Member Reviews

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.

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

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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!

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Another Cross story that’s riveting, (in parts obvious), but a suspenseful, edge-of-seat, fast paced page-turner. There’s intense excitement and extreme situations and weather conditions. Technology is used to weald immense power. Pay close attention, there’s double-cross, and surprises. A cleverly interwoven twin (both definitions) investigation. Highly recommend.

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I’ll admit it’s a very long time since I read one of the Alex Cross series of books by James Patterson, but I was a big fan of the early thrillers. I do think, though, that the gap affected my enjoyment of this one – there was a lot of storyline that I’d obviously missed and these gaps weren’t really filled in for those unfamiliar. That’s on me – there are certainly more than enough fans of the series who will have been following throughout and not be looking for recaps – but it does mean that it’s difficult to come to this book as a new reader and easily pick up what’s going on.

It was enjoyable enough but very far fetched in places and honestly felt more like a film than a book. I’m not sure I’d pick up the rest of the series again but I certainly didn’t dislike this and it’s perfect for anyone looking for a fast paced thriller with plenty of action.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy in return for an honest review.

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Someone is out to destroy the judicial system but as Alex and Mahoney investigate the murders, and John and Bree investigate other aspects, all of them find themselves in danger. Once again the author provides a fast paced, interesting mystery that keeps you engaged from start to finish.

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I don't know what more I can say about this series of books that I haven't already... We are in the 30s now and I have read and loved every single book. Jumping on each new release as soon as I get my grubby wee mitts on it!
This book was especially special for me as it really progressed the "M" series arc that has bedazzled and befuddled both the characters and indeed myself for a wee while now... I won't ruin things with any detail just in case you aren't as nuts as me about not reading reviews of series books when you haven't finished playing catch-up yet.
Suffice to say it contains everything you'd expect from a book in this series, and indeed from this author. We have Alex, Sampson and their respective families all doing family stuff and continuing to develop nicely as they all age. Some of which is especially poignant in this book as it is set around Christmas time. We also have the expected action and peril and heart-stopping moments. A nemesis to put to bed, and not before time. There's a lot going on herein and I can't even start to scratch the surface for fear of spoilers. But, to be honest, what do you really need from a review of a series that has gone on this long. If you are new to it, I wouldn't advise jumping in here, ideally start at the beginning and read in order, or if you are familiar - a dipper or a long term obsessed fan - all you need to know is that it's just as good as what has gone before. If you loved them, you'll love this one!
So, basically, all that remains is to thank the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book and start hanging for the next one.

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James Patterson introduced the world to Alex Cross in 1993 and 'The House of Cross is the 32nd book featuring Cross. I am new to James Patterson this being the third of his books I have read and the first Cross book. As his millions of readers will have grown to expect this latest novel is a fast paced all action thriller that for me is an enjoyable quick read. Looking forward to reading more of the prolific James Patterson books in the future. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the chance to ARC this book.

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Brilliant book as usual although I did find some of the plot a little far-fetched! I’d just read book 28 and really believe that was a great help at understanding some of the characters. Definitely recommend

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If you’re a die-hard Alex Cross fan, The House of Cross is another chapter in the detective’s long-running saga. But for someone like me, who picked the series back up after seeing a few of the old movies, it didn’t quite hit the mark. I’ve jumped into other long series before and found myself hooked, but this wasn’t one of those times. It felt more like it was tailored for the devoted followers already invested in all the past drama and nuance. If you’re not deeply invested, you might feel like you're missing out on a lot. Definitely one for the dedicated fans!

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Unbelievably prolific, this is the 32nd Alex Cross novel, so I’m sure most readers will be familiar with the characters. In this outing Bree and John Sampson are captured and Alex risks all to locate and free them while also trying to solve the murders of a series of top legal minds that are maybe destined for a seat on the Supreme Court.
Once again a fabulous story that sweeps the reader along at great pace.

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