Kill Alex Cross

Alex Cross #18

by James Patterson

With relentless danger around every corner, Detective Alex Cross is hunting down a kidnapper . . . but only if someone powerful doesn't kill him first.




The President's son and daughter are abducted, and Detective Alex Cross is one of the first on the scene. But someone very high-up is using the FBI, Secret Service, and CIA to keep him off the case and in the dark.




A deadly contagion in the water supply cripples half of the capital, and Alex discovers that someone may be about to unleash the most devastating attack the United States has ever experienced.




As his window for solving both crimes narrows, Alex makes a desperate decision that goes against everything he believes-one that may alter the fate of the entire country. Kill Alex Cross is fast, exciting, and tightly wound, full of "fast-and-furious action" ( Washington Post ).

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

400 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published September 15, 2011

About the author

Official US Site
Official UK Site
JIMMY Patterson Books
ReadKiddoRead

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

[Phrynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

For me the Alex Cross books vary widely in quality but this was one of the good ones.

I have to admit though that Patterson really likes to write about children being kidnapped. I am not sure how many times he has used this as a theme in this series but it certainly feels as though it pops up regularly. In this instance it is the President's children which does make for a very exciting story.

Patterson keeps the book moving with short, sharp chapters which make the reader constantly want to see what happens next. A parallel story line to the kidnapping involves terrorists so there are lots of evil people to keep up a high body count. On the other hand it is nice to visit with Alex's family again and see how they are all doing.

I opened this book looking for a few hours of entertaining escapism and that is exactly what I got.

[James Tivendale · Rating 2 out of 5]

A couple of days ago I read Along Came A Spider (Alex Cross #1) and enjoyed it so much that I was upset I had no further Alex Cross novels. I really wanted to jump straight back into Patterson's tough gritty world of Washington DC following our hero Alex Cross. However; when perusing my office/library I noticed this book, grabbed it off the shelf and two days later here we are.

Out of the large catalogue of Alex Cross books, I had to own one of the only other novels that is about a kidnapping case which was the same theme as Alex Cross #1. A bit of deja-vu both for Detective Cross and myself but I wasn't going to let that put me off.

Two main storylines make up this narrative. Two children (once again) have been kidnapped from school leaving no sign or trace. To heat things up a little, they are the President of the United States Children. (Someone is getting fired for letting that happen!!)

The second storyline follows a Saudi Arabian couple who are part of an interesting but shadowy terrorist organisation known as "The Family". We are given insight into the actions of beautiful, clever and deadly assassin Hala A Dossari and her unattractive chubby husband Tariq who is nowhere near as exciting. He is the typical "everyman". She defiantly "wears the trousers in that relationship"! They are one couple out of many Saudi Arabian's husbands and wife duos who have been sent to America to cause chaos to our friends in Washington DC. They also carry potassium cyanide to ingest in case they get intercepted. They are here to wreck havoc and do all sort of errant and indecent actions such as shooting people, poisoning the water supply of the city and blowing up places.

Alex Cross is similar to how I described him in my previous review. Quick recap, clever, intellectual, fit and always ready for action. It shows greatly that he follows his heart as well as his mind in missions. I picture him as being played by Idris Elba. (Aside - I saw in the Along Came A Spider Film he was played by Morgan Freeman - not how I imagine him at all)

With the chaos of the unfolding events as it proceeds there are some nice snippets into Alex's family life. He is still living with his lovely, sassy, "old school negro" Grandmother - loving nicknamed "Nana", his wife Bree and his children (including a newly adopted addition called Ava). I can't help but think these nice scenes are a literary device and show the juxtaposition between his content nature at home to how the President & First Lady must be feeling missing their children. Alex sees this too. It makes him work through his skin to solve the case - even taking the law into his own hands if needs be.

Now for the criticism. The two story arcs do not fit together well at all throughout this book. They almost seem alien and mismatched. Alex and his partner Sampson are mainly focused on the kidnapping case- but they occasionally accompany the FBI to these terrorist events involving The Family or FBI briefings/interrogations but they don't really have any impact on how events unfold down that avenue. In addition; the main perpetrator/villain is nowhere near as memorable as Gary Sonji in Alex Cross #1. He seemed a bit bland.

Only one of the main story arcs is finished at the books culmination. I was left disappointed by the other that just seemed to fizzle out. The only cause I could have for this being the case it that Patterson wants to bring a certain character back for a future book. As far as I was aware, however; I believed that these books were all fairly self-contained. If that is the case that arc was disappointing. Just to fill the pages? It is a shame if that is the case as the character in question here was one of the novel's most interesting.

This story was nowhere near as complex, long, intricate or unpredictable as Along Came A Spider. I know I have jumped from book 1 - 18. Has Patterson become a machine just recycling these stories knowing they will be best sellers without little care? I would be interested in people opinions regarding this. I can't judge that myself however after loving one book and thinking that this one was average. I imagine I will go back to the start of the Alex Cross adventures and pick up book #2 Kiss The Girls which I have heard good things about. If I read chronologically throughout the collections maybe I can pinpoint the books where things go sour, if of course, that is how it transpires.

Average book. Don't panic, though. Detective Inspector James is still on the case.
www.youandibooks.wordpress.com

[Paul Dinger · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was an okay read, but really this should be the end of the Alex Cross series. The tank, Mr Patterson, has run dry. I am a loyal fan, but this? It was sloppy. The title is really meaningless since it is apparent up until the very end that no one really wants to kill Alex Cross. Half of the story turns out to be a red herring that doesn't even add to it. Alex doesn't even finish the investigation of the second killer. She gets caught by others. Really? Further, elements have been used previously. The grief stricken arrogant killer, hello Mary, Mary. The true believer killer, hello Jack and Jill. Even the character of Alex Cross was hardly believable, as though his dialouge was cut and pasted from several other books, as was Sampson and so many other characters. Really, James Patterson? You write three bestsellers a month, I know this is a lot of work, but you can't put more work into Alex Cross? Just as the stories have gotten lamer, so has the title. Kill Alex Cross? Given what happens, it is more like annoy Alex Cross. While it did hold my attention, note the two stars, but it only reminded me how good this series was. You can do better, stop producing lame 'bestsellers' that disappear into the bargin bin faster than it takes to say their titles and give us some real Alex Cross. This really reminded me of a Simpson's satire on Where's Waldo where he is just sitting there out in the open, and Bart says, "Oh man you aren't even trying." Come on Patterson, I am a fan who bought every single Alex Cross book, you aren't even really trying here.

[Randy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was a bit disappointed in this one. I know most discerning readers have left Patterson behind. But I've been with him for many years, long before he became a factory.

No mistake, I don't read much of his stuff anymore. But the Alex Cross books were a guilty pleasure I never minded admitting. But this could be my last Patterson.

Someone has managed to kidnap the President's two children from the private school they attended. The note said, "No demands, no ransom, be prepared to never see your children again."

Alex Cross is brought into it by the First Lady, much against the wishes of every Federal agency.

At the same time, a terrorist cell from a new group known as The Family is working D.C. and Cross wonders if they are connected. The Family in fact tells their members they did kidnap the children.

Here's where I'm disappointed.

The kidnapping plot is resolved, no connection to the terrorists, and the other is left hanging.

A lot of innocent deaths, both civilian and cops, terrorists dead, one escapes, and the authorities have no idea what's going on.

I'm sure it's a set-up for the next book, Patterson's known for that, but authorities made little headway on solving this and then it just stopped.

Almost like filler just to pad out his always thin books anyway.

Not recommended.

[Suzzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5*

The president’s kids have been kidnapped and Alex is called to find the children while dealing with a messed up perp with a seriously devastating past. On top of this, Nana brings home a kid from the streets to join the Cross family. This series seriously takes so many turns but at least it was a turn in his love life (the guy had the love life of a teenager in the form of a grown man for a while there)! This whole book was interesting and fun to read. It kept my interest from start to finish and I ended up reading it in one-sitting tonight.

My quick and simple overall: a really quick, entertaining installment to the Alex Cross series.

[Emma.catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read most of the Alex cross series (can you believe the 32nd one is coming out soon!!!!!) and this is DEFINITELY one of his best!

I feel like I’ve written so many reviews for Alex Cross books and they are all saying a similar thing - AMAZING fast paced stories, all so unique from each other and nobody does short chapters like JP. If you haven’t read one I highly suggest checking them out - you can start anywhere in the series but obviously it’ll flow better if you begin with the first novel.


Any other Alex Cross lovers out there? I don’t care what age he is, he’s a guilty crush of mine 🙊🙈

[Carol Jones-Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

First Read: Able to deal with character development on many levels, Cross and Patterson provide a very entertaining read, if not a refreshing return to Patterson's literary abilities.

**SPOLER ALERT** Alex Cross is back with his wife and family, fighting for what he believes. When the President's children are kidnapped, Cross uses his detective abilities to narrow down the suspects and tries his best to make sense of the clues. Meanwhile, there is an ongoing 'subplot' involving a terror cell that continues to advance throughout the book, unbeknownst and unrelated to the Cross mystery.

After being sure the FBI is keeping information from him, Alex asks Ned for help, but he refuses, annoying Alex. Alex is later asked to see the president's wife. The First Lady tells Alex she is confident, and hopes, Alex can help rescue her children. She responds by telling Alex about her children. Two messages are given from the kidnapper, one saying "there will be no ransom" nor negotiations. Later, when being called upon by the CIA for a private meeting, he discovers the two messages, and also makes up with Ned. Later, at a FBI meeting, Alex and Ned, along other FBI agents, etc., are shown a video of the Coyle children who are sedated and sleeping. President Coyle speaks at the meeting revealing that Al Ayla, otherwise known as "the Family", who are a group of Saudi people, may have something to do with it. The Family consists of Hala, her husband Tariq, and others; Tariq and Hala came to America from the East. Their first mission, together with another couple, is the poisoning of Washington's water supply. Aware that there is a traitor in the Family they kill the other couple afterwards.

Meanwhile, Alex goes to the school and interrogates many, including Zoe's friend, a counselor, the principal, and the male nurse Mr. Glass. The kidnapper is revealed to use a recorder to record his thoughts and feelings on why he did the kidnapping and what outcomes he wishes to have.

Nana Mama is kicked down and robbed by a young girl, angering Bree - Alex's wife - who goes looking for the girl. Upon finding her, she brings the girl to Nana to apologize. The girl reveals her name to be Ava and has no parents. Nana and Bree decide to adopt her, against Alex's initial wishes, but he later agrees. Ava is shown to interact with Jannie and Ali, Alex's children, very well.

Alex suspects the killer is the school's janitor after interrogating him, since the janitor runs off. It is later revealed that he's not the kidnapper but has pornographic pictures of children on his computer. Alex later suspects Glass - the school's nurse - is the killer. When asking Glass' wife about Glass, she reveals he wanted to be a doctor, but after the death of their son, Zach, he got mad and blamed everyone for his death. She also reveals that after a few months, Glass kidnapped her and held her hostage in a basement sort of thing, with food and water. However, he later took her back home, packed his things, left her, and wrote a message saying "sorry." Since he has lost his own child, Glass probably doesn't want the President to have his. Alex, the FBI, and others watch Glass, who gets away. Alex soon spots him, and wants to arrest him, but fails and loses him again. Ned tells Alex to call him if he needs a favor. Alex calls upon Ned's and Sampson's help. The three drug Glass, tricking him into showing them where the Coyle children are being kept. After finding them, Alex arrests Glass. Ron Burns informs Alex that due to a lack of evidence, Glass will be in jail for a couple of days only. The First Lady, Zoe, and Ethan thank Alex and tell him the kidnapper was male and spoke into a recorder. Alex and Sampson find Glass and arrest him again, with the evidence being the recorder found in the glove compartment of his car. Glass tries to get out his gun and is shot by Alex and Sampson in self-defence.

Overall quite clean language, Recommend.

Second Read: President Coyle's children, Zoe (who is depicted as 'always getting in trouble' or starting it) and Ethan (who is the opposite of his sister, and is often picked on and bullied by fellow students at their middle school), speak to each other alone in a shed, when Secret Service open the door to take them to assembly, they find Zoe and Ethan have been kidnapped. Meanwhile, Metro Police Department cop Alex Cross, along with FBI agents, and Secret Service, discover a vehicle that rushes quickly out of the school grounds. Upon chasing the van, a massive car crash results soon afterward. Alex interrogates the driver, who is badly injured and sent to the hospital. Alex later learns the driver's name to be Pinkey. Meanwhile, FBI agent Ned Mahoney is told by Director Ron Burns that all information must be kept from Metro Police, and others, especially Alex Cross – who is a close friend of Mahoney. Ned feels guilty, and later offers to give info to Alex. Alex later tells his best friend, John Sampson, the case reminds him of the case of Gary Soneji, who was a math teacher that kidnapped two children.

The target of their second attack is the Washington Metro. Hala and Tariq work with a different couple and their two sons but are nearly caught and Hala shoots two cops. After fleeing from the site they are offered a home from Uncle, a member of the Family. The couple with the two sons is later found by the FBI but manages to take their suicide capsules.

Meanwhile, Alex goes to the school and interrogates many, including Zoe's friend, a counselor, the principal, and the male nurse Mr. Glass. The kidnapper is revealed to use a recorder to record his thoughts and feelings on why he did the kidnapping and what outcomes he wishes to have.

Uncle and his wife are later arrested and interrogated. It is revealed that the wife is the FBI's secret informer, in exchange for a new life. She helps them to arrest several Family members on their next mission. Only Hala and Tariq escape, Tariq being shot in the hand. One of the arrested women finally confirms that the kidnapping of the president's children has most likely nothing to do with the Family.

Nana Mama is kicked down and robbed by a young girl, angering Bree - Alex's wife - who goes looking for the girl. Upon finding her, she brings the girl to Nana to apologize. The girl reveals her name to be Ava and has no parents. Nana and Bree decide to adopt her, against Alex's initial wishes, but he later agrees. Ava is shown to interact with Jannie and Ali, Alex's children, very well.

At church, the First Lady speaks up about and for Sampson, and his wife, Billie's idea to open up a new school, thinking it to be a good idea. The entire Cross family get to meet the First Lady. Meanwhile, President Coyle ponders over Tariq, Jibbo, and other dead bodies. Deciding that the Family has fled, Coyle demands things go back to normal.

[Brittany McCann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was overdue for an Alex Cross fix, and this book hit the spot just right. Lots of action and pretty great pacing, and I enjoyed the kidnapping.

The terrorist inset was interesting, but the water poisoning was weak compared to the rest of the book. I loved the bit of Samson coming in, and I wonder what will happen with the extra house guest.

Nana Mama lives on... Just like she is better until the end of time.

Solid 4 Stars

[Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have read every Alex Cross book there is and have loved every one of them - until now. I found myself to be very disappointed with the latest installment of James Patterson's number 1 detective series.

So, what had me so disappointed with the newest Alex Cross "adventure" (notice the quotations around adventure? My play at being sarcastic)? With a title like Kill Alex Cross I was expecting a fast paced, edge of your seat thriller I wouldn't be able to put down. That's not what I got. What I got was Alex Cross on the fringes of two stories that ended up having no connection to each other at all - it was more like Alex was a secondary character in his own series. And as for someone wanting to kill him? Again, that whole concept was more of an after-thought due to his quasi involvement in one of two cases as opposed to being the main plot point - as he should have been.

It seems that with the multitude of titles he puts out every year, James Patterson just phoned this one in - which in my opinion was a shame and a severe injustice to one of my favorite characters by one of my favorite authors in a long time. I also feel it was a great injustice and insult to his fans to treat this character and long time series with such disregard. If I was able to, I would advise James Patterson to slow down. Cut down on the amount of titles because you are losing a great aspect of your story telling in that way.

I can only hope that the next Alex Cross novel has him back on track and in the forefront of a great thriller once again.

[Best Crime Books & More · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mmmmm, let me think on it for a minute. I feel very torn trying to write a review on this book and if I am being honest I really wanted to like it. Like many readers, when you have read a series as long as this you want things to be great all the time, but inevitably there will come a point when maybe things just don't sit right any more. I think that maybe I am leaning towards that opinion more than anything right now. Cross Country I absolutely loathed, I, Alex Cross was better but certainly not his best. With this one, I just feel it was mediocre.

The story itself had all the right ingredients, the kidnapping of the two most famous children in America and a terrorist attack on D.C. But somehow it just seemed too much like we had been there before and Alex Cross is maybe going over old ground. The writing style still has the magic Patterson touch with the short sharp chapters that keep the pages turning. That certainly wasn't lacking, I just felt that there was a major `something' missing and I cannot for the life of me place exactly what it is.

The character himself was lacking the magic sparkle this time around and I didn't particularly think he was written in the same manner either. Alex Cross has always been a man who works hard, but this time round his family were a very poor second to his work and that made me think badly of him.

I know it sounds ridiculous to some, but when you have read 18 books over as many years, as a reader you feel you know the character. I certainly finished this book feeling like I didn't know Alex Cross at all. The terrorist element of storylines in general is wearing a little thin with me as there seems to be so much of it around. I also felt that this part of the story, although very realistic, was a little rushed, and almost like an afterthought to bump the original storyline up a notch.

I am left feeling like I don't know what just happened. Has Alex Cross finally run out of cases to solve, or has Mr Patterson bitten off more than he can chew with the amount of books he writes and co-writes? In my opinion it has to be one of the two, I just can't make my mind up which one it is!

[Sarah Nessler · Rating 5 out of 5]

The next installment in the Alex Cross series. Just when you think the storyline can't become more captivating you soon find out that you are WRONG. I know there are many people that seem to dislike and have fallen off the Alex Cross wagon but I am not one of them. I have thoroughly enjoyed this series and the development of James Patterson through all his books I have read. To be honest as soon as I finished the last book I ordered everything up until the 24th in line because I had Barnes & Noble gift cards to burn and I felt that was one of many selections to use it on. If you haven't read anything by James Patterson and love mystery then this series is for you. If you felt like you didn't care for the series and stopped I would suggest picking them back up, I don't think you would be a disappointed, but I am a Megafan!

[Paula Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can you say WOW ? , I did as I opened up to begin Kill Alex Cross by James Patterson, especially when I discovered that this is the 18th book in the Alex Cross Series. Thinking about this brought back a conversation I had with a book lover's group "Bookaholics Anonymous" on Facebook about long-running series - the one in question was Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum as that's just made it's way to it's 18th book. Some people wrote that they couldn't get enough, while others said as they neared the 10th, 13th book- they stopped as they had just plainly had enough of that character. I found that with The Dresden Files , I read all the way to Book #7 and then had to stop for a while as that was enough dosage of Harry. Whereas for me , I ADORE Alex Cross and James Patterson as an author and I can't get enough of Alex as each book is written in the same fashion, thrilling and fast paced.
In Kill Alex Cross , we see a mixture of events occur from a kidnapping of the president's children - which of course reminds Washington and Alex Cross of the Gary Soljei case - "Along Came a Spider" and a terriost group has arrived in America calling themselves "The Family". Unlike his previous Alex Cross novels, we do read alot of bloodshed and so many people are dying and being killed. I lost count about halfway through. The Kidnapper as we discover likes to record himself and again refers himself to being like Gary and where Gary failed - the new kidnapper would love to "Kill Alex Cross". Can Alex find the children and solve the crime before he is the one that ends up dead ? Is this the last book in the Alex Cross series ?
And we read as a new addition is added to the Cross family , when Nana Cross ends up getting mugged and attacked -Bree angry sets out to find the culprit and instead finds the culprit as a 13yr old homeless girl named Ava. Nana Cross insists Alex to take her under their wing , will Alex be keen with the idea or will he find himself outnumbered ?
Read more in Book #18 Kill Alex Cross - another James Patterson novel that won't leave you disappointed

[Tex · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Kill Alex Cross” (KAC) is by best selling and prolific author James Patterson. It’s the eighteenth book in the Alex Cross series.

Things are never quiet for Washington DC Metropolitan Police Department Detective Alex Cross. Set two months after book 17, this time Cross has to juggle two cases - the kidnapping of the President‘s two children and a potential terrorist attack.

Initially the FBI and the CIA are trying to keep him as far away from both cases as possible - but it’s not long before Cross’ skills, experience, and determination result in his inclusion. But this could be the most frustrating case Cross has ever faced.

Back on the home front throw in Cross’ Nanna Mama taking in a street kid and it’s a very full dance card indeed.

Patterson has put together another non-stop, action packed thrill ride that makes this such an entertaining series to read. The storylines are intriguing, the relationships between the characters are engaging, and the villains are delightfully menacing.

You know what you are going to get in this series and while some are superb all are very good - and KAC is no different.

With an ending that, in typical Patterson style, could be foreshadowing a future storyline KAC gets 3.5 cyanide capsules out of 5.

[Alaina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kill Alex Cross is about someone abducting the children of the president of the United States. However, they don't want a ransom for the kids at all. So, what do they want?

First off, I was hooked on this book from the first chapter. THE FIRST PAGE EVEN. However, that's not all we get in this book. Nope, Patterson gives us a terrorist couple, Tariq Al Dossari and his wife Hala. They are known as "The Family" and plan to give the United States a whole lot of destruction - worse that what happened on 9/11.

So, yeah.. I was hooked guys. I loved how Patterson kept switching from the good guys to the bad guys. Even switching throughout three families: Cross's, the terrorists', and the president's family. It was so good that I couldn't even put the book down. Well, unless I went to sleep which trust me.. it was hard to let go of the book.

Again, these books have very short chapters so it honestly can be consumed quite quickly. I can't wait to read the next book in this series.

[Sandra Hoover · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another insanely fast-paced, action-packed story! Not a moment for Alex to breathe. I do love seeing him married - great family moments. Highly recommended. I'm continuing the series.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the characters and the stories.

[Sebastian · Rating 3 out of 5]

"I don't want to find another dead child"

Patterson has continued the disturbing trend I have found in this series. He sets up the story beautifully, then gives it a frantic pace that keeps the reader on the edge of the seat, and finally falls short when it's time to wrap things up. In this one, the elements are all there:

- the kids of the president have been kidnapped, and the culprit is not interested in a ransom, giving this a chilling nature
- there is a large-scale terrorist plot taking place in Washington DC, and it's not clear what the connection is to the first event, which makes the situation extremely complex and delicate
- Alex Cross has to deal not only with the cases at hand, but also with the politics of the situation, adding difficulties along the way
- the side stories having to do with Alex and his family provide a nice variety to the plot

As you can see, this looks pretty good, and it truly was for a while. But then the story comes tumbling down. It all start with some incredibly dumb mistakes by the good guys when trying to apprehend suspects that slip through their finger as easily as if they were walking out of a mall. Then, there is the rushed feeling we get when the author decides to close things out. It's almost as if he decided the work was done and there was no need to give us a good explanation for the things we have been reading about so far. Finally, there are some plot lines, especially the link to the title of the book that should have received more attention, it is almost as if they end up in unfulfilled promises.

Based on the comments above, this is another fast-read, especially until the holes start to appear. It reads almost as an episode of 24 with all the terrorist plots and the odds against the people trying to stop them. If this is what you are looking for, you will be OK, just brace yourself for an underwhelming conclusion.

[ILoveBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

James Patterson delivers again. This novel starts off with immediate action. The President's children are mysteriously kidnapped and no one has any idea who the
culprit(s) are. The reader meets quite a few nefarious characters right off the bat, most notable: Hala and Tariq, husband and wife, who are both completely indoctrinated into The Family-a terrorist organization. The author is amazingly neutral, he offers both sides of the coin and allows the characters their own thoughts. The reader gets the sense that he/she are actually getting a glimpse into the mindsets of very different people.

The plot is phenomenal, not so much because it involves the President's children, but because the reader can literally feel the energy coursing through the pages. The plot makes the book a very quick read as the reader will have trouble putting the book down as he/she runs through an agent attempting to find the right decision to make and quite a few terrorists both plotting and carrying out their evil deeds. The plots quickly add up to one large plot that is meant to truly stab the United States where it hurts.

The characters are very diverse and all have depth. The reader will befriend some, hate others, and remain neutral towards some. Ironically, the reader will learn the least about the children, both of whom are the focus of the book. The agents, especially Alex, are driven and courageous, the terrorists have very intriguing conversations, and Alex's wife and Nana also participate in the novel-there are a few sub-plots.

The ending is both exciting and will get the readers' adrenaline pumping. This book is a terrific read for young adults/adults who have had the pleasure of enjoying James Patterson's other novels or just love adventure/mystery/drama/action novels.

[Ms. Nikki · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn't really into this one. Bree is now his updated nanny in a way, making it more convenient for him to go out and fight-er-figure out some crimes.

Kids kidnapped. Nothing new.

On to the next

[Πάνος Τουρλής · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ο Ίθαν και η Ζόι Κόιλ, παιδιά του Προέδρου των Ηνωμένων Πολιτειών, απάγονται μέσα από το σχολείο τους κι αυτό κινητοποιεί όλες τις υπηρεσίες ασφαλείας, πληροφοριών και αντιμετώπισης έκτακτων καταστάσεων που υπάρχουν στη χώρα. Ταυτόχρονα, κάποιος δηλητηριάζει τον ταμιευτήρα νερού της Ουάσιγκτον κι αποπειράται να τοποθετήσει εκρηκτικά και δηλητηριώδες αέριο στο σύστημα του μετρό της πόλης. Πώς συνδέονται τα δύο γεγονότα μεταξύ τους και ποιος είναι ο τελικός στόχος; Μήπως η απαγωγή των δυο παιδιών είναι αντιπερισπασμός για ένα μεγαλύτερο και καταστροφικότερο πλάνο;

Η 18η περιπέτεια του Άλεξ Κρος, του πασίγνωστου έγχρωμου ντετέκτιβ της Ουάσιγκτον, έχει μεγάλη ένταση και αγωνία, απανωτές ανατροπές και κατάφερε να με κρατήσει ως το τέλος. Με την κλασική εναλλαγή πρωτοπρόσωπης (Άλεξ Κρος) και τριτοπρόσωπης αφήγησης και την εξιστόρηση των δύο διαφορετικών υποθέσεων σε παράλληλο χρόνο, μ’ ένα αόρατο ρολόι να μετράει τον χρόνο μέχρι να βρεθούν τα παιδιά και να συλληφθούν οι ένοχοι για τις μαζικές δολοφονίες, γυρνούσα τις σελίδες γεμάτος αγωνία και με κάποιες δεύτερες σκέψεις ως προς τις συνέπειες της εξωτερικής πολιτικής της χώρας, ειδικά απέναντι στις χώρες της Μέσης Ανατολής. Χωρίς να καταφεύγει σε ακρότητες και «αμερικανιές», ο συγγραφέας προβάλλει στο σωστό μέγεθος το πατριωτικό αίσθημα του μέσου Αμερικανού αλλά και το μίσος που μπορεί να εμποτίσει έναν μουσουλμάνο έτοιμο να θυσιαστεί για την πατρίδα του, σκοτώνοντας όλους αυτούς τους υπερκαταναλωτικούς ξένους («Τι αηδιαστική πόλη! Και όμως, όπου και αν κοιτούσες, υπήρχε ένα ακόμη χοντροκομμένο μνημείο προς τιμήν της αμερικανικής αλαζονείας και ισχύος», σελ. 95). Η Χάλα αλ Ντοσάρι και ο σύζυγός της, Τάρικ, είναι μέλη της Αλ Άιλα και της Οικογένειας, μιας ισχυρής εκδικητικής ομάδας που έχει απλώσει τα πλοκάμια της στην Αμερική. Ο τρόπος που δρουν και επιτίθενται, οι αναποδιές που συναντούν κι ένα ισχυρό ιδεολογικό σοκ που δέχεται η Χάλα δείχνουν όσο γίνεται πιο ακριβοδίκαια τον τρόπο σκέψης και παραπλάνησης που δέχονται τέτοιοι άνθρωποι και πείθονται να θυσιαστούν για υψηλά ιδανικά («Καμιά τιμωρία δεν ήταν υπερβολική για το λαό της Αμερικής», σελ. 165).

Ως προς τις «αμερικανιές» που έλεγα πριν, υπάρχουν άφθονες στο σκέλος της απαγωγής των Πρώτων Παιδιών, μιας και εδώ έχουμε ένα σωρό προβλήματα και γραφειοκρατία που δεν αφήνουν τον Άλεξ Κρος να εμπλακεί στην υπόθεση, παρ’ όλη την εμπειρία του και την επιτυχία του σε υποθέσεις απαγωγής όπως αυτήν του Γκάρι Σόνετζι (η πρώτη περιπέτεια της σειράς, με τίτλο «Και ήρθε μια αράχνη»). Τελικά, με προτροπή της Πρώτης Κυρίας, ο Άλεξ Κρος μπαίνει στα ανώτατα κλιμάκια δράσης, προστασίας και έρευνας («Ήταν μια πραγματική σούπα με αλφαβήτα μέσα σ’ εκείνη την αίθουσα -CIA, FBI, NSA, MPD-, εκπρόσωποι του Κέντρου Αντιτρομοκρατίας, της Μυστικής Υπηρεσίας, του Υπουργείου Εσωτερικής Ασφαλείας», σελ. 116) κι έτσι έχουμε τα μέτρα ασφαλείας του Λευκού Οίκου, την καθημερινότητα της Πρώτης Οικογένειας, άντε και λίγα ψήγματα χαρακτήρα, κυρίως της συζύγου, ως προς το θέμα της απαγωγής των παιδιών της. Ενδιαφέρουσα ήταν η εξέλιξη της υπόθεσης, με τον ένοχο να μην αποκαλύπτεται παρά μόνο με τον γνωστό «από μηχανής» τρόπο, με τα στάδια των ερευνών, τα λάθος ίχνη που επίτηδες άφηνε πίσω του ο απαγωγέας κλπ. αλλά πάνω απ’ όλα με τον θυμό του Άλεξ Κρος που τον οδηγεί σε αυτοδικία με εντελώς κινηματογραφικό τρόπο!

Σε προσωπικό επίπεδο, η καθημερινότητα στο σπίτι των Κρος είναι σχετικά ομαλή, με τον συζυγικό βίο, μιας και ο Άλεξ παντρεύτηκε την Μπρι στο προηγούμενο βιβλίο της σειράς («Τελικός στόχος»), να έχει τα πάνω και τα κάτω του, τον Ντέιμον να λείπει στο οικοτροφείο, τον Άλι και την Τζάνι να μεγαλώνουν και τη Νάνα Μάμα να πέφτει θύμα ληστείας από μια δεκατριάχρονη κοπέλα, την Άβα, η οποία χωρίς να το ξέρει τα έβαλε με τον λάθος άνθρωπο! Η τιμωρία της είναι παραδειγματική και εντελώς πρωτότυπη, μιας και κανείς δεν τα βάζει με την υπερήλικη, πάνσοφη και τετραπέρατη γιαγιά!

Η «Θανάσιμη απειλή» είναι άλλο ένα γρήγορο και ανατρεπτικό βιβλίο της σειράς με ήρωα τον Άλεξ Κρος, ο οποίος τώρα έρχεται αντιμέτωπος με την απαγωγή δύο σημαντικών προσώπων της Αμερικής και ταυτόχρονα με μια μαζική σχεδόν τρομοκρατική επίθεση κατά της Ουάσιγκτον και του ίδιου του Προέδρου από φανατικούς μουσουλμάνους. Ανατροπές, καταιγιστική δράση, κινηματογραφικά πλάνα, εμπόδια, μυστικά, προδοσίες και άλλα θα ικανοποιήσουν τους φανατικούς της σειράς.

[Beccabeccabooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another ripper of an instalment!

Just to keep things fresh, there's no serial killer/psychopath/foe dressed as a friend for Alex. Instead, we explore a terrorism plot and include a good old kidnapping as well.

And just to keep things interesting, this isn't any ordinary kidnapping. The children involved are no less the actual PRESIDENT'S. Thankfully, there's not much politics to bore me with.

Are these two separate incidents somehow connected? The chances are high. But of course, nothing is what it seems, and everyone soon learns to expect the unexpected.

Plus, who wants to kill Alex Cross?

To be reminded of the scary, uncertain times post 9/11 is admittingly a tad disconcerting, but Patterson does a good job of it. Even though this was set in 2011, it serves as a reminder that threats to public safety are still common.

On a much happier note, domestic life for Alex couldn't be better. Now that he's married to Bree, Nana Mama is less off his back. But a new addition to the family could throw a spanner into the works. It's going to be interesting to see how Ava grows as a character.

Still. GIVE ME MORE SAMPSON AND SUGAR DAMMIT.

4.75 🌟

[Thomas Edmund · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kill Alex Cross is almost a good installment of this series; Alex almost shows more than two emotions, almost has to make a tough moral decision, and I think a plot twist almost happens.

As it is however, K.A.C. is really only half a novel. Despite a rather extreme plotline of the president's children going missing, and a potential plot that may rival 9/11, Patterson doesn't bother to put in the authorly effort required to pull this melodrama off.

Even with the nation-shaking events mentioned above, there is very little sense that the Washington Alex lives in is in the midst of crisis. We do hear Cross talking about all the acronyms (FBI, CIA, NSA etc) but aside from fairly run of the mill jurisdiction tussles the story just feels like another weekly murder mystery.

Plot aside, the prose of K.A.C. isn't quite as agonising as Cross!! Country!!!, however trademark exclamation points do make a few too many appearances, especially in the beginning chapters. Point of View leapfrogs around like an electrocuted toad and the humour of this book is hit-and-miss at best.

I'm trying desperately to avoid a spoiler here, but I have to say that rather than tying together several different strands of plot, Patterson mangles together two concepts, both too big for their boots, and leaves a feeling of 'how many fan-fiction short stories did I just read?'

Let me be clear - I'm extra ranty because this was almost a good book. There is some killer action, and some tense moments. For die-hard fans this is a must read. For people with more than half a brain: not so sure this one is worth it.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Returning to what he does best, writing on his own, James Patterson produced a very good book, the next in the Alex Cross series. Able to deal with character development on many levels, Cross and Patterson provide a very entertaining read, if not a refreshing return to Patterson's literary abilities.

Alex Cross is back with his wife and family, fighting for what he believes. When POTUS's (you all should know the acronym) children are kidnapped, Cross uses his detective abilities to narrow down the suspects and tries his best to make sense of the clues. Meanwhile, there is an ongoing 'subplot' involving a terror cell that continues to advance throughtout the book, unbeknownst and unrelated to the Cross mystery.

Add some Nana-Momma and her own brand of preaching, as well as potential new long term characters and Patterson has served up another installment, filled with drama, thrills, humourous banter, and even a little over-used Middle East terror plots.

The short chapters do work well in Cross books, as it lets you build a little cliffhanger and the reader vows to read but one more chapter. Patterson hooks you and keeps you asking what is bound to happen next... so he at least has my vote for great author.

Only question, with the overall say on all books that bear his name, why are so many others sub-par?

Good work, Mr. Patterson. I await your Cross movie in 2012 and hope for more decent books!

[Merril Anil · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first time reading a james Patterson. yeah yeah curse me all you want but before this book, even though i was aware of the author i had never actually read the book. The first book i picked up turned out to actually the eighteenth book in his Alex cross series but still i never felt that i needed the back story because the book had nicely picked up from a fresh new story and smoothing the whole narration

The best thing about the book is that its does not run into too large detailed chapters of conspiracies. His book has definitely various layers but the beautiful thing is that the author doesn’t make it complicated by putting up a lot out there.

What i loved about the book is the fact that each chapters runs short and focuses on one thing without inserting too much of details and complications. It one of the best and smooth narrations i have seen in an adult thriller novel.

All those short chapters makes it easy for the readers to track and enjoy everything that is going on in the book. The story runs simple and quick and making it all the more thrilling and enjoyable.

In short for all the thriller addicts out there, the book is a quick, fun ride and you don’t even have to worry about the books the books that precedes or succeeds this book in the series because it is good as an standalone and doesn’t leave you with major cliffhangers.

[Charles · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a look at terrorism domestic and foreign and how the US might handle it. It's always interesting to see how Alex Cross would handle it.

[Baba · Rating 2 out of 5]

Alex Cross book No. 18 sees Patterson veer into Islamic fundamentalist terrorism, child kidnapping and an asides on street urchins… to not that good effect. Average read in this sometimes good, sometimes poor, series. As ever the book is strategically crafted to be a page turner! 5 out of 12

[Carole · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't care for this one the way I did about the older ones--it kind of seems like he's turning them out too fast and the quality is suffering. I will read the next one though--hope springs eternal!

[Nainika Gupta · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fast-paced thriller with a riveting cast!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story especially enhanced the performance by the narrators.

[Michael Whyte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story, very entertainin albeit a little predictable.