Triple Cross

Alex Cross #30

by James Patterson

Detective Alex Cross hunts down a serial killer who targets entire families—and who will next be coming for the Crosses. 

A methodical killer is targeting multigenerational families in and around Washington, DC—striking under cover of darkness, triggering no alarms, leaving no physical evidence of any kind.  
 
Alex isn’t the only one investigating. Also on the case is a charismatic true-crime author who sees patterns the detectives miss.
 
The writer calls “The Family Man” a perfect crime story. Alex knows there is no perfect crime—the investigation should never become the story. Unless the ending falls somewhere between fact and fiction.

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

495 pages, Paperback

First published October 31, 2022

About the author

Official US Site
Official UK Site
JIMMY Patterson Books
ReadKiddoRead

James Patterson is the most popular storyteller of our time and the creator of such unforgettable characters and series as Alex Cross, the Women’s Murder Club, Jane Smith, and Maximum Ride. He has coauthored #1 bestselling novels with Bill Clinton, Dolly Parton, and Michael Crichton, as well as collaborated on #1 bestselling nonfiction, including The Idaho Four, Walk in My Combat Boots, and Filthy Rich. Patterson has told the story of his own life in the #1 bestselling autobiography James Patterson by James Patterson. He is the recipient of an Edgar Award, ten Emmy Awards, the Literarian Award from the National Book Foundation, and the National Humanities Medal.

Reviews

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bwahaha, O M G, FINALLY!

Yessss! Okay, sorry but I'm super excited and if you've been a follower of the series, you MUST read Triple Cross. It is not a book you'll want to skip or wait for later. Maybe waiting isn't a bad idea because now I cannot wait to see what happens next. Another year...sigh.

No, pick it up, read it, and wait with me. 😂

There's a serial killer on the loose dubbed "The Family Man" by the media. Strange name for a killer... but that's because he/she in fact kills the whole family, young and old.

Dr. Alex Cross an investigative consultant for the DC Metro Police is tapped to track the killer after the latest deadly incident in Chevy Chase, Maryland. The killer has been careful and never left any DNA evidence behind in any of the four cases. Cross decides to contact a data mining corp "Paladin" to see if their unique methods of sifting through data on their supercomputers and artificial intelligence will come up with something helpful.

Bree Stone, Cross's wife works in private security. Her case is related to a billionaire fashion house owner Francis Duchaine. I have to admit that part of her case in the middle was a bit slow going.

All I can say is that Triple Cross is excellent! The mystery keeps you guessing and while I had a few suspects in mind, I didn't get it right. Like, waaay off!

The Cross family is probably my favorite book family; Damon, Jannie, Ali, and Nana Mama (her cooking makes me hungry every time). 4.5⭐

The audiobook is very enjoyable compared to the last couple ones. New narrators and this one have four.

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

What can I say about Alex Cross that hasn't been said before. Triple Cross is book number 30 to feature Detective Cross and I think it is probably the longest series that I have constantly kept reading. I might have a happy dance when I received this advanced ARC to read, and it did not stay unread for long. After a few dud reads, I picked it up, knowing that Patterson would not let me down.

One of my all time favourite authors, and he did not disappoint. Alex and John are working the case of a serial killer who kills entire families. They have a clever killer on the run, never leaving any clues. At the same time, Alex's wife, Bree has a top secret case in New York. The Alex Cross books are always full of action and adventure, and with short chapters, they are really hard to stop reading.

If I was in trouble, I would definitely want Alex Cross helping me. He is tough, takes no crap and highly dedicated. He loves his family more than anything, and they are a part of my world now too. How can you not love Nanna Mama and her cooking, or Ali and his keen detective skills.

These books are always a highlight in my reading year, and I will continue to read them as long as James Patterson writes them.

A massive thank you to Random House UK for making this Patterson fan very very happy.

Triple Cross is out October 27th.

[Elaine and Tess the Springer. I won’t be on GR for a bit. · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars.
A bit slow in the build-up, but when it gets going it’s an excellent read and a real page-turner. I’m looking forward to reading Cross Down.

[Tim · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent story that I wish for a conclusion with the "M" character, but alas the never ending no. 6 of 10 stars

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Family Man killer had struck again - killing the entire family who lived under the one roof. Detective Alex Cross and his partner Detective John Sampson had been following the case for some time and their frustration and anger was high. FBI Ned Mahoney was with the two detectives at the residence and they were all determined to catch the killer before he struck again. Meanwhile Thomas Tull was a successful true crime writer whose books had all become best sellers. He approached Cross and Sampson about shadowing their moves in The Family Man killings so he'd have the information he needed for his latest book. Of course they said "no way", which disgruntled the author, but didn't stop him from turning up at scenes. Bree Stone, Cross' wife and ex police chief, was following her own case outside Washington DC, when the event she was at was invaded by ruthless killers. Bree was lucky to escape with her life, but that wasn't the end of it...

Triple Cross is #30 in the Alex Cross series by James Patterson which I thoroughly enjoyed. Fast paced, short choppy chapters and plenty of action - perfect! But an open-ended finish, which means I'll have to read the next one soon. **Sigh - what a problem!** It's quite some time since I read #29 - February 2022 - and now I wonder why I waited so long to read this one! Cross and Sampson are excellent characters, as is Bree Stone. And I love Nana Mama, although she didn't feature in this one a lot. All in all, I really enjoy this series and recommend it highly.

[Shannon M (Canada) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Over the years, I read numerous Patterson novels, especially the ones from his Alex Cross series, although I did skim through several books from his other series. Then I stopped reading his stories because I wanted more mental stimulation. They were fine for someone whose real-life work offered plenty of intelligent excitement and used fiction to unwind, like some people use alcohol to relax. Patterson novels are spun sugar confections, undemanding quick reads. They have no character development, no poetic descriptions, and offer no insight into human psychology. Just a quick formula plot.

Consequently, I knew what I was going to get when I opened this book, and given that I was expecting a quick, thoughtless read, TRIPLE CROSS mainly succeeded in entertaining me, until the last three chapters, when suddenly we were in fantasyland. Instead of having merely a crazy, unrealistic character with a warped reason for initiating a killing spree—a typical Patterson plot device—he threw in a omnipresent, vengeance group that knows all that Alex Cross does and says. Those last three chapters moved my rating downwards (from what was going to be a 3.5-star fun read, to a 2.5-star ludicrous one).

One additional complaint. The other members of Cross’s family seem to be aging—a bit slowly, but the children are growing older on a delayed time span. However, Nana Mama appears to be the same age as she was when the series started almost 30 years ago. She must be 110 now, but Patterson seems to want to keep her around 90, because were she to die, Alex Cross might actually have to show some emotional development.

Thanks to the Greater Victoria Public Library for providing a copy of this ebook edition.

[Marianne · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5★s
Triple Cross is the thirtieth book in the popular Alex Cross series by prolific American author, James Patterson. Investigative consultant to DC’s metro Police and to the FBI, Dr Alex Cross, and his good friend, Detective John Sampson are trying to solve a series of mass killings in which the perpetrator has been dubbed the Family Man. Over some months, three DC families (so far) have been efficiently executed without a single trace, nor any commonalities between them giving a clue to the killer.

Soon after the third killing, Suzanne Liu contacts Cross to tell him she knows who the killer is. Until recently, Liu was editor for true-crime writer, Thomas Tull and she is convinced, not only that he’s the Family Man, but also that he is responsible for the serial murders he has written about in his three previous books. Sampson and Cross are sceptical, but after Cross reads the first of Tull’s books, he thinks it’s worth a look.

Tull’s usual practice has been to stick close to the police investigation and then suggest something that proves instrumental in solving the case. And he tries the same thing again.

Meanwhile, former Police Chief, Bree Stone is investigating a high-profile fashion designer for an anonymous client. A closed file on a withdrawn case alleging the sex trafficking and slavery of aspiring fashion models forms part of the information that Bree has been sent. Why might a fashion icon involve herself in something like that? And who is the anonymous client with deep pockets?

The narrative flips between the entirely separate cases that Cross and Stone are investigating, with occasional contributions from the Family Man and Tull’s researcher. Both cases are somewhat intriguing, although the blurb “a serial killer who’s murdering entire families—and who will next be coming for Cross” is quite misleading. Targeting of Cross’s own family has been done rather too many times already, but not this time.

Quite some suspension of disbelief is required to accept that a professional like Bree Stone would make such a mess of a covert operation, and her cavalier attitude to involving a civilian in a potentially dangerous situation. The resolution of that case comes out of left field and leads right into a teaser for the next book.

There’s a fair bit of gunplay amongst rich people in fancy clothes, and the plot has a twisted red herring big enough to serve a crowd. The ARC’s anti-theft device is the removal of all ff, ffi and ffl which really interrupts the reading flow: most irritating. Standard Patterson fare that will appeal to avid Alex Cross fans.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Random House UK Cornerstone

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been reading James Patterson books for over twenty-five 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 still 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 thirty 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, in 2022, the 30th book in the series – “Triple Cross” – has been published, and I have completed my coveted reading visit with Detective Cross.

“Triple Cross” opens with Alex Cross and his partner, John Sampson, working on a new case, hunting a serial killer called “The Family Man’ because he/she is quietly entering homes at night and murdering all of the family members – father, mother, and children – without any hesitation. The killer leaves no physical evidence nor clues as to his/her identity or motivation. Even Ned Mahoney, their FBI agent focal and resource is stymied by the killer’s ability to move unseen in the night.

To make their investigation even more challenging, is the arrival of Thomas Tull, the mega-bestselling nonfiction crime writer, who has come to Washington to perform his own research for purposes of writing a book on “The Family Man”. Tull has been part of previous murder investigations and even contributed to the capture of several serial killers that turned him into a famous personality with a large fanbase. His intent is to join Alex and John’s investigation and be on the inside, and if they refuse him, he will do his own thing and beat them at their own game.

At the same time, Alex’s wife Bree, a private investigator at the Bluestone Group, a top private security firm with worldwide operations, gets a new assignment. A new client with deep pockets and wanting to remain anonymous, has hired them to investigate Frances Duchaine, a high fashion power magnate known for her fine ready-to-wear market that is worth hundreds of millions. As part of the work, Bree is provided sealed court documents that don’t paint Frances in a good light. And the more she digs into claims from former models and employees, Bree starts to peel back the layers of a very serious behavior that is criminal.

And to make matters worse, Alex’s and Bree’s investigations may be connected somehow to a mysterious organization known as Maestro and its leader who calls himself M. The same organization that has taunted and haunted them before with text messages and even tried to killed them multiple times when their worked interfered with their operations.

For me, this was one of Patterson’s better books. Alex Cross is my favorite series of his and this one delivered a worthy read. It had Patterson’s usual thriller elements, fast-paced tempo, and lots of drama. But for me, what worked the best was the tight and focused plotting. There were two mystery plots that moved back and forth smoothly and effortlessly. No unnecessary side plots that go no-where and the primary storylines stay on track cohesively from beginning to end. Patterson’s writing felt more crisp, focused, and tight. The storylines were nicely layered and the outcomes paid off pretty-well. I also appreciated the continuing family development through Jannie’s running competition and college decision. That was a nice touch.

Over three decades and 30 books, the character of Alex Cross has stood the test of time pretty well. He’s hunted many serial killers. Way too many. He has faced many villains and 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 has remained true and strong, a prime example and model for doing good, no matter what the situation is. Some of his adventures have been really good, some okay, and a few not so great, but that’s par for the course.

Overall, Alex Cross still shines bright most of the time, and it looks like Patterson is setting up an ultimate showdown in his leading character’s future...

[Morgan · Rating 3 out of 5]

2-1/2*
Props to an author who can keep a series going for 30 books, but certainly no surprise if the books get weaker and weaker.

In this Alex Cross #30 the story line is split between Alex and Bree both working on their own separate cases (maybe a way for Patterson to fill the pages – or maybe Bree is about to have her own series).
While Dr. Cross is involved in solving murders by the “Family Man” who murders whole families in their homes leaving not a trace Bree’s story line, somewhat confusing, seems to take up more space on the pages.

The ending kind of fizzled out as it took too long to get to the obvious. But have no fear the reader is nudged as to what the next book will be about because M and Maestro are back in the picture.

The Alex Cross series is the ONLY James Patterson books I still read, but even these are feeling tired. If I happen to miss the next one I won’t be disappointed.

[Emma.catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ah, it always feels good to get back into the world of Alex Cross.

I can’t believe this is book 30 of the Alex Cross series and Patterson continues to capture my attention and old it throughout. So compelling and intriguing. The short chapters and writing style always fully immerse me and I become addicted to the story. I literally can not put it down for anything making it a very quick read.

This time Cross is on the hunt for serial killer ‘The Family Man’. It is a challenging case from the outset as there is no physical evidence at any of the crime scenes. However, there is a person in question…a crime writer nonetheless! The question is are his novels fact or fiction? Cross is on the hunt, and quick, before yet another family is killed.

Alex and Bree, his wife, are both working on cases which was confusing at times, jumping back and forth between cases but in the end it made total sense why Patterson choose this style. Plus, I always love the balance of mystery/thriller vs family life that Patterson brings to his books. By this stage I feel like I know the Cross pretty damn well and I love to feel involved in the family’s life.

If you like a multitude of twists and turns this is the mystery for you! JP’s latest and I might even go as far as saying best thriller to date.

Now to wait til October for book 31!

[Aravind · Rating 5 out of 5]

I originally wrote this review for Mystery and Suspense Magazine, a web magazine devoted to, well, Mystery and Suspense... Do check it out here... https://www.mysteryandsuspense.com/tr...

I have always been convinced that Alex Cross series is the best of James Patterson’s numerous creations—not the least because it is his own and not collaborated with anyone else—and Triple Cross, the thirtieth outing of the Psychologist crime-solver, reinforces my conviction yet again!

Dr. Alex Cross is no stranger to the handiworks of sick serial killers, whom he has been hunting throughout his long, illustrious career both inside and outside of law enforcement, but his latest case is unlike anything he has seen. The killer has committed three perfect crimes in little over a year so far, entering rich households in the DC area with utmost stealth, executing entire families—from the youngest of kids to the eldest of grandparents—in their sleep with cold, dispassionate precision, and making a clean exit as if into thin air. Alex and his friends from the Metro Police Department and the FBI can find nothing to connect the slaughters apart from the otherworldly skill of the perpetrator—whom the media has named ‘the Family Man’—and are almost praying for a miraculous slip-up from the killer. Adding to their frustration are Suzanne Liu and Thomas Tull—the former an editor with a big publishing house until recently and the latter a renowned true-crime author—hurling allegations against each other that they insist are connected to the case. Tull has previously written three bestselling books on serial killings—all lauded for their authentic insider information about the investigations—and wants to be involved in the investigation of the Family Man case, which is going to be the subject of his next. Liu has been Tull’s editor since beginning, and his lover for some time, but has been fired from her job for losing his upcoming book to a rival publisher.

Meanwhile, Bree Stone—Alex’s wife and former Chief of Detectives with the Metro PD, presently working for a private security firm—gets retained by a secretive client to investigate a fashion magnate whose wrongdoings might have resulted in more than one death. As she makes headway in her assignment, people connected to the case start to die violent deaths and Bree begins to feel like a mere tool in the hands of someone powerful, with a much deeper agenda. Never willing to be anybody’s tool, Bree decides to probe the matter on her own and unearths startling things, the most incredible of which is her case’s connection with that of Alex’s.

While husband and wife are fighting to solve their confounding mysteries, Alex’s long-time adversary, known only as ‘M’, makes his presence felt in his own disconcerting manner and his connection, if there is one, to their cases could make it all much more complicated.

Patterson has, over almost three decades, built a stellar cast of characters in this series and all he needs to do is concoct plots and situations to challenge those, which he does supremely well in Triple Cross. It is always a pleasure to reconnect with Alex and his friends and family, including the dream grandmother—Nana mama. The new characters, especially NYPD detective Rosella Salazar and fashion designer Phillip Henry Luster—both part of Bree’s story—are well-crafted too and deserve another appearance or two. As usual, Patterson seasons the thrilling tale with the delightful happenings in Alex’s family, from Nana mama’s delectable dinners to the exploits of Alex’s kids—this time the athletic prowess of his daughter Jannie.

The plot of Triple Cross has the right amount of suspense, mystery and action, but the ending—while entirely satisfactory—feels somewhat tame compared to the previous volume’s high-adrenaline clash set in the wilderness of Montana. In a welcome move, Patterson gives Bree a large share of the action that gets her close to death more than once, and I wish he keeps the trend going. It seems that Patterson has heeded the request of his fans, including me, to resolve the longstanding mystery of ‘M’, and Triple Cross has Alex getting close to the elusive, seemingly omniscient opponent.

Inevitably, there are a few points where the reader needs to suspend disbelief, particularly where the lead couple’s cases intersect. And, probably due to having two cases running simultaneously, the final reveal of the Family Man’s identity and the motive behind the chilling murders was not as impactful as I had expected. However, Patterson makes up for the shortcomings by closing Triple Cross on a nail-biting note with the exciting possibility of a face-off between M and Alex in the oncoming episode. Simple language, short chapters, crisp dialogues and vivid descriptions make Triple Cross a rapid, riveting read, and it is not to be missed by the fans of this splendid series and any other reader looking for all-round entertainment.

I am thankful to Random House UK, Cornerstone, for the e-ARC of Triple Cross, made available to me through NetGalley, in exchange for my unbiased review.

[Sammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! A really good one. I have to admit I didn’t know what to expect. But I think now I will have to go back and read more of Patterson’s Alex Cross’ thrillers. Fantastic character.

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

And just like that this series is right back on track! After not caring as much for the last one due to it being all over the place, this one settled down into two exciting parallel storylines. Alex and Sampson are on the hunt for the Family Man, a serial killer that is targeting whole families on their murderous spree. Bree is working for Bluestone Group, investigating a fashion designer's organization for possible sex trafficking. Both are very good storylines and will keep you glued to the pages. Another intriguing ending and hopefully the setup for the next in the series!

[JR · Rating 2 out of 5]

I guess they all can’t be winners. I did not care for this Cross instalment AT ALL. The characters were forgettable, another womens murder club plot line recycled, just kind of wanted this to be over to be honest. Good setup for M as we now know who it is. Hopefully the next is better than this one.

[Abbey Nelson · Rating 2 out of 5]

the last 20 pages?!?!? Still giving this 2 stars despite me wanting to know what happens immediately in the next Alex vs M drama

I’ve really hated M as a villan, not because he’s a villan, but because I’ve read all the Alex Cross books. I don’t remember which book it was but all of a sudden Alex goes “M has stalked me and my family for years”. Since when?!? M just pops out of nowhere because the author needs a new villan ans this supposed villan already has a background with Alex that’s not mentioned in the other books? He literally just pops out of nowhere

Not a huge fan of the obvious villan in this one and it being dragged for 300+ pages. The whole conclusion is just messy imo. But I liked Bree’s case

[Ron · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Triple Cross” is another good Alex Cross book! Cross is on the trail of the Family Man murderer. The Family Man is breaking into homes and killing whole families, including children and grandparents sometimes.
A crime writer has been following the Family Man and writing books about the killer. He has been talking to Cross and he thinks the Family Man is too smart and may never be caught.
Cross’ wife, Bree, is simultaneously investigating a sex trafficking case.
A lot of twists and turns in this page turner.

[Scott A. Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now we know. One long developing story now evolves into another. The current mystery was a little slow only gaining the fifth star with the M storyline finally clearing up. Patterson and Cross have a new fight to battle. Wouldn’t have it any other way.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn't put it down. James Patterson IMO never wrote a bad Alex Cross boook! Can't wait for the new one later this year

[Ray Palen · Rating 4 out of 5]

With the release of his latest novel TRIPLE CROSS the juggernaut that is James Patterson marks his thirtieth effort in this now legendary series. It seems like only yesterday when I was reading --- and loving --- ALONG CAME A SPIDER, the first novel in the Alex Cross series. Now, TRIPLE CROSS shows Alex Cross involved in one of the most confounding cases in his career and it provides readers with an absolute treat as Patterson continues to show why he is nowhere near losing steam with his favorite character that put him on the map.

It opens with readers seeing through the eyes of one of the most diabolical and evil killers James Patterson has ever envisioned --- The Family Man. He takes home invasion to a disturbing new level by murdering every member of the family --- the oldest to the youngest and even infirmed family members --- by a point blank shotgun to the forehead. The Family Man confesses early on that children are the hardest, yet that does not prevent him from still following through with his evil massacres.

What makes The Family Man so frightening is that there does not seem to be any pattern or way to predict where he will strike next. FBI consultant Alex Cross is working with both his old buddy and master investigator John Sampson in addition to local P.D. on this case that is terrorizing the Washington D.C. and surrounding suburban area. Along with this case, we are presented with a subplot involving a battle between publishing houses for the next best-seller from an arrogant author named Thomas Tull. When his current publishers lose out on the bidding war his former agent and lover, Suzanne Liu is promptly fired by her boss.
We later see Tull, an author who has made a career of working with and bedding investigators working on legendary cases and then turning them into best-selling books. Now, while working with a colleague and fellow author Lisa Moore, Tull is trailing Alex Cross on The Family Man case and is quick to point out Cross’s mistakes and shortcomings with how he is handling it. Surprisingly, Tull will quickly find himself on Cross and Sampson’s radar via an unlikely source.

Suzanne Liu contacts Cross and Sampson and informs them of her theory that Thomas Tull was The Family Man killer and claims she can prove it. They listen to her and, upon meeting up with Tull, tend to agree with Liu’s suspicions. However, proving this will be another task and not an easy one because Tull was amazingly intelligent in addition to be self-absorbed which made him a slippery adversary.

Along with all of this action is yet another sub-plot, this one involving Alex Cross’s wife, Bree, herself a top investigator, on a special assignment in NYC with a case set amid the fashion industry. As a reader, I initially found this storyline to be a distraction from The Family Man case that was so terrifying. That was until James Patterson, in his infinite gift of superiour plotting, finds a way to tie the plots together in a crafty, clever manner.

Thomas Tull is eventually apprehended and held as a prime suspect in The Family Man case. The issue is that it may not be the slam dunk Alex Cross and company were hoping for because something just doesn’t seem quite right and Tull is also so shifty and untrustworthy it is difficult to completely pin him down. Throughout TRIPLE CROSS I longed for more insight into the mind of the killer known as Family Man only to realize that Patterson stays away from just that subject matter as a way to keep the subterfuge going. The end result is a baffling, puzzling case with double and triple crosses thrown in for good measure, that will keep loyal readers happy and entertain new readers hopefully to the point where they will seek out each of the prior twenty-nine novels in what remains one of the best thriller series ever created.

Reviewed by Ray Palen for Book Reporter

[M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding!! Husband and wife -Bree and Alex-could be working on similar cases-one in NY the other in DC. Superb storyline, characters-especially the writer, Tull, makes the reader turn the pages quickly….and oh the ending….

[Sue Plant · Rating 5 out of 5]

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this exciting book

alex and samson are up against a killer who murders whole family.... from the parents to the children to the grandparents...all butchered and no rhyme or reason to it....

but also investigating all the murders is a well known author of true crimes and who is writing about these murders who he has named the the family man

bree also has a bit of sleuthing to do when she is hired to investigate a fashion icon and what she uncovers is very disturbing

tensions galore with this book with both cases pitting themselves against their adversaries

wow james patterson hasnt lost it, he seems to be going from strength to strength and with this book being book 30 in the cross series we can only hope that nothing bad happens to the cross family

[Kristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Oh, what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive" - Sir Walter Scott. This was a roller coaster of a ride reading the latest Alex Cross thriller. The story is centered on a serial killer that has been dubbed "Family Man" because of his victims being entire families in and around the DC area. It's an intriguing tale that melds the fashion industry, sex trafficking, and the Russian mob. It also had the element of making you think someone is the suspect, but then it changes your mind several times before the end of the story. It also tied in with the prior book "Fear No Evil" and I'm patting myself on the back that I had figured something out in that book that panned out to probably be true in this one. Now, I have to wait until next year for another one. It was a really good read.

[Ivana Richards · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another quick read from Patterson, and much better than the previous Cross novel, I'm glad to say. Nana Mama needs killing off - I mean, let's face it she was in her mid-eighties when the series started and this is book 30. Patterson used to describe her as being "ninety-something" but has stopped doing so lately. Apart from that bit of stupidity, this was very good - and the ending is superb ( though I really do hope he wraps up this ongoing arc in the next Cross novel). Worth reading, and I've not said that about a Patterson for quite a while.

[Stefan Bednarek · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an absolute page turner. I’ve read a few in the Alex Cross series and James Patterson did not disappoint once again. Two intertwining stories, a clever serial killer and a big corporate company up to no good.
Attention to detail in regards to how the FBI and police operate is brilliant.
If you like crime novels with twists until the end then this is the book for you.
There’s an extract for the next book in the series and I’m already looking forward to reading it.

[Lulu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reminds me of the early Alex Cross days when we first met him and fell in love. Not as much action, but still a really good read. And now we wait for book 31 to drop during the fourth quarter of 2023.

[Todd Glaeser · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great Alex Cross novel. It was nice to get in the head of the Killer at the start. Great one volume plots as well as a continuation of the Maestro/ M story. My thought is that if you were dissatisfied with the series, it might be time to get back on the bandwagon.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t read everything James Patterson writes. Of course, I used to read them all. But some have lost a little bit of their luster in my eyes (Women’s Murder Club series for example). But the Alex Cross series is still my favorite. And this most recent book did not disappoint!

[Sandra Hoover · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another explosive, action-packed book in the Alex Cross series! I honestly can't imagine experiencing these books in any other way than the audiobooks. They are excellent! I'm also shocked that I'm now within 2 series books of being caught up in this series. Onward, I go!

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

The last 15 minutes of this audible book is what Alex Cross fans have been waiting for - can't wait for the next book!

[Filip · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Cross thriller as the ones before - two stories coming together in one ar the end. I enjoy the Cross series a lot, but if I am honest, the books way earlier in the series were better. 3.5 stars