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Alex Cross #19
Merry Christmas, Alex Cross
It's Christmas Eve and Detective Alex Cross has been called out to catch someone who's robbing his church's poor box. That mission behind him, Alex returns home to celebrate with Bree, Nana, and his children. The tree decorating is barely underway before his phone rings again--a horrific hostage situation is quickly spiraling out of control. Away from his own family on the most precious of days, Alex calls upon every ounce of his training, creativity, and daring to save another family. Alex risks everything--and he may not make it back alive on this most sacred of family days. Alex Cross is a hero for our time, and never more so than in this story of family, action, and the deepest moral choices. MERRY CHRISTMAS, ALEX CROSS will be a holiday classic for years to come.
434 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 12, 2012
2743 people are currently reading
19728 people want to read
About the author
James Patterson
955 books355k followersOfficial US Site
Official UK Site
JIMMY Patterson Books
ReadKiddoRead
James Patterson is the most popular storyteller of our time and the creator of such unforgettable characters and series as Alex Cross, the Women’s Murder Club, Jane Smith, and Maximum Ride. He has coauthored #1 bestselling novels with Bill Clinton, Dolly Parton, and Michael Crichton, as well as collaborated on #1 bestselling nonfiction, including The Idaho Four, Walk in My Combat Boots, and Filthy Rich. Patterson has told the story of his own life in the #1 bestselling autobiography James Patterson by James Patterson. He is the recipient of an Edgar Award, ten Emmy Awards, the Literarian Award from the National Book Foundation, and the National Humanities Medal.
Official UK Site
JIMMY Patterson Books
ReadKiddoRead
James Patterson is the most popular storyteller of our time and the creator of such unforgettable characters and series as Alex Cross, the Women’s Murder Club, Jane Smith, and Maximum Ride. He has coauthored #1 bestselling novels with Bill Clinton, Dolly Parton, and Michael Crichton, as well as collaborated on #1 bestselling nonfiction, including The Idaho Four, Walk in My Combat Boots, and Filthy Rich. Patterson has told the story of his own life in the #1 bestselling autobiography James Patterson by James Patterson. He is the recipient of an Edgar Award, ten Emmy Awards, the Literarian Award from the National Book Foundation, and the National Humanities Medal.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,000 reviews
January 20, 2013
I love Alex Cross, and have read them all. Enjoyed the ride but felt as if this was two possible books that were blended to meet a deadline. I didn't feel as if either story was fully realized.
December 4, 2020
2.5 Stars
Nothing says Christmas like terrorists and hostage situations.
This was a weird read. I loved the first half of this book. It was about a man who takes his kids, ex wife, her husband and and congressman's wife hostage. It was tense and I was super engrossed in the story.
Then the second half kicks off and it's about Middle Eastern terrorists and I was bored.
This book just didn't need that second plot point. The first one was great and it was "Christmas" related. It was about family and loneliness. The terrorists plot was basically Islam Is Scary. That was it.
If want to read this book, just read the first half. The second is not needed.
Nothing says Christmas like terrorists and hostage situations.
This was a weird read. I loved the first half of this book. It was about a man who takes his kids, ex wife, her husband and and congressman's wife hostage. It was tense and I was super engrossed in the story.
Then the second half kicks off and it's about Middle Eastern terrorists and I was bored.
This book just didn't need that second plot point. The first one was great and it was "Christmas" related. It was about family and loneliness. The terrorists plot was basically Islam Is Scary. That was it.
If want to read this book, just read the first half. The second is not needed.
June 4, 2018
This installment picks up on the terrorist family ring from Kill Alex Cross and also has another plot involving a father holding his family hostage on Christmas Eve. The plots are really intriguing and fast-paced to read. The terrorism plot really comes full force at the halfway point of the book and does not let up until the end. It was a very entertaining installment.
My quick and simple overall: one of the better installments to the Alex Cross series! Only have a handful to read!
My quick and simple overall: one of the better installments to the Alex Cross series! Only have a handful to read!
November 20, 2012
Very disappointed! Just finished Merry Christmas Alex Cross, and all I can say is James Patterson has forgotten who Alex Cross really is. I was completely bored and quite frankly annoyed, beyond belief, with the first part of the book. Alex and Sampson on a stakeout, at the church, was a mediocre storyline at best. The hostage negotiation crises was laughable especially when Bree, a fellow cop, showed up at the negotiation to tell Alex that his actions were making his grandmother cry. After laughing through the first part of the hostage situation I felt like screaming when an unarmed Alex Cross decides its best to go into the house so he could access the crime scene first hand. I wouldn't expect that type of move from a seasoned former FBI agent and now Metro PD. With over 20 years of experience in Law Enforcement and Alex Cross is reduced to a cliche.
Thank goodness the second part of the book was written far better than the first. I loved the fact that Hala Al Dossari's character was on the top of her game. Very good plot, fast paced and really interesting. I cringed at the thought of the FBI bringing in a metro police officer, (Alex Cross) on domestic terrorism. I was also disappointed that there was a huge jump from the final scene with the terrorist, to New Years Eve date night, as Alex and Bree double dated with Sampson and Bree. I would have liked seeing the wrap up of that scene. I also would have liked to see Ned Mahoney tell Hala how her plot was completely foiled. Nothing like crippling a terrorist emotionally. Allah failed!
This was probably a good read for any new readers that don't know Alex Cross. But as a self proclaimed Cross fan, this booked really missed the mark.
Thank goodness the second part of the book was written far better than the first. I loved the fact that Hala Al Dossari's character was on the top of her game. Very good plot, fast paced and really interesting. I cringed at the thought of the FBI bringing in a metro police officer, (Alex Cross) on domestic terrorism. I was also disappointed that there was a huge jump from the final scene with the terrorist, to New Years Eve date night, as Alex and Bree double dated with Sampson and Bree. I would have liked seeing the wrap up of that scene. I also would have liked to see Ned Mahoney tell Hala how her plot was completely foiled. Nothing like crippling a terrorist emotionally. Allah failed!
This was probably a good read for any new readers that don't know Alex Cross. But as a self proclaimed Cross fan, this booked really missed the mark.
January 3, 2017
somehow missed this one...oddly enough as I'm a big Cross series fan. SOLID 4 stars..maybe more, but I'm stingy with that 5th one ;) creepy and way too realistic, but super good...I devoured this one in a couple sittings. This afternoon/evening.
January 4, 2022
CW:
Considering this is a James Patterson novel, I knew it would be bad in terms of plot believability, characterisation and, I guess, writing sophistication. But I didn’t expect the writing to be this this laughably bad.
“As for hostage negotiators, we’ll, we are usually smart and well trained, but we rarely pull off the heroics you see in the movies. Have I seen the abductor listen to the negotiator and then throw down his weapon and come out with his hands up? Sure, about as often as I’ve seen the Redskins win the Super Bowl. Two or three times. It’s in the realm of possibility. But the odds are stacked against it.”
It’s so overdone and self-consciously colloquial that the writing ends up distracting the reader from the plot.
Clearly, there were no sensitivity readers for racism because this,,,
””Ambassador from Nigeria. No idea how to pronounce the name.”
“Nice place the ambassador from Nigeria’s got.
“Yeah, half his country is starving to death, and this dude’s living in six bedrooms in Georgetown. Guess he’s gone for the holidays too.”
“Probably to Lagos. I’ve been there. A real hellhole. Then again, from the look of things, maybe I’d rather be in Lagos tonight myself.””
This book genuinely has so little substance that Alex Cross heroically saves a family on a Christmas Eve and then saves the entire city of Washington D.C. the next day in a completely separate plotline, with different characters as well.
And the worst part is that the villains in the second plot are part of a Muslim terrorist organisation…
“Americans are weak. They know nothing of sacrifice, or of God.
She flipped open a throwaway cell phone and hit Redial.
“Yes?” a male voice answered in Arabic.
“Why?” Hala asked.
“One, four, and zero,” he replied.
She glanced at the big clock inside the station. It was 5:25. She calculated and then said, “Seven and five.
“Inshallah,” the man replied and hung up.”
I know, such a unique and thoughtful idea to have a bunch of pure, heroic Christians thwart some evil Muslims on Christmas/Boxing Day (/s).
Overall, Merry Christmas is incredibly unbelievable, racist and cringeworthy.
Here’s another quote that’s hilariously over explained that I had to read it out to my sister.
“Both Sampson and I are tall. I’m six two. He’s got three inches on me. Which means we have long legs, which we used to run in opposite directions.”
Considering this is a James Patterson novel, I knew it would be bad in terms of plot believability, characterisation and, I guess, writing sophistication. But I didn’t expect the writing to be this this laughably bad.
“As for hostage negotiators, we’ll, we are usually smart and well trained, but we rarely pull off the heroics you see in the movies. Have I seen the abductor listen to the negotiator and then throw down his weapon and come out with his hands up? Sure, about as often as I’ve seen the Redskins win the Super Bowl. Two or three times. It’s in the realm of possibility. But the odds are stacked against it.”
It’s so overdone and self-consciously colloquial that the writing ends up distracting the reader from the plot.
Clearly, there were no sensitivity readers for racism because this,,,
””Ambassador from Nigeria. No idea how to pronounce the name.”
“Nice place the ambassador from Nigeria’s got.
“Yeah, half his country is starving to death, and this dude’s living in six bedrooms in Georgetown. Guess he’s gone for the holidays too.”
“Probably to Lagos. I’ve been there. A real hellhole. Then again, from the look of things, maybe I’d rather be in Lagos tonight myself.””
This book genuinely has so little substance that Alex Cross heroically saves a family on a Christmas Eve and then saves the entire city of Washington D.C. the next day in a completely separate plotline, with different characters as well.
And the worst part is that the villains in the second plot are part of a Muslim terrorist organisation…
“Americans are weak. They know nothing of sacrifice, or of God.
She flipped open a throwaway cell phone and hit Redial.
“Yes?” a male voice answered in Arabic.
“Why?” Hala asked.
“One, four, and zero,” he replied.
She glanced at the big clock inside the station. It was 5:25. She calculated and then said, “Seven and five.
“Inshallah,” the man replied and hung up.”
I know, such a unique and thoughtful idea to have a bunch of pure, heroic Christians thwart some evil Muslims on Christmas/Boxing Day (/s).
Overall, Merry Christmas is incredibly unbelievable, racist and cringeworthy.
Here’s another quote that’s hilariously over explained that I had to read it out to my sister.
“Both Sampson and I are tall. I’m six two. He’s got three inches on me. Which means we have long legs, which we used to run in opposite directions.”
December 24, 2012
I am done with James Patterson. I have been getting there for awhile and I'm done. This is two stories jammed into one book and neither of them are very suspenseful or interesting. Besides he writes too much to keep up with. It's really annoying. I have a hard time believing he does all of these books on his own. I think we're being duped.
December 23, 2014
Alex Cross's family are desparate for him to be home to spend Christmas with them but on Christmas Eve he is abruptly called away to a hostage situation. A distraught bankrupt business is holding his ex-wife and children, her new husband and a neighbour at gunpoint and with nothing left to lose the situation is fraught with danger. Washington is suffering a blizzard making conditions cold and difficult as Alex and the police settle in for a long surveillance.
Finally after the siege ended, Alex stumbled home exhausted to snatch a few hours sleep and spend the rest of Christmas with his family, only to be called out to an even more dangerous situation with an infamous terrorist spotted at Union Station. Plenty of action ensues as Alex tries to foil her plans. Both stories felt somewhat rushed and maybe sticking to a single situation would have led to a more satisfying read than trying to fit two plots into what is a fairly short book.3.5★
Finally after the siege ended, Alex stumbled home exhausted to snatch a few hours sleep and spend the rest of Christmas with his family, only to be called out to an even more dangerous situation with an infamous terrorist spotted at Union Station. Plenty of action ensues as Alex tries to foil her plans. Both stories felt somewhat rushed and maybe sticking to a single situation would have led to a more satisfying read than trying to fit two plots into what is a fairly short book.3.5★
June 11, 2023
It is June it's close to 30 degrees celcius and reading a book taking place with Christmas seems somewhat odd, true I admit it but was in need for some casual reading. Generally the James Patterson production belt literary does deliver.
Alex Cross is called on Christmas eve in a hostage situation something his Nana is not happy about. When he is finished and back home with his beloved family enjoying Christmas the FBI call because a well known female terrorist has shown her face on a Washington train station. This turns into a battle of guns and explosives.
Generally the Alex Cross books are quick enjoyable books but when they come this shallow they tend to be poor books, this one lacks excitement and good writing. It as as if the characterisation has taken a third place after plot and plausibility. This book must be one of the poorer efforts from Patterson & Co. Finished the book within two hours, and that is enough time spend on it, short chapters do mean less written words.
One to ignore without any loss of anything meaningful in the Cross world.
Alex Cross is called on Christmas eve in a hostage situation something his Nana is not happy about. When he is finished and back home with his beloved family enjoying Christmas the FBI call because a well known female terrorist has shown her face on a Washington train station. This turns into a battle of guns and explosives.
Generally the Alex Cross books are quick enjoyable books but when they come this shallow they tend to be poor books, this one lacks excitement and good writing. It as as if the characterisation has taken a third place after plot and plausibility. This book must be one of the poorer efforts from Patterson & Co. Finished the book within two hours, and that is enough time spend on it, short chapters do mean less written words.
One to ignore without any loss of anything meaningful in the Cross world.
December 16, 2024
One of the more mediocre Alex Cross books. I think the fact that it was set at Christmas was fun, but I wish there was more of it. This book is split into two different situations, the first one was a hostage situation which I did enjoy but the second one was about terrorism which I don't enjoy at all.
It felt very basic to me, It was just another thriller with a mediocre plot, because at this point I have read 18 other Alex Cross books I do relate to the characters a lot. However, because of how far along in the series this is I found a lot of things repetitive especially how Alex puts his job before his family.
I will continue with this series until I don't own any more of them physically, but I won't be going out to buy any of the new ones, this series it pretty tired at this point.
It felt very basic to me, It was just another thriller with a mediocre plot, because at this point I have read 18 other Alex Cross books I do relate to the characters a lot. However, because of how far along in the series this is I found a lot of things repetitive especially how Alex puts his job before his family.
I will continue with this series until I don't own any more of them physically, but I won't be going out to buy any of the new ones, this series it pretty tired at this point.
November 20, 2024
Merry Christmas, Alex Cross by James Patterson is not very Christmasy. There is plenty of action and drama. Like Superman Alex Cross to the rescue to save the good and take care of the bad. I don’t know why i gave it 5 star except I love Alex Cross as James Patterson has developed him.
December 20, 2016
Good read. Cross has a busy holiday in which a hostage incident is only the beginning.
December 25, 2017
Seems fitting to write the review for Merry Christmas, Alex on Christmas.
If you expected anything other than something happening to Alex and his family.. then I have no idea if we are reading the same series. I don't really know how I feel about this book because it's getting very repetitive. Alex gets called away for a murder, he solves the case, and then he comes home and something is off or different.
Out of all of the characters, Nana Mama is probably my favorite. She is so strong and was constantly helping with the lack of Christmas spirit within the family.
I guess I'm just expecting more from Alex and these series. This wasn't my favorite book but I also didn't 100% hate it. It was just meh to me. I'm kind of sad and a little disappointed. I have no idea if I'm going to start the next book this week or before the near year. I just keep having high expectations ever since the first book and in some way I always feel left down.
Maybe the next book will blow my mind or maybe it will be a dud. Right now I don't really feel like finding that out. Maybe next year I will welcome disappointment in my life.
If you expected anything other than something happening to Alex and his family.. then I have no idea if we are reading the same series. I don't really know how I feel about this book because it's getting very repetitive. Alex gets called away for a murder, he solves the case, and then he comes home and something is off or different.
Out of all of the characters, Nana Mama is probably my favorite. She is so strong and was constantly helping with the lack of Christmas spirit within the family.
I guess I'm just expecting more from Alex and these series. This wasn't my favorite book but I also didn't 100% hate it. It was just meh to me. I'm kind of sad and a little disappointed. I have no idea if I'm going to start the next book this week or before the near year. I just keep having high expectations ever since the first book and in some way I always feel left down.
Maybe the next book will blow my mind or maybe it will be a dud. Right now I don't really feel like finding that out. Maybe next year I will welcome disappointment in my life.
February 6, 2017
Alex Cross never disappoints his series followers, no matter how harrowingly outlandish the cases are that come to his attention his analytical mind is always up to the task of solving them and at the same time managing to foil the criminals involved.
This time around there is a darker urgency to the intersecting plots that make up the meat of this twisted tale.
Alex just wanted Christmas Eve and day to spend with his family, not in the presence of those one-brick shy of a load.
This time around there is a darker urgency to the intersecting plots that make up the meat of this twisted tale.
Alex just wanted Christmas Eve and day to spend with his family, not in the presence of those one-brick shy of a load.
December 16, 2012
Same as every other Alex Cross book at this point.
1. Something bad happens.
2. Alex leaves his family at an important time.
3. Most evil villain he has ever faced.
4. Alex considers if he should keep this job because the family is angry af him and in danger.
5. Alex gets John to help save the day.
6. Alex takes his wife out on the town and everything is perfect again.
Yawn.
1. Something bad happens.
2. Alex leaves his family at an important time.
3. Most evil villain he has ever faced.
4. Alex considers if he should keep this job because the family is angry af him and in danger.
5. Alex gets John to help save the day.
6. Alex takes his wife out on the town and everything is perfect again.
Yawn.
December 25, 2018
It was an okay read. Very abrupt change of setting between the hostage situation and the terrorist situation. Good book for a quick read.
March 21, 2013
Alex Cross, superman, is back again. In this 19th novel in the series, Patterson loses the plot. This seemed like a compilation of three short stories tied together by Cross’s failure to spend the Christmas holiday with his family.
We begin with Alex Cross and partner, John Sampson, catching a thief who is stealing from churches on Christmas Eve. Of course they catch their man. Alex returns home to his disgruntled grandmother, wife and children who all just want to spend time with him.
Then a crazed man holds his family hostage, threatening to kill everyone, including a visitor who just happens to be a Congressman’s wife. Cross manages to get everyone out, even saving the hostage taker from a sniper’s bullet. Really! And everyone at home is angry because he’s missed dinner.
Then, two hours later, Hala Al Dossari – Jihadist - attacks Union Station. Cross is back in action. You can guess the rest.
Although I read the novel, I couldn’t help but think how ridiculous it all was – even for Alex Cross.
We begin with Alex Cross and partner, John Sampson, catching a thief who is stealing from churches on Christmas Eve. Of course they catch their man. Alex returns home to his disgruntled grandmother, wife and children who all just want to spend time with him.
Then a crazed man holds his family hostage, threatening to kill everyone, including a visitor who just happens to be a Congressman’s wife. Cross manages to get everyone out, even saving the hostage taker from a sniper’s bullet. Really! And everyone at home is angry because he’s missed dinner.
Then, two hours later, Hala Al Dossari – Jihadist - attacks Union Station. Cross is back in action. You can guess the rest.
Although I read the novel, I couldn’t help but think how ridiculous it all was – even for Alex Cross.
January 19, 2025
That's a LOT to happen around Christmas.
A crazy domestic hostage situation
A terrorist plot on US Soil
A family who is getting fed up
Alex Cross, who does not have the time to even process all that is happening
A Samson moment.
A Nana lecture
All the good things we want from a Holiday Alex Cross Special.
4-4.5 stars
A crazy domestic hostage situation
A terrorist plot on US Soil
A family who is getting fed up
Alex Cross, who does not have the time to even process all that is happening
A Samson moment.
A Nana lecture
All the good things we want from a Holiday Alex Cross Special.
4-4.5 stars
November 3, 2017
A typical Alex Cross thriller. Nothing new here. James Patterson just churns these out, one after another, and it shows.
The best parts were the scenes of the blizzard. Every time I looked out my window I expected to see it snowing outside. 🌨🌨🌨❄️❄️❄️
The best parts were the scenes of the blizzard. Every time I looked out my window I expected to see it snowing outside. 🌨🌨🌨❄️❄️❄️
January 31, 2023
Ahh- Christmas time. It’s a time to be merry, a time to give, a time to celebrate, and a a time to die. Yes, friends, this Christmas might just be Alex’s last.
Will he come out victorious so he may dole out coal in the stockings of those deemed to be criminal and guilty? Well, I suppose it depends on which list Alex falls on. Did he make it to the nice list? Or was he naughty? 4 stars
Will he come out victorious so he may dole out coal in the stockings of those deemed to be criminal and guilty? Well, I suppose it depends on which list Alex falls on. Did he make it to the nice list? Or was he naughty? 4 stars
August 27, 2023
Another fast paced, high action addition to the Alex Cross series! It's a good thing these are book characters because it isn't humanly possible to maintain the insane pace set in these books. I enjoyed seeing Alex with his family on Christmas. Too bad he's pulled away, yet again, to work a case no one but him can solve. Highly recommended to fans of high action crime fiction.
December 12, 2017
Second Read: It's Christmas Eve, and Detective Alex Cross has been called out to catch an evil person who is robbing his church's poor box. Once that mission is behind him, he returns home to be with Bree (his wife) Nana Mama, and the kids. It's time to start decorating their tree and barely underway and a very bad hostage situation is underway and is fast becoming out of control. He can hardly stand that he is away from his own family on this blessed of all holiday's. Alex uses every bit of training, control and creativity daring to save another family. Alex risks everything and he may not make it back alive. Cross is a hero for our time and never more so than in this story of family, action and deep moral choices. Very good book. Sampson helps him and his other friends help him too in apprehending this very bad person. She is not repentant in any way to save her. Recommend.
First Read: My first Alex Cross Book, and I plan to read more. I've read other James Patterson Copy before and liked it, but have wanted to try this copy. I like the characters, I liked their morals, their comradary, and how they got along with each other. Made for a much cleaner read than some of the ones I've read lately. I'm finding myself addicted to audio books lately, and much harder to read an actual book. Lame, huh! I can multitask many levels this way and get so much more done where I'm really having troubles with the hard copy.
Alex and his partner, wife, family, work crew all get along so well that it makes for a very good read. Don't very often find this type of mystery written during the Christmas Holiday. Interesting twist. Recommend.
First Read: My first Alex Cross Book, and I plan to read more. I've read other James Patterson Copy before and liked it, but have wanted to try this copy. I like the characters, I liked their morals, their comradary, and how they got along with each other. Made for a much cleaner read than some of the ones I've read lately. I'm finding myself addicted to audio books lately, and much harder to read an actual book. Lame, huh! I can multitask many levels this way and get so much more done where I'm really having troubles with the hard copy.
Alex and his partner, wife, family, work crew all get along so well that it makes for a very good read. Don't very often find this type of mystery written during the Christmas Holiday. Interesting twist. Recommend.
April 20, 2013
James Patterson injects the holidays into his best crime series, bringing Alex Cross back with all the power fan have become accustomed to seeing. Creating an excellent novel with two sub-stories gives readers an excellent look into the crime fighting abilities of Cross, as well as his compassionate side. Set against the backdrop of Christmas, Cross must solve two crimes while his family stays home and waits... not all that patiently. When all is said and done, Cross is able to save the day again, though not without a few heart-pulling moments. Patterson returns to his niche and is highly effective in keeping the reader's interest. Perhaps he ought to focus on what he does well and stop with the drivel.
I have often said that Patterson has created a syndrome for himself. The Patterson syndrome is one where an author writes, is published, and makes money for his/her name and not the quality of work. These one-offs are usually pathetically simple and usually useless. That said, save for the PRIVATE series, Patterson's series are usually a step above the rest. I would, as I have said before, be highly interested in a Cross-Boxer-Bennett inter-book mystery. Might be a winner, eh?
Kudos Mr. Patterson for returning to some of your original greatness, Keep it up!
I have often said that Patterson has created a syndrome for himself. The Patterson syndrome is one where an author writes, is published, and makes money for his/her name and not the quality of work. These one-offs are usually pathetically simple and usually useless. That said, save for the PRIVATE series, Patterson's series are usually a step above the rest. I would, as I have said before, be highly interested in a Cross-Boxer-Bennett inter-book mystery. Might be a winner, eh?
Kudos Mr. Patterson for returning to some of your original greatness, Keep it up!
November 30, 2012
This is another of those James Patterson appetizer books - tasty while you're consuming it, but leaving you wanting more. I remember the good old days when Patterson wrote long books with complex plots and characters. Seems like ever since he got into the book-writing assembly line mode with his numerous co-authors, pumping out about 20 books per year, the length of the Alex Cross books has dwindled. I know he's a prolific writer, but that shouldn't mean that he gives up on writing long, meaty books.
At any rate, I enjoyed this book (what there was of it), Patterson seems to like interweaving two separate storylines that Cross must deal with at the same time. In the case of "Merry Christmas, Alex Cross", he could have taken either of those storylines and made it into a complete book. The main characters in each plot could have been fleshed out, their personalities and motives described a bit more, helping us understand how they got to the point where they began causing havoc. But all in all, this is a very good read. If you like Alex Cross, you'll like this book.
At any rate, I enjoyed this book (what there was of it), Patterson seems to like interweaving two separate storylines that Cross must deal with at the same time. In the case of "Merry Christmas, Alex Cross", he could have taken either of those storylines and made it into a complete book. The main characters in each plot could have been fleshed out, their personalities and motives described a bit more, helping us understand how they got to the point where they began causing havoc. But all in all, this is a very good read. If you like Alex Cross, you'll like this book.
December 9, 2011
101 pages in a James Patterson book far to fast for me. So being that this book is only 101 pages...you guessed it it took me hours to read. I started it before bed and finished it. This Mini book was just what I needed. Alex Cross is by far my favorite book charater in the Crime Mystery section so it surprised me I hadn't known this book was out. However I won't say much I will say this, Hostages on Christmas? Yeah and you can bet Alex is right in the middle, as always. Fantasic book, prefect read for the holiday season.
June 13, 2020
Alex Cross book no. 20(!): sees more Islamic fundamentalist terrorism continued from the last book (nothing like capturing the moment, Mr Patterson). In addition there's an awful domestic case involving hostage taking of a family! Merry Christmas Alex Cross indeed! 5 out of 12.
May 25, 2025
4.5 rounded up
Christmas with the Cross family is crazy. As if holiday traffic and shopping are not enough, we have terrorists and a family hostage situation.
Christmas with the Cross family is crazy. As if holiday traffic and shopping are not enough, we have terrorists and a family hostage situation.
June 2, 2013
Frankly, this book disgusted me...on just one, rather important, level. Why do Alex Cross's family feel it necessary to remind of him of what a shithead they think he is every time he gets a call to go out. This man has been a police officer for years...t is not a new job. Bad things happen and sometimes he has to go to work.
Our story opens with Cross and sidekick Sampson staking out a church on Christmas Eve to catch some guy who has been stealing from the collection box. After successfully stopping the thief Cross returns home to the bad attitude of his "sainted" grandmother..Nana Mama...who proceeds to rip him a new one for working on Christmas Eve. Working a job, it turns out, that she PERSONALLY RECOMMENDED him for...telling the pastor her grandson would solve the problem. Sigh. Really Nana Mama?? He was gone because of you. It would do you good to remember that when the phone rings again...
...and bedlam has broken out somewhere in DC on Christmas Eve and Alex must go to help. At this news...the family basically loses their shit. Not only do they give him shot for leaving...they refuse to answer the phone when he tries calling on his way to the HOSTAGE NEGOTIATION. That's right he didn't leave for a liquor store hold-up or something mundane like a traffic stop...he is on his way to a home where a crazy person has taken his ex-wife, her new husband, his kids and a neighbor chick hostage. Bree arrives upon the scene shortly after in what, I assumed, would be a comforting role...perhaps she was there to offer services...what with her being a cop and all. Nope..she just decided to show up and make sure Alex knew what an asshole he was. She couldn't just phone it in...she needed to go there in person to make sure he knew what a jerk he was leaving the house on Christmas Eve to try and save someone's life.
The rest of the book pretty much travels along in the same way.
Here is my problem...in case you hadn't already surmised. Who the fuck does this family think they are?? People have to work. They just do. Lots of people have to work on holidays. There are plenty of police officers, doctors, nurses, armed service members...hell even waitresses, movie theatre workers and the guy who makes the wontons at the Chinese takeout place. All of them have to work...do you suppose their "Christian" families let them know how much they hate them as they are on their way out the door. For years and years and books and books James Patterson has tried to portray Nana Mama as some sort of holier than thou mythical creature who can do no wrong. The simple truth is...she's kind of a brat and she's definitely a bitch. She is rearing a whole new generation of children to understand that hard work doesn't matter and other people don't count if that means you will have to miss a birthday dinner. In all her "selflessness" she shows herself to be the most selfish character of all. And, I, for one, am over her.
Our story opens with Cross and sidekick Sampson staking out a church on Christmas Eve to catch some guy who has been stealing from the collection box. After successfully stopping the thief Cross returns home to the bad attitude of his "sainted" grandmother..Nana Mama...who proceeds to rip him a new one for working on Christmas Eve. Working a job, it turns out, that she PERSONALLY RECOMMENDED him for...telling the pastor her grandson would solve the problem. Sigh. Really Nana Mama?? He was gone because of you. It would do you good to remember that when the phone rings again...
...and bedlam has broken out somewhere in DC on Christmas Eve and Alex must go to help. At this news...the family basically loses their shit. Not only do they give him shot for leaving...they refuse to answer the phone when he tries calling on his way to the HOSTAGE NEGOTIATION. That's right he didn't leave for a liquor store hold-up or something mundane like a traffic stop...he is on his way to a home where a crazy person has taken his ex-wife, her new husband, his kids and a neighbor chick hostage. Bree arrives upon the scene shortly after in what, I assumed, would be a comforting role...perhaps she was there to offer services...what with her being a cop and all. Nope..she just decided to show up and make sure Alex knew what an asshole he was. She couldn't just phone it in...she needed to go there in person to make sure he knew what a jerk he was leaving the house on Christmas Eve to try and save someone's life.
The rest of the book pretty much travels along in the same way.
Here is my problem...in case you hadn't already surmised. Who the fuck does this family think they are?? People have to work. They just do. Lots of people have to work on holidays. There are plenty of police officers, doctors, nurses, armed service members...hell even waitresses, movie theatre workers and the guy who makes the wontons at the Chinese takeout place. All of them have to work...do you suppose their "Christian" families let them know how much they hate them as they are on their way out the door. For years and years and books and books James Patterson has tried to portray Nana Mama as some sort of holier than thou mythical creature who can do no wrong. The simple truth is...she's kind of a brat and she's definitely a bitch. She is rearing a whole new generation of children to understand that hard work doesn't matter and other people don't count if that means you will have to miss a birthday dinner. In all her "selflessness" she shows herself to be the most selfish character of all. And, I, for one, am over her.
February 17, 2013
I don't know about you , but I have read quite a few series that once they reach about Book #10 etc , they start to go downhill and lose their touch and excitement as its just a repeated story. However, not Alex Cross . I absolutely love the Alex Cross novels and this one was no different except for one thing which was different than in his other novels. Merry Christmas Alex Cross, as you can guess is set on Christmas Eve/Christmas Day and Alex is just wanting to have a nice day with his family but it seems he won't get the chance as the phone starts to ring and he is to stop a petty thief at the local church - a quick and easy case but the day isn't going to stop. In fact it's only going to get harder as the next case is a father who has taken his ex-wife and family hostage and he wants them all to suffer. Can Alex Cross save the family or will his hostage skills lack this christmas and one by one a member of the family dies ? Last but not least, it seems that Hala - the terroist is back , you might remember them from the last Alex Cross book as they were a main feature. Have they come to finish what they started ? Will they leave more or as many hostages this time around as they did last ? Will Alex Cross and his team be able to capture her once and for all ?
Find out in Merry Christmas, Alex Cross. The only downside that annoyed me in this novel was the busy plot with the three different cases as I prefer one case over all the book. However as it was an Alex Cross novel, the story did flow quite nicely.
Find out in Merry Christmas, Alex Cross. The only downside that annoyed me in this novel was the busy plot with the three different cases as I prefer one case over all the book. However as it was an Alex Cross novel, the story did flow quite nicely.
December 5, 2024
Since I disdain literary snobbery, I am not above reading the likes of James Patterson, though I'll always disagree with his conveyor-belt contribution to the world of letters. He has long established himself within the popular market, so after so many goes with him, one would be foolish to continue reading his work with the same level of expectation a "serious" writer would deserve. So, while I greatly enjoyed one of his books earlier this year (Private Moscow), I did not expect much from this one, beyond mild entertainment. And the book delivers this in spades.
There was nothing majorly wrong with it - just your usual trite cliches, much cheesiness, scant character development and an all-too-perfect hero diseased with the same psychotic selflessness as Fireman Sam. Likewise, there was nothing particularly wonderful about it. In fact, it did feel very much like a pointless novel, released after its first draft for some quick Christmas bucks. It clumsily mashes two completely different thriller stories together - one rather weak, the other halfway decent - with no greater purpose than to remind us Alex Cross exists, that he's a good bloke with a fine, sexy wife, a sassy grandmother, and a bunch of cherubic kids.
But hey. It was fun. Being a former hater of the guy, I know that this particular household name is capable of far, far worse ... ahem, You've Been Warned.
There was nothing majorly wrong with it - just your usual trite cliches, much cheesiness, scant character development and an all-too-perfect hero diseased with the same psychotic selflessness as Fireman Sam. Likewise, there was nothing particularly wonderful about it. In fact, it did feel very much like a pointless novel, released after its first draft for some quick Christmas bucks. It clumsily mashes two completely different thriller stories together - one rather weak, the other halfway decent - with no greater purpose than to remind us Alex Cross exists, that he's a good bloke with a fine, sexy wife, a sassy grandmother, and a bunch of cherubic kids.
But hey. It was fun. Being a former hater of the guy, I know that this particular household name is capable of far, far worse ... ahem, You've Been Warned.
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