Target: Alex Cross

Alex Cross #26

by James Patterson

When a ring of six elite assassins strikes D. C., Alex Cross teams up with the Secret Service and the FBI to take down a dangerous threat that could destroy America.






A leader has fallen, and Alex Cross joins the procession of mourners from Capitol Hill to the White House. Then a sniper's bullet strikes a target in the heart of D.C. Alex Cross's wife, Bree Stone, must either solve the case or lose her position as the city's newly elevated chief of detectives. The Secret Service and the FBI deploy as well in the race to find the shooter. Alex is tasked by the new President to lead an investigation unprecedented in scale and scope. But is the sniper's strike only the beginning of a larger attack on the nation?

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

432 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published November 19, 2018

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

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

** 4.5 Stars **

My goodness, what an intense, action packed read this was, and although it’s the 26th in the series, it reads perfectly well as a stand-alone.

After the assassination of a Senator, Alex Cross and his wife Bree have an enormous task on their hands, as it appears that their is more than one assassin on the loose and their targets are mainly prominent members of government, with the exception of Alex himself - he’ll find himself inadvertently on the list!

James Patterson is such a gifted writer, and this one was no exception. His characters come from his understanding of personalities, bringing them vividly to life, each of them fitting perfectly into their given roles. No gimmickry needed here - no tired cliches, just pure unadulterated thrill a minute entertainment. Miss this one at your peril!

* Thank you to Netgalley and Random House UK Cornerstone for my ARC. I have given an honest unbiased review in exchange*

[Matt · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the craziness that is James Patterson’s massive collection of collaborative efforts, it is hard to find something that truly has the ‘Patterson flavour’ any longer. While he has shuffled many of his series and one-off novels to others, the Alex Cross novels remain solely his, allowing fans to see where he has taken his longest-serving protagonist over two decades. In this novel, Alex Cross and the rest of the country are stunned by the death of the President of the United States, an event that resonates, no matter one’s political leanings. As the country seeks to brush itself off, Washington is stunned by a new set of murders, including one of a sitting US senator. Alex is pulled in to work the case by the FBI, which forces him to keep his wife, Chief of Detectives Bree Stone, away from the action. As they work, the case seems somewhat open and shut, with a suspect all but pointing to where they committed the crime. Then, things take a definite turn. Multiple murders of several high-ranking officials lead Cross and the FBI to feel that there might be an international threat to the United States. It’s no longer a criminal they seek, but a country ready to do whatever it takes to weaken America. With nuclear weapons on hand, this could quickly escalate into a war from which no one will walk away unscathed. Patterson does well to amp up the action as Alex Cross continues to entertain, in his twenty-sixth novel. Recommended to series fans and those who want to ride the wave of international meddling in American affairs.

It is becoming harder for me to find myself hooked on James Patterson series of late. While I have come to really enjoy some of his long-running collections, they begin to get a little stale or outlive their run. Alex Cross has always been a stalwart for me, something on which I can rely. While the characters age, Alex never lets that dilute his work on crimes or his passion for family. Still, one must begin to wonder if there is a time and place to let him hang up the cuffs and enjoy those around him. I began to feel that way about this book, as things have become somewhat stagnant. The crime is surely out of this world—well, country—but I was left wondering if things simply have run out for Alex Cross and if he needs to let someone else take over. Cross is a remarkable man and his character is second to none, though I think it is not him that is so bothersome, but some of the corny interactions he has with patients and his own family that has me soured. Great kids, lovely wife, and a funny grandmother, but it’s just a little too hokey in the dialogue. I’d never want Patterson to wipe them out, for that his the Cross foundation and all that keeps him sane. Still, they tend to grate on my nerves, which spills over to creating an animosity for me as I read. The premise of the story is great and could really have worked well. I think it needed some more grit, something deeper and more intense. There are some wonderful political and criminal elements in the story that I would love to see in a series (or one-off) that can dedicate time to this sort of political thriller, but Patterson’s use of short chapters and hokey family sub-plots were not for me. An easy read and I will always keep Patterson around for that, but could it be that Alex Cross novels are falling victim to James Patterson Syndrome? Might they be selling for the name on the cover and not the quality of the writing? We can at least applaud him for a wonderful cliffhanger ending!

Kudos, Mr. Patterson, for keeping Alex Cross going. I know I can be tough, but I think it’s fair game when you are so established and basking in fortune

Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/

A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...

[Paromjit · Rating 4 out of 5]

It has been a long time since I have read a James Patterson thriller, although I have read a couple in the Alex Cross series. This may be the 26th in the series, but it works perfectly fine as a standalone. It opens with Cross and his family's presence at the funeral of 47 year old President Catherine Grant, a woman of stature who managed to overcome many of the divisions in the US. Her death was unexpected, triggering an atmosphere of gloom and sorrow in Cross and the nation. The new US president is now James B Hobbs. Cross is called by the FBI's Special Agent Ned Mahoney into the investigation into the assassination of GOP California senator, Elizabeth 'Betsy' Walker. Cross's wife, Washington DC PD's Chief of Detectives, Bree Stone is being pushed by her Chief of Police to find the assassin before the FBI. A notoriously skilful Hungarian female assassin has been spotted entering the US under an assumed name, and there is a hunt to find her and speculation as to what she is up to.

Cross finds himself in a desperately complex case where he has a premonition of horrific and deadly actions about to befall the country, but without proof of this, nothing can be done. He is to find himself right but this brings no sense of comfort as the US finds itself shell shocked at a well organised and astutely planned conspiracy that leads to unimagined responses by the government that people thought would never take place in the democracy. There are additional global pressures faced by the US from Russia, China and Korea aiming to take advantage of the disarray in the nation. Cross, the FBI and Bree find themselves tested to their limits as they try to work what is happening and who exactly is behind the conspiracy that takes in a constitutional crisis, special interest groups, bitcoins, a diverse group of assassins, the dark web and more.

The plot lines outlined in this thriller are far fetched, but Patterson does a sterling job in making it seem believable. There is an additional thread about a client of Cross's that ends in a shock cliffhanger at the end of the novel. The author writes in his trademark short chapters, making the story fast paced and full of suspense and tension. The pages just seemed to turn themselves in this compelling and gripping addition to the Alex Cross series, with the ending leaving the reader eagerly anticipating the next book. This will appeal to all those who are fans of James Patterson and those who love their action packed thrillers. Many thanks to Random House Cornerstone for an ARC.

[jv poore · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel fortunate that Mr. Patterson uses his devious mind to develop fictional diabolic disasters. Otherwise there'd be trouble.

[Tim · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's the formula of interfering family home members that interrupts the story action I have issue with. Nonetheless, outside that there is a decent story here appropriately applied in rating. 7 of 10 stars

[8stitches 9lives · Rating 4 out of 5]

Target Alex Cross, the twenty-six novel to feature psychologist Dr Alex Cross, is as captivating and nail-biting an affair as many of Mr Patterson's previous novels. He is my go-to author if I'm looking for a light and easy, none-taxing read, but of course, many of them, including this one require a healthy suspension of disbelief which I don't mind as long as I have an idea that it'll be that way. It isn't necessary to have read the previous books in order to enjoy this one as the author very kindly provides background on the recurring characters, their development and why they act the way they do. As always with Patterson, this is an edge-of-your-seat, nonstop action type of thriller that has a cornucopia of shocking twists that I didn't see coming and that make the plot explosive. The main characters are developed well and Patterson's propensity for keeping the chapters short and punchy creates a tension that builds nicely throughout the story.

Although the second half of the book is told from Alex's perspective, the first 50% changes between lots of different characters points-of-view and is quite confusing but intriguing. Only towards the concluding part of the book does it all become clear, and the struggle to keep each character straight in your head eventually pays off. This is a well written and expertly plotted white-knuckle ride that will be loved by those who are already fans of this series and James Patterson's books in general but will also no doubt gain him many new admirers. The author is a master of the crime genre, and it's easy to see why he has been the number one bestselling thriller writer for many years. The breakneck pace coupled with the fact that you just get past one amazing twist and you're straight onto another makes this a highly entertaining and unputdownable read. You barely have time to take a breath. Highly recommended.

Many thanks to Century for an ARC. I was not required to post a review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

[Chad · Rating 2 out of 5]

This may have been the moment where Alex Cross jumped the shark. The plot of this is just so ludicrous. Cross isn't even involved in half the book. It very well could have been Events that Happened While Alex Cross Lived His Life. This would have worked better as one of Patterson's stand alone novels. Cross could have been removed from this and the same story more or less unfold.

[Brenda · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5★s

With the US under martial law, Alex Cross, Ned Mahoney and all the relevant teams were working an investigation the like which had never been seen before in the US. With the new President assassinated, along with members of cabinet, Alex needed to know why. He needed to know who benefitted. The coordinated attacks left everyone gob-smacked – they had never seen anything like it. The race was on to find the perpetrators – of which they’d determined were a few – before more people died or world war three began.

Target: Alex Cross is the 26th in the Alex Cross series by James Patterson, and in my opinion, one of the most brutal and bloodthirsty yet, and not up to his usual Alex Cross standard. There were a number of characters and scenarios to keep me on my toes, and at times I wondered where Alex was with the dialogue focusing on other people and events. Nevertheless, I kept up with it all, and with Patterson’s trademark short, choppy chapters, flew through this quite lengthy book. I’m looking forward to #27, Criss Cross, due for publication mid November 2019. Recommended.

[Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve been reading James Patterson books for over twenty years. During that time, like most of his fans, my favorite character has always been Alex Cross. He was Patterson’s first detective series that helped lay the foundation for his kingdom of several bestselling series and stand-alone novels. For me, Alex has remained a fierce, intellectual knight of moral character and the proper use of action. I remember reading the Alex’s first adventure, “Along came a Spider” and almost cried when Alex, then a widower, faced the loss of his new love in an ending twist I would never forget. In the twenty-six years following, there have been some good (and excellent) adventures, including three books ago when Alex discovered and met his father, who was thought dead for many years. There were also some less-than-stellar outings along the way, but I generally looked forward to the end of each year when another Alex Cross adventure was published.

Now, the 26th book in the series – “Target Alex Cross” – is in my hands and the reading completed.

The book opens with a national funeral service for the President of the United States, who died from a tumor one year in office. Five days later all hell breaks loose in Washington DC. Suddenly government leaders, including Senators and the Secretary of Defense are being assassinated at an alarming rate. Alex is tasked by the new President to help the FBI find the killer or killers. His wife, Bree Stone, is also assigned by her boss to find the shooter or shooters first or her position of Chief of Detectives could be at risk. However, this attack on our nation is being delivered by a group of independent and dangerous assassins that do not fail.

While navigating this national disaster, Alex has also taken on a very troubled and disturbed patient. Nina Davis, Justice Department Attorney, is struggling with love, only finding true joy through violent and risky sex with strangers. She is looking for Alex to help her change before something really bad happens. And then there are the mysterious notes being left at his office door, saying “Alex Cross: Stop me, please.” Who is leaving those? And why?

As any avid fan would expect, Patterson runs multiple plots, jumping all over the place from Alex’s professional life one moment to his family situations the next. In this outing though, much of the novel is spent with the different assassins, running around performing their assignments and trying to escape. In many ways, they are the true protagonist of the storyline. Alex still figures things out at the end, but it’s more like a news reporter delivering the story over the airwaves rather than being as much a direct participant in the outcome.

Like a typical Patterson thriller, the tempo is fastmoving with lots of action and drama. There is a lot of violence and death in this one, as we move back and for the between the individual assassins and their activities. Because of this, there is not much time spent with Alex’s family, his children, and even Bree really. And Alex’s best friend, John Sampson, is barely involved. The good news is that Keith Karl Rawlins, the spacy FBI contractor and IT whiz, is there to help Alex put the pieces of the mystery puzzle together

The plotlines pretty much follow’s Patterson’s usual developments, including curveballs thrown in to make the outcome more interesting. However, things move along at such a breakneck speed that it created two problems for me. The first is that the plot lost several layers of reality. Yes, those plot choices made the story more entertaining, but it went too far at times. Second, the fast pace movement and limited use of Alex really took the heart out of the story and left it way too mechanical at key moments. Since we didn’t get to involve his family and wife in a more connected manner, the story was lacking the human attachment that connects us with the strength and power of Alex Cross’ character. I didn’t have as much interest in the outcomes of the other characters because it felt like Alex was a bit peripheral in this outing.

Overall, this was an okay book for me, but not one of his stronger books. Patterson chose a more large -scale international plotline, than a more personalized Alex Cross story where he is on the hunt for a serial killer, the mystery is layered, and his family is somehow involved. The pace was so fast, it took away much of the mystery and tension. It could have been better than it was. Over two-and-a-half decades and 26 books, the character of Alex Cross has grown and changed in many ways, but his ethical and moral compass have remained true and strong, a prime example and model for doing good, no matter what the situation is. He has stood the test of time and still shines bright most of the time. This was not necessarily one of those memorable outings.

I will add that the last page offered a nice clue that the next book could be better, but I will won't ruin that for you...

[Suzzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5*

Love the Alex Cross novels. In the latest we experience a country that is put into turmoil with numerous assassinations of US leaders including the president of the US. Overall it was fascinating to read but I felt like more needed to be touched on about his client who ends up leaving us with a shocker at the end. I hope we here more on it in the next Alex Cross novel, or event a bookshot.

My quick and simple overall: good and quick paced for a perfect one evening read.

[Elaine Tomasso · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

When Senator Elizabeth Walker is shot dead by a sniper every agency is on high alert and the FBI drafts in Alex Cross to help in the investigation. At the same time his wife, Chief of Detectives for Metro PD Bree Stone launches her own investigation. Unfortunately for them this is only the start of a nefarious conspiracy.

I thoroughly enjoyed Target Alex Cross which is a white knuckle ride of a thriller with a tight plot and some amazing twists. It has been a while since I dipped into the series but this confirms why it is my favourite of Mr Patterson’s offerings. Obviously the plot is nonsense and requires a massive suspension of disbelief, but this only becomes apparent in retrospect as the reader gets so caught up in the nonstop action and breakneck pace that it doesn’t register at the time. This is a master storyteller at works and he does it well through various means. Short is the order of the day from words to chapters, even the novel isn’t overly long. This ramps up the tension and pace, giving the reader no time to breathe before moving on to the next scene. It works really well. The plot is clever and detailed with twist upon twist and I can’t begin to imagine how much planning has gone into it. It is slick, professional and engrossing. It all adds up to a very entertaining read.

This may be the twenty sixth novel in a long running series but it can easily be read as a stand alone as any backstory mentioned is explained. It is told on the whole from Alex Cross’s first person point of view in the second half. The first half of the novel is told from so many points of view I found it hard to keep all the characters in mind but as I had no clue about what they were up to or where their actions were leading I found it intriguing and compulsive. Only in the second half of the novel does everything start to become clearer and the reader gets a handle on all these characters and their actions. It’s not, however, home and hosed as I started to think because Mr Patterson has plenty more twists up his sleeve.

Target Alex Cross is an entertaining book which keeps the reader on edge throughout so I have no hesitation in recommending it as a good read.

[Debbie Wentworth Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Only a few days after the surprising death of the first woman president, an assassin kills one of the leading senators as she leaves her home in Washington, D.C. Over the next few days, assassins take out the new president, the Secretary of State and several others in the line of succession to the presidency. Dr. Alex Cross, his wife Chief of Detectives Bree Stone, and FBI agent Ned Mahoney are summoned to lead the search for the culprits. But something strange happens as someone starts assassinating the assassins. With the nation under martial law, the question is: Who is behind all the assassinations?

This is a thrilling book that is hard to put down. Alex Cross is a fascinating hero. Patterson makes the story believable, and I didn't foresee the twist at the end.

[Monnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A tad far-fetched plot, perhaps, but this story certainly serves up timely issues and, dare I say, is a very enjoyable entry in the Detective Alex Cross series (this is the 26th, and I've read most of them). Alex and his Washington, D.C., chief of detectives wife Bree take center stage throughout, with their kids and Alex's feisty Nana Mama mostly in the background - which is just fine with me (they're very cool characters, but I don't want them hogging the spotlight).

This one starts off with a bang - literally; a 69-year-old California senator is killed by a sniper's bullet. Bree is charged with finding the culprit - with the threat of losing her job if she fails. At the same time, a well-known assassin is spotted in the area, so the FBI and Secret Service start to dig in as well. The nation's new president - who took office when the former POTUS died of natural causes - asks Alex to get involved. Shortly thereafter, sniper killings take the lives of other government bigwigs, leading officials to suspect there's a far, far grander plan afoot. But what is it, who's behind it and how can it be thwarted?

The investigation leads Alex all over the place, and at virtually every stop he arrives at remarkably insightful conclusions while the baddies execute extraordinarily complex actions using intricate disguises to avoid capture. As this drama ensues, Alex is intrigued by a female private patient who intrigued me as well, but in the end she seemed to have no purpose other than messing with Alex's head (which I suspect will serve as fodder for another book). But the assassin chase is exciting, life-threatening and, as I mentioned earlier, timely - and readers get a bit of a surprise in the end (well, at least I did). All told, another solid entry in one of my favorite series.

[Louise Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alex Cross #26

Dr Alex Cross is a psychologist and his wife, Bree Stone is the newly promoted chief of DC detectives. When a sniper shoots and kills Senator Elizabeth Walker, every agency has been put on high alert. The FBI draft in Alex to help with the investigation while Bree launches her own. Then other attacks take place against prominent officials. This causes grave concern and mass panic. All agencies across the USA are hunting for the killers.

Though I have read some of James Patterson's books before, it has been a long time since I have read any in the Alex Cross Series. Fortunately for me this book can be read as a standalone. There is quite a lot going on in this story that it needs your full concentration to keep track of all the characters. This is a really well written book that's fast paced with plenty of action. Like all of James Patterson's books the chapters are short, of which I quite like. This is a really good political thriller.

I would like to thank NetGalley, Random House UK, Cornerstone and the author James Patterson for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found it difficult to keep track of all of the characters, especially at the beginning and I thought the ending was a bit rushed and disappointing but overall the plot was well-crafted and original.

3 stars

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

I very much enjoyed the read of Target. I thought it was well written, kept amazing suspense and was really pleased that Patterson won an award in the top 100 books for the Alex Cross Series. I'm guessing this is the book he worked on with Bill Clinton. Assassins are running amok all over DC and the whole United States in this Alex Cross story. Patterson intrigues his readers by revealing the details of the assassins' preparations, disguises, aliases, and elaborate rehearsals, but he doesn't let us know who the targets are or if the planned crimes are connected until late in the novel, just in time to knock your socks off. After some seemingly random events, Alex Cross begins to experience ominous premonitions, and his gut is right on target. Patterson's stories are anything but stale, as he takes Alex through the new world of cyber-hacking and cryptocurrency necessary to crack the case. And for those of us who love the Cross family, they are all there at the table for comic relief and anchoring Alex to a greater purpose between car chases and dodging bullets.

When a ring of six elite assassins strikes D. C., Alex Cross teams up with the Secret Service and the FBI to take down a dangerous threat that could destroy America.

A leader has fallen, and Alex Cross joins the procession of mourners from Capitol Hill to the White House. Then a sniper's bullet strikes a target in the heart of D.C. Alex Cross's wife, Bree Stone, must either solve the case or lose her position as the city's newly elevated chief of detectives. The Secret Service and the FBI deploy as well in the race to find the shooter. Alex is tasked by the new President to lead an investigation unprecedented in scale and scope. But is the sniper's strike only the beginning of a larger attack on the nation?
Thanks, Mr. Patterson, for another thrilling ride.

[Adah Udechukwu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Target : Alex Cross is an action packed, well written, no dull moment novel. Its a James Patterson masterpiece

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Target: Alex Cross
(Alex Cross #26)
by James Patterson

Alex Cross is James Patterson's most famous character, Morgan Freeman portrayed him twice, in two very memorable performances as Alex Cross.

I've read all 26 novels in the Alex Cross series and you'd think after 26 novels I'd be ready to say goodbye to this series - but no. This is the only series that Patterson doesn't use a co author on so the writing in this series is a compelling read.

TARGET: UNITED STATES CABINET

A sniper's bullet strikes a target in the heart of DC. Alex Cross's wife, Bree Stone, newly elevated chief of DC detectives, faces an ultimatum: solve the case, or lose the position for which she's worked her entire career. The Secret Service and the FBI deploy as well in the race to find the shooter. Alex is tasked by the new President to take a personal role with the FBI, leading an investigation unprecedented in scale and scope.

TARGET: ALEX CROSS

Alex has a horrible premonition: is the sniper's strike only the beginning of a larger attack on the nation? It isn't long before his fears explode into life, and the nation plunges into a full-blown Constitutional crisis. His ingenuity, his training, and his capacity for battle are tested beyond limits in the most far-reaching and urgently consequential case of his life. As the rule of law is shattered by chaos, and Alex fights to isolate a suspect, Alex's loyalty may be the biggest danger of all.

Another brilliant installment in this series. 4 stars.

[Brittany McCann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Man this made me intel heart happy!

This is one of those things that is always a "what if" scenario and it was fun to see what James Patterson did with it.

Very action-packed and fast-paced.

It didn't feel as much like an Alex Cross novel; he was more of an ancillary character in his own story.

Solid 4-4.5 Stars

[Mandy White (mandylovestoread) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love that I have gone back to the Alex Cross series. This book was full of action and twists... oh and that ending!! Love it!!

[Nicole Leigh Reads · Rating 1 out of 5]

1.5 stars for Bree Stone but, DNF @ 50%

This is the third Alex Cross book I've read. One was really good, the follow up was interesting but not as good as the one before, and this one just was not doing it for me.

My biggest problem is that there were way, way too many side characters involved. It jumped around so much I couldn't keep anybody straight. And they were all indistinguishable from one another, so I would read one (very short) chapter on someone and then they wouldn't come up again for 30-50 more pages. I think they were all going to align for a common goal at some point, but halfway through they still weren't getting to it enough for me to be intrigued.

The chapters from Alex Cross's perspective were also a lot less engaging than in the other two books I've read. There were a lot of useless details that seemed to be filler to make sure Patterson hit that 400 page mark all his books seem to come in at. Including a few paragraphs about how the human brain processes questions and creates more questions to combat the fear of not having answers. The passage felt very out of place. And while I love the sport, the five inconsequential pages explaining a basketball game that had no baring on any plot left me asking myself my own set of questions. Primarily "why is that scene in here?"

I'm disappointed that I didn't enjoy this, or at least the half that I read. Maybe the ending was worth it, but it felt monotonous for me to keep slogging through.

[Skip · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the aftermath of the unexpected death of the U.S. President, Alex Cross is tapped by the FBI to help investigate into the professional assassination of GOP California senator, Betsy Walker, in Washington D.C. As the local Chief of Detectives, Alex's wife Bree Stone is also on the case. The first break in the case is when the assassin himself is killed by a fellow professional, who was seen entering the country. The rest of the book is quite a Patterson thrill ride as the country's senior political leadership is targeted in a coordinated way by other top assassins, who subsequently become targets themselves. When the Attorney General assumes the Presidency and declares martial law, there is great anxiety in the country and at home. Alex, Bree, the FBI's Ted Mahoney get all the resources they need, especially the FBI's top tech guy and make a number of remarkable breakthroughs as they seek the culprit(s) responsible. Too preposterous for 4 stars.

[Ron Wroblewski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great Alex Cross book. Coordinated assassinations of the leadership of the US. Never trust the promises of evil leaders as the assassins found out. Alex at his best in figuring out just what happened. Twists at end and a surprise ending. Now on to book 27

[Julie Parks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I took James Patterson's Masterclass a while back and realized that I still hadn't read a single book of his. Well, not cover-to-cover anyway.

He's a very masterful storyteller, and I love that he writes just like he teaches - in short chapters focusing on action and dwelling on what words to use to describe this or that. It really feels like an easy go.

It says #26 on that cover but it could easily be standalone.

Nice companion for one weekend. Thank you NetGalley for this copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Pauline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Target: Alex Cross by James Patterson is a fast paced thriller that has plenty of action.
This is the 26th book in the series and you get to know the main characters and family well.
After the assassination of a senator Alex's wife Bree is searching for the Killer and Alex is being stalked by an unknown person.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Random House UK, Cornerstone for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Mick Dubois · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the Dutch translation of ‘Target Alex Cross’. You can use Google Translate to get a fairly decent translation from this review. I do it with Spanish reviews and find the results more than acceptable.

Na de moord op senator Walker, wordt de moordenaar zelf omgelegd. Er gebeuren nog een aantal incidenten die Alex Cross doen vermoeden dat er verschillende professionele huurmoordenaars onderweg zijn naar Washington. Hij denkt dat er iets groots staat te gebeuren maar heeft geen idee wat er echt aan de hand is. De lezer weet dan al lang dat hij het bij het rechte eind heeft en dat er een man is die al die moordenaars coördineert en hen op hun beurt laat vermoorden als ze hun werk hebben volbracht. Dan worden de gehele Amerikaanse regering en de president vermoord op hetzelfde ogenblik. Om het land niet in chaos te storten wordt de staat van beleg afgekondigd. Alle hens aan dek om dit complot te ontrafelen, de moordenaars te vatten en de opdrachtgever(s) te vinden.

Het verhaal is, zoals te verwachten super spannend. Op de omslag lees je dat de president wordt vermoord maar het duurt bijna de helft van het boek voordat dat ook echt gebeurt. Je hebt een dubbele spanningsboog; je weet wat er zal gebeuren maar er zijn zo veel verschillende moordenaars in het boek dat je niet weet wie, wat en waar. Daarna heb je de jacht op de killers, maar niet alleen door de FBI ook door de opdrachtgever zelf die hen genadeloos uit de weg ruimt. Wie de moordenaars zijn weet je op voorhand al maar wie er achter deze samenzwering schuilt, is nog een hele shock.
Eigenlijk doet Alex niet zo veel in dit verhaal. Een van de huurmoordenaars spot hem verschillende keren en hij kijkt haar dan ook recht in de ogen.
Er is ook een verhaallijn over een patiënte van Cross die mannen stalkt. En er is iemand die hem anonieme briefjes stuurt met de vraag om hem/haar te stoppen. Blijkbaar loopt dit door in het volgende boek maar ik kon dit slechts moeilijk plaatsen in dit boek. Dit boek vertoont alle kenmerken van een Patterson; korte hoofdstukken, veel actie, een hele verzameling moorden en moordenaars en een hoop patriottisme natuurlijk.

[Julie Lacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another gripping read from James Patterson.
The book begins with an assassination and the sniper’s bullet strikes a target in the heart of DC.
Alex and his wife, Bree Stone, are tasked with finding the killer.
The Secret Service and the FBI deploy as well in the race to find the person responsible.
Soon other key people are assassinated and Alex realises that this is only the beginning of a larger attack on the nation.
His fears come to life, and the nation plunges into a full-blown Constitutional crisis.
We learn who the snipers are and I’ll admit to being confused at first as there were so many people involved. We get an insight into some of their lives and why they’re doing this but ultimately, as a reader, I just wanted them caught.
Alex and the team work hard to track them down and is tested to his limits.
This is a great read and I highly recommend this series.
Thanks to Century and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

[Marcia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I know I will always read the next Alex Cross book, but this is no longer my favorite series. Maybe after book 26 this series has become too predictable.

[Carol Suraci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! James Patterson has done it again. Another "unputdownable" thriller!

[Cyndy Todd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again Alex Cross saves the day! Great book!