is it a coup from within?

I used to really enjoy the Alex Cross books but I did stop reading them a while ago as it got repetitive. I decided to give this a chance as JAMES Patterson is a good writer. Unfortunately nothing has improved. The writing is fine but the character has not developed and the storyline feels done to death.

Have never read any James Patterson books before, but this book changes all that. Loved the story and characters, couldn’t put it down.
Will definitely read loads more.
Thanks to Netgalley and publisher for advanced read.

TARGET: HEAD OF STATE

Men and women from across the nation line the streets of Washington D.C. to mourn the unexpected death of the President. Hit by painful memories of the loss of his first wife, Alex Cross is left reeling by this tragedy.

TARGET: UNITED STATES CABINET

A sniper's bullet strikes another devastating blow to the heart of Washington with the assassination of a prominent Senator. The shock of this attack puts huge pressure on the police to deliver a speedy response, and as Chief of Detectives, Alex's wife Bree Stone is given an ultimatum: solve the case, or lose her job.

TARGET: ALEX CROSS

The new President calls on Alex Cross to lead an unparalleled FBI investigation to help capture America's most wanted criminal. Alex has a terrible feeling that the assassination is just the beginning of a much larger plan. All too soon this fear springs to life as a terrifying chain of events plunges the government and the entire country into chaos.

The stakes have never been higher for Alex Cross as his courage, his training and his capacity for battle are stretched to their limits in the most important case of his life.



James Patterson is back to his best with this thrilling page turner that will keep you hooked. His short chapters and mini cliffhangers ensure you just have to carry on reading. Lots of twists and turns and an ending that takes you by surprise. Great book!

Target by James Patterson

When the funeral cortege of the President of the United States processes through the streets of Washington DC one freezing late January morning, psychologist Alex Cross is there to watch. With Alex is his entire family, including his wife Bree Stone, DC Metro’s chief of detectives. It’s a sombre day but America’s mourning is about to be cut short, just a few days later, by a sniper’s bullet which strikes at the heart of the country’s government. Alex is called in to help the FBI with their investigation and he begins to suspect that the assassination was not a one-off, that it is just the beginning of something much, much larger, that could threaten everything. Alex Cross has faced some tough cases in his time, to put it mildly, but nothing like this.

Target is the 26th novel in what is perhaps James Patterson’s most famous series, the one featuring Alex Cross. I’ve dipped in and out of this series over the years but I think you could very easily read Target without any previous knowledge of these books at all. There are links to earlier novels, but nothing that gets in the way too much (there is just one element, which I think might leave you in the dark), and it’s very easy to pick up on the close bond of the Cross family, which is such a theme of the series. Alex Cross is not a man who operates alone. His family is the most important thing in his life and they’re always in his thoughts. In this case, he’ll need the comfort that they bring.

I love political action thrillers like this and Target is such a good one. It moves so fast and it is thoroughly exciting! Much of the novel is narrated by Alex Cross but the rest moves between a whole range of different characters, mostly killers. You do have to keep your wits about you remembering names as we move back and forth but it’s well worth the effort as we’re taken deep into the thought processes of an assassin. The political element is fascinating and the whole thriller seems frighteningly timely and topical. The situation here is extreme but no less worrisome for that. The cool, calm head of Alex Cross is just what is needed.

Target is a hugely entertaining, tense and action-packed thriller. Its multiple threads wind through the novel and they knit together perfectly, driven along by intense short chapters. It’s so fast and exhilarating to read. I love this sort of book when it’s done well and this is one of the best I’ve read in quite a while. James Patterson knows exactly what he’s doing and which boxes to tick, and Target is the perfect example of a Patterson thriller at its very best.

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I have read a few Alex Cross novels and a lot of James Patterson's books, and it is always comforting to step into an authors writing style that is easy but engaging. Let me hasten to add the story is no easy, it is intense and exciting and mysterious and i loved every second of it. This may be book 26th in the series but i feel you could jump right into this story then go back and read others if you so wish. Lots of surprises and mystery with the smooth writing style led me to get very engaged with the story and reading it was very exciting.

This is the 26th Alex Cross instalment and if you have read and enjoyed any of the previous 25 you will definitely enjoy this one too. If on the other hand you haven’t read any of the previous books this one can be read as a stand-alone as a lot of the background is provided throughout the pages but you will probably find yourself going back and reading all of the previous books.

Alex Cross is back working with the FBI after a number of assassinations of key US personnel. Who is behind the killings ? Who is set to gain from the deaths ? Will Alex and his colleagues work it all out before it’s too late ?

Alex Cross, his wife Bree and all the family are back to play apart in this book, so as well as his professional life we also get glimpses of Alex’s personal life. As always this is a fast-paced, action packed book with plenty of twists and turns to keep you interested. This one I really had to concentrate on to start with as there are so many characters playing a part. I did find myself flicking back a few pages to double check who some people were. Maybe I just need to concentrate a bit more. All in all if you enjoy James Patterson’s Books then you will not be disappointed. Already looking forward to the next instalment in the Alex Cross series.

Thank you to Random House UK, Cornerstone and NetGalley for a digital copy of this book.