Deadly Cross

I wait for new Alex Cross books with a degree of impatience. This one didn't disappoint. There is less of the psychological insight in this one, and more of the dogged police work, but still a great read.

I was delighted when this one came out hard on the heels of his last. In this book, he has his work cut out for him as there are a number of intertwined plots and personal issues, and when one of the victims is someone from his past, he finds himself the subject of some possibly harmful speculation.

I can't say too much as, if you are already a fan, you will intend to read it, and if not, I don't want to spoil anything. Be aware, though. You'll be drawn in.

For fans of police drama, thrillers, mystery and procedurals.

Absolutely loved this. Alex cross is a legend. Always wait in anticipation for a new instalment & this one certainly didn’t disappoint. Amazing.

This is the 28th book in the Alex Cross series.... 28th! Only a really good series can last this long. The Alex Cross series of books, has lasted so long and stood the test of time due to its originality and excellent writing. You might imagine a police procedural/thriller would be feeling a little stale to read nowadays but this trope is 100% fresh anytime a new AC novel comes out. James Patterson writes with the confidence of longevity and masterful storytelling. 

Deadly Cross is a fabulous entry into this series - it's gritty, detail oriented and heavy of the police procedural side of things, more so than the immediately previous entries. This is the work I love from JP. It felt like his earlier work, which in my opinion is the best of his work.

When Alex's former patient turns up dead, he sets out to investigate the mysterious circumstances surrounding her death. She is an ex-patient of his, and as the blurb speculates - maybe more? She was once a high flyer on the political scene, thanks to her marriage to the vice president and as a socialite and philanthropist, she lived her life in the spotlight. How has she ended up murdered? Alex must find out.

I enjoyed this a lot. It was a great read, kept me hooked, and in fact I read it very quickly. (I don't read that fast, but this one took me about 2 days). If you are already a fan of JP then definitely check this out. If you aren't aware of his work, or haven't got round to reading any of his books yet, then I can 100% recommend this to you.

The series is fab when read it as a whole, but each can be read as a standalone, so pick this one up for a thrilling chase and a bit of that old detective/psychologist we know and love.

Alex Cross is called to a double homicide outside a charter school in Washington DC. He knows the victims - Randall Christopher was the principal of the school; Cross’ daughter Jannie attends it. Kay Willingham was the glamorous ex-wife of the Vice President. The couple have been shot in the back seat of Kay’s Bentley convertible. The prime suspect is the principal’s wife who admitted being in the area that night but Cross isn’t convinced. Soon Cross, his wife Chief of Detectives Bree Stone and his partner John Sampson are soon involved in another two investigations the rape and murder of several young women in the area and the shooting of some high profile people in the Capital including a Congresswoman. Then the team are rocked by a tragedy close to home.

The Alex Cross series by James Patterson is one of my long standing favourites and this didn’t disappoint. Plenty of twist and turns to keep you turning the pages.

Thanks to Netgalley, Random House UK Cornerstone and James Patterson for the ARC of this book in return for an honest review.

Alex Cross is a hero for every James Patterson book reader.
In this latest book it looks at his family relationships and those he has with his best lifelong friend and fellow cop John Sampson.
The book follows the murders of two prominent society members and looks like a case of a wife angry at her husbands betrayal so did she kill them
Alex and FBI agent Ned Mahoney are also helping his wife Bree in her role as chief of detectives and investigating the recent murders and deaths of local girls
Can they be linked ?
Every time a new Alex Cross novel is published my heart jumps for joy and this one was back to grass roots policing rather than the psychological thrillers he is also known for

Alex Cross is a legend and is back with a story that intertwines with other stories.
Great read - for fans of Alex Cross, this will not disappoint.
I feel like I have grown up with Alex and his family, and they all blend in with the story, whilst finding out more about them all.
Great read - can't wait for the next instalment.

What more could you ask for James Patterson and Alex Cross, Samson and the rest of the crew. Some sad news for Samson but nevertheless a terrific storyline. Well done Mr Patterson you keep writing them and we will keep reading them!

I was so excited to receive an ARC for the new Alex Cross book and it was as good as I had hoped. I absolutely adore this series and feel like I know Alex, Bree, Nana Mama and the gang.

Bree is under a great deal of pressure from her boss, the Commissioner. There are unsolved rapes and murders of young girls dating back over the last 15 years and the Metro don’t appear to be any closer to solving the case. Bree is also investigating attacks on public figures who are being targeted.

Meanwhile, Alex, John Sampson and Ned Mahoney are investigating a double homicide. Kay Willingham was a Georgetown socialite, philanthropist, and ex-wife of the sitting vice-president led a public life. Murdered alongside her is Randall Christopher, a respected educator with political ambitions.

Who could have brutally murdered them and why? The search for answers takes Alex and Ned to Kay’s hometown of Alabama.

While there was a lot going on in this book, it never lost its pace and not did it confuse the reader. Another fantastic Alex Cross book!!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced read copy of this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

The master storyteller does it again! No 28 in the Alex Cross series and this one is as thrilling, clever and engaging as all the previous ones. How does James Patterson do it? He is a writing genius; you know as soon as you open a Alex Cross book that you are in safe hands and in for a wonderful reading treat. it is always such a joy to be back with the Cross family and the author is so skilled at combining hard-hitting police drama with family life that you feel like you really know the characters. This one does pull on the heart strings for hardened fans who know the characters but that just adds to the layers of the book. As soon as I finish a Cross novel I feel bereft and need the next one; thank goodness they are in the hands of a truly amazing author and we know there will be more to come.

Huge thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for giving me the chance to read and review this wonderful book.

I would like to thank Netgalley and Random House UK, Cornerstone for an advance copy of Deadly Cross, the twenty eighth novel to feature psychologist Dr Alex Cross.

Alex Cross is called in as a consultant to the FBI when DC socialite Kay Willingham, former wife of the vice president and educator with political ambitions Randolph Christopher are found shot dead in her car. He is already consulting with Metro PD on the unsolved murders of a string of teenage girls and is feeling the stress of too much work, especially when he has to go to Alabama to further investigate Kay Willingham’s murder.

I thoroughly enjoyed Deadly Cross which is the usual mixture of twisted crime and family life. The novel ends up with three distinct investigations with the Willingham investigation taking centre stage, not least because Cross has history with her. This is classic misdirection as the reader is never sure which elements are interlinked and which are entirely separate. The solutions came as a complete surprise to me so I was glued to the pages throughout trying to work it all out, and failed as usual. This is a well thought out novel with plenty of twists and turns, including extra crimes uncovered during the investigation. Some of these discoveries are a touch perfunctory in their explanations but they keep the momentum and thrills to a maximum.

The twists don’t stop with the investigation as there are several developments within the extended family. One had me crying and another had me thinking, what a clever move that opens up so many possibilities for future novels. The family dynamic can, at times, be cloying and syrupy but works well in these particular circumstances.

Deadly Cross is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.

With thanks to Netgalley and random house uk

Deadly Cross is the latest Alex Cross book by James Patterson and he doesn't disappoint

James delivers another excellent Alex Cross book that is full of great story telling. I couldn't put this book down and can't wait for the next Alex Cross book.

Deadly Cross the latest in the Alex Cross series coming soon, includes all the usual characters that we have come to know and love with some heartbreak and happy events. There are a a few cases crossing over within this story between the different characters and departments and the storylines keep you guessing right to the end. A thrilling read even if you don't know the series but especially if you are an Alex Cross fan. @NetGalley, @JP_Books @penguinukbooks

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for this advanced copy of the latest Alex Cross book. As usual there is plenty of action , mixed in With every day family life . The stories in the book are cleverly weaved together and conclude in a way we have to expect from James Patterson’s books. This story is a roller coaster of a ride through all emotions. I highly recommend this book.

I was so excited to get my hands on the latest installment of the Alex Cross series that I didn't realise that I haven't read the previous one! Will have to read them out of order - oh well..

Alex Cross John Sampson and FBI Special Agent Ned Mahony investigate a double homicide which has taken place in a local school. The school principal is one of the deceased and his ex wife is the main suspect.
As usual, there are a couple of other storylines mixed in - Bree has a series of unsolved rapes to deal with. Alex continues to see clients privately as a psychologist. Nana Mama is in the kitchen as usual and the children are growing up fast.

I love dipping back into a series like this. You know the characters already, so that is familiar. It's easier to keep track when there are loads of characters and you can just concentrate on the storytelling. I like Patterson's writing style of short chapters and multiple storylines. It makes for a fast paced read with plenty of twists and turns, tension and in this one a tragic loss (no spoilers).

As good as usual. Going back to number 27 now, so that I'll be ready for number 29 in 2021.

Thank you to NetGalley for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Dr Alex Cross is called to work on a Homicide case by his wife Chief of Detectives Bree Stone, as he knows both high profile victims. Both shot and all valuables stolen. Alex calls in best friend and former partner at DC Homicide, John Sampson to work the case. Whilst Bree works on a seemingly unrelated case involving kidnapping and murder... Lots of twists and turns going on through this investigation. Alex getting in some hairy situations, which isn't new to him. John goes through personal heartbreak due to a close bereavement, effecting both families...

Another great read from James Patterson. If you've not read any of the Alex Cross books before this won't effect your reading of this book, a definite should read.

A double homicide brings Murder close to Alex Cross - he knew both victims, a wealthy socialite and a school principal. But is the murder political? Kay Willingham was the ex wife of the USA’s deputy president, and Randolph Christopher was starting his political journey with big dreams ahead. Is there more to the shootings and robberies?
Alex and Sampson investigations take them to Alabama and the Capitol, whilst also undergoing personal tragedy.
Another great book by Patterson - hard to put down!

The twenty eighth novel in James Patterson’s Alex Cross series and another incredibly well-written page-turner. As an avid Patterson reader, I was very excited to receive the latest Alex Cross thriller and read it in one day.

In Washington D.C., working as a metro PD consultant, Alex Cross helps his wife, Chief of Detectives Bree Stone and detective John Sampson investigate a string of rapes and killings of teenage girls, one of them known to Alex' children. Having killed roughly every two years, the killer is now escalating, his attacks becoming more frequent.

When two high profile victims are found shot and robbed in front of a school, Alex is also called in as an FBI consultant. One of the victims, Kay Willingham, ex-wife of the Vice President, Alex has a previous connection to, which lands him in hot water. Secret service, FBI and metro police are all vying for the case, which has garnered national attention, putting Bree under pressure as metro PD's new police commissioner wants a quick break in the case. The typical DC chaos ensues, with political intrigue, scheming, and meddling, journalists and bloggers out for blood, as well as lobbyists and power brokers.

The multi-state Willingham investigation takes Alex and FBI’s Ned Mahoney to Alabama, where Kay is from. Just as Alex and Mahoney get closer to solving the murder of Kay, and Bree and John Sampson are making headway on the rape murder cases, someone starts shooting celebrities, politicians and rich people in the bum in DC. In the midst of it all, tragedy strikes close to Alex and his family.

The main case is mostly slow and thorough detective work, interspersed with some high action, mainly in the second half of the book.
Complex connections become apparent, keeping the reader guessing until the very end. A thoroughly enjoyable read, highly recommended.

At the beginning of the book, Alex, along with his kids Jannie and Ali climbs a cliff in the Blue ridge mountains with an instructor, which sounds awesome. Being a fan of the Netflix series Ozark as well, I can relate to the Cross family’s binge.

I am an avid fan of the Alex Cross series, I welcome each book as I get to understand how the family changes. This book certainly does not disappoint it is full of the usual characters and situations Dr Cross gets into as an FBI consultant and Doctor. Alex and his police partner John Sampson are called to the high school where the body of a wealthy socialite Kay Willingham, who Alex knew socially, and the high school principal are found shot dead in the back of a car, they are in a compromising state. Alex joins up with FBI Special Agent Mahoney they trace Kay’s movements back to Alabama. Of course, all is not what it seems.

A great book. I have to say that James Patterson have improved his writing style 100% and I enjoyed this book immensely. In the past his writing has become ho-hum, but this book and a couple of others I have recently read, his style has done a backflip and I can honestly say I loved the book and now am looking forward to more from Patterson.
Sampson and Cross are in a race to find the killer in two mysteries. An "important" couple murdered in their car, and girls going missing and then found dead. It takes them a lot of investigating to get to the bottom of each of the murders, and the twists in the storyline really were some of Patterson's best.
Highly recommend to anyone to pick up Patterson and give him a second chance if you were feeling not so interested after past books. Definitely looking for more to read from him soon.

This is my first Alex Cross book and I really enjoyed it!

The Vice President's ex-wife is found shot dead in a car parked next to a school alongside its Principal, with both their watches and jewellery stolen - you're left guessing until the very end who did it! Does it tie in with two other cases being investigated by Alex and his wife? You'll have to find out! A really good read - 5*.

Loved this. I am a big Alex Cross fan. I love finding out more about Alex and his family and friends in every book. This story had me hooked from the start and kept me reading. I have read all of the series and I would definitely recommend it.

Thank you to Netgalley for my copy.

This is the first James Patterson book that I have actually read. I have listened to them on audio book and watched the odd film, so I was expecting a plausible and gripping plot with plenty of twists and turns and some action. This book delivered all of the above and as such was a very satisfying read. What took me by surprise, was the sensitive and emotional way that he wrote about an event in the book (no spoilers). I wasn't expecting it and it really added some depth to the story for me. I found Patterson's writing style very easy to read, and that along with the gripping plot made this book very hard to put down.

James Patterson does it again ! Love all of Alex Cross books, not only do you get a great page turner, you also get involved in his family life, very well written, can’t wait for the next one ! Would recommend to everyone.

It's Alex Cross! Nothing much to say other than outstanding as usual!

My thanks to NetGalley and Random House UK for the opportunity to read and review honestly.

I had forgotten how much I love the Alex Cross books, hadn't read them for ages. It was like snuggling up by a fire on a cold winter's day (much like today). The characters felt together and it didn't matter that I had missed out a lot of the series I feel back to the fold.. I could see how they had grown in the years apart.

A nice easy read and glad I had done so.

I was given this book by net galley in exchange for an honest and fair review which I have done.

Is it just me or does it feel like FOREVER since the last Alex Cross installment? Can you believe it's now book #28!

Well James Patterson most defhbrought him back with a bang!!

Once again we see Alex and John Sampson brought together to investigate a truly shocking double murder, but is all as it seems? As all of JP's novels there is always so much more going on than just one storyline.

I found myself 100% fully emerged by the end of the first chapter. Not only do we follow the investigations that are going on but as every Cross novel you find yourself within the bosom of the Cross Family. I think this is the first Cross book I have read though that doesn't overly focus on the children, they aren't in the forefront this time round which was a shame.

This time around brings some real sadness for John Sampson (no spoilers) so he may not play such a pivotal role within the crime investigation as per usual but his own story plays alongside.

You'll need to strap yourself in for this rollercoaster ride as you won't be able to let go until the very end.

5*

Huge thanks to Netgalley and Random House UK for the ARC.

Alex Cross is back for book 28! And it is very much reminiscent of the Alex Cross of old, with much more emphasis on the police work than there has been recently - and I loved it. You would absolutely want Alex and his team on your side if you were in trouble. All the gang is here for this one, and I love that Nanna Mama still rules the roost!

Alex and John Sampson are called the scene of a double murder, victims have been shot in the back of a car in the parking lot of a school. The couple are high profile and known to Alex. The male is his daughters school principal and the woman is Kay Willingham, the ex wife of the current vice president. This is going to be one hell of a case with the media all over it. Who would kill them and why? A suspect is soon in custody but Alex is not convinced and with good reasons. Along with his wife, Bree, the chief of police, they keep working the case, clues taking them somewhere they never expected it to.

Of course, as with all Alex Cross novels, there is so much more going on in the characters personal lives, The kids are growing up and the relationships of all the family members is developing.

This a rollercoaster ride, never letting go of the pace right til the end. I cannot recommend James Patterson books more.

thanks to Random House UK and Netgalley for my advanced copy of this book to read.

As two prominent figures are found murdered Alex and his team must pull all their resources together to solve the crime, while also working on other cases at the same time.
Avid Alex Cross readers might find the pace of this one slightly slower to previous reads, but it will draw you in just the same! As ever with James Patterson, you will not want to put it down as you become more entwined with each chapter you read.

What I find amazing with this series is Patterson’s ability to write something new and different each time. With other authors and series you often find that a couple of books in and the storyline is similar and can become predictable. Not the Alex Cross series. It’s always something new and exciting, new evil characters and plots, but still the same Alex and his family and colleagues, which develops through each book.

I don’t want to give much away as you just need to delve in and read it!! But I will say, have the tissues at the ready for there is one heartbreaking part to this story.


Thank you to Netgalley, the publishers and most importantly the author, for the chance to read this book, in exchange for an honest review.

With series books I'd always recommend you start from book one and read in order. That's the point of them as opposed to stand alones - to get to know the series characters and follow their development as the series progresses. But in this case, if you are new to this series - how, why? - there's a whole load of catching up to be done so, well, just do your best!
So, we start with the death of the wife of the current vice president, shot dead in a car along with a politically active school principal. Both have lead, shall we say, interesting lives so initially it is unclear who was the main victim and who collateral damage. Sampson and Alex split up. Sampson following up Randall Christopher and Alex, along with FBI Special Agent Mahoney, concentrate on Kay Willingham.
Even though this is book 28, and I have read most of the preceding books, this series shows no sign of flagging. Whether this is due to the storylines and individual plots for each book or the fact that I have invested so much time in the main characters and their respective families that I am so excited about reconnecting with every book that I would pretty much follow whatever they do... I have seen Sampson mature in his relationships, I have followed Alex's love-life and watch his kids grow up. They are almost like family to me after all these years. Maybe that makes me biased. TBH I don't really care. I just know that when I start a new book in this series I am unlikely to be let down.
As well as a great series cast, we also have some good episode extras all as well crafted as the main players. We have a tight, well executed plot with all the twists turns and duplicitous behaviour necessary to keep the reader intrigued and engaged. Pacing is good and follows the narrative well. There's a bit of padding but nothing over the top and we also hear quite a bit from Alex's family but, as I said, that's the point of series books - to engage with the cast.
All in all, a good addition to an already well established series. Roll on next time. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

Can you believe this is the 28th Alex Cross novel? I can't. It seems like only yesterday I was reading Along Came A Spider and although I've maybe missed a few Cross thrillers along the way, I love dipping into this so familiar series and getting my fix of the lovely Cross family.
This was the perfect lockdown read for me and I simply devoured it. I think James Patterson should publish a cook book of all of Nana Mama's brilliant recipes - but I digress. Mind you, the whole Cross family dynamics are one of the hooks that keeps me coming back for more.

In Deadly Cross, Bree and Alex have to work on their relationship as workloads and politics put them at cross purposes on occasion. Jannie, Damon and Ali all play their role in making this a book to just curl up with and indulge yourself. It's like hot chocolate on a snowy day, but with cinnamon and spice on top.

Deadly Cross, was an emotional rollercoaster for me and I found myself in tears at one point - but NO SPOILERS here! - you'll have to read it yourself to find out more. The things I really loved about this book was that the investigation was personal for Alex. It was also filled with high Adrenalin moments, clever plotting and short sharp chapters to keep you turning the pages.

I read this quickly - although to say read it is misleading - I actually devoured it in super fast time.

This is a lasting series that although, it has changed in intensity from the first in the series, it is still as readable and enjoyable as it's always been. Can't wait for more Cross.

I’m a big fan of the Alex Cross series of books, and this, the 28th, is James Patterson still at the top of his game. The reason I love them is that we get the characters, warts and all, with families, real lives and problems, while still getting gripping tales, with several stories intertwined that keep you on the edge of your seat.

This time Alex is drawn into investigating a double murder, made all the more difficult by one of the deceased being the ex Vice President and someone that Alex knew. Add to that young girls being abducted and murdered, and it makes for a very fast paced read. Another book that I was really sorry to finish, I just didn’t want it to end.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book

it was lovely to visit cross and his family, see all the characters again and catch up with his sampson, sad times ahead for sampson and his family

but on the whole a better cross book than previous editions...with cross going back to what he is good at....

two high profile people are gunned down but also robbed
vice president involvement
missing girls
serial killer

all makes for cross having a busy time but the murdered victims are people that cross knows well and with blackmail coming in as well it all adds to the drama

one of patterson better books long may it continue

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for this ARC.

I thought this was a very well written book with a great plot line, and one I really enjoyed reading Alex Cross investigates two murders where both victims are known to him. There are several other story threads that run alongside this main one which for me made the book a more exciting and thrilling read. I loved the plot twists, just when I thought I knew who the killer was there was another twist. Alex, his family and friends are such likeable characters you can’t help but root for them. Overall a fast paced, thrilling read that raced to an ending with all loose ends tied up nicely.

I would like to thank NetGalley and the Publishers Random House Uk, Cornerstone for an eARC for an honest review.
This is the first Alex Cross novel I have read. I have seen the two films, Kiss the Girls and Along came a Spider. I didn’t realise this was number 28, so I have a lot of books to look forward to reading. A very enjoyable read, lots of characters to get through.
Over the course of years young girls have been raped and murdered, all unsolved at this point. Then a socialite has been found murdered in a car at the local high school along side the Principal of said school. Alex is investigating the socialites case and his wife Bree a detective herself,his long time friend and colleague are investigating the other cases, also ones where the rich are being shot at, in the butt, to be precise. Could these crimes all be connected?
Definitely a must read if your an Alex Cross fan, and for those who love police procedural books and thrillers. Recommended reading.

My thanks to NetGalley and publisher Random House UK, Cornerstone, for the ARC.

Another excellent addition to the Alex Cross series - I just love these books!
Opening with two 16yr-olds coming across a luxury car parked in the grounds of Harrison Charter High School - containing two dead bodies. No-one around, they think, and proceed to rob the man and woman of their valuables. Kay Willington, a wealthy socialite and ex-wife of the serving Vice President, lay beside Randall Christopher, a respected educator with political ambitions. Alex is brought onto the case and he knows both the victims, but his past dealings with Kay lead an enthusiastic writer to try to smear Alex's reputation.
Randall Christopher's wife becomes prime suspect especially when they discover her missing from home, leaving an empty gun case behind. But is this all as it seems? What about the missing valuables?
Meanwhile Alex and best friend John Sampson are still working on the case of murders and rapes of young girls over the previous years - their bodies dumped into the Potomac. More girls go missing - what could be the connection between the Charter School, headed by Randall Christopher, and the missing girls?
Lots of questions and very few answers to begin with but several plot lines gradually converge via twists and turns, and surprises.

I love the way James Patterson weaves Alex's home life, his loves and his friendships throughout his stories - they feel rounded and real - a joy to read.

Two people are found murdered outside a charter school, the victims are the ex wife of the Vice President and the school principal. Alex Cross is called into assist with this high profile case, whilst fighting speculating that he had been in a relationship with one of the victims.

Running alongside this case is the rape and murder of several young girls locally, are the cases linked??

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it was very well written, with great characters. There is a lot going on, but it's never confusing, and it is an absolute roller coaster ride, in fact extremely poignant at one stage, I will not reveal more!

The ending actually had me gasping out loud, didn't see it coming and could not put the book down.

Brilliant book and highly recommended.

Another winner from James Patterson in the Alex Cross series. A smooth paced thriller with all the usual twists and turns to keep you guessing. The ending was not the one I was expecting which is always a nice surprise. Followers of Cross will be pleased to know that all the familiar characters are there - Bree, Sampson, Nana Mama and the children. A great read!

It was the first Alex Cross I read and loved it, reading it in one setting. It's gripping, fast paced and highly entertaining.
I loved the tightly knitted plot, the well thought characters and loved the mystery part that kept me guessing.
I'm sure I will read the other books in this series, this one is excellent.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Deadly Cross is yet another example of James Patterson's ability to enthrall readers in his amazing crime thrillers.

In true Patterson style, we have a number of high profile cases that have fallen into the laps of Dr Cross, his partners in both FBI and DC Metro Homicide and his wife, Chief of Detectives, Bree Stone.

Juggling family life, his practice and his commitment to law enforcement continues to be a balancing act with different facets of his life taking precedence over others in rotation. However, Alex Cross and his fans wouldn't have it any other way!

I love the 'readability' of Patterson novels, with short chapters, multi-faceted investigations and his amazing juggling act, is guaranteed to keep the reader turning the pages all the way to the end and the 'hoped-for' conclusions.

Another brilliant read from the masterful James Patterson This book is almost back to the old school Alex Cross and John Sampson that we had in the earlier books in this series Much more emphasis on the police work and the search for he culprit. This intrepid team is called in when there is a high profile killing two people dead shot in the back seat of a car Both of the victims are know to Alex one his the principle of the school is daughter attends and the woman is the ex wife of the vice president. The media will be all over this high profile case just as they are with most of Alex and John's cases. While he works this case as a consultant for the FBI he is also working a case where young girls are going missing. It will take the combined efforts of all including Bree Alex;s wife to sort out this tangles mess. Can they solve it all before more lives and girls are lost.

I’ve not read a James Patterson book for years and I’d forgotten just how good his writing is. This is the 28th book in the Alex Cross series, I think I’ve read about the first 10 and now I really want to go back and read all of those in between. I am so pleased that Patterson has kept up the quality of his writing, so often by the time you get this far through a series they seem to be formulaic and churned out. This really wasn’t the case with Deadly Cross. It had an original storyline and built on characters that Patterson readers have grown to love over the years.
Maybe I can have an Alex Cross binge month?

The main story follows the shooting of a high profile socialite who also happens to be the Vice Presidents ex-wife and the local school headteacher, with side stories of teenage girls being abducted, raped and murdered and a smaller still storyline of the very rich and famous being shot in the ass! As with all Patterson novels, there is plenty of focus on the crimes but equal time is given to Cross and his family, including his best friend John Sampson. One of the storylines featuring Sampson and his family will definitely mean more if you’ve kept up with the series and/or read the last few books but this book read great as a standalone.


I love that just when you think you have it all figured out, there’s another twist in the tail that sends things off in another direction. Patterson books aren’t one’s where you can predict the ending.. or the middle. Cross is a superb main character, he’s a detective with a heart, a family man. Patterson has a great way of showing you his softer side as a husband, father and grandson trying to overcome his fears of rock climbing and then flipping to his tough guy detective with a razor sharp brain. Cross’s willingness to listen to what others have to say and question his own judgement, making sure that things are done correctly, not just for convenience make him so relatable and someone you would trust if you were in trouble.

As a reader you are drip fed information but you know that there’s always vital clues that Cross and his team know that you don’t. I found myself desperately wanting to know what was in the file or what someone had told them. How dare they know more than me!!! Everything is pursued very logically, there’s never a sense of “why would they do that” or something obvious being missed. You’re fed just enough information throughout to have you guessing what’s going to happen or who did it without ever being given enough that you can foretell the future of the story.

Thanks to #RandomHouse and #Netgalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for my opinion

I love James Patterson’s novels so was really excited to get the chance to read this one. Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing!
Once again, it’s another absolute belter and a real page-turner! Lots of twists and turns along the way and characters that you really get attached to and feel you know!
A gripping, great book!

Deadly Cross (Alex Cross book 28) by James Patterson is a 5 star read.
I still get excited when James Patterson releases a new book, it doesn’t matter if it’s a new book in a series or a standalone book, I just know I’m in for a treat. The latest instalment of the Alex Cross series was an excellent read, it had me on the edge of my seat from the first to the last page, I would highly recommend everything by James Patterson.
I voluntarily reviewed and advance copy of this book through Netgalley.

Deadly Cross is back, and he’s more deadly serious than ever.

One of my favourite crime thrillers is Alex Cross, and it's so good to be back in the world he lives with old friends and colleagues. They are all older, wiser and more active and action driven than before.

The suspense is higher now, because there are personal feelings and close friends involved. The crimes hit too close to home, and the author created yet another wonderful characteristic to this complex individual that I already love and feel like he's the perfect hero. His personal family drama is not missing, moreover it adds another layer to this thrilling story. It's not easy to give the best of you at home and at the office, but he's doing it all over and over again.

Another unmissable must read novel.

Another brilliant book in the Alex Cross series.
This is James Patterson at his best.
The main story follows the shooting of the Vice President’s ex-wife and the local school headteacher. They are shot whilst in their car but also subject to theft of their personal belongings.
There’s another story running alongside this of teenage girls being abducted, raped and murdered, so Alex, Bree, Sampson and Ned definitely have their hands full.
As with all Alex Cross books, there’s plenty of focus on the crimes but equal time is given to Cross and his family, including his best friend John Sampson.
This could be read as a stand-alone book but you’d get more out of it if you’ve been following the series.
Reading this series feels like I’m catching up with old friends now.
This is a huge five star read for me as I loved everything about this book.
Thanks to Random House UK and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.