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Alex Cross #28
Deadly Cross
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The twenty-eighth novel in the bestselling Alex Cross series
A scandalous double homicide opens the psychological case files on Alex Cross...
When a glamorous socialite and a high school principal are found murdered, the shocking double homicide dominates tabloid headlines.
Detective Alex Cross knew both victims well, especially Kay who had been his patient once. And maybe more.
Alex's former Metro Homicide Partner tracks the slain principal's final movements to Alabama where Alex investigates Kay's past. They discover that although she had many enemies, all of them needed her alive.
The more the investigators push, the more resistance they find, and Alex is left facing a desperate choice between breaking trust and losing his way.
The twenty-eighth novel in the bestselling Alex Cross series
A scandalous double homicide opens the psychological case files on Alex Cross...
When a glamorous socialite and a high school principal are found murdered, the shocking double homicide dominates tabloid headlines.
Detective Alex Cross knew both victims well, especially Kay who had been his patient once. And maybe more.
Alex's former Metro Homicide Partner tracks the slain principal's final movements to Alabama where Alex investigates Kay's past. They discover that although she had many enemies, all of them needed her alive.
The more the investigators push, the more resistance they find, and Alex is left facing a desperate choice between breaking trust and losing his way.
415 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 23, 2020
8080 people are currently reading
18959 people want to read
About the author
James Patterson
950 books356k 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 - 30 of 1,580 reviews
December 8, 2020
Alex Cross is back for yet another adventure along the streets of D.C., which means James Patterson has been at it again. When the former wife of a high-ranking politician turns up dead, Cross is on the case. He’s also working with his partner to discover who’s been kidnapping and murdering a number of young women. This is sure to be one summer that will keep Cross busy. A decent addition for series fans, but there’s something lacking in this latest novel.
Alex Cross loves nothing more than spending time with his family, but when work calls, he knows where he’s needed. The former wife of the current vice-president has been found murdered and Cross is willing to step up to help. It would seem that their past acquaintance is not going to help as much as Cross had hoped, as tabloid journalists try to use it to smear her and leave Cross in an awkward position.
While working that case and taking direction from the Chief of Detectives—Cross’ own wife, Bree Stone—Cross and his partner, John Sampson, begin working on a series of kidnappings of young women. What’s worse, some of the women have turned up murdered, leaving little doubt that there’s a serial killer on the loose. Cross and Sampson begin a thorough analysis of the case, but a personal tragedy strikes, sidelining the affable Sampson.
As Cross splits his time between cases, he’s not getting the traction he had hoped, which is causing a significant amount of pressure up the chain of command. Bree is feeling the heat from her own superiors and loses it at one point, wondering if police work is really for her. It’s no easy decision, but, like Cross, family comes before the badge.
After Cross finds himself in rural Alabama working some leads, he learns something that could solve the case that has those on Capitol Hill buzzing. It could be a red herring, but there’s no time to leave anything to chance. What Cross learns blows the case wide open, forcing everyone to question what they know and who they can trust.
Back in D.C., it’s anyone’s guess who could be killing young women, but Sampson bounces back, using work as a salve, and discovers a few breadcrumbs of his own. With so much set to chance in the Cross sphere, solving these cases might help with what’s on the horizon.
I have long enjoyed the work of James Patterson on this series, one of the few that he has kept for himself. While Cross does not seem to lose his finesse, there’s something about this book that left me less than fully enthralled. I have mentioned it before and will do so again, might it be time for Dr. Alex Cross to hang up the cuffs and let others handle things?
Alex Cross returns to reprise his role as protagonist, though there is little backstory or actual development to be had. Cross lives for the moment, watching his family continue to grow and the cases pile up. He’s still likeable, works hard, and loves his family. I guess I expected something new to rejuvenate him as a character all his own. I did not dislike him whatsoever, but there’s something lacking that left me almost indifferent throughout the novel.
With a core of close knit supporting characters, Patterson does well to keep the large story arc going. There are the requisite new faces who appear to keep the cases flowing well and leave the reader with others to explore. A little backstory appears here and there, but the reader gets much of their narrative development with the police work that is being done throughout the book.
I always find it hard to stay loyal to a series when things seem to taper off. Not that this collection has fallen into horrible disarray, but it lacks what it once had, hardcore crime work and cliffhangers that leaver the reader wondering. Patterson is able to keep his protagonist moving and guessing, though there is a lack of spark that I remember from earlier novels. Surely, Cross is aging and his family is getting more independent, but if that means it’s time to fade into the sunset, let’s take that route and move along. Other series that have lasted this long have their protagonist moving into retirement. I wonder if this is an option that Patterson’s considered. Not that he’s not busy enough overseeing others writing books with his name on it.
The writing itself is still fairly strong and the story he’d my attention throughout. I was eager to see how Cross would handle things and was happy to see the narrative’s momentum did not lag. Short chapters kept me pushing ahead, wondering what was to come next, though I was not as riveted as I would have liked. Those who have dedicated themselves to the series may also see the writing on the wall. I’ll keep reading, but I can only hope that Patterson ties things off with dignity for this long-serving detective, and we don’t have him perishing in an alley, blood pooling around him.
Kudos, Mr. Patterson, for keeping Alex Cross going. Perhaps it’s time for a mega crossover (with Women’s Murder Club and Michael Bennett) before calling it a career for the Metro detective.
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/...
Alex Cross loves nothing more than spending time with his family, but when work calls, he knows where he’s needed. The former wife of the current vice-president has been found murdered and Cross is willing to step up to help. It would seem that their past acquaintance is not going to help as much as Cross had hoped, as tabloid journalists try to use it to smear her and leave Cross in an awkward position.
While working that case and taking direction from the Chief of Detectives—Cross’ own wife, Bree Stone—Cross and his partner, John Sampson, begin working on a series of kidnappings of young women. What’s worse, some of the women have turned up murdered, leaving little doubt that there’s a serial killer on the loose. Cross and Sampson begin a thorough analysis of the case, but a personal tragedy strikes, sidelining the affable Sampson.
As Cross splits his time between cases, he’s not getting the traction he had hoped, which is causing a significant amount of pressure up the chain of command. Bree is feeling the heat from her own superiors and loses it at one point, wondering if police work is really for her. It’s no easy decision, but, like Cross, family comes before the badge.
After Cross finds himself in rural Alabama working some leads, he learns something that could solve the case that has those on Capitol Hill buzzing. It could be a red herring, but there’s no time to leave anything to chance. What Cross learns blows the case wide open, forcing everyone to question what they know and who they can trust.
Back in D.C., it’s anyone’s guess who could be killing young women, but Sampson bounces back, using work as a salve, and discovers a few breadcrumbs of his own. With so much set to chance in the Cross sphere, solving these cases might help with what’s on the horizon.
I have long enjoyed the work of James Patterson on this series, one of the few that he has kept for himself. While Cross does not seem to lose his finesse, there’s something about this book that left me less than fully enthralled. I have mentioned it before and will do so again, might it be time for Dr. Alex Cross to hang up the cuffs and let others handle things?
Alex Cross returns to reprise his role as protagonist, though there is little backstory or actual development to be had. Cross lives for the moment, watching his family continue to grow and the cases pile up. He’s still likeable, works hard, and loves his family. I guess I expected something new to rejuvenate him as a character all his own. I did not dislike him whatsoever, but there’s something lacking that left me almost indifferent throughout the novel.
With a core of close knit supporting characters, Patterson does well to keep the large story arc going. There are the requisite new faces who appear to keep the cases flowing well and leave the reader with others to explore. A little backstory appears here and there, but the reader gets much of their narrative development with the police work that is being done throughout the book.
I always find it hard to stay loyal to a series when things seem to taper off. Not that this collection has fallen into horrible disarray, but it lacks what it once had, hardcore crime work and cliffhangers that leaver the reader wondering. Patterson is able to keep his protagonist moving and guessing, though there is a lack of spark that I remember from earlier novels. Surely, Cross is aging and his family is getting more independent, but if that means it’s time to fade into the sunset, let’s take that route and move along. Other series that have lasted this long have their protagonist moving into retirement. I wonder if this is an option that Patterson’s considered. Not that he’s not busy enough overseeing others writing books with his name on it.
The writing itself is still fairly strong and the story he’d my attention throughout. I was eager to see how Cross would handle things and was happy to see the narrative’s momentum did not lag. Short chapters kept me pushing ahead, wondering what was to come next, though I was not as riveted as I would have liked. Those who have dedicated themselves to the series may also see the writing on the wall. I’ll keep reading, but I can only hope that Patterson ties things off with dignity for this long-serving detective, and we don’t have him perishing in an alley, blood pooling around him.
Kudos, Mr. Patterson, for keeping Alex Cross going. Perhaps it’s time for a mega crossover (with Women’s Murder Club and Michael Bennett) before calling it a career for the Metro detective.
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/...
December 6, 2020
My #1 series by JP that always get 4-5 stars, but not this time.
Deadly Cross started out good, unfortunately it became a snoozefest. I would recommend you skip it but I can't since there's a major event happening in this one.
I don't enjoy this new voice as Alex Cross, but will keep an open mind ....
Deadly Cross started out good, unfortunately it became a snoozefest. I would recommend you skip it but I can't since there's a major event happening in this one.
I don't enjoy this new voice as Alex Cross, but will keep an open mind ....
November 8, 2020
Alex Cross is back for book 28! And it is very much reminiscent of the Alex Cross of old, with much more emphasis on the police work than there has been recently - and I loved it. You would absolutely want Alex and his team on your side if you were in trouble. All the gang is here for this one, and I love that Nanna Mama still rules the roost!
Alex and John Sampson are called the scene of a double murder, victims have been shot in the back of a car in the parking lot of a school. The couple are high profile and known to Alex. The male is his daughters school principal and the woman is Kay Willingham, the ex wife of the current vice president. This is going to be one hell of a case with the media all over it. Who would kill them and why? A suspect is soon in custody but Alex is not convinced and with good reasons. Along with his wife, Bree, the chief of police, they keep working the case, clues taking them somewhere they never expected it to.
Of course, as with all Alex Cross novels, there is so much more going on in the characters personal lives, The kids are growing up and the relationships of all the family members is developing.
This a rollercoaster ride, never letting go of the pace right til the end. I cannot recommend James Patterson books more.
thanks to Random House UK and Netgalley for my advanced copy of this book to read.
Alex and John Sampson are called the scene of a double murder, victims have been shot in the back of a car in the parking lot of a school. The couple are high profile and known to Alex. The male is his daughters school principal and the woman is Kay Willingham, the ex wife of the current vice president. This is going to be one hell of a case with the media all over it. Who would kill them and why? A suspect is soon in custody but Alex is not convinced and with good reasons. Along with his wife, Bree, the chief of police, they keep working the case, clues taking them somewhere they never expected it to.
Of course, as with all Alex Cross novels, there is so much more going on in the characters personal lives, The kids are growing up and the relationships of all the family members is developing.
This a rollercoaster ride, never letting go of the pace right til the end. I cannot recommend James Patterson books more.
thanks to Random House UK and Netgalley for my advanced copy of this book to read.
September 30, 2021
The Vice President’s ex-wife, Kay Willingham and principal of a private school, Randall Christopher were both found shot dead in a Bentley in the early hours of the morning. Finding their killers was paramount for Detective Alex Cross and his best friend, Detective John Sampson. Along with FBI Special Agent Ned Mahoney, they searched for evidence, and investigated leads. Cross and Mahoney travelled to Alabama where Kay had lived as a youngster, where her life had taken a nasty turn.
In the meantime, Cross’ wife, Chief of Police Bree Stone, was hunting for a serial killer who was abducting young women and their bodies would be found a few days later. Bree and Alex spent time weaving their family life with their jobs, spending as much time with Nana Mama, Jannie and Ali as was possible. But often their days were eighteen hours long, meaning family time was thin on the ground. But among the corruption, secrets and lies, Cross, Sampson and Mahoney were getting closer to the killers...
Deadly Cross is the 28th in the Alex Cross series by James Patterson and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Fast paced with favourite characters gracing the pages, there was some sadness in this one. But Cross and Sampson, along with Bree are great characters and I’m looking forward to #29 later on this year. I love the feisty Nana Mama as well – long may she remain in this series! Highly recommended.
In the meantime, Cross’ wife, Chief of Police Bree Stone, was hunting for a serial killer who was abducting young women and their bodies would be found a few days later. Bree and Alex spent time weaving their family life with their jobs, spending as much time with Nana Mama, Jannie and Ali as was possible. But often their days were eighteen hours long, meaning family time was thin on the ground. But among the corruption, secrets and lies, Cross, Sampson and Mahoney were getting closer to the killers...
Deadly Cross is the 28th in the Alex Cross series by James Patterson and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Fast paced with favourite characters gracing the pages, there was some sadness in this one. But Cross and Sampson, along with Bree are great characters and I’m looking forward to #29 later on this year. I love the feisty Nana Mama as well – long may she remain in this series! Highly recommended.
December 20, 2020
I was bored and then I was confused.
Two entirely different investigations going on at the same time. Oh wait. I think there were actually three.
Two were resolved and maybe the third was also resolved and I missed it. (If anyone can help me out here I’d appreciate it).
There are a lot of moving parts and a lot of people to keep track of until frankly I just gave up trying to keep them straight.
I always enjoy catching up with the Cross family since I feel I have known them since 1993.
This wasn’t anything like the very early books, but then kudos must go to any author who can keep a character going for this length of time.
Two entirely different investigations going on at the same time. Oh wait. I think there were actually three.
Two were resolved and maybe the third was also resolved and I missed it. (If anyone can help me out here I’d appreciate it).
There are a lot of moving parts and a lot of people to keep track of until frankly I just gave up trying to keep them straight.
I always enjoy catching up with the Cross family since I feel I have known them since 1993.
This wasn’t anything like the very early books, but then kudos must go to any author who can keep a character going for this length of time.
November 12, 2020
Alex Cross is one of my favourite sleuths and he has a career as extensive as that of Poirot. This is already the 28th book in this series and I’ve read only a couple of those but could follow everything in this story without any problem.
Alex Cross is a psychotherapist who consults for Metro PD and his wife is chief of detectives. In the past, he has been both an FBI analyst and a homicide detective.
The book starts with two 16-year-olds robbing a couple that has been shot. The man is a local principal, famous for his involvement in the community. The woman is the ex-wife of the vice-president who still loves and respects her and becomes involved in the investigation. It’s a long time unclear if it is the past of either victim is the reason for the murder. There are also 2 other cases going on that need time from Cross. There are several girls from the same area raped and murdered over a long period. On top of that, rich and influential men are being shot at and a few take a shot up their rear end. When this happens to a friend of the commissioner, it’s all hands on deck.
That’s a lot of things to investigate. I’ve got to say that in this story there’s more slowly evolving, hard grafting policework than elaborate psychological theories.
Patterson is famous for his short sharp chapters that turn out to be a real honeytrap for me. When taking a book to bed, it’s far too tempting to read just that one extra chapter and before long it’s hours later. So, yes another all-nighter here. For long-term readers, it should carry a warning that we have to say goodbye to a beloved character in the series. It’s a very clever story that combines 3 different cases, emotional heartache and a satisfying solution.
Cross and many characters are African-Americans. As a European, I always wonder about that strange US term ‘African-American’. I’ve never heard the word ‘African-English’ (other than to describe a language that is, never a person) or ‘African-Belgian’. Those people are merely Belgian or English without any emphasis on their skin colour. We just don’t have this obsession with race. I’ve never heard the term ‘Caucasian-American’ neither if you want to be that politically correct. It gives me bad vibes that make me think about apartheid.
I received a free ARC from NetGalley and Century and this is my honest and unbiased review of it.
Alex Cross is a psychotherapist who consults for Metro PD and his wife is chief of detectives. In the past, he has been both an FBI analyst and a homicide detective.
The book starts with two 16-year-olds robbing a couple that has been shot. The man is a local principal, famous for his involvement in the community. The woman is the ex-wife of the vice-president who still loves and respects her and becomes involved in the investigation. It’s a long time unclear if it is the past of either victim is the reason for the murder. There are also 2 other cases going on that need time from Cross. There are several girls from the same area raped and murdered over a long period. On top of that, rich and influential men are being shot at and a few take a shot up their rear end. When this happens to a friend of the commissioner, it’s all hands on deck.
That’s a lot of things to investigate. I’ve got to say that in this story there’s more slowly evolving, hard grafting policework than elaborate psychological theories.
Patterson is famous for his short sharp chapters that turn out to be a real honeytrap for me. When taking a book to bed, it’s far too tempting to read just that one extra chapter and before long it’s hours later. So, yes another all-nighter here. For long-term readers, it should carry a warning that we have to say goodbye to a beloved character in the series. It’s a very clever story that combines 3 different cases, emotional heartache and a satisfying solution.
Cross and many characters are African-Americans. As a European, I always wonder about that strange US term ‘African-American’. I’ve never heard the word ‘African-English’ (other than to describe a language that is, never a person) or ‘African-Belgian’. Those people are merely Belgian or English without any emphasis on their skin colour. We just don’t have this obsession with race. I’ve never heard the term ‘Caucasian-American’ neither if you want to be that politically correct. It gives me bad vibes that make me think about apartheid.
I received a free ARC from NetGalley and Century and this is my honest and unbiased review of it.
January 12, 2021
This is the best Alex Cross book I've read in a while. Dr. Cross has to juggle a lot as he investigates a double homicide, a serial rapist / murderer, and a nut shooting rich people in the ass. I like how Patterson mixes in all the cases. It feels more like a real police detective's job. I also like how Cross doesn't do it all himself and relies on Bree, Sampson, and Ned Mahoney for help.
December 28, 2020
The ex-wife of the Vice President (Kay Willingham) is socialite, philanthropist, with an abiding care for the indigent, going back to her Alabaman roots. She and the married head of a charter school, whom she is grooming for a mayoral run are murdered in a her fancy limousine, in a compromising position. Alex and his FBI partner are called in, and his wife, Washington Metro PD's chief of detectives, Bree Stone is also asked to help. The wife of married head falls under suspicion, whom Alex saves. There is also a serial killer on the loose, creating a second investigation. Tragedy strikes Alex's closest friend, Detective John Sampson, requiring the entire Cross family to help. Alex is able to follow a twisted thread leading back to Alabama and family secrets, which the VP would prefer to leave buried. The serial killer story and kidnapping of school girls gets a jump start with the use of technology creating a new leads on past crimes.
November 24, 2020
Deadly Cross in the twenty-eighth instalment in the psychologist Dr Alex Cross series, which revolves around the murder of a glamorous Washington DC-based socialite. Kay Willingham led a life as glamorous as it was public-she was a gorgeous Georgetown socialite, philanthropist, and the ex-wife of the vice president. So why was she parked in a Bentley convertible idling behind a DC private school, in the middle of the night, with the man who was the head of that school? Who shot them both, point-blank, and why? The shocking double homicide is blazed across the internet, TV, newspapers -- and across Alex Cross's mind. Kay had been his patient once. And maybe more. While John Sampson of DC Metro Police investigates the last movements of Christopher Randall, the educator killed along with Kay Willingham, detective Alex Cross and FBI special agent Ned Mahoney find unanswered questions from Willingham's past, before she arrived in DC and became known in DC society as someone who could make things happen. They travel to Alabama to investigate Kay's early years. There they find a world of trouble, corruption, and secrets, all of them closed to outsiders like Cross and Mahoney.
Kay had many enemies, but all of them seemed to need her alive. The harder the investigators push, the more resistance they find when they leave behind the polite law offices and doctors' quarters of the state capital. Alex Cross will need to use all his skills as a doctor, a detective, and a family man to prevent that resistance from turning lethal...again. This is a compulsive, addictive and pacey addition to the series and surprisingly it shows no signs of losing stream despite the long run. The narrative is twisty and written in such a way that you become immersed almost instantaneously in the plot and the clever use of short, snappy chapters builds the tension slowly but surely as the story progresses. You are barely given a moment to breathe throughout the action-packed, high-octane tale and so long as you aren't expecting a narrative reflective of reality then you're in for another cracking and thoroughly entertaining read from Patterson. I was blindsided time and again by liberal use of misdirection and my countless guesses never amounted to anything close to the truth when it was eventually revealed. A nailbiting, riveting page-turner that provides some much-needed escapism. Highly recommended.
Kay had many enemies, but all of them seemed to need her alive. The harder the investigators push, the more resistance they find when they leave behind the polite law offices and doctors' quarters of the state capital. Alex Cross will need to use all his skills as a doctor, a detective, and a family man to prevent that resistance from turning lethal...again. This is a compulsive, addictive and pacey addition to the series and surprisingly it shows no signs of losing stream despite the long run. The narrative is twisty and written in such a way that you become immersed almost instantaneously in the plot and the clever use of short, snappy chapters builds the tension slowly but surely as the story progresses. You are barely given a moment to breathe throughout the action-packed, high-octane tale and so long as you aren't expecting a narrative reflective of reality then you're in for another cracking and thoroughly entertaining read from Patterson. I was blindsided time and again by liberal use of misdirection and my countless guesses never amounted to anything close to the truth when it was eventually revealed. A nailbiting, riveting page-turner that provides some much-needed escapism. Highly recommended.
September 30, 2020
This is the 28th book in the Alex Cross series.... 28th! Only a really good series can last this long. The Alex Cross series of books has lasted so long and stood the test of time, due to its originality and excellent writing. You might imagine a police procedural/thriller would be feeling a little stale to read nowadays but this trope is 100% fresh anytime a new AC novel comes out. James Patterson writes with the confidence of longevity and masterful storytelling.
Deadly Cross is a fabulous entry into this series - it's gritty, detail oriented and heavy of the police procedural side of things, more so than the immediately previous entries. This is the work I love from JP. It felt like his earlier work, which in my opinion is the best of his work.
When Alex's former patient turns up dead, he sets out to investigate the mysterious circumstances surrounding her death. She is an ex-patient of his, and as the blurb speculates - maybe more? She was once a high flyer on the political scene, thanks to her marriage to the vice president and as a socialite and philanthropist, she lived her life in the spotlight. How has she ended up murdered? Alex must find out.
I enjoyed this a lot. It was a great read, kept me hooked, and in fact I read it very quickly. (I don't read that fast, but this one took me about 2 days). If you are already a fan of JP then definitely check this out. If you aren't aware of his work, or haven't got round to reading any of his books yet, then I can 100% recommend this to you. The series is fab when read it as a whole, but each can be read as a standalone, so pick this one up for a thrilling chase and a bit of that old detective/psychologist we know and love.
Thank you NetGalley for my copy of this one.
www.thebeautifulbookbreak.com
Deadly Cross is a fabulous entry into this series - it's gritty, detail oriented and heavy of the police procedural side of things, more so than the immediately previous entries. This is the work I love from JP. It felt like his earlier work, which in my opinion is the best of his work.
When Alex's former patient turns up dead, he sets out to investigate the mysterious circumstances surrounding her death. She is an ex-patient of his, and as the blurb speculates - maybe more? She was once a high flyer on the political scene, thanks to her marriage to the vice president and as a socialite and philanthropist, she lived her life in the spotlight. How has she ended up murdered? Alex must find out.
I enjoyed this a lot. It was a great read, kept me hooked, and in fact I read it very quickly. (I don't read that fast, but this one took me about 2 days). If you are already a fan of JP then definitely check this out. If you aren't aware of his work, or haven't got round to reading any of his books yet, then I can 100% recommend this to you. The series is fab when read it as a whole, but each can be read as a standalone, so pick this one up for a thrilling chase and a bit of that old detective/psychologist we know and love.
Thank you NetGalley for my copy of this one.
www.thebeautifulbookbreak.com
December 6, 2020
Deadly Cross – Another Patterson Classic
When Patterson is on familiar ground with familiar characters, even though murder is involved, it is like reading a thriller comfort blanket. You may know what you will get, Alex Cross the victorious investigator in the end. But that never detracts from the writing or the story, Cross being the best in the business is a happy coincidence.
When the glamourous ex-wife of the Vice-President, and a school principal are found murdered in the back of her car, on school grounds, so starts a tale of corruption, lies and any attempt at murder possible. While there is a side-story of an ongoing investigation that Cross, and his partner also need to complete.
The side-story is a race against time to solve a serial killer who has the habit of kidnaping females and then murdering them at a later date. This investigation almost collides with Cross’ socialite murder case.
During the investigations, tragedy strikes Cross’ friend and colleague, when his wife dies due to heart disease brought about by lymes disease. Alex Cross manages to step up for his friends and colleague, whilst keeping the investigation on track.
While other investigators may be thrown off course by the various events that happen around Washington DC, it does not bother Cross, who will successfully lead the investigations to a conclusion. Then he can head off and be a family man once again with his children and wife.
When Patterson is on familiar ground with familiar characters, even though murder is involved, it is like reading a thriller comfort blanket. You may know what you will get, Alex Cross the victorious investigator in the end. But that never detracts from the writing or the story, Cross being the best in the business is a happy coincidence.
When the glamourous ex-wife of the Vice-President, and a school principal are found murdered in the back of her car, on school grounds, so starts a tale of corruption, lies and any attempt at murder possible. While there is a side-story of an ongoing investigation that Cross, and his partner also need to complete.
The side-story is a race against time to solve a serial killer who has the habit of kidnaping females and then murdering them at a later date. This investigation almost collides with Cross’ socialite murder case.
During the investigations, tragedy strikes Cross’ friend and colleague, when his wife dies due to heart disease brought about by lymes disease. Alex Cross manages to step up for his friends and colleague, whilst keeping the investigation on track.
While other investigators may be thrown off course by the various events that happen around Washington DC, it does not bother Cross, who will successfully lead the investigations to a conclusion. Then he can head off and be a family man once again with his children and wife.
April 10, 2023
Alex Cross and his partner Sampson get involved with the murder of a school principal and the ex-wife of the current Vice-president. The book is never about politics only about the private life of said politician, which I find is a welcome chance these days. Cross and his old FBI partner pour into this murder and any reason for the kill.
Cross’s wife Bree and Sampson are into hunting a serial rapist who practices go back years, and he proofs to be an elusive criminal.
There is a lot of personal stuff happening as well. But with the token short chapters this book is a pretty quick read. The storylines are pretty straightforward and there is little in great surprises.
The Patterson Cross novels are becoming more of a comfort food and fairly predictable but still enjoyable. This one is an easy read and does not waste your time too much.
Cross’s wife Bree and Sampson are into hunting a serial rapist who practices go back years, and he proofs to be an elusive criminal.
There is a lot of personal stuff happening as well. But with the token short chapters this book is a pretty quick read. The storylines are pretty straightforward and there is little in great surprises.
The Patterson Cross novels are becoming more of a comfort food and fairly predictable but still enjoyable. This one is an easy read and does not waste your time too much.
January 11, 2021
Good but not great.
It is quite remarkable to read a Patterson that is not co-authored and Alex Cross remains my favourite of all his detectives. The book follows the typical Patterson crime/mystery formula. The pace and short chapters create a fast-moving drama. The plot is fairly standard with few curveballs and this definitely was an area I was hoping for more suspense and intrigue. The other let down was the limited development of characters (the only bit of new info was related to Bree).
The John Sampson aspect I found lacked heart and soul.
Having read all 28 books (over the decades), this instalment could easily be skipped. It almost felt like I was reading a book that leads to rounding up to thirty for the conclusion of the Alex Cross character (who knows). Still a family man, with morals and values that remain true and strong, no matter what.
A bit above average and if you miss it you won't be behind in the series.
It is quite remarkable to read a Patterson that is not co-authored and Alex Cross remains my favourite of all his detectives. The book follows the typical Patterson crime/mystery formula. The pace and short chapters create a fast-moving drama. The plot is fairly standard with few curveballs and this definitely was an area I was hoping for more suspense and intrigue. The other let down was the limited development of characters (the only bit of new info was related to Bree).
The John Sampson aspect I found lacked heart and soul.
Having read all 28 books (over the decades), this instalment could easily be skipped. It almost felt like I was reading a book that leads to rounding up to thirty for the conclusion of the Alex Cross character (who knows). Still a family man, with morals and values that remain true and strong, no matter what.
A bit above average and if you miss it you won't be behind in the series.
December 30, 2020
A double homicide, a serial rapist-killer, a nutcase-all need to be found. Dr
Alex Cross is the man to solve it all along with his wife - Bree Stone and partners John Sampson and Ned Mahoney & then heartbreaking tragedy strikes very close to home! Can he overcome all odds and solve the mysteries? My review is here https://rb.gy/ogsclh Do Read, Like, Comment or Share 🚩
#alexcross #jamespatterson #bookreviews
Alex Cross is the man to solve it all along with his wife - Bree Stone and partners John Sampson and Ned Mahoney & then heartbreaking tragedy strikes very close to home! Can he overcome all odds and solve the mysteries? My review is here https://rb.gy/ogsclh Do Read, Like, Comment or Share 🚩
#alexcross #jamespatterson #bookreviews
June 8, 2021
Only James Patterson could weave so many simultaneous mysteries into one thriller. Although it may be challenging for readers to keep up with the many subplots, it must be very realistic that the Washington PD and the FBI would be working multiple cases at once. Upping the ante (top cop administration always seeks swift arrests for high profile crimes) for consultant/psychiatrist Alex and his Chief of Detectives wife Bree are the deaths of a popular charter school principal and the ex-wife of the Vice-President of the United States. A string of serial murders of young girls is still unsolved, and more girls go missing. A popular recurring character dies unexpectedly. Patterson weaves in my favorite parts - appearances by the Cross Family, including son Ali, daughter Jannie, and the ageless Nana Mama. It wouldn't be a Patterson novel without endless complications, including a domestic terrorist shooting wealthy people in their derrieres, inheritance scams, crooked lawyers, paid assassins, love triangles, racial prejudice, death row drama, and a mental health asylum that holds clues to all the mayhem. I totally enjoyed how it all came together- vintage Patterson. Long live Alex and Nana Mama!
November 13, 2025
Another serial killer in Washington D.C. Alex, Bree and Sampson are also investigating the murder of the ex wife of the V.P and her love. There is also someone shooting billionaires and wealthy people in the butt.
Nana is still cooking and his kids take a minor role in this outing. Bree is considering a change of job and Alex gets to go to Alabama. An entertaining outing with corruption, justice and murderers caught.
Nana is still cooking and his kids take a minor role in this outing. Bree is considering a change of job and Alex gets to go to Alabama. An entertaining outing with corruption, justice and murderers caught.
November 6, 2022
Another Alex Cross triller, hunting down a serial killer pursuing young girls. Yes, a surprise ending, I love the Cross family parts also. He has 3 kids and a 90+ year old grandma and he is married to a detective who pursues killers along with him.
February 6, 2026
1⭐️ = Not For Me
Hardback
Such a shame, as I often love a JP book. This for me, didn’t have a great storyline and it’s interesting that I wasn’t a fan of another in the Cross series either.
Short chapters which is great for short reads when time is limited.
Hardback
Such a shame, as I often love a JP book. This for me, didn’t have a great storyline and it’s interesting that I wasn’t a fan of another in the Cross series either.
Short chapters which is great for short reads when time is limited.
August 11, 2024
A double case of both Bree and Alex! One dealing with a vice president and the other young girls.
Alex is stretched thin again, while Sampson gets broken all the way :(
Nana mama is still alive, as she should be.
A lot of thrills in this one
4-4.5 stars
Alex is stretched thin again, while Sampson gets broken all the way :(
Nana mama is still alive, as she should be.
A lot of thrills in this one
4-4.5 stars
December 12, 2020
Back and forth, back and forth. Too many characters, and too many irons in the fire. TOO long...and Nana Mama? Does she have her bed in the kitchen? Always in there, and most 100+ years old ppl can't handle walking, much less ALL the work in the kitchen.
November 27, 2020
This Alex Cross book was reminiscent of his earlier ones in the series. It moved along at a good pace.
December 16, 2020
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-seven years following, there have been some good (and excellent) adventures and 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 28th book in the series – “Deadly Cross” – is in my hands and the reading completed.
The book opens with a double murder. The two victims are Kay Willingham, ex-wife of the vice president and socialite philanthropist, and Randall Christopher, founder and principal of Harrison Charter High school. They were found shot to death in the backseat of a Bentley convertible behind Christopher’s school. To make matters, Kay was a former patient of Alex’s years ago.
Alex Cross teams up with his DC police partner, John Sampson, and FBI special agent Ned Mahoney to investigate their murders. However, the closer they look at Kay’s past, they find a lot of unanswered questions regarding her on and off again mental health struggles. Her history in DC society was that of someone who got things done, that is until her breakdown and divorce from the vice president right before his biggest election. As Alex sifts through the clues that led to murder, he finds himself in a world of legal corruption and abuse that knows no end.
Now, as any avid fan would expect, one major murder investigation is not enough for our hero, Alex Cross. Patterson runs multiple plots, jumping all over the place from Alex’s professional life one moment to his family situations the next. This time, Alex finds himself knee-deep in not one, not two, but three different investigations, dealing with a death of a close family friend, and supporting his wife’s surprising career changing opportunity. There’s a lot happening in this book. Patterson through in everything including the kitchen sink. Most of it was good and I liked the way he connected things. Still, it felt almost too busy at times for me, rushing from one storyline to another like that didn’t leave much time to really get into and absorb what was happening in any of those particular plots. They just raced by at breakneck speed.
Overall, this was a typical Patterson thriller recipe. The tempo was fastmoving with lots of drama. The plotlines pretty much followed his standard developments and delivery, including a few curveballs thrown in to make the outcome more interesting. There wasn’t much family development other than Bree’s storyline, which I enjoyed quite a bit. She deserves some well- earned time in the spotlight. The focus was more on Alex’s best friend, John Sampson, and his family, which deserved some stage time too. However, this time out the mystery elements lacked some suspense. Although Patterson did a nice job of finding ways to link the various storylines together at certain points, they didn’t provide a strong sense of suspense and the primary plot outcome felt a little disappointing.
Over three decades and 28 books, the character of Alex Cross has hunted many serial killers. He has faced many life-threatening moments. He has done his best to keep his family safe and support them. He has grown and changed in many ways, but his ethical and moral compass remains 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 time was not great nor bad. Somewhere in the middle, a bit above average.
In the twenty-seven years following, there have been some good (and excellent) adventures and 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 28th book in the series – “Deadly Cross” – is in my hands and the reading completed.
The book opens with a double murder. The two victims are Kay Willingham, ex-wife of the vice president and socialite philanthropist, and Randall Christopher, founder and principal of Harrison Charter High school. They were found shot to death in the backseat of a Bentley convertible behind Christopher’s school. To make matters, Kay was a former patient of Alex’s years ago.
Alex Cross teams up with his DC police partner, John Sampson, and FBI special agent Ned Mahoney to investigate their murders. However, the closer they look at Kay’s past, they find a lot of unanswered questions regarding her on and off again mental health struggles. Her history in DC society was that of someone who got things done, that is until her breakdown and divorce from the vice president right before his biggest election. As Alex sifts through the clues that led to murder, he finds himself in a world of legal corruption and abuse that knows no end.
Now, as any avid fan would expect, one major murder investigation is not enough for our hero, Alex Cross. Patterson runs multiple plots, jumping all over the place from Alex’s professional life one moment to his family situations the next. This time, Alex finds himself knee-deep in not one, not two, but three different investigations, dealing with a death of a close family friend, and supporting his wife’s surprising career changing opportunity. There’s a lot happening in this book. Patterson through in everything including the kitchen sink. Most of it was good and I liked the way he connected things. Still, it felt almost too busy at times for me, rushing from one storyline to another like that didn’t leave much time to really get into and absorb what was happening in any of those particular plots. They just raced by at breakneck speed.
Overall, this was a typical Patterson thriller recipe. The tempo was fastmoving with lots of drama. The plotlines pretty much followed his standard developments and delivery, including a few curveballs thrown in to make the outcome more interesting. There wasn’t much family development other than Bree’s storyline, which I enjoyed quite a bit. She deserves some well- earned time in the spotlight. The focus was more on Alex’s best friend, John Sampson, and his family, which deserved some stage time too. However, this time out the mystery elements lacked some suspense. Although Patterson did a nice job of finding ways to link the various storylines together at certain points, they didn’t provide a strong sense of suspense and the primary plot outcome felt a little disappointing.
Over three decades and 28 books, the character of Alex Cross has hunted many serial killers. He has faced many life-threatening moments. He has done his best to keep his family safe and support them. He has grown and changed in many ways, but his ethical and moral compass remains 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 time was not great nor bad. Somewhere in the middle, a bit above average.
November 25, 2020
Another brilliant book in the Alex Cross series.
This is James Patterson at his best.
The main story follows the shooting of the Vice President’s ex-wife and the local school headteacher. They are shot whilst in their car but also subject to theft of their personal belongings.
There’s another story running alongside this of teenage girls being abducted, raped and murdered, so Alex, Bree, Sampson and Ned definitely have their hands full.
As with all Alex Cross books, there’s plenty of focus on the crimes but equal time is given to Cross and his family, including his best friend John Sampson.
This could be read as a stand-alone book but you’d get more out of it if you’ve been following the series.
Reading this series feels like I’m catching up with old friends now.
This is a huge five star read for me as I loved everything about this book.
Thanks to Random House UK and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
This is James Patterson at his best.
The main story follows the shooting of the Vice President’s ex-wife and the local school headteacher. They are shot whilst in their car but also subject to theft of their personal belongings.
There’s another story running alongside this of teenage girls being abducted, raped and murdered, so Alex, Bree, Sampson and Ned definitely have their hands full.
As with all Alex Cross books, there’s plenty of focus on the crimes but equal time is given to Cross and his family, including his best friend John Sampson.
This could be read as a stand-alone book but you’d get more out of it if you’ve been following the series.
Reading this series feels like I’m catching up with old friends now.
This is a huge five star read for me as I loved everything about this book.
Thanks to Random House UK and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
December 2, 2020
James Patterson is definitely not slowing down. Deadly Cross is another 5 star novel in the series.
January 27, 2021
Another great Cross mystery. This one had my until the end. Patterson wove the cases into a very solid whole to give us one of the better Cross books in recent memory.
December 31, 2021
After reading the first 23 Alex Cross books, I took a break from the series for about five years before reading Deadly Cross. I missed a few books in the meantime (either four or six, depending on how the books are counted within the series). But even though I’m sure I missed some pertinent events along the way, I was quickly able to get back up to speed with Alex’s professional career and his family life.
In this one, FBI Special Agent in Charge Ned Mahoney calls Alex in to help investigate the double murder of the socialite ex-wife of the Vice President and a respected charter school principal. Meanwhile, Alex’s wife, DC Metro police detective Bree Stone, is working on a case involving the abduction and killing of teenage girls from the Southeast DC community. Alex and Mahoney are facing pressure from the Vice President to solve his ex-wife’s murder, but at the same time, Alex is doing his best to assist Bree in tracking down the serial kidnapper/murderer.
Deadly Cross is written with Patterson’s trademarked (maybe literally) fast-paced style, with lots of action and short chapters that keep the reader turning the pages. I thought that the double-murder case was much more interesting than the serial-killer case, but the inclusion of the two simultaneous investigations definitely ratcheted up the suspense. A 3.5-star rating would probably reflect my view of the book most accurately, but I rounded up in part because the Alex Cross series books are always reliable entertainment. At some point, I will probably go back and read those that I’ve missed, as well as the subsequent books in the series.
In this one, FBI Special Agent in Charge Ned Mahoney calls Alex in to help investigate the double murder of the socialite ex-wife of the Vice President and a respected charter school principal. Meanwhile, Alex’s wife, DC Metro police detective Bree Stone, is working on a case involving the abduction and killing of teenage girls from the Southeast DC community. Alex and Mahoney are facing pressure from the Vice President to solve his ex-wife’s murder, but at the same time, Alex is doing his best to assist Bree in tracking down the serial kidnapper/murderer.
Deadly Cross is written with Patterson’s trademarked (maybe literally) fast-paced style, with lots of action and short chapters that keep the reader turning the pages. I thought that the double-murder case was much more interesting than the serial-killer case, but the inclusion of the two simultaneous investigations definitely ratcheted up the suspense. A 3.5-star rating would probably reflect my view of the book most accurately, but I rounded up in part because the Alex Cross series books are always reliable entertainment. At some point, I will probably go back and read those that I’ve missed, as well as the subsequent books in the series.
May 29, 2024
Another action-packed book in the Alex Cross series! Every book is high octane, chase 'em down, shoot 'em out action from cover to cover. Every book I hold my breath wondering who the author will kill off...this one broke my heart. I can't help but question why??? But as readers', we have to trust and accept the author's vision for his characters and books. Moving on to the next book as I rapidly approach the current release in the series.
April 19, 2021
Alex Cross is one of my favorite fictional characters.
November 10, 2025
NOTE: Disregard the FLAG. I sent a note to Goodreads Help, and their response was that there is no penalty to me. "Flag" is just the button you would use if you want to flag a review. It does not mean that your review has been flagged. There is no flag indicator on Goodreads. If a review is flagged, only Goodreads staff sees it.
(First Read) This latest installment by James Patterson and narrated by Brad Sanders was some difficult for me to get through. I'd been looking forward to reading it for a long time, so meanwhile I read several reviews and was quite disheartened as there were a lot of unhappy readers.
The murder of a glamorous DC socialite becomes Alex Cross’s deadliest case since Along Came a Spider. Kay Willingham led a life as glamorous as it was public—she was a gorgeous Georgetown socialite, philanthropist, and the ex-wife of the vice president. So why was she parked in a Bentley convertible idling behind a DC private school, in the middle of the night, with the man who was the head of that school? Who shot them both, point blank, and why? The shocking double homicide is blazed across the internet, TV, newspapers—and across Alex Cross's mind. Kay had been his patient once. And maybe more.
Kay had many enemies, but all of them seemed to need her alive. The harder the investigators push, the more resistance they find when they leave behind the polite law offices and doctors' quarters of the state capital. Alex Cross will need to use all his skills as a doctor, a detective, and a family man to prevent that resistance from turning lethal . . . again.
Kay Willingham led a life as glamorous as it was public—she was a gorgeous Georgetown socialite, philanthropist, and the ex-wife of the vice president. So why was she parked in a Bentley convertible idling behind a DC private school, in the middle of the night, with the man who was the head of that school? Who shot them both, point blank, and why? The shocking double homicide is blazed across the internet, TV, newspapers—and across Alex Cross's mind. Kay had been his patient once. And maybe more.
While John Sampson of DC Metro Police investigates the last movements of Christopher Randall, the educator killed along with Kay Willingham, detective Alex Cross and FBI special agent Ned Mahoney find unanswered questions from Willingham's past, before she arrived in DC and became known in DC society as someone who could make things happen. They travel to Alabama to investigate Kay's early years. There they find a world of trouble, corruption, and secrets, all of them closed to outsiders like Cross and Mahoney. Not my favorite book, but I still mostly Patterson’s work.
(Second Read): I was crushed while doing my second read, as John Sampson's wife Billie died. She was a most likeable woman and they had such a happy marriage.
I have read every Alex Cross book starting years ago in various order. This is one of the best ones I have ever read...seriously! TWO great stories that will end up surprising you! I am not going to tell you any more. Just read it!! I could not put it down until I finished! Luckily, I am retired and could do that. I am dead serious when I say, again, I have read every single Alex Cross book.
A complicated plot with a lot of characters. The main character, of course, is Alex Cross, but there is also a lot of info about Sampson and Cross’s FBI partner Ned Mahoney. All of the regular characters return and contribute to the action is one way or another. The book did not disappoint but it wasn’t as fast-paced as I have become accustomed to with the Cross books. This one was introspective at times, with some really sad parts.
(First Read) This latest installment by James Patterson and narrated by Brad Sanders was some difficult for me to get through. I'd been looking forward to reading it for a long time, so meanwhile I read several reviews and was quite disheartened as there were a lot of unhappy readers.
The murder of a glamorous DC socialite becomes Alex Cross’s deadliest case since Along Came a Spider. Kay Willingham led a life as glamorous as it was public—she was a gorgeous Georgetown socialite, philanthropist, and the ex-wife of the vice president. So why was she parked in a Bentley convertible idling behind a DC private school, in the middle of the night, with the man who was the head of that school? Who shot them both, point blank, and why? The shocking double homicide is blazed across the internet, TV, newspapers—and across Alex Cross's mind. Kay had been his patient once. And maybe more.
Kay had many enemies, but all of them seemed to need her alive. The harder the investigators push, the more resistance they find when they leave behind the polite law offices and doctors' quarters of the state capital. Alex Cross will need to use all his skills as a doctor, a detective, and a family man to prevent that resistance from turning lethal . . . again.
Kay Willingham led a life as glamorous as it was public—she was a gorgeous Georgetown socialite, philanthropist, and the ex-wife of the vice president. So why was she parked in a Bentley convertible idling behind a DC private school, in the middle of the night, with the man who was the head of that school? Who shot them both, point blank, and why? The shocking double homicide is blazed across the internet, TV, newspapers—and across Alex Cross's mind. Kay had been his patient once. And maybe more.
While John Sampson of DC Metro Police investigates the last movements of Christopher Randall, the educator killed along with Kay Willingham, detective Alex Cross and FBI special agent Ned Mahoney find unanswered questions from Willingham's past, before she arrived in DC and became known in DC society as someone who could make things happen. They travel to Alabama to investigate Kay's early years. There they find a world of trouble, corruption, and secrets, all of them closed to outsiders like Cross and Mahoney. Not my favorite book, but I still mostly Patterson’s work.
(Second Read): I was crushed while doing my second read, as John Sampson's wife Billie died. She was a most likeable woman and they had such a happy marriage.
I have read every Alex Cross book starting years ago in various order. This is one of the best ones I have ever read...seriously! TWO great stories that will end up surprising you! I am not going to tell you any more. Just read it!! I could not put it down until I finished! Luckily, I am retired and could do that. I am dead serious when I say, again, I have read every single Alex Cross book.
A complicated plot with a lot of characters. The main character, of course, is Alex Cross, but there is also a lot of info about Sampson and Cross’s FBI partner Ned Mahoney. All of the regular characters return and contribute to the action is one way or another. The book did not disappoint but it wasn’t as fast-paced as I have become accustomed to with the Cross books. This one was introspective at times, with some really sad parts.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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