Jack & Jill

Alex Cross #3

by James Patterson

In the middle of the night, a controversial U.S. senator is found murdered in bed in his Georgetown pied-a-terre. The police turn up only one clue: a mysterious rhyme signed "Jack and Jill" promising that this is just the beginning. Jack and Jill are out to get the rich and famous, and they will stop at nothing until their fiendish plan is carried out.

Meanwhile, Washington, D. C., homicide detective Alex Cross is called to a murder scene only blocks from his house, far from the corridors of power where he spends his days. The victim: a beautiful little girl, savagely beaten--and desposited in front of the elementary school Cross's son, Damon, attends.

Could there be a connection between the two murders? As Cross tries to put the pieces together, the killer- or killers - strike again. And again. No one in Washington is safe - not children, not politicians, not even the President of the United States. Only Alex Cross has the skills and the courage to crack the case-but will he discover the truth in time?

A relentless roller coaster of heart-pounding suspense and jolting plot twists, Jack and Jill proves that no one can write a more compelling thriller than James Patterson--the master of the nonstop nightmare.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Thriller, Crime, Mystery Thriller, Suspense, Detective

432 pages, Hardcover

First published September 28, 1996

About the author

Official US Site
Official UK Site
JIMMY Patterson Books
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James Patterson is the most popular storyteller of our time and the creator of such unforgettable characters and series as Alex Cross, the Women’s Murder Club, Jane Smith, and Maximum Ride. He has coauthored #1 bestselling novels with Bill Clinton, Dolly Parton, and Michael Crichton, as well as collaborated on #1 bestselling nonfiction, including The Idaho Four, Walk in My Combat Boots, and Filthy Rich. Patterson has told the story of his own life in the #1 bestselling autobiography James Patterson by James Patterson. He is the recipient of an Edgar Award, ten Emmy Awards, the Literarian Award from the National Book Foundation, and the National Humanities Medal.

Reviews

[James Tivendale · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Jack and Jill" is the third story in Patterson's gripping novels about police detective and psychologist, Dr. Alex Cross.

Here, we see Alex working on two of the most complex homicide cases of his already glittering career. Involving perhaps four or more different killers. Like the majority of the cases that Dr. Cross is assigned to, all involved seem to be complex and have peculiar, sometimes hidden motives. A number of the ensemble are working together to achieve their ultimate goals. In addition, some of them seem to be competing for notoriety within the eyes of the nation's journalists and the general public.

Within the crime riddled Washington D.C Alex, as always, is presented as being a loving father and good friend, just as much as he is highlighted as the most talented detective for getting into the minds of the craziest and most dangerous people on the planet. In the majority of the Alex Cross stories I have read so far, there has often been a fair amount of distress to, and violence to young children. One such case is a beautiful young girl having half of her face caved in just outside her school with a razor-wired baseball bat. These murders really hit the whole neighbourhood hard and it is a bit "too close to home" for Alex, literally as that is the school his young son Damon attends. The other targets in "Jack and Jill" are A-List celebrities and it is presented that some of the killers may perhaps have a vendetta against this way of life in America.

If a book could be described as being a paperback equivalent to a supercar, it would be this one. It is full throttle all the way through and doesn't let up. Our metaphorical supercar doesn't go in a straight line from start to finish plot-wise either, there are thrilling twists, turns, betrayals, dust blocking where our senses should be looking etc... It contains many amazing set pieces such as hostage situations, Alex hanging out in the White House and brutal sexually influenced murders are but a few examples. In the Alex Cross stories, we get a 360 view of the action. We follow Alex in the first person, which creates affinity and adds drama as we are privy to his thoughts, internal monologue and deduction process intricately. The other characters, including Alex's, man-mountain sized best friend and partner, John Sampson and also, the killers are presented in an omnipresent third person view. Patterson occasionally flips between thoughts if multiple characters are involved in these chapters so that the reader is privy to everything going on. This builds up the tension sevenfold.

Alex borderlines instability occasionally in some of his detective methods and still talks to a psychologist following on from the tragic murder of his wife about five years ago. In one scene he talks to one of the killers and says "I know how you feel" and his internal thoughts highlight this with a statement along the lines of ... and I really did.

Just a short review on this one as I do not wish to give too much away. It was utterly awesome, thrilling and truly engaging. These stories are like reading a Die Hard film. "Jack and Jill" was excellent but, I think "Along Came A Spider" was very slightly better, perhaps because it was the first entry and introduction to the rotten Washington D.C where Alex has a lot more work to do in the future.

James
www.youandibooks.wordpress.com

[Baba · Rating 2 out of 5]

Alex Cross - book 3: There's a vicious serial child killer in the mainly African-American suburb that Cross lives in; there's an FBI case handed to him where a 'Jack' and 'Jill' are executing perfect murders of celebrities; and Cross is also warned about a CIA agent gone rogue! Busy times for Alex Cross in this book, as he also gets to meet Christine Johnson for the first time too. Not as good as the later books in the series I've read. A Two Star, 4 out of 12 read

2011 read

[Phrynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third book in the Alex Cross series which I am accidentally reading totally out of order. It does not seem to matter too much except that some of the baddies pop up again in later books which can be confusing:)
I am an Alex Cross fan. He comes across as a really nice guy and I enjoy the domestic bits with the children and grandmother. He is also a very good cop and I like how he never takes rubbish from anyone, even his superiors.
This book is standard James Patterson fare which means it is entertaining, full of action and a thoroughly good read. This particular one has multiple murders, multiple murderers and lots of red herrings. And the final identity of Jack was a total surprise - to me anyway!
Definitely worth a read if you enjoy this genre.

[Suzzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading all the Alex Cross books to date is one of my reading goals for 2018, but I’m only now done three. I enjoy them a lot and they aren’t too big so they go by quickly. So I’m hopeful. This one had two very intriguing crime plots. I usually do not get too into political thrillers but I actually really enjoyed the Jack and Jill plot. The Truth School killer was absolutely unsetting. Both plots had some very good twists and when both are revealed there is shocking moments. I did not find this book to be predictable, and I am so glad. I love when they aren’t predictable.

My quick and simple overall: a quick and entertaining day read.

[jv poore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This chilling tale pulls our hero, Alex Cross, in two totally different directions. A child killer in his very own neighborhood should take precedence, or so Detective Doctor Cross and his faithful companion Sampson believe; however, Cross' superiors want him on Presidential detail. Both stories unfold in completely unexpected ways. The Conspiracy Theorist potential of the President's predicament is realistic, humbling and frightening; while the child killer case rips the readers' heart in two. The third Alex Cross novel is fabulously written and may very well keep you up late.

[Rachel L · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

When I was in the 10th grade, I went through a big James Patterson phase. My parents were buying used copies of this books for me as stocking stuffers for Christmas, and I blew through a bunch of his books. My grandmother also loved his books dearly, so when I miss her, I pick up one of his novels.

Say what you will about James Patterson, whether he actually wrote his books or not (I actually believe he wrote his earlier novels like this one) he’s accomplished a great thing with the Alex Cross series. He has sold hundreds of millions of books, and that’s not something just anyone can brag about.

This is the third Alex Cross novel and Alex finds himself torn between two cases: a small black girl is murdered in his neighborhood, and high profile politicians are being murdered in DC. Alex works on both at the same time, one in secret, hoping to bring justice to all the victims.

Definitely an entertaining read. It’s been so long since I read it, I remembered almost nothing so it was like reading a new book. I do feel this style of mystery writing is outdated (mid 1990’s) and I had a hard time staying focused while reading. It didn’t really grip me like it had when I was a teen.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Detective Alex Cross was woken by his friend and partner Detective John Sampson, their destination was to Alex’s son Damon’s nearby school. The murder of the little six year old girl was sickening and hit Alex particularly hard. Their relentless search needed to be thorough; the killer needed to be found.

Meanwhile, a US senator was murdered in a particularly gruesome manner – Jack and Jill were on the hunt and had threatened that this was just the beginning – they promised they would strike again…

More bodies, more murders – Alex and Sampson were in it up to their necks. They were determined to catch the killer or killers – but were they connected?

Jack & Jill is the third in the Alex Cross series by James Patterson and is filled with the usual fast paced action; multiple murders and a home scene which I thoroughly enjoy. Nana Mama and the children bring a sense of normality to Alex’s life (and the series) and I always enjoy these books. Not sure why I hadn’t read this one a long time ago, but I have now! Recommended.

[Tim · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you can write like this you get a net worth of $800 million.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A murderous duo calling themselves Jack and Jill are killing important people in Washington, D.C. Detective Alex Cross is put on the case when they threaten the President. But he would rather stay on a more personal case....children are being killed at the school Cross' young son attends. Deaths continue as Cross investigates both cases. Is anyone in Washington safe?

This book is definitely filled with action and twisted suspense. Originally published in 1996, the book is a bit dated in places. But, the story is still very much enjoyable. I found the plot in this 3rd book of the Alex Cross series to be just as action-packed and exciting as the first two books.

I'm enjoying this series. I started reading just this year because the series is listed as part of The Great American Read. I'm not sure why I had never read a book by James Patterson before this year. I guess it was a case of so many books...only so much time. I'm glad I finally gave the Alex Cross series a try....it's really quite good. It will take me awhile to catch up, as the series has 25 books and Jack & Jill is only #3. Book 26, Target, is scheduled to come out in November 2018. I have lots of reading/listening to do!

I listened to the audio version of this book. Narrated by Ron Butler and Maxwell Hamilton, the audio is just over 12 hours long. Both narrators read at a nice pace. I liked the fact that the narrators change when the point of view changes. Even with my hearing loss, I was still able to hear and understand the entire book.

I have book 4, Cat and Mouse, on hold at the library. I'm definitely continuing with this series. I like Alex Cross as a main character. He is gritty, intelligent and hard-hitting. I like all the side characters, especially Nana Mama and Sampson. I do see a tendency in this series towards killing or victimizing any woman that Alex looks at as a possible love interest. It's happened in every book so far....and seems repetitive and unrealistic. But, this is only book 3..... If I get further in this series and this is still a major repeating plot point, it might make me stop reading. I'm suspending judgement until I get further into the series.

I can see why this series is part of the list of 100 books for The Great American Read. This bestselling series has wowed readers for 25 years now. The Great American Read honors 100 books that got the American public reading and talking about books. From classics to contemporary fiction, the list is varied. Check out the list here: https://www.pbs.org/the-great-america... In my quest to read all 100 books/series, I am currently at 16. (I'm counting series listed as one, even if I read multiple books). Lots more reading to go! I love this concept -- I hope they do something similar again!

Here is a link to the main website for The Great American Read: https://www.pbs.org/the-great-america...

[Mark · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the third Alex Cross novel in a time when Patterson still wrote the Cross novels himself and not by committee.
This book features two serial killers both warrant a book by themselves, and that is immediately one of weaknesses of this book. The killing of young children in a black comunity by a ruthless murderer should have gotten far more space in the story. Then the second story is about a set of assassins Jack and Jill who kill known people to raise their identity. But their True aim is the president of the United States.
The big issue I have with this novel is that I feel shortchanged with one book, it could have been two great books . One about killing and sociale injustice and another exciting thriller about a attempt killing the president.
As always the hallmark of Patterson short chapters which gives a certain speeltoestellen reading the book.
As always Patterson delivers but this is been one of the weaker Cross books.
I expected more from this book in the early Cross annals still by the man himself.

[Bill · Rating 2 out of 5]

While reading this one I couldn't help thinking, was Kiss the Girls really that good?

Patterson does have a terse writing style, but it didn't seem this bad before. It's bad here. All through reading it I was feeling like Patterson just hacked this one out of the word processor in one draft without a second glance. For a guy who writes so sparsely, he sure is repetitive throughout the story:

'Was Jack up ahead? Was Hawkins Jack? Was this Jack up ahead?
Could this be Jack up ahead? Had we just been that close to catching Jack?'....
This within 3 pages. Who is this guy's editor, anyway?

Another thing that bothered me was so much pop culture was thrown
in in an obviously contrived effort to authenticate things (Simpsons, ER, Pulp Fiction, MTV). Now you're wondering, if I hated it so much, why did I finish it? Well, I have to admit, the story itself was quite good, and I pretty much had to see it through to see how things turned out.
Given the right director and screenplay, this would make a terrific movie.
As for future Patterson efforts, I'll wait for the movies, thanks.

[Mike Mason · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprisingly given the vast library of books that James Patterson has written this is only my sixth. It is also only the third featuring Alex Cross, who previously I had mixed up with Amos Decker in the David Baldacci books. This is also book 3 in the series. The others I have read are all much later so this is good for fleshing out his character a bit more. Lost his wife…loves his two kids and his Nana. And doesn’t have a photographic memory nor linebacker build.😉

I really enjoyed this one. Two murder stories interwoven. Jack and Jill pursuing the assassination of the US President. The other involving the murders of young black kids at a school located near Decker’s house.

The stories romp along. Mentions of musicians I like - Jethro Tull, Crash Test Dummies. Bit like reading an Ian Rankin where Rebus is partial to Joy Division etc. But I digress… well not really as I am listening to Caravan and ‘If I could do it all over again…’ as I write.

Decker has assaulted his boss early in the book and is suspended at the end. So like a Harry Bosch we wait to find out the consequences.

[BAM doesn’t answer to her real name · Rating 2 out of 5]

2018 Reading Challenge: book set in the 1990s

I’m going to force myself to read this series. I may eventually enjoy it

[Anna Dorothea · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this book was good, but not as good as the first two. It didn't draw me in like the other ones did. The ending though was intense and the only part of the book I really got into. It announced what the fourth book was going to be about by having Gary Soneji from "Along Came a Spider" reappear in the story again. I recommend this book to anyone who liked the first two of the Alex Cross series because this book leads into the story line of the fourth book which is very good.

[Jack Heath · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars. Think conspiracy and the Kennedy murder in Dallas, think cold and deliberate murder, and think of a rising crescendo of anxiety. I found 'J and J' intentionally complicated; just when one thought the story line was becoming clearer, and eventually it must, another twist was added. But the ending was tense and almost torturous. I couldn't put down the last 50 pages. Alex Cross, the Dragonslayer, and his friend John Sampson, Man Mountain, are stumped by the cruel murders of two little kids attending the same school Alex's young son Damon goes to, Sojourner Truth, in the heart of the projects in Washington, DC. Shanelle Green's body had even been dumped in the schoolyard. At the same time, two limerick-loving crime artists begin a string of outlandish murders. When they kill Natalie Sheehan, a political news personality, they leave a little poem: "Jack and Jill came to the Hill, To right another error, To make it short, Her news report, Was filled with her own terror." It escalates and the eventual target of the two J's becomes clear. The President. Of course Alex is pulled in. Now he's got two cases on the go. Are they related? It's a good one by Patterson. (Ja2022/Oc2024)

[Stacia · Rating 1 out of 5]

Reading this book is like reading a used undergraduate textbook, only it's got italics instead of highlighter. I don't think I've ever seen so many random italics to indicate words the author thinks we should focus on. Because apparently readers aren't smart enough to decide what's important and what's just ordinary narrative. And yes, it really is annoying enough that even I, a compulsive book-finisher, am considering just returning this one to the library.

Also, there's a pretty basic research error: the author uses "semiautomatic" and "revolver" interchangeably.

I stopped reading about 10 pages from the end, once the "mystery" had been solved. I've read a few James Patterson books now, and I won't bother reading any more.

[Lucy'sLilLibrary · Rating 3 out of 5]

The third book in the Alex Cross series and didn’t quite hit like the previous two did. This book follows two murder cases running alongside each other one a child murderer and the other ‘righting wrongs of the world’. Two very different cases but only Alex Cross can catch them.

As always an easy read, I think because I enjoyed Kiss the Girls so much I struggled to rate this higher than a pretty average three stars. I wasn’t as invested in this book and didn’t care that much about the political killings plot line all that much. The love interest for me also fell a little flat. I’m not particularly interested in Alex’s love life but if it needs to be written it needs to be done with more conviction.

I don’t know if the ‘why’ the murders were killing people was ever explained which was a little frustrating. The ending was interesting though and I’m guessing this leads into the fourth book of the series which I am hoping will be a little better.
I will defiantly be carrying on with the series…on to the next!

[Celeste Velocci (bookrecs_by_celeste) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great read in this series. It’s so difficult to put these books down once I pick them up. I love Alex Cross’ character and I’m so excited to read more about him and his job and all the people who surround him.

So far this one has been the darkest in the series. Some of the content was difficult to read at times. I liked that there were two different cases going on at the same time and that Alex Cross was in the middle of each of them. Dark and twisty crime fiction read for sure.

[Leticia🌻 · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5

In the third installment of Alex Cross, we read about Alex Cross trying to solve two different crimes; the first targeting the President and the second targeting the school that Alex Cross' son attends.

[Sushi (寿司) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terzo James Patterson, secondo Patterson's Thriller e primo Alex Cross che volevo leggere da una vita. Non è il numero uno ma quello non c'era alla Mondadori dove vado. Ho dato una sbirciatina al film su Sky su Alex Cross, senza vederlo, così ho deciso comunque di partire con uno qualsiasi della serie ma non troppo avanti. Ho scelto il terzo. Immaginerò Alex Cross come l'attore per iniziare.

Un thriller davvero serrato che ti fa tenere il fiato sospeso fino alla fine. Niente è cio che sembra o pensi. Per questo James Patterson è ufficialmente uno dei miei scrittori preferiti.

[Lord' Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jack & Jill (Alex Cross #3)

There isn't much I can say about the book or the author. I love the Alex Cross series. I was hooked with "A Long Came a Spider," and "Kiss the Girls."

Jack and Jill is a fast pace, riveting, suspense/thriller. This is a novel I would love to watch on the big screen!

James Patterson is an Master at character development, which is such an essential element in the craft of writing. Plot development received excellent support from its chapter development and suspenseful sub-plotting.

Jack and Jill is an assassination team that terrorize the DC area, and puts Capital Hill on high alert. they are highly skilled, highly effective, and Alex is placed right in the middle of their carnage and rampage to execute the President of the United States.

So go find your favorite chair, a pot of coffee, or coco, and whatever else you need to be comfortable, while James takes you on this emotional roller-coaster with Alex Cross to uncover the reason why these ghost has come out to kill in this 5 star read.

~LW~

[Shariful Sadaf · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the middle of the night, a controversial U.S. senator is found murdered in bed, the killers have left a note signed "Jack and Jill" promising that this is just the beginning. Homicide Detective Alex Cross works on both cases, and the killers strike again. And again. No one in Washington is safe - not children, not politicians, not even the President of the United States. Only Alex Cross has the skills and the courage to crack the case-but will he discover the truth in time? Jack and Jill is a relentless roller coaster of heart-pounding suspense and jolting plot twists, Patterson has written a compelling thriller, and a nonstop nightmare for Cross.

Plenty of twists and turns that keep you turning pages! The characters work so well. Enjoyable book, loved the twists in the middle and you were never quite given the whole picture.I enjoyed the suspense to the very end. I also appreciated the time period in which it was written as it takes me back.

Would definitely recommend this book to others who enjoy the crime genre.

[Anastasia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jack and Jill by James Patterson is the 3rd book featuring Alex Cross. Alex Cross investigates the murder of a US senator with a note signed by Jack and Jill claiming this to be the start of further killings as well as the murders of children who are being battered to death. A fast paced and action packed typical Alex Cross novel with lots of twists and thrills.
Reread Feb 2023 as reading the series in order. Just as good as the first time.

[Amy · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is an older Alex Cross novel. I just finished Postcard Killers (a newer novel) about a month ago, and there are a lot of similarities with the J&J killers. The biggest mystery of the book was trying to figure out why the killers did it, which is never answered completely. At the beginning J&J are playing with a game board of some kind, but that is completely forgotten after a few chapters & has nothing to do with the motive. There are too many red herrings to the point of sloppiness. When it comes to the end, you're scratching you head b/c there were not any clues to the identity of the killers.
Alex Cross has another case with children being murdered in a schoolyard. Again, too many red herrings and the killer's motive never is clearly seen. The killer is only after black children and you never know if it was just opportunity or racism.
A point of note is that the future Mrs. Cross, Christine, is introduced.
The reason I bought the audio was because John Rubinstein did part of the audio. He does the John Kellerman audios and in this plays all the killer's voices. Blair Underwood is the voice of Cross and he is awful. I may be biased, but I wanted Morgan Freeman because Underwood read too fast & it's hard to keep up the change in scene. Rubinstein was wonderful and did not jell will Underwood.
Even with Rubinstein, I do not recommend this novel. The police work is sloppy and Cross never catches or IDs the killers. They make mistakes or turn on each other. You are never told a motive or if the Real Jack is playing the board game with the Real Jill or the Fake Jill. This book is a waste.

[Rob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Number 3 in he Alex Cross series and this time Alex has not one but two killer to hunt down.
Two young children have been brutally murdered. Alex and his friend ,and fellow cop, Samson feel the need to get to the bottom of this asap. All the more so because Alex's kids attend the very same school that victims attended.
To make matters worse there are two psychopathic killers (Jack & Jill) running around killing high profile citizens.
Needless to say the FBI and the NYPD need Alex on the case.
Alex finds himself trying to solve both cases at the same time, not an easy task.

The end game, I thought, was a bit over the top. But, what the, this is make believe after all.
The other thing that grates on my nerves a bit was when ever Alex's kids or Nana Mama are mentioned the dialogue can be a bit cringe worthy.

But this is just a small complainant in what proved to be a quick, enjoyable read.

The normal James Patterson format. Short chapters, quick pace with the tension ranking up as the end is in site.

[Γιώργος Δάμτσιος · Rating 4 out of 5]

Δεύτερη ανάγνωση αυτού του βιβλίου, μετά από κοντά είκοσι χρόνια (και φυσικά δεν θυμόμουν σχεδόν τίποτα εκτός από το βασικό plotline).

Ο Πάτερσον κατά κανόνα μού αρέσει αρκετά, χωρίς όμως ως τώρα να έχω κατενθουσιαστεί με κάποιο από τα βιβλία του που έχω διαβάσει. (Ίσως μόνο στο ''Και ήρθε μια αράχνη''). Νομίζω ότι αυτό που μου κάθεται λίγο στραβά είναι η ''Αμερικανιά'' που υποβόσκει συχνά στις σελίδες του.

Αναμφίβολα όμως και αυτό το βιβλίο αγγίζει τα 4/5, καθώς έχει όλα τα φόντα του είδους που αντιπροσωπεύει. (Δυνατοί και καλόγραμμενοι ήρωες, σφιχτή πλοκή, αλλεπάλληλες ανατροπές κ.λπ.). Θεωρώ ότι διαβάζεται άνετα από έναν μέσο αναγνώστη που θέλει να ψυχαγωγηθεί. Όσο για μένα, θα συνεχίσω να προχωρώ την ιστορία του Άλεξ Κρος με ευχαρίστηση.

[Ron Wroblewski · Rating 5 out of 5]

The 3rd book in the Alex Cross series filled with continuous adventure as Alex is working two serial murder cases with surprises throughout/ Easy and fast read. Big surprise near the end (at least for me). Enjoying this series.

[Eleanor Wheeler · Rating 1 out of 5]

Don't know if I'll ever see properly again, may have eye rolled myself blind with this. Not sure I can even bring myself to write a full review.... Time will tell....

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I did not have high expectations for this one when I started it. The ending was great. I thought that I had it figured out when I was 3/4 finished, but I was way off. The ending was kind of a cliffhanger, but not in a bad way…….just makes me excited to read the next Cross book. Highly recommended read!

[bookswithpaulette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this one. The jack and Jill killers were very entertaining and Alex Cross is back on the case. I love all the references to the previous books. Enjoying taking a dive into this series.