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Alex Cross #35
Cross and Sampson: The thrilling new spin-off in the bestselling Alex Cross series, now an original series on Amazon Prime
Not yet published
Expected 29 Jan 26Detectives Alex Cross and John Sampson are better together—until they’re called to separate locations to investigate a pair of serious crimes.
In Washington, DC… Metro PD detective John Sampson stands in a crater in the middle of a DC street, calling in the bomb squad. “Dispatch, this is Sampson. Contact the FBI and the ATF. We’ve got a suspected terrorist attack here.” In Chapel Hill, NC… Alex Cross searches the apartment of a missing psychology grad student—his own son Damon. Has following in his famous father’s footsteps made Damon a target? From FBI headquarters, in police stations, on airplanes, and at murder scenes, the detectives track crimes committed hundreds of miles apart. It will take more than distance to weaken the partnership of Sampson & Cross.
In Washington, DC… Metro PD detective John Sampson stands in a crater in the middle of a DC street, calling in the bomb squad. “Dispatch, this is Sampson. Contact the FBI and the ATF. We’ve got a suspected terrorist attack here.” In Chapel Hill, NC… Alex Cross searches the apartment of a missing psychology grad student—his own son Damon. Has following in his famous father’s footsteps made Damon a target? From FBI headquarters, in police stations, on airplanes, and at murder scenes, the detectives track crimes committed hundreds of miles apart. It will take more than distance to weaken the partnership of Sampson & Cross.
- GenresThriller
Kindle Edition
Expected publication January 29, 2026
527 people want to read
About the author
James Patterson
938 books355k followersOfficial 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
November 19, 2025
Thanks to Little, Brown & company and Netgalley for this eARC.
🔎 James Patterson and Brian Sitts deliver a fast-paced, high-stakes thriller that pairs two of crime fiction’s most enduring characters—Alex Cross and John Sampson—in a story that feels familiar yet freshly charged.
The strength of the novel lies in the chemistry between Cross and Sampson. Their partnership is built on loyalty, trust, and contrasting temperaments—Cross’s analytical precision balanced by Sampson’s grounded pragmatism. This interplay gives the narrative heart and grit.
True to Patterson’s style, the chapters are short, sharp, and designed to keep readers turning pages. The central case escalates quickly, weaving together personal stakes and broader threats. The pacing ensures that tension never dips, while Sitts’s co-authorship adds a slightly different texture to the storytelling, refreshing the familiar rhythm.
Beyond the action, the novel explores the toll of relentless pursuit—how justice demands sacrifice, and how friendship becomes a lifeline in the face of danger. Cross’s intellectual rigor and Sampson’s emotional steadiness make them compelling foils, and their humanity shines through the suspense.
This book examines loyalty, resilience, and the cost of justice. It asks what it means to stand up against overwhelming odds, and how far one can go before the line between duty and obsession blurs.
Cross and Sampson is not just another installment in a long-running franchise—it’s a celebration of partnership under fire. The novel reminds readers why these characters have endured for decades: they embody both the thrill of the chase and the deeper bonds that make crime fiction resonate.
Cross and Sampson is a taut, engaging thriller that blends Patterson’s trademark momentum with Sitts’s fresh perspective.
It’s a must-read for fans of Alex Cross, but also accessible to newcomers who want a gripping introduction to one of crime fiction’s most iconic duos.
🔎 James Patterson and Brian Sitts deliver a fast-paced, high-stakes thriller that pairs two of crime fiction’s most enduring characters—Alex Cross and John Sampson—in a story that feels familiar yet freshly charged.
The strength of the novel lies in the chemistry between Cross and Sampson. Their partnership is built on loyalty, trust, and contrasting temperaments—Cross’s analytical precision balanced by Sampson’s grounded pragmatism. This interplay gives the narrative heart and grit.
True to Patterson’s style, the chapters are short, sharp, and designed to keep readers turning pages. The central case escalates quickly, weaving together personal stakes and broader threats. The pacing ensures that tension never dips, while Sitts’s co-authorship adds a slightly different texture to the storytelling, refreshing the familiar rhythm.
Beyond the action, the novel explores the toll of relentless pursuit—how justice demands sacrifice, and how friendship becomes a lifeline in the face of danger. Cross’s intellectual rigor and Sampson’s emotional steadiness make them compelling foils, and their humanity shines through the suspense.
This book examines loyalty, resilience, and the cost of justice. It asks what it means to stand up against overwhelming odds, and how far one can go before the line between duty and obsession blurs.
Cross and Sampson is not just another installment in a long-running franchise—it’s a celebration of partnership under fire. The novel reminds readers why these characters have endured for decades: they embody both the thrill of the chase and the deeper bonds that make crime fiction resonate.
Cross and Sampson is a taut, engaging thriller that blends Patterson’s trademark momentum with Sitts’s fresh perspective.
It’s a must-read for fans of Alex Cross, but also accessible to newcomers who want a gripping introduction to one of crime fiction’s most iconic duos.
November 24, 2025
Special thanks to Little Brown for allowing me an advanced copy in exchange for this honest review.
Fast-paced, emotional, and very “classic Patterson,” with a few small bumps
Cross and Sampson is a strong, high-energy entry in the Alex Cross universe that really leans into what longtime fans enjoy: loyalty, family, and relentless suspense. Centering the story more tightly on John Sampson gives the book a fresh emotional angle while still keeping Alex very present, and their decades-deep friendship is one of the best parts of the novel. There are some genuinely tense moments and a few twists that land exactly the way a thriller fan hopes they will.
The pacing is classic James Patterson—short, punchy chapters that make it way too easy to say “just one more.” The stakes feel personal and urgent, and the emotional beats around trust, justice, and what you’re willing to do for the people you love give the story more weight than just “catch the bad guy.”
It’s not a perfect read, though. Some side characters feel underdeveloped, and a couple of turns in the plot resolve a little too conveniently or quickly, especially toward the end. If you’re looking for deep, layered character exploration beyond the core cast, you might feel a bit rushed through certain moments.
Overall, Cross and Sampson is a very satisfying 4-star read: gripping, emotional, and familiar in the best “curl up with a thriller” way. Fans of the Alex Cross series will likely be happy, and new readers can still jump in and enjoy the ride—even if a bit more breathing room in the story would’ve pushed it into 5-star territory.
Fast-paced, emotional, and very “classic Patterson,” with a few small bumps
Cross and Sampson is a strong, high-energy entry in the Alex Cross universe that really leans into what longtime fans enjoy: loyalty, family, and relentless suspense. Centering the story more tightly on John Sampson gives the book a fresh emotional angle while still keeping Alex very present, and their decades-deep friendship is one of the best parts of the novel. There are some genuinely tense moments and a few twists that land exactly the way a thriller fan hopes they will.
The pacing is classic James Patterson—short, punchy chapters that make it way too easy to say “just one more.” The stakes feel personal and urgent, and the emotional beats around trust, justice, and what you’re willing to do for the people you love give the story more weight than just “catch the bad guy.”
It’s not a perfect read, though. Some side characters feel underdeveloped, and a couple of turns in the plot resolve a little too conveniently or quickly, especially toward the end. If you’re looking for deep, layered character exploration beyond the core cast, you might feel a bit rushed through certain moments.
Overall, Cross and Sampson is a very satisfying 4-star read: gripping, emotional, and familiar in the best “curl up with a thriller” way. Fans of the Alex Cross series will likely be happy, and new readers can still jump in and enjoy the ride—even if a bit more breathing room in the story would’ve pushed it into 5-star territory.
November 5, 2025
Cross and Sampson is a fast paced gripping read that will have you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end.
Cross and Sampson are each dealing with their own crisis.
Cross is looking for his missing son and Sampson is caught up in deadbly bomb attacks.
My head pivoted back and forth: when I was reading about Cross, I wanted to get back to Sampson and vice versa.
Both stories are tense, full of emotion and had me holding my breath , fingers crossed.
My nerves were on edge for both men and I had to remind myself to breath.
James Patterson and Brian Sitts are a formidable duo that takes the reader on a high velocity roller coaster ride that will have you binge reading from begining to end.
Thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown and Comanpy for the privilege of reading and reviewing Cross and Sampson.
Cross and Sampson are each dealing with their own crisis.
Cross is looking for his missing son and Sampson is caught up in deadbly bomb attacks.
My head pivoted back and forth: when I was reading about Cross, I wanted to get back to Sampson and vice versa.
Both stories are tense, full of emotion and had me holding my breath , fingers crossed.
My nerves were on edge for both men and I had to remind myself to breath.
James Patterson and Brian Sitts are a formidable duo that takes the reader on a high velocity roller coaster ride that will have you binge reading from begining to end.
Thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown and Comanpy for the privilege of reading and reviewing Cross and Sampson.
November 11, 2025
Patterson and Sitts are both excellent storytellers. However, I find this story to be unusual. There are two separate storylines in this novel, as if two different authors wrote different books and combined them into one. One story has no connection to the other, but both are great. Regarding character development, I didn't notice any here. Since it's a series, I assume the characters grow a little with each book. I recommend this to anyone who loves the Alex Cross series. A straightforward, easy read. I really do love Alex Cross.
I want to express my sincere thanks to Little, Brown and Company and NetGalley for their generosity in letting me read this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 9, 2025
Another ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Cross & Sampson story.
While Alex and Bree head south to search for their son Damon, who they just found out has been missing from his college for 5 days, John Sampson is helping run the investigation into a series of ied bombings in DC that have killed and maimed several people.
When Bree is called back to DC by her company, to help with intel on the bombings, Alex is left to work with
local authorities as they try to trace Damon's last footsteps.
Superb thriller with absolutely riveting double stories that keep you flipping the pages.
Great read.
While Alex and Bree head south to search for their son Damon, who they just found out has been missing from his college for 5 days, John Sampson is helping run the investigation into a series of ied bombings in DC that have killed and maimed several people.
When Bree is called back to DC by her company, to help with intel on the bombings, Alex is left to work with
local authorities as they try to trace Damon's last footsteps.
Superb thriller with absolutely riveting double stories that keep you flipping the pages.
Great read.
November 5, 2025
Another thrilling book in the series! Cross and Sampson are split apart on different cases, one very personal to Alex. I enjoyed the chapters interchanging between the characters and loved the twists in Cross and Sampson! Highly recommend! Thanks to NetGalley and Little Brown and Company for the ARC. All opinions are my own. Expected publication date: 09 Feb 26. Rating: 5 stars
November 21, 2025
I never tire of reading an Alex Cross novel. In this one John Sampson has a even bigger role. This new suspense thriller is a fast read and has a suspenseful main plot plus bonus subplot involving Cross's oldest son, Damon. Thanks NetGalley for the advanced copy. #CrossandSampson #NetGalley
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews