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Alex Cross #14
Cross Country
When the home of Alex Cross's longtime friend Ellie Cox is turned into the worst murder scene Alex has ever seen, he is devastated. The destruction leads him to believe that he's chasing a horrible new breed of killer. As Alex and his girlfriend Brianna Stone begin the hunt for the villain responsible for the killings, they quickly find themselves entangled in the deadly Nigerian underworld of Washington, D.C. What they discover is shocking: a strongly organized gang of teenage thugs headed by a powerful, diabolical man—The Tiger.
As the killing spree escalates, Alex and Brianna realize they are not dealing with any ordinary killer, but one who has brought his personal war of vengeance to America's capital. But just when the detectives think they're closing in on the elusive murderer, the Tiger disappears into thin air. Unable to let the killer get away with this narrow escape, Alex makes it his duty to bring the brutal butcher to justice. He knows that he must follow the Tiger. Alone.
When Alex arrives in Nigeria, he discovers a world where justice is as foreign as he is. Unprotected and alone in a strange country, bombarded on all sides by the murderous threats of The Tiger, Alex must draw on his fiercest instincts just to survive in a lawless world.
As the killing spree escalates, Alex and Brianna realize they are not dealing with any ordinary killer, but one who has brought his personal war of vengeance to America's capital. But just when the detectives think they're closing in on the elusive murderer, the Tiger disappears into thin air. Unable to let the killer get away with this narrow escape, Alex makes it his duty to bring the brutal butcher to justice. He knows that he must follow the Tiger. Alone.
When Alex arrives in Nigeria, he discovers a world where justice is as foreign as he is. Unprotected and alone in a strange country, bombarded on all sides by the murderous threats of The Tiger, Alex must draw on his fiercest instincts just to survive in a lawless world.
403 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 17, 2008
2835 people are currently reading
19791 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 2,429 reviews
January 14, 2018
Hello again, Alex Cross. I saw this book in a charity shop yesterday and the hardback edition cost me a measly 33 pence. I was left unsure on the Patterson/ Cross dynamic after Kill Alex Cross but the fact I read this thoroughly in 24 hours in front of the other 400 books I have to read must say something for how much I have enjoyed how these novels are created and presented.
Recently, in the story - the superstar Alex Cross has been working as a psychologist more so than as an intense deductive detective on the homicide team. Yet, he witnesses the aftermath of a crime which I can say (and I love grim and brutal as much as the next person) is pretty damn horrible. Whole families are killed, chopped up, decapitated and body parts of 6-year-old children are then piled up for the investigators to well, figure out what they hell has happened. Like a bloody and macabre game of Jenga. One of the families who have been horrifically decimated and decapitated include Alex's ex-girlfriend and potential first love Ellie Cox/ Randall. Alex has never seen a crime this grotesque and has never been emotionally as involved as he is here... when he studies the aftermath of the grimmest scenes you can portray - he witnesses a picture of the two of them together on her bookcase from many moons ago. Sentimental. But sentiments and using your heart over your brain can get you into a world of trouble.
The antagonist is a 6''6' 250 lbs killer who believes in life that if you lose, you die. He has been the kingpin and the lynchpin of a group of Nigerian killers. What makes it so horrific is that these killers are very often under the age of 12 but have no restraints, no fears and will cut a child to pieces for no reason whatsoever apart from the fact that is the orders they are given. They frequent in gangs of often dozens, for the darkest actions you can predict with no regrets and no cares. If you are weak of heart or don't like what we would consider as needless violence then maybe this is not for you. If a target is presented, chances are everyone in obliterated. Including children, animals and the innocent (after they are normally raped - anyone over 6 at least) ladies.
I do not want to say too much of the tale. Essentially, Alex follows the antagonist 'The Tiger' all over Africa to make him pay for his crimes but Alex soon realises that Africa, Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Darfur are a metaphorical beast that he has never come across and makes him question how horrified he has been by past cases when the actions that are happening here are so so so much worse. He gets his nose broken a lot, gets tortured, meets a nice reporter who he sort of falls for.
Some of the vileness is quite upsetting. A few examples, we hear about a girl who got fucked with a spade, a girl who was raped after she was killed which Alex helplessly has to witness, families who collect wood for warmth but more often than not that equals a death sentence. This is dark, I will not deny it. Like the other A. Cross books I have read, relationships with children take the forefront of the presentation on the novel. The stories thus far that I have read, the children have been the victims (kidnapped and such, perhaps murdered), but here they are also the perpetrators. We see both sides of what certain socialisation can do to effect the youth so differently.
A few things I analysed when reading this is that Patterson makes a point of presenting scenes with sizes of the rooms, buildings, and dynamics. I think this device was used to create the view that whatever cabin, hut or castle you are living in, you are not safe from the ongoing tragedy of a potential Nigerian civil war (or could this be a world war?) . I thought it was an interesting perspective and I have to admit. When we met say, Senior X with money and power who lived in a house that was 5000 x 5000 we thought he would perhaps get away from the brutality of a murdered family. Alas.
He uses two devices does our (heartless but talented) director of words. 80% of the book follows Alex in a first person perspective. Even though I didn't care much for Kill Alex Cross, I loved the character of Alex. He is so well created, invented and portrayed. The other 20% is via the third person perspective, which is sometimes weird in the way it quickly switches. These scenes highlight the actions of the killers and also Alex's Girlfriend Bree and his policeman sidekick. This all happens whilst Alex is suffering all sorts of dynamic degradation in Africa. Yet through these we get to know what is happening elsewhere before say - Alex calls his girlfriend Bree again or meets the Tiger. We, as readers are essentially one up over the knowledge that Alex has.
To finish. I never read reviews before reading a book as I know it is simple for our mind to be swayed by other people's viewpoints. Before I pressed the post button I had a quick analysis over this book and people are negative of this tale and I can't really see why. I guess for keyboard cowboys - people are more happy to post negative viewpoints than to give praise when it is due. - When these people become the best-selling thriller writer of all time. I might listen to their opinions. Until then, I will take it as I see it and enjoy it as much as I can.
Detective James Lafayette Tivendale - just back from Africa. Thank you for reading.
www.youandibooks.wordpress.com
Recently, in the story - the superstar Alex Cross has been working as a psychologist more so than as an intense deductive detective on the homicide team. Yet, he witnesses the aftermath of a crime which I can say (and I love grim and brutal as much as the next person) is pretty damn horrible. Whole families are killed, chopped up, decapitated and body parts of 6-year-old children are then piled up for the investigators to well, figure out what they hell has happened. Like a bloody and macabre game of Jenga. One of the families who have been horrifically decimated and decapitated include Alex's ex-girlfriend and potential first love Ellie Cox/ Randall. Alex has never seen a crime this grotesque and has never been emotionally as involved as he is here... when he studies the aftermath of the grimmest scenes you can portray - he witnesses a picture of the two of them together on her bookcase from many moons ago. Sentimental. But sentiments and using your heart over your brain can get you into a world of trouble.
The antagonist is a 6''6' 250 lbs killer who believes in life that if you lose, you die. He has been the kingpin and the lynchpin of a group of Nigerian killers. What makes it so horrific is that these killers are very often under the age of 12 but have no restraints, no fears and will cut a child to pieces for no reason whatsoever apart from the fact that is the orders they are given. They frequent in gangs of often dozens, for the darkest actions you can predict with no regrets and no cares. If you are weak of heart or don't like what we would consider as needless violence then maybe this is not for you. If a target is presented, chances are everyone in obliterated. Including children, animals and the innocent (after they are normally raped - anyone over 6 at least) ladies.
I do not want to say too much of the tale. Essentially, Alex follows the antagonist 'The Tiger' all over Africa to make him pay for his crimes but Alex soon realises that Africa, Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Darfur are a metaphorical beast that he has never come across and makes him question how horrified he has been by past cases when the actions that are happening here are so so so much worse. He gets his nose broken a lot, gets tortured, meets a nice reporter who he sort of falls for.
Some of the vileness is quite upsetting. A few examples, we hear about a girl who got fucked with a spade, a girl who was raped after she was killed which Alex helplessly has to witness, families who collect wood for warmth but more often than not that equals a death sentence. This is dark, I will not deny it. Like the other A. Cross books I have read, relationships with children take the forefront of the presentation on the novel. The stories thus far that I have read, the children have been the victims (kidnapped and such, perhaps murdered), but here they are also the perpetrators. We see both sides of what certain socialisation can do to effect the youth so differently.
A few things I analysed when reading this is that Patterson makes a point of presenting scenes with sizes of the rooms, buildings, and dynamics. I think this device was used to create the view that whatever cabin, hut or castle you are living in, you are not safe from the ongoing tragedy of a potential Nigerian civil war (or could this be a world war?) . I thought it was an interesting perspective and I have to admit. When we met say, Senior X with money and power who lived in a house that was 5000 x 5000 we thought he would perhaps get away from the brutality of a murdered family. Alas.
He uses two devices does our (heartless but talented) director of words. 80% of the book follows Alex in a first person perspective. Even though I didn't care much for Kill Alex Cross, I loved the character of Alex. He is so well created, invented and portrayed. The other 20% is via the third person perspective, which is sometimes weird in the way it quickly switches. These scenes highlight the actions of the killers and also Alex's Girlfriend Bree and his policeman sidekick. This all happens whilst Alex is suffering all sorts of dynamic degradation in Africa. Yet through these we get to know what is happening elsewhere before say - Alex calls his girlfriend Bree again or meets the Tiger. We, as readers are essentially one up over the knowledge that Alex has.
To finish. I never read reviews before reading a book as I know it is simple for our mind to be swayed by other people's viewpoints. Before I pressed the post button I had a quick analysis over this book and people are negative of this tale and I can't really see why. I guess for keyboard cowboys - people are more happy to post negative viewpoints than to give praise when it is due. - When these people become the best-selling thriller writer of all time. I might listen to their opinions. Until then, I will take it as I see it and enjoy it as much as I can.
Detective James Lafayette Tivendale - just back from Africa. Thank you for reading.
www.youandibooks.wordpress.com
January 4, 2009
I decided while I was reading the latest book in the Alex Cross series by James Patterson that reading Mr. Patterson's work is similar to eating at McDonald's. You know with both that there won't be any grand expectations in the experience you will gain with both, yet somehow there is an unseen force that compels one in either reading another Patterson novel or eating something from Mickey D's. After you finish reading Patterson's book (and eating at Mickey D's), you know the memory of the experience won't last long and somehow you feel a little...dirty and unclean by partaking in this misadventure. In other words, empty plot/thriller/solution and empty calories are bad things but I know that there is something about both that make me realize that I will probably read another book by Patterson and eat another value meal from McDonald's. Why? It's quick and a little fun. However, this book was grim and just a little stupid.
The problem with this novel is the organization was terrible. I have always enjoyed that Cross novels because Dr. Cross is an intelligent and courageous character. Yet, in his latest adventure, Dr. Cross is beat up so often and chases a killer that is not only outside his jurisdiction but its out of the country. It seemed as if Patterson (or if he's even writing his books anymore) has no respect for his character whatsoever. Plus, the addition of refugee camps in Dafur was so tacked on and pointless. Yes, we get it. It's a genocide. Mr. Patterson, I get it - You're just another celeb who is whining about this horrible situation, but like you'd ever go over there and do something about it. Plus, the solution of the mystery was terribly obvious. Patterson needs to seriously re-examine his good doctor or work on his bestselling series that made him a household name instead of working on the eight other substandard books he puts out each year.
The problem with this novel is the organization was terrible. I have always enjoyed that Cross novels because Dr. Cross is an intelligent and courageous character. Yet, in his latest adventure, Dr. Cross is beat up so often and chases a killer that is not only outside his jurisdiction but its out of the country. It seemed as if Patterson (or if he's even writing his books anymore) has no respect for his character whatsoever. Plus, the addition of refugee camps in Dafur was so tacked on and pointless. Yes, we get it. It's a genocide. Mr. Patterson, I get it - You're just another celeb who is whining about this horrible situation, but like you'd ever go over there and do something about it. Plus, the solution of the mystery was terribly obvious. Patterson needs to seriously re-examine his good doctor or work on his bestselling series that made him a household name instead of working on the eight other substandard books he puts out each year.
May 16, 2018
For a book with so much going on and a plot that takes you to Africa, it was a bit dull. At times I was really into it but at others I was bored. Hate to say it but so far it was the Alex Cross books I like the least so far. Will continue the series for sure though.
My quick and simple overall: sounded awesome in the description but I was bored during some of the book. An okay installment to the series.
My quick and simple overall: sounded awesome in the description but I was bored during some of the book. An okay installment to the series.
November 25, 2008
I've always liked the Alex Cross books, but this one was a dud. Alex takes it upon himself to follow a murderer he's after to Africa. While in Africa, he gets beaten up, jailed & threatened countless times. It seemed to me that the plot was a way for Patterson to let us all know about the horrible violence & living conditions in Africa. I thought Alex acted so out of character. I think I just finished reading it for old times sake.
September 12, 2024
I can't believe I am already 14 books into this series, I will admit they are starting to mix together now. Having said that, this one does take a different turn, Alex Cross ends up in Africa fighting a completely different kind of crime than he's used to. I do think at this point you need to have read some of the Alex Cross books just to appreciate everything happening.
Some of the suspense and action moments were quite well written even if they were simple, as always this book had short snappy chapters so it's so easy to read in just a couple of sittings. Alex Cross's family was less in the forefront in this book too.
Alex's love life really bugs me he's such a man-whore, he's always falling mildly in love with someone new, some tall and beautiful of course and it just gets so tedious. There isn't any beautiful writing in these books and they never blow me away anymore, but they are quick and easy to read and perfect if you need something simple to break up your other reads.
Some of the suspense and action moments were quite well written even if they were simple, as always this book had short snappy chapters so it's so easy to read in just a couple of sittings. Alex Cross's family was less in the forefront in this book too.
Alex's love life really bugs me he's such a man-whore, he's always falling mildly in love with someone new, some tall and beautiful of course and it just gets so tedious. There isn't any beautiful writing in these books and they never blow me away anymore, but they are quick and easy to read and perfect if you need something simple to break up your other reads.
October 22, 2020
Book 14 in the Alex Cross series published 2008.
I have to admit that this Alex Cross novel was better than some of its predecessors, which have been a mixed bag at best.
On this occasion a family, well known to Alex, were all murdered with severe malice. The entire family, including all of the children, mindlessly and violently killed.
Alex, of course, takes these killing personally. When told that the case was being wound up because the ring leader, a known African thug, had left the US and gone back to Nigeria Alex decides to pursue the killer, known as the Tiger, all the way back to Nigeria.
James Patterson paints a pretty ugly picture of Nigeria with violence; corruption and poverty seeming to be the norm for most Nigerians.
By the time I had finished the book any desire I may have had to visit Nigeria was well and truly put to rest.
Before we get to the end Alex’s own family will become the Tigers focus.
In the end it was all a bit too predictable with the prerequisite amount of shock effect violence and tacky tenderness.
There was nothing new here just more of the same. The phrase that comes to mind is “the BS doesn’t change just the depth”.
For all that it still kept me going till the end.
3 stars from me. But if you are a James Patterson fan you will gobble this up.
I have to admit that this Alex Cross novel was better than some of its predecessors, which have been a mixed bag at best.
On this occasion a family, well known to Alex, were all murdered with severe malice. The entire family, including all of the children, mindlessly and violently killed.
Alex, of course, takes these killing personally. When told that the case was being wound up because the ring leader, a known African thug, had left the US and gone back to Nigeria Alex decides to pursue the killer, known as the Tiger, all the way back to Nigeria.
James Patterson paints a pretty ugly picture of Nigeria with violence; corruption and poverty seeming to be the norm for most Nigerians.
By the time I had finished the book any desire I may have had to visit Nigeria was well and truly put to rest.
Before we get to the end Alex’s own family will become the Tigers focus.
In the end it was all a bit too predictable with the prerequisite amount of shock effect violence and tacky tenderness.
There was nothing new here just more of the same. The phrase that comes to mind is “the BS doesn’t change just the depth”.
For all that it still kept me going till the end.
3 stars from me. But if you are a James Patterson fan you will gobble this up.
August 10, 2022
Alex ends up on an intense trip to Africa, and all I have to say is that the action was packed into this installment of the series. Alex had his comeuppance, although I can tell that this overreaching idea is NOT over yet.
I thoroughly enjoyed about 85% of everything about this novel, even if I called Alex a "rake" on multiple occasions. Too much regency tv of late, Bridgertons... wait, where was I? It would be nice to see Cross stop self-sabotaging when something is working, but I am sure that I could give myself the same advice from time to time.
My only complaints were with the ending, which was a bit rushed in the resolution of the case and in some of the ridiculous language that needed a good editorial eye because it seemed pretty immature for the rest of the novel in terms of Alex's thoughts and the overuse of words in some sections.
However, in the end, I love the gift that keeps on giving in the form of Craig ahahaha. I hope the FINAL Alex Cross will meet Craig in his FINAL FORM.
3.5-4 Stars for me. I'm far from done reading Alex Cross's books yet.
I thoroughly enjoyed about 85% of everything about this novel, even if I called Alex a "rake" on multiple occasions. Too much regency tv of late, Bridgertons... wait, where was I? It would be nice to see Cross stop self-sabotaging when something is working, but I am sure that I could give myself the same advice from time to time.
My only complaints were with the ending, which was a bit rushed in the resolution of the case and in some of the ridiculous language that needed a good editorial eye because it seemed pretty immature for the rest of the novel in terms of Alex's thoughts and the overuse of words in some sections.
However, in the end, I love the gift that keeps on giving in the form of Craig ahahaha. I hope the FINAL Alex Cross will meet Craig in his FINAL FORM.
3.5-4 Stars for me. I'm far from done reading Alex Cross's books yet.
July 14, 2015
A quote from the book best describes "Cross Country." "It was baffling, it was incomprehensible. Just wrong on so many levels."
The only reason I can think of that MIGHT have inspired James Patterson to write this awful book is that he might recently have become aware of the plight of millions of people in various African countries and thought he could use his popular character, Alex Cross, to shed light on a truly appalling situation.
However, that said, it was a terrible book with a totally unbelievable plot.
For one thing, what city cop goes hunting a killer in a foreign country...and if he finds him, what is he going to do with him? He has zero authority beyond his own city. And should Alex Cross execute him, it goes against all of his principles which we admire so much. It was a lose-lose situation from the get go.
The brutality toward Cross himself was boggling...and silly at the same time, since one day he is stripped of all of his papers, including passport and money, beaten brutally and next thing you know he is dining with friends, only to be captured and beaten again, and be released again. There was no rhyme or reason and the violence was gratuitous, just the sort of thing I hate. I don't mind reading about violence if it seems integral to the part, but not violence to add more violence to an already violent book.
There are so many things wrong with this book, which others have enumerated. I just wanted to add my voice to those who are very disappointed in this big stumble by Patterson. This truly was a disservice to Alex Cross.
The only reason I can think of that MIGHT have inspired James Patterson to write this awful book is that he might recently have become aware of the plight of millions of people in various African countries and thought he could use his popular character, Alex Cross, to shed light on a truly appalling situation.
However, that said, it was a terrible book with a totally unbelievable plot.
For one thing, what city cop goes hunting a killer in a foreign country...and if he finds him, what is he going to do with him? He has zero authority beyond his own city. And should Alex Cross execute him, it goes against all of his principles which we admire so much. It was a lose-lose situation from the get go.
The brutality toward Cross himself was boggling...and silly at the same time, since one day he is stripped of all of his papers, including passport and money, beaten brutally and next thing you know he is dining with friends, only to be captured and beaten again, and be released again. There was no rhyme or reason and the violence was gratuitous, just the sort of thing I hate. I don't mind reading about violence if it seems integral to the part, but not violence to add more violence to an already violent book.
There are so many things wrong with this book, which others have enumerated. I just wanted to add my voice to those who are very disappointed in this big stumble by Patterson. This truly was a disservice to Alex Cross.
August 7, 2010
As readers, we have to be willing to suspend our disbelieve once in a while for the enjoyment of a book. Cross Country, the 14th Alex Cross novel, asks readers to go well beyond normal suspension and travels very far into unrealistic territory.
Alex Cross, devoted family man who often feels guilty for abandoning his children for a day or two, travels to Africa on a case. He ventures into known danger, leaving his family, friends, girlfriend, police job and psychiatric patients behind to chase after his old college girlfriend's killer. Off the clock, even, since the department definitely didn't send him.
The huge amount of information about Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Darfur, among other places, is interesting to someone like me with no knowledge of African lands, but much of it was presented in a manner that felt much like a news story or documentary.
Gangs of children are killing entire families in DC, among other places. A large portion of the story was focused on governmental corruption - both in Africa and America. There were many of the twists Patterson is known for, but few were unforeseen.
Ultimately, people were dying because of Alex's involvement and for what? Alex has a tendency to go a little gung-ho, but this was out of character and bordered on ridiculous. A book that doesn't portray the series main character true to form is never a good thing. Cross Country does nothing for the series and my I feel my long-time love for James Patterson waning in the aftermath of this book.
Alex Cross, devoted family man who often feels guilty for abandoning his children for a day or two, travels to Africa on a case. He ventures into known danger, leaving his family, friends, girlfriend, police job and psychiatric patients behind to chase after his old college girlfriend's killer. Off the clock, even, since the department definitely didn't send him.
The huge amount of information about Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Darfur, among other places, is interesting to someone like me with no knowledge of African lands, but much of it was presented in a manner that felt much like a news story or documentary.
Gangs of children are killing entire families in DC, among other places. A large portion of the story was focused on governmental corruption - both in Africa and America. There were many of the twists Patterson is known for, but few were unforeseen.
Ultimately, people were dying because of Alex's involvement and for what? Alex has a tendency to go a little gung-ho, but this was out of character and bordered on ridiculous. A book that doesn't portray the series main character true to form is never a good thing. Cross Country does nothing for the series and my I feel my long-time love for James Patterson waning in the aftermath of this book.
February 9, 2009
I am a HUGE fan of James Patterson's Alex Cross series. I look forward to each of the new releases with great anticipation. However, I must say, I was completely disappointed by this addition. I wish I had read the reviews before reading this. It was a quick read with the usual Patterson short chapters But, the woven storyline was completely missing.
Some stand out issues for me:
(1) The murders were too gruesome and violent - completely out of character for Patterson's writing style. The detail given was beyond what seemed necessary.
(2) We saw a completely different side of the main chacter, Alex Cross. He seemed to have lost his common sense in this book. His decisions constantly put those around him in harms way. His decision to fly off to Africa to pursue a killer in a foreign country with absolutely no government assistance seemed downright ridiculous.
(3) The entire plot of the book of completely unbelievable.
Some stand out issues for me:
(1) The murders were too gruesome and violent - completely out of character for Patterson's writing style. The detail given was beyond what seemed necessary.
(2) We saw a completely different side of the main chacter, Alex Cross. He seemed to have lost his common sense in this book. His decisions constantly put those around him in harms way. His decision to fly off to Africa to pursue a killer in a foreign country with absolutely no government assistance seemed downright ridiculous.
(3) The entire plot of the book of completely unbelievable.
April 23, 2019
2 Baffled & Exceptionally Disappointed Stars
In book 14, Detective Alex Cross finds himself investigating a massacre-style murder – vicious and bloody, it’s only the beginning, as more families are slaughtered. In order to get justice and the truth Alex finds himself travelling to Africa and what he finds and receives is something he was unprepared for, and soon he and those he cares about are in deadly peril.
It’s been years since I’ve read an Alex Cross book, and I remember loving them as a teen. Having not read this one before, I was excited to pick it up, but the writing didn’t weave a spell that had me entranced. I spent the first half of the book hoping things would get better and thinking is this really James Patterson’s writing. I wasn’t ensnared by the plot or characters; the writing did not flow seamlessly creating a rich image in my mind. Plus, Alex’s common sense seems to have vanished in this book.
The reason why I was able to read this so fast in between work was because it required no thinking, I feel like a jerk for saying so, but the fact is for me this was a super easy read, one that was utterly MEH. If this had been the first book by the author I had ever picked up, I would never have read anything else by him. With any book authors require us to suspend reality, something I love doing but nothing in this story allowed me to do so.
There was no intrigue, the action felt dull and the depiction of characters and events lacklustre. My emotions were not pulled at in any way, despite some of the themes and events in this book, which says a lot, I still cry when Jack dies at the end of Titanic and I’ve seen it more than a dozen times over the years. This book made me feel nothing but bafflement as I asked myself really this is a James Patterson book.
Some chapters were only a page and a half (e.g. chapter 9, 11 and 16 to name only a few), and I don’t know why but reading via the paperback, it felt a tiny bit weird. This book was unexpectedly disappointing, and has me questioning whether my teenage self was deluded in liking the Alex Cross books I had read. So next thing on my list to do, is reserve one of the earlier Alex Cross books, and re-read it, to see if my memory is true or defective.
Triggers to be aware of:
Now moving onto some new books – please let them bring me some joy.
In book 14, Detective Alex Cross finds himself investigating a massacre-style murder – vicious and bloody, it’s only the beginning, as more families are slaughtered. In order to get justice and the truth Alex finds himself travelling to Africa and what he finds and receives is something he was unprepared for, and soon he and those he cares about are in deadly peril.
It’s been years since I’ve read an Alex Cross book, and I remember loving them as a teen. Having not read this one before, I was excited to pick it up, but the writing didn’t weave a spell that had me entranced. I spent the first half of the book hoping things would get better and thinking is this really James Patterson’s writing. I wasn’t ensnared by the plot or characters; the writing did not flow seamlessly creating a rich image in my mind. Plus, Alex’s common sense seems to have vanished in this book.
The reason why I was able to read this so fast in between work was because it required no thinking, I feel like a jerk for saying so, but the fact is for me this was a super easy read, one that was utterly MEH. If this had been the first book by the author I had ever picked up, I would never have read anything else by him. With any book authors require us to suspend reality, something I love doing but nothing in this story allowed me to do so.
There was no intrigue, the action felt dull and the depiction of characters and events lacklustre. My emotions were not pulled at in any way, despite some of the themes and events in this book, which says a lot, I still cry when Jack dies at the end of Titanic and I’ve seen it more than a dozen times over the years. This book made me feel nothing but bafflement as I asked myself really this is a James Patterson book.
Some chapters were only a page and a half (e.g. chapter 9, 11 and 16 to name only a few), and I don’t know why but reading via the paperback, it felt a tiny bit weird. This book was unexpectedly disappointing, and has me questioning whether my teenage self was deluded in liking the Alex Cross books I had read. So next thing on my list to do, is reserve one of the earlier Alex Cross books, and re-read it, to see if my memory is true or defective.
Triggers to be aware of:
Now moving onto some new books – please let them bring me some joy.
September 4, 2019
3 Stars. Much more a thriller than a mystery. I enjoy Alex Cross and John Sampson doing more of their thing as detectives, even if the criminal is bigger than life as most of Patterson's are, rather than pursuing the antagonist or being pursued by him through dangerous and frightening situations like this one. Cross attends the scene of a slaughter; a family including the young children is wiped out in a horrendous way. It happens again. Some one or some group is loose in the DC area. Alex finds out that Ellie Cox, the mother killed at the first location, was his former girlfriend from university; he has to do his best to find her killer. He gets a lead, it seems to be "The Tiger" from Nigeria. Who? And why is he in the US? Pursuit back to his home is the only option. Cross gets both help and hindrance from all sorts of organizations and people across Africa. All in all, not that satisfying. One question though - are some of the terrible criminal activities Alex encounters on that continent, in refugee camps too, every-day occurrences? I am grounded in Canada and have no basis for an informed comment on that subject. (February 2019)
December 20, 2017
I think it's really weird that a lot of the criminals Alex faces have animal names. Patterson has delivered us wolf, weasel, and now the tiger. Well, this tiger isn't lounging around in a jungle or sitting pretty in a zoo. Nope, this guy is murdering lots and lots of people. He also murdered Ellie, who was Alex's friend and first real love. Obviously, Alex tracks him down so he can catch him while delivering justice to Ellie and all of the other victims.
Cross Country takes Alex to Africa - which sounds like an awesome adventure except for the whole chasing a killer and everything. But this book is no vacation for Alex. Nope, because his ass gets arrested, thrown in jail, and tortured while visiting.
I don't know if it's just me but Alex came off super dumb in this book or maybe dumber than he has acted in the other books??! He just seems to walk into situations that he normally wouldn't.
And since I came into this series looking for the murders - this book definitely delivered gruesome ones. I kind of wanted to cover my eyes but read at the same time.
I can't wait to dive into the next book guys!
Cross Country takes Alex to Africa - which sounds like an awesome adventure except for the whole chasing a killer and everything. But this book is no vacation for Alex. Nope, because his ass gets arrested, thrown in jail, and tortured while visiting.
I don't know if it's just me but Alex came off super dumb in this book or maybe dumber than he has acted in the other books??! He just seems to walk into situations that he normally wouldn't.
And since I came into this series looking for the murders - this book definitely delivered gruesome ones. I kind of wanted to cover my eyes but read at the same time.
I can't wait to dive into the next book guys!
December 19, 2014
1 1/2 Stars.
What. The. Hell.
If ever there was a book that had too much going on, situations that were over the top, and not enough believablity--it would be this one.
Cross and Patterson really showed their weaknesses in this read and the ending tried to compensate for it.
Kyle Craig. Humph. He just does not give up.
I hate that such an important subject was wasted in a sub-par read.
Maybe I'll take a break before the next one~
What. The. Hell.
If ever there was a book that had too much going on, situations that were over the top, and not enough believablity--it would be this one.
Cross and Patterson really showed their weaknesses in this read and the ending tried to compensate for it.
Kyle Craig. Humph. He just does not give up.
I hate that such an important subject was wasted in a sub-par read.
Maybe I'll take a break before the next one~
May 30, 2023
Lots of action here, but Alex really gets his butt kicked.
July 16, 2021
Learned a lot about the Darfur genocide among other things Africa.
February 10, 2009
I love Alex Cross but this was not one of my favorites. The part of the book that takes place in Africa was hard to read because of the violence and atrocities happening over there. But that is not what detracted my opinion of the book. If anything, as painful as it is, I'm glad to learn what is going on in Africa.
I can't quite articulate what bothered me about this book. The scatalogical murders of the families seemed a little 'glossed over.' I felt sort of immune to all the violence - there was just too much. The plot seemed to be full of violence just for the sake of action; there wasn't as much "real detecting" and psychological probing as Alex is known for (the things I like). Personally, I would have left Africa after the first prison incident. I know Dr. Cross is bigger than life, but I had trouble believing that he would stay after so many, many, many bad incidents. I realize fiction is not real but this went way beyond the limits of credibility. Or maybe I'm naive.
I can't quite articulate what bothered me about this book. The scatalogical murders of the families seemed a little 'glossed over.' I felt sort of immune to all the violence - there was just too much. The plot seemed to be full of violence just for the sake of action; there wasn't as much "real detecting" and psychological probing as Alex is known for (the things I like). Personally, I would have left Africa after the first prison incident. I know Dr. Cross is bigger than life, but I had trouble believing that he would stay after so many, many, many bad incidents. I realize fiction is not real but this went way beyond the limits of credibility. Or maybe I'm naive.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 15, 2009
OK, allow me to begin by confessing that I am a devout James Patterson fan and that the Alex Cross storyline is my favorite. That being said, I enjoyed this book a bit more then most of the other reviewers. In fact, it was one of my favorite Alex Cross books. I read it in one day...at the risk of losing my job security. LOL!
"Cross Country" was all about exposure. This riveting story shows the reader a side - a more vulnerable side - of Alex Cross then one is accustomed. It also reminds the reader that the horror of the crimes battled in DC by Dr. Cross pale in comparison to the atrocities committed in Darfur depicted in spellbinding detail by James Patterson. Yet the unveiling of these vulnerabilities in the main character and our global concepts of justice are exactly what make this book so unique and interesting.
"Cross Country" was all about exposure. This riveting story shows the reader a side - a more vulnerable side - of Alex Cross then one is accustomed. It also reminds the reader that the horror of the crimes battled in DC by Dr. Cross pale in comparison to the atrocities committed in Darfur depicted in spellbinding detail by James Patterson. Yet the unveiling of these vulnerabilities in the main character and our global concepts of justice are exactly what make this book so unique and interesting.
April 27, 2016
Not bad for a good start, as this is my first James Patterson novel, and it was really a good read too. But I don't think everything said in this could be practical, like said in most of the other reviews. Since these are the events of a fictional world, everything could be forgiven.
And these characters are rather similar to that of the Michael Connelly's 'City of bones' (as both the detectives lost their spouses earlier and finds a new love during this case and no more spoilers).
And after reading this book, I came to know about the cruel scenarios, the massacre, the genocides (it remained me of the Shoah, portrayed in the Academy award winning movie "Schindler's list") events in Africa (if this book is true about that), and am curious to find more about these happenings, though not like the 'Ellie Randall Cox' from this book.
And these characters are rather similar to that of the Michael Connelly's 'City of bones' (as both the detectives lost their spouses earlier and finds a new love during this case and no more spoilers).
And after reading this book, I came to know about the cruel scenarios, the massacre, the genocides (it remained me of the Shoah, portrayed in the Academy award winning movie "Schindler's list") events in Africa (if this book is true about that), and am curious to find more about these happenings, though not like the 'Ellie Randall Cox' from this book.
March 17, 2021
To catch a tiger, you must stay on your toes. What? Wait a dog gone minute; that’s not right. Crud, the saying is, “catch a tiger by its toes.” Cross Country has our hero, Alex Cross, chasing the “Tiger.” And no kids, we’re not talking about a “crouching tiger” and there’s absolutely no hidden dragons in this book - only our beloved - Dragon Slayer, Alex, coming to slay the day.
So this installment of the Cross series, takes us on an international journey. And well, I’ll be frank and just say, throughout the read I was eagerly, and desperately, anticipating Alex’s return to DC.
So, this one is not my favorite thus far in the series - but it’s gets my 4.45 star rating.
So this installment of the Cross series, takes us on an international journey. And well, I’ll be frank and just say, throughout the read I was eagerly, and desperately, anticipating Alex’s return to DC.
So, this one is not my favorite thus far in the series - but it’s gets my 4.45 star rating.
September 5, 2023
I love getting back to this series! One of the best things about it is that you can pick it up anywhere throughout the 31 novels and each makes total sense in it’s own right…I have read most of them now but I have read them in a totally random order picking up whichever ones the library has at the time or any kindle deal’s available.
This book captured everything I love about the series…very short snapping chapters, fast-paced, no messing around, not too long yet not too short in length, captivating material and of course, the main man himself, Alex Cross.
From the prologue this story really did start with a bang! I don’t think I took a breath for the first 1/3 of the book. And before I knew it the book was over; this often is the case for me reading JP books. Even the last few chapters were still breathtaking…now that’s what I call a good thriller!
I found this one particularly interesting as it was largely based in Africa and I haven’t read many books, especially thrillers, based in this continent. I did find some of the material around the middle of the book it be a bit to gruesome for my liking and gosh some of the events were brutal! While it was hard to read, and of course it is fiction, I do feel sometimes it’s important for us to be aware of the cruelty that actually does go on in some parts of the world. It definitely makes me feel very privileged to have a safe and loving home.
This book captured everything I love about the series…very short snapping chapters, fast-paced, no messing around, not too long yet not too short in length, captivating material and of course, the main man himself, Alex Cross.
From the prologue this story really did start with a bang! I don’t think I took a breath for the first 1/3 of the book. And before I knew it the book was over; this often is the case for me reading JP books. Even the last few chapters were still breathtaking…now that’s what I call a good thriller!
I found this one particularly interesting as it was largely based in Africa and I haven’t read many books, especially thrillers, based in this continent. I did find some of the material around the middle of the book it be a bit to gruesome for my liking and gosh some of the events were brutal! While it was hard to read, and of course it is fiction, I do feel sometimes it’s important for us to be aware of the cruelty that actually does go on in some parts of the world. It definitely makes me feel very privileged to have a safe and loving home.
January 22, 2009
So, this may be blasphemous, but I thought this book was pretty lame. I have to admit, I don't normally read thrillers or mysteries and this is my first Patterson book, but honestly, I don't think it lives up to the hype. Granted, I read the book in two days, but not because the storyline was particularly compelling. It was more because the chapters are so short that I just had to keep going. Patterson does a good job of ending each chapter with a question or cliffhanger, but overall it wasn't well written and wasn't well developed. The novel is very forgettable. The storyline was mildly interesting, but then got rather convoluted and difficult to follow. There were almost too many twists. I didn't get a sense of the characters either and really didn't care about them, which made reading difficult. Now, if I had read the rest of the series, it might have been better, but I didn't and I was told that each book stands on its own. At any rate... I'd go pick up J.A. Konrath instead.
August 3, 2015
James Patterson knows how to tell a story. This is never more evident,than in this installment of his Alex Cross series.Chapters are kept short, one his Patterson's trademarks, and the pace is fast, at times break-neck.
Alex is truly out of his comfort zone, as he takes his current murder investigation to Nigeria. On arrival, he finds he is the hunted instead of the hunter and it is all down hill from there.
And there is a very human aspect to this story as Alex and a Nigerian journalist travel to the refugee camps in Darfur. He chronicles the squalid and hopeless conditions in those camps. Sadly these descriptions are all to real as is the very real crisis in that particular area of Africa.
I had taken a break from Patterson's books. Time to dive back in.
Alex is truly out of his comfort zone, as he takes his current murder investigation to Nigeria. On arrival, he finds he is the hunted instead of the hunter and it is all down hill from there.
And there is a very human aspect to this story as Alex and a Nigerian journalist travel to the refugee camps in Darfur. He chronicles the squalid and hopeless conditions in those camps. Sadly these descriptions are all to real as is the very real crisis in that particular area of Africa.
I had taken a break from Patterson's books. Time to dive back in.
March 16, 2022
Probably the best Alex Cross book so far. I couldn't put it down. After 2 brutal family murders in Washington DC, Alex follows the trail to Africa. There he experiences the terrible conditions of the people of Nigeria and surrounding countries. He discovers much more than just who committed the murders, but the conspiracy to gain access to oil by several Western countries and China. Alex's family is in danger, so he must find 'The Tiger'.
April 13, 2018
It was Patterson of old, quick read, good story. Usually give his books a 4 because they are usually cookie cutter but this book had meat to it. Travelling around the work it gives you a glimpse whether true or not what other parts of the world are like.
December 4, 2015
I want another crime book - like Cormoran Strike Series / Sherlock - and it's not the one..
there is too much action, no big twist. just not the book for me. And i Alex Cross didn't live the hype.
there is too much action, no big twist. just not the book for me. And i Alex Cross didn't live the hype.
February 5, 2020
If Alex Cross would just listen, he could save himself and his family a lot of grief. What made him think it was ok to fly to Nigeria when he has NO JURISDICTION there?
July 29, 2021
Zapravo, ovo je nešto drugačija knjiga iz ovoj serijala, jer će Aleks Kros morati da ode sve do Afrike kako bi krenuo u lov na "Tigra" , vođu bande koja nemilosrdno ubijaja porodice. Svidela mi se promena.
April 1, 2019
Ο Άλεξ Κρος καλείται να επιλύσει μια υπόθεση σφαγής: μια οικογένεια βρίσκεται φριχτά κατακρεουργημένη στο σπίτι της στην Ουάσιγκτον, μόνο που η μητέρα είναι παλιά ερωμένη του ντετέκτιβ. Έτσι, παρακινημένος από ένα έντονο πείσμα και με αφορμή μια σειρά παρόμοιων δολοφονιών, ο Άλεξ Κρος θα μπει βαθιά στα άδυτα του αφρικανικού υποκόσμου της πόλης του και οι έρευνες θα τον οδηγήσουν ως τη Νιγηρία, στα ίχνη ενός αδίστακτου Τίγρη.
Ο James Patterson αφήνει αρκετά πίσω του τη στερεότυπη γραφή των βιβλίων της σειράς και στο 14ο βιβλίο στέλνει τον ήρωά του σε μια μακρινή χώρα, χρησιμοποιώντας αυτό το ταξίδι ως μέσον για να περιγράψει σκηνές φρίκης, βασανιστηρίων, αναίτιων και άδοξων θανάτων, τους λιμούς, τους βιασμούς και την πείνα που υφίσταται ο λαός της Νιγηρίας, απότοκο των συμφερόντων των πολυεθνικών και των κρατών που διαπληκτίζονται για τον έλεγχο των πετρελαίων στο Δέλτα του Νίγηρα και των αδαμαντωρυχείων. Αρχηγός της σπείρας που αρέσκεται να διαμελίζει ανθρώπους είναι ο επονομαζόμενος Τίγρης, αδίστακτος, αιμοδιψής και δυνατός.
Ομολογώ πως στην αρχή με είχε εκνευρίσει το πείσμα του ντετέκτιβ να ταξιδέψει τόσο μακριά και εκτός ορίων δικαιοδοσίας για να βρει τον φονιά μιας παλιάς αγαπημένης του. Το θεώρησα παρατραβηγμένο, ειδικά από τη στιγμή που δεν είναι καλοδεχούμενος στη χώρα, πέφτει θύμα απαγωγής, βασανιστηρίων και πολλά άλλα! Ταξιδεύει σε διάφορες πόλεις και περιοχές της χώρας, γίνεται αυτόπτης μάρτυρας των ανωτέρω αναφερόμενων περιστατικών, κυνηγάει έναν άνθρωπο ασύλληπτο κατά βάση, γνωρίζει μια δημοσιογράφο με την οποία ζει ένα γλυκό και πλατωνικό ειδύλλιο κλπ. Ευτυχώς όμως προς το τέλος του βιβλίου άρχισε να διαφαίνεται πως πίσω απ’ όλ’ αυτά κρύβονται τα συμφέροντα κάποιων ανωτέρων και ένας προδότης! Έτσι η περιπέτεια του Άλεξ Κρος τοποθετήθηκε σε νέες βάσεις και με γέμισε ένταση ως το απροσδόκητο τέλος και το τελικό ξεκαθάρισμα.
Σε προσωπικό επίπεδο, ο Άλεξ Κρος ζει ευτυχισμένος εδώ κι έναν χρόνο με τη συνάδελφό του Μπριάνα Στόουν όμως ο πειρασμός ακούει στο όνομα Αντάνε Τάνζι και βάζει σε δοκιμασία τον Κρος. Παρ’ όλ’ αυτά ζούνε γλυκές και τρυφερές στιγμές, όσο τους επιτρέπει η απειλή εμφύλιας σύρραξης στη Νιγηρία, το ανθρωποκυνηγητό του Τίγρη και όλες οι άλλες δυστυχίες που βιώνουν. Ο ντετέκτιβ βλέπει ως ψυχίατρος πλέον μόνο δύο ή τρεις ασθενείς την εβδομάδα κι έτσι στο 20ό κεφάλαιο έχουμε την περίπτωση του εντεκάχρονου ψυχοπαθούς Μπρόνσον «Ποπ Ποπ» Τζέιμς, που ειλικρινά δεν κατάλαβα γιατί αναφέρθηκε, μιας και δεν επηρέασε την πορεία της ιστορίας. Η Τζάνι είναι στην τελευταία τάξη του Σοτζέρνερ Τρουθ, έτοιμη για το γυμνάσιο, ο Άλι μόλις ξεκίνησε το σχολείο και ο δεκατετράχρονος Ντέιμον φοιτά στην Ακαδημία Κούσιγκ της Μασαχουσέτης. Η Νάνα φυσικά και είναι παρούσα και ο τρόπος με τον οποίο εμπόδισε (αρχικά τουλάχιστον) τον εγγονό της Κρος να ταξιδέψει στην Αφρική ήταν άκρως διδακτικός! Για άλλη μια φορά φυσικά πέφτουν θύματα απαγωγής, απλώς ο τρόπος που το παρουσίασε εδώ ο συγγραφέας και η παρατεταμένη αγωνία για το αν παρέμειναν ζωντανοί ή όχι ήταν κάπως εντονότερα δοσμένος από άλλα μυθιστορήματα της σειράς. Τέλος, ο Κάιλ Κρεγκ εμφανίζεται σποραδικά σ’ ένα δυο κεφάλαια απλώς ως υπενθύμιση πως δεν τέλειωσαν ακόμη οι δυο τους.
«Το κυνήγι του Τίγρη» είναι ένα υπερατλαντικό ταξίδι του Άλεξ Κρος σε μια εντελώς διαφορετική, χαώδη οργανωτικά και διοικητικά χώρα, θύμα των συμφερόντων μεγάλων εταιρειών και άλλων φατριών. Στις σελίδες του βιβλίου καταγράφονται οι σκληρές και απάνθρωπες συνθήκες επιβίωσης στη Νιγηρία και το σασπένς το χαρίζει το γεγονός μιας διπλής προδοσίας, που αποκαλύπτει την ταυτότητα του ενόχου κυριολεκτικά στην τελευταία σελίδα!
Ο James Patterson αφήνει αρκετά πίσω του τη στερεότυπη γραφή των βιβλίων της σειράς και στο 14ο βιβλίο στέλνει τον ήρωά του σε μια μακρινή χώρα, χρησιμοποιώντας αυτό το ταξίδι ως μέσον για να περιγράψει σκηνές φρίκης, βασανιστηρίων, αναίτιων και άδοξων θανάτων, τους λιμούς, τους βιασμούς και την πείνα που υφίσταται ο λαός της Νιγηρίας, απότοκο των συμφερόντων των πολυεθνικών και των κρατών που διαπληκτίζονται για τον έλεγχο των πετρελαίων στο Δέλτα του Νίγηρα και των αδαμαντωρυχείων. Αρχηγός της σπείρας που αρέσκεται να διαμελίζει ανθρώπους είναι ο επονομαζόμενος Τίγρης, αδίστακτος, αιμοδιψής και δυνατός.
Ομολογώ πως στην αρχή με είχε εκνευρίσει το πείσμα του ντετέκτιβ να ταξιδέψει τόσο μακριά και εκτός ορίων δικαιοδοσίας για να βρει τον φονιά μιας παλιάς αγαπημένης του. Το θεώρησα παρατραβηγμένο, ειδικά από τη στιγμή που δεν είναι καλοδεχούμενος στη χώρα, πέφτει θύμα απαγωγής, βασανιστηρίων και πολλά άλλα! Ταξιδεύει σε διάφορες πόλεις και περιοχές της χώρας, γίνεται αυτόπτης μάρτυρας των ανωτέρω αναφερόμενων περιστατικών, κυνηγάει έναν άνθρωπο ασύλληπτο κατά βάση, γνωρίζει μια δημοσιογράφο με την οποία ζει ένα γλυκό και πλατωνικό ειδύλλιο κλπ. Ευτυχώς όμως προς το τέλος του βιβλίου άρχισε να διαφαίνεται πως πίσω απ’ όλ’ αυτά κρύβονται τα συμφέροντα κάποιων ανωτέρων και ένας προδότης! Έτσι η περιπέτεια του Άλεξ Κρος τοποθετήθηκε σε νέες βάσεις και με γέμισε ένταση ως το απροσδόκητο τέλος και το τελικό ξεκαθάρισμα.
Σε προσωπικό επίπεδο, ο Άλεξ Κρος ζει ευτυχισμένος εδώ κι έναν χρόνο με τη συνάδελφό του Μπριάνα Στόουν όμως ο πειρασμός ακούει στο όνομα Αντάνε Τάνζι και βάζει σε δοκιμασία τον Κρος. Παρ’ όλ’ αυτά ζούνε γλυκές και τρυφερές στιγμές, όσο τους επιτρέπει η απειλή εμφύλιας σύρραξης στη Νιγηρία, το ανθρωποκυνηγητό του Τίγρη και όλες οι άλλες δυστυχίες που βιώνουν. Ο ντετέκτιβ βλέπει ως ψυχίατρος πλέον μόνο δύο ή τρεις ασθενείς την εβδομάδα κι έτσι στο 20ό κεφάλαιο έχουμε την περίπτωση του εντεκάχρονου ψυχοπαθούς Μπρόνσον «Ποπ Ποπ» Τζέιμς, που ειλικρινά δεν κατάλαβα γιατί αναφέρθηκε, μιας και δεν επηρέασε την πορεία της ιστορίας. Η Τζάνι είναι στην τελευταία τάξη του Σοτζέρνερ Τρουθ, έτοιμη για το γυμνάσιο, ο Άλι μόλις ξεκίνησε το σχολείο και ο δεκατετράχρονος Ντέιμον φοιτά στην Ακαδημία Κούσιγκ της Μασαχουσέτης. Η Νάνα φυσικά και είναι παρούσα και ο τρόπος με τον οποίο εμπόδισε (αρχικά τουλάχιστον) τον εγγονό της Κρος να ταξιδέψει στην Αφρική ήταν άκρως διδακτικός! Για άλλη μια φορά φυσικά πέφτουν θύματα απαγωγής, απλώς ο τρόπος που το παρουσίασε εδώ ο συγγραφέας και η παρατεταμένη αγωνία για το αν παρέμειναν ζωντανοί ή όχι ήταν κάπως εντονότερα δοσμένος από άλλα μυθιστορήματα της σειράς. Τέλος, ο Κάιλ Κρεγκ εμφανίζεται σποραδικά σ’ ένα δυο κεφάλαια απλώς ως υπενθύμιση πως δεν τέλειωσαν ακόμη οι δυο τους.
«Το κυνήγι του Τίγρη» είναι ένα υπερατλαντικό ταξίδι του Άλεξ Κρος σε μια εντελώς διαφορετική, χαώδη οργανωτικά και διοικητικά χώρα, θύμα των συμφερόντων μεγάλων εταιρειών και άλλων φατριών. Στις σελίδες του βιβλίου καταγράφονται οι σκληρές και απάνθρωπες συνθήκες επιβίωσης στη Νιγηρία και το σασπένς το χαρίζει το γεγονός μιας διπλής προδοσίας, που αποκαλύπτει την ταυτότητα του ενόχου κυριολεκτικά στην τελευταία σελίδα!
March 6, 2018
Cross Country was meh at best and frustrating at most. This is my first (and possibly last) Alex Cross book, and if he acts this dumb for most of the series, then I don’t understand why this series is so popular.
I mean, this “detective” hops on a plane to go to Africa to chase a killer...and does no research about Africa, where the well-known dangerous hot spots are, how to get around on a practical daily level, or how to deal with the locals; does nothing to disguise the fact that he’s a white guy, despite knowing that racism and anti-American sentiments are rampant; makes the trip by himself with only himself as backup...and yet he’s surprised every time he gets kidnapped, beaten up, and tortured.
Given just how naive and stupid Alex Cross acts for someone who’s supposed to be a seasoned cop and detective, I suspect that James Patterson just used this book as a platform to preach about Africa and how terrible it is (while, likely, doing nothing himself to help aside from probably throwing money at the problem) - not unlike how he used Maximum Ride to rail against global warming/climate change and big corporations and promote environmentalism.
Mr. Patterson, please step down from the soap box or do a better job of integrating your personal beliefs into your story without sacrificing your own characters and story on the alter.
I mean, this “detective” hops on a plane to go to Africa to chase a killer...and does no research about Africa, where the well-known dangerous hot spots are, how to get around on a practical daily level, or how to deal with the locals; does nothing to disguise the fact that he’s a white guy, despite knowing that racism and anti-American sentiments are rampant; makes the trip by himself with only himself as backup...and yet he’s surprised every time he gets kidnapped, beaten up, and tortured.
Given just how naive and stupid Alex Cross acts for someone who’s supposed to be a seasoned cop and detective, I suspect that James Patterson just used this book as a platform to preach about Africa and how terrible it is (while, likely, doing nothing himself to help aside from probably throwing money at the problem) - not unlike how he used Maximum Ride to rail against global warming/climate change and big corporations and promote environmentalism.
Mr. Patterson, please step down from the soap box or do a better job of integrating your personal beliefs into your story without sacrificing your own characters and story on the alter.
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