I am a huge admirer of James Patterson's prolific and enduirng skills and talent, and I was delighted to receive a copy of this latest edition, so many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher.

This was another excellent instalment in the series with the wonderful Alex Cross, a character that feels like an old friend. The characterisations, the twists and turns, the clear and present danger to Cross' wife and best friend, the hunt for the elusive M, and the storyline barreling towards an ulitmate crescendo.

This book is just as you would expect from this talented author, and it is a wonderful engrossing thriller.

I would highly recommend it.

James Patterson delivers another fast paced, exciting Alex Cross tale in The House of Cross. Although this book is part of a long series it can be read as a standalone novel. For those of us that are die hard Alex Cross fans the main cast of characters will be familiar.
Although some of the plot and twists and turns were somewhat predictable, this did not detract from my enjoyment of the story and I am looking forward to finding out what is in store for Cross, his family and friends next.

I am grateful to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

I haven't read an Alex Cross book for a few years, and I had forgotten just how much I enjoy them.
This one doesn't disappoint. It is fast paced, and interesting throughout - especially during their time in snowy Canada.
I fully recommend this book to fans of James Patterson.

A complex story with a high body count, deceit, lies , danger and a serial killer- everything you need for a great read!

I am grateful to James Patterson, Random House UK, Cornerstone, and Netgalley for the Advanced Reader Copy. For anyone vaguely interested in this title, here follows an honest review to help you decide whether or not to pick this novel as your next read.

It’s been a hot minute since I have read an Alex Cross novel. Usually, I would read a series in order, but the opportunity to read this ARC was too good to pass up and so I dived back into the series several books later. It was swiftly a reminder to myself that I must go back and fill in the gaps because although I had the same Alex Cross, I had missed out on seeing his family develop. Having met Cross’s previous partners, Marie, and Christine, I was most intrigued to see his connection with Bree whom unlike the others, has a similar enough career to understand his line of work and determination when he takes on a case.

The House of Cross, like previous Alex Cross titles can be read alone, but is best enjoyed as book 32 in the series. In this novel, we see Cross working as a consultant to the FBI having taken an interest in the death of a Supreme Court Justice. Unfortunately for him, as deaths begin to mount and key figures meet their demise, Cross finds himself caught in a complex web of deceit that should he refuse to stop unravelling will result in the death of his closest friends and family. No stranger to the death of loved ones when a hunted serial killer turns on the hunter, Cross needs to decide what’s more important as he follows a wild goose chase; solving a murder trail where the web becomes more convoluted with each kill or saving the ones he holds dear when they also plummet feet first into a case of their own.

Praise to James Patterson, he has done it again, in a way that very few thriller writers can. I enjoyed The House of Cross immensely and threw myself into the unputdownable novel. Naturally, the book dove right into the action with the heart attack of one judge, the untimely death of Cross’s arch nemesis, and the cold-blooded kill of Judge Franklin and her driver just as she was returning home. There is definitely something odd in the air that will have the reader racing to gather their thoughts as several stories run parallel to each other. Where do the priorities lie?

Over time, I note how Patterson’s plots and their execution have become more complex. This makes for a riveting read and keeps the reader guessing from the edge of their seat throughout the reading journey. Starting in San Francisco, the reader is treated to a descriptive environment before the characters travel across state lines and country borders. The travel had me experiencing turbulence that I couldn’t think straight and failed to solve the crimes. This made for an even more pleasurable and thrilling reading experience, keeping the pages swiftly turning as I devoured each bite-sized chapter.

A must-read for Alex Cross fans, James Patterson followers, and lovers of the thriller genre in general. However, I warn you, you might want to clear your diary for the day because it is terribly easy to get sucked into the drama and motor on through, especially when each chapter finishes on a cliffhanger just as dramatic as the last. A 5/5 star, fast-paced action thriller not to be missed.

I loved early James Patterson, especially Alex Cross, but the last few Patterson’s I read (ARCs, Thankyou to NetGalley) have been very disappointing.
This one was much more readable, decently paced, with some interesting speculation into the criminal potential of AI.
But….
The main group of characters are taking on a bit of a ‘Superhero’ mantle, possessing skills, insight (and charm) far beyond us lesser mortals, including their bosses. However despite their collective 80-odd years of crime fighting, not one of them twigs that twins have the same DNA.
The arch-villain with a God-complex, clandestine fanatical henchpersons, and secret Baddy Lair was all a bit far fetched and James Bond-y.

But if you love Alex Cross, you’ll be happy with it. It’s better than the previous one.

This was a tricky review. Let me try to explain. The characters are all high calibre. The plot was intricate and creative. However, I found that having finished the book I was unsure if I really enjoyed it or not.

This forced me to think deeply to try and work out why it was not a more straightforward 5 out of 5. My ultimate reflection was that this series of books has slowly evolved into being a kind of Marvel Comic and I am not that fond of them. Alex Cross and his team are now the multi-talented team of "super-heroes" that take on dark forces to save humanity.

I would have preferred if the series had been more realistic. It didn't come close to reflecting my understanding of the difficulties faced by law enforcement in running down "the baddies".

I guess that is all a matter of personal taste, though.

I’ve read quite a few Alex Cross books and enjoyed them and this one is no exception. Alex is called in when high profile people start getting killed.
There is also the issue of the anonymous M - is he dead or just missing?
Alex, his wife Bree and their friend John Samson are on the case as the threads start to become intermingled.
Another great book by James Patterson.

As usual James Patterson is a master of his craft. The Alex Cross books are my favourite of his and this is another book that doesn't disappoint.

Another action packed thriller that keep you on the edge of your seat. James Patterson has delivered again!

Mae'n dipyn o gamp ysgrifennu cyfres o lyfrau... heb sôn am 32 o lyfrau mewn cyfres! Dw i heb ddarllen bob un o'r rhain ond wedi darllen ambell un dros y blynyddoedd, ac wedi mwynhau pob un. Dw i'n meddwl y bydd rhaid i mi osod her i fy hun i ddarllen y cyfan rywbryd pan gai gyfle!
Doedd y nofel ddiweddaraf yng nghyfres Alex Cross ddim yn siomi chwaith, mae dawn ysgrifennu James Patterson yn dwyn eich sylw o'r tudalennau cyntaf un. Nes i ddarllen y gyfrol hon mewn deuddydd, a dw i'n dal i drio cael fy ngwynt yn ôl ar ôl yr holl gyffro. Llofrudd cyfres sydd ar led yn yr Unol Daleithiau ac mae'r enwog Alex Cross, ei wraig Bree a'i gyfaill John ar drywydd y llofrudd o'r cychwyn cyntaf ac yn darganfod cysylltiadau â dihirod y maent wedi bod ar eu holau ers peth amser. Mae'r cyffro yn ddi-ddiwedd, yn eich rhuthro ar draws y tudalennau ac yn cyflymu curiad y galon o gam cynnar iawn. Gwych ac rwy'n edrych ymlaen at rif 33 yn barod!

It's quite a feat to write a series of books.... but writing 32 books in a series is something else! I haven't read all of them, but I have read a few over the years and have enjoyed every one of them. I think I'll have to set myself a challenge to read them all at some point! The latest in the Alex Cross series was far from a disappointment, James Patterson's writing skills draw you in from the first few pages every time. I read this one in two days, and I'm still trying to catch my breath after all the excitement. A serial killer is on the loose in America and the famous Alex Cross, his wife Bree and his friend John are on their tail from the start and reveal connections to villains they have been chasing for some time. The action is non-stop, rushing you across all the pages and quickens your heart beat very early on. Fantastic and I'm already excited for number 33!

I have read and enjoyed more of this series . This one is definately full of macho action, but I thought is definately dragged in the middle and the book was too long. The plot is quite intricate, though and an old adversary reappears. The chapters are mostly short and punchy and by half way, I had sorted out who was who with all the many characters and had got used to the writing style and the shootings. The book wasn't bad, but it missed the mark for me slightly.
Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC

I do enjoy it when James Patterson releases a solo book, his partnerships never quite seem the same. When I discuss his books with friends, the consistent replies are 'I love James Patterson, his chapters are lovely and short!' That is very true, and continues to be so with The House of Cross.

I've probably missed out around 25 books since the last time I picked up an Alex Cross novel and I'm pleased to say this feels just as fresh and fast paced as ever. The book starts with a Profile of Alex Cross, which gives a nice summary of his background, so you don't need to have read any previous books in the series.

We join Alex Cross and his family in the months preceding the new US Presidents inauguration as he investigates a female serial killer who is hunting down Supreme Court Judges.

Whilst Alex is looking into the murders, his wife Bree and best friend John Sampson go missing whilst looking into the death of a tech Billionaire who she believes has links to the vigilante organisation, Maestro.

Alex and FBI Agent Ned Mahoney set out to track down Bree and John in a race across the snowy wilderness of Canada with a serial killer on the loose and criminal mastermind "M" pulling all of the strings.

The action doesn't let up but ultimately the motives driving this story become a little vague, which did reduce my rating slightly to 4.5 stars. All in all, another bestseller from James Patterson.

I would like to convey my thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read this novel. All opinions are my own

The good, the bad, and the pretty excellent.
I used to be a huge fan of the Alex Cross series and I'd say I've read well over 20 or more of the series but for one reason or another I've missed some over the last few years, so I was really excited to read this.
THE GOOD: It has been great to catch up with Alex, Nana Mama, Bree et Al
THE BAD: I used to describe the author's writing as short snappy chapters that kept you engrossed but I really didn't find the beginning of the book like this and felt I was missing out on the plot having not read the last few books especially the history surrounding M. There was not enough back story covered to make this a standalone for new readers never mind returning ones like me. I laboured through the first half of the book feeling disappointed.
THE PRETTY EXCELLENT: from just over halfway the book stepped up a gear and the action was exhilarating.
So all in all a 3.5 star rounded up to 4 when I was expecting it to be a five.
Will I read the next Alex Cross book? Yes I will but maybe I will but maybe I will go in with lower expectations the next time

James Patterson really is genius. Don’t know where he comes up wit his ideas. This book was awesome fast paced and full of action. Love it

Three important people have been killed, two of them high profile judges and Alex Cross is on the case.
At the same time his wife Bree and his best friend Sampson are on the hunt for the anonymous M. Has he just died or is there something mysterious going on.
As both cases unravel, it seems they are both connected and it’s not long before Cross is trying to save the people who mean the most to him, whilst trying to survive himself.
With his back against the wall, can he save the day and finally put an end to the notorious M and his organisation called Maestro?
I’ve read all the Alex Cross books and think they are brilliant.
This particular book is James Patterson at his very best, from start to finish I found it impossible to put down.
Alex Cross is still the gold standard for modern detective novels, no one does it better.

The House Of Cross is the thirty second book in the Alex Cross series, Along Came A spider being the very first!! So James Patterson has written a brilliant well established series which you will enjoy!.
We find in this story that someone has been murdering several Judges. The reason behind this is not understood at this time, but Alex Cross is called in to investigate, and find out who are behind these killings. Alex’s wife Bree is investigating a group who she believes is responsible for a number of murdered government officials. Then Bree and Alex’s best friend John, go missing while following up witness reports to a fatal accident involving a suspect in their investigations. Things have changed for Alex and he knows his wife and friend are in danger. Will he find them in time to save them?
What a gripping story! It took me a day and a bit to read this! I could not put it down!. Fantastic plot, familiar characters and real suspense.
Many thanks to Penguin Books Uk for the chance to read this arc copy for review consideration via Netgalley.
#Netgalley, #RandomHouseUk, #JamesPattersonBooks.

Simply Superb.
There are now some thirty books by James Patterson feature Alex Cross, and yet he still keeps finding innovative plots that have a freshness and stay just the right side of not being to far fetched.
In the past few books, Cross, his wife Bree, and his long-term friend and one-time colleague have seen increasing action by a vigilante group called Maestro, rugby someone known only as M. Now, they are directly up against that organisation.
The pace is frenetic, moving from Washington DC to some central US states to the wintry snow-covered wastes of British Columbia and then back to Washington. The two snowmobiling chases were a high spot for me.
James Patterson is an absolute master of the thriller genre. There is no way to not highly recommend this book and give it a five star rating.

Following Alex Cross latest mission ultimately to save his wife Bree and best friend John, and himself. Lots going on in this latest novel.

Another great read, which gets more addictive the deeper you get in. Whilst part of a series, it would not affect your reading if you’ve not read any of the others. It starts with details who Alex cross is which is informative. A definite should read.

Another brilliant book in the Alex Cross series.
I can’t believe there’s been over 30 books in this series, and I’ve enjoyed every one of them.
In this book key members of the political arena in America are being assassinated and Alex and Ned are tasked with finding the killer.
Bree is still determined to find ‘M’ and Sampson comes on board to help her.
Bree and Sampson are then kidnapped with Alex beside himself with worry. He’s determined to find them and he ends up in freezing cold conditions on a snowmobile searching for them.
This is a gripping crime thriller that I really enjoyed.
Thanks to Random House UK for the opportunity to read this book.