Cross Fire

by James Patterson

Paper Book, 2010

Collection

Description

As Detective Alex Cross contends with a D.C. sniper, FBI agent Siegel, and his upcoming wedding to Bree, he receives a call from his deadliest adversary, Kyle Craig. The Mastermind is in D.C. and will not relent until he has eliminated Cross and his family for good.

Library's rating

½

Rating

½ (334 ratings; 3.7)

User reviews

LibraryThing member daveted
I hate James Patterson books. They're like candy. Easy to digest, and don't take long, but afterwards, I feel like I shouldn't have really have eaten/read it.
But I keep reading them, because they're so quick to read.

However, this book was good. Still averagely written, but the storylines weren't
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bad this time around. Plotholes a plenty (e.g. what was the crazy maths professer motive...it was seriously crazy, and some background would have been nice. I'm sure cops would have to do further investigation)

ok, I've already written more than the book deserves, :-)
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LibraryThing member CMash
CROSS FIRE by James Patterson
Published by Little Brown and Company
ISBN-13: 9780316036177
At the request of The Hachette Book Group, a HC book was sent, at no cost to me, for my honest opinion.

Synopsis (borrowed from B&N): Wedding bells ring
Detective Alex Cross and Bree's wedding plans are put on
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hold when Alex is called to the scene of the perfectly executed assassination of two of Washington D.C.'s most corrupt: a dirty congressmen and an underhanded lobbyist. Next, the elusive gunman begins picking off other crooked politicians, sparking a blaze of theories--is the marksman a hero or a vigilante?
A murderer returns
The case explodes, and the FBI assigns agent Max Siegel to the investigation. As Alex and Siegel battle over jurisdiction, the murders continue. It becomes clear that they are the work of a professional who has detailed knowledge of his victims' movements--information that only a Washington insider could possess.
Caught in a lethal cross fire
As Alex contends with the sniper, Siegel, and the wedding, he receives a call from his deadliest adversary, Kyle Craig. The Mastermind is in D.C. and will not relent until he has eliminated Cross and his family for good. With a supercharged blend of action, deception, and suspense, Cross Fire is James Patterson's most visceral and exciting Alex Cross novel ever.

My Thoughts and Opinion: Who doesn't like a classic James Patterson book with it's 2-4 page chapters, especially his long running Alex Cross series? I got hooked on his books many years ago, and Cross Fire was true to form. Dr. Alex Cross, Nana and the kids are all a central part of the story line and his devotion to his family makes the character even more likable. And in this book he finally gets married. The action is fast paced and as stated above, because of the short chapters, it is very easy to say "just one more chapter" and you find that you have read ten. A very quick read. Even though I enjoyed this novel because it was an "Alex Cross book", I found it to be predictable and lacking the high drama of investigation that one could find in his earlier books. Will I read another Patterson book? Yes....I still like his writing style.

My Rating: 3
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LibraryThing member TomWheaton
Another great Alex Cross read. I didn't mind that I knew almost from the start that Kyle Craig takes the persona of Max Siegel. The reader is still held in suspense wondering when Alex will discover the switch. And if Alex will finally end the tormenting of Kyle Craig. The last paragraph was
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intreuging! Will the next Women's Murder Club book see the collaboration of Cross & Boxer or will we have to wait for the next Alex Cross book?
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LibraryThing member skinglist
and so ends a week-long marathon of playing catch up with the Alex Cross series. I think this one is one of my favorites recently but I'd have taken more from it had I reread the earlier Kyle books because there are some details I don't remember. Reading in clumps is how I tend to read JP and this
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was no different. I don't for one minute believe that Kyle is gone or dead. It's too convenient that he's burned beyond recognition. He'll be back. He's Alex's dark side in more ways than one.

The private wedding was very fitting for Alex and Bree. It worked and I"m so glad Nana lived to see it. Personally I'm surprised Kyle as Siegel didn't crash that. I wish the last 50 pages were this book and not the nonsense wizard series. I'd like to see more of the behind the scenes into the FBI and how Kyle/Siegel did this. It was almost too easy. I'm also not sure what purpose the fly by of Christine did other than maybe tease for the future? I was expecting some Kyle connection there. I was left surprised that Kyle.Siegel didn't kill Alex when he had the chance with the sniper. And Denny killing his handlers made me wonder if Kyle was the pupetter behind that as well.

The epilogue teasing out Mr. Smith (who I also don't remember) is a nice hint at a crossover with the upcoming 10th anniversary in the WMC series. Also answers the question as to why there was new Cross book on the horizon.
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LibraryThing member dools46
I enjoyed this one a lot more then his last couple

*********spoiler************
(I just hope he doesnt bring KC back)
LibraryThing member WeeziesBooks
I enjoyed listening to this Patterson novel on audio book. I like the Alex Cross books more than those that Patterson writes without a co-author. In “Cross Fire” Alex Cross is again in danger from an old foe, Kyle Craig. The twists come as Craig take the identity as a fellow law enforcement
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officer working for the FBI. He and Alex have to work together on unsolved murders and those that continue to happen as they are working together. In order to get to this point, Craig has had extensive plastic surgery and worked hard to present himself as a new coworker, wanting to be collaborative and possibly even be a friend to Cross. It is rather unbelievable that Cross wouldn’t recognize him at least by his voice, but he doesn't in this story.

As Craig assumes the identity of FBI agent Max Siegel and becomes close to Cross they work together to find out who is killing other criminals and carving mathematical formulas into their bodies. One new strand is Cross and Bee Stone, his fiancee begin to plan a wedding with the blessing of his family. There are stories within the story that keep you guessing and this is a better book that some of his others that I have read lately. I still prefer Patterson’s earlier books but find him an enjoyable writer and recommend the books that he writes by himself more than those that are a collaborative effort.
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LibraryThing member kissmeimgone
Cross Fire by James Patterson would for sure have to be my favorite in his Alex Cross series. In Cross Fire, a man known by the name of Kyle Craig that Alex Cross put away behind bars years ago is out on the loose again and has his eyes set on his target, Cross. Much closer than Cross could ever
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imagine, Cross Fire defintley ends with a big bang. I defintley recommend this book to everyone.
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LibraryThing member mikedraper
One of Det. Alex Cross's hated enemies is Kyle Craig who escapes from prison and is seeking revenge on Alex. Craig kills FBI agent, Max Siegel, has plastic surgery to look like Siegel and learns everything he can about him.

In Washington, D.C. Alex Cross has just gotten engaged to Brianna Stone.
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He's called to investigate a sniper assassination of two corrupt officials.
When another killing takes place and also by sniper fire, this person was under investigation for corruption, the media praises the sniper as patriotic and officials wonder if they have another Beltway Sniper.

Kyle posing as Siegal is assigned to the case and is able to move his plan for revenge into high gear. With Cross not suspecting anything from a fellow officer, the suspense is excellent.

The story is a page turner but the reader must suspend their concept that a person can have plastic surgery and learn about another person and then take their place without the other person's co-workers being able to see the difference.

Even with this skepticism, James Patterson shows that he is the master of nail biters because he still gets the reader's involvement in the case.
We wonder how Cross will be able to stop the snipers and to stop Craig before he can take revenge on Cross and his family.
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LibraryThing member CloggieDownunder
Cross Fire is the 17th book in James Patterson’s Alex Cross series. In this instalment, a sniper (or, more probably, a pair of them) are picking off victims with long-range shots. The victims are all hated public figures: corrupt politicians, judges, public servants and lobbyists are assassinated
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with single shots to the head. Alex has to take a break from planning his wedding to Bree Stone to investigate the case. He is forced to work with FBI agent Max Siegel, who, unbeknownst to Alex, is not what he seems. And just to round things off nicely, that pesky Kyle Craig rings Alex to let him know he’s around and hasn’t forgotten his promise to eliminate him and his family. After the absolutely woeful Cross Country, this Cross book is back up to the standard we have come to expect. Fast paced, excellent plot, a few red herrings, a twist or two: this is Patterson at his best. Who ordered the assassinations and their motive is left unresolved, leaving the way open for a continuation of this theme. There’s also a hint that the next book may see an appearance by Lindsay Boxer. A good read.
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LibraryThing member es135
It was really impossible for this novel to fail. Without a doubt, Kyle Craig is the best Cross villain. He is such a foil to the main character that it is always entertaining to read about their encounters. On the human side, Patterson delivers with a potential wedding (Bree is the perfect match
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for Alex), and Nana's ever present health issues. This is Patterson at his best.
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LibraryThing member Berly
Cross Fire by James Patterson. What can I say? I like Detective/Action Thrillers. The ending was a little abrupt, but workable. Alex Cross battles his deadly adversary, Kyle Craig, while trying to solve a rash of assassinations by a hero vigilante. All the action puts his marriage to Bree Stone on
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hold. Will he make it to the alter? Only over lots of dead bodies. (Tee-hee.) Three and a half stars.
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LibraryThing member saramllr
It was good to see Alex's old arch-nemesis, Kyle Craig, back in this installment in the Alex Cross series. He's a great villain and Alex Cross is just not the same without him. James Patterson seems to be wrapping up a lot of story lines here; is he getting ready to retire Alex Cross for good?
LibraryThing member suzanne5002
Alex Cross and Kyle Craig meet face to face. Although this time, Craig has had plastic surgery to impersonate an FBI agent(Max Siegel) whom he murders in cold bloood. Craig, alias Siegel, is called upon to help Cross and the rest of the MDP solve what is called The Numbers Murders.

Cross and Craig
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are on a stake out together one night. Cross still does not realize that it is not Siegel. They begin talking and he asks Cross if he could kill Craig face to face, Cross replied no. Craig was really surprised about this information.

Cross marries a few weeks later and is on his honeymoon. He also invites his family to accompany he and his new bride which they did. Lo and behold, who should call Cross one morning, but Craig himself. Cross was shocked. He looked all around the secluded beacg area and spotted Craig holding a gun to his sons' head. Nobody messes around with his family.

The ending is a shocker. But one must remember, Kyle Craig thinks he is the Mastermind.

I always enjoy Alex Cross books. They keep you guessing during the whole book. It's hard to believe that Cross and Craig were once best buddies; now, they're arch enemies. Craig always tries to be one step ahead of Cross, but Cross questions his motives always.
I'm not sure how many Alex Cross books are left in the series but I'll be sad when they are gone.
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LibraryThing member cmeilink
In James Patterson's latest addition to his best-selling Alex Cross series, we find the detective planning his wedding to Bree Stone. Life is good or, at least, could be good, but the arrival of Cross' adversary, Kyle Craig, together with a team of 'Patriot' killers, and a third threat in the form
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of a killer who leaves a calling card of carved math symbols on his victims could ruin things for the happy couple.

This book captures Alex Cross at his best.
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LibraryThing member Heptonj
Another great book from James Patterson. Alex is on the case of two snipers killing the unpopular elite of society. However his and his loved ones lives are put in danger after the appearance of Kyle Craig, his old nemesis who is determined that this time Alex Cross will die.
LibraryThing member jbemrose
The return of Alex's adversary Kyle Craig assumes the identity of FBI agent Max Siegel and ended up working with Cross to find two snipers mitch and denny who take it upon themselves to kill people of questionable ethics. Plus Alex and Bree Stone get married.
LibraryThing member ZachMontana
Great plot of former adversary who disquises himself to hunt Alex Cross while working with him on crimes. Alex's family barely escapes with their lives.
LibraryThing member bami210
I keep trying James Patterson thinking I'll like one his books, but as of yet, that hasn't happened. This one was no exception -- I almost stopped reading about a third of the way through. I'll try another in a couple years or if someone can suggest a good one, let me know.
LibraryThing member Tony2704
In my opinion this is the best of the Alex Cross novels, enjoyable from the first page. Totally recommendable
LibraryThing member gma2lana
I always enjoy a good story by James Patterson. The short chapters always make the book seem to go by fast!

I enjoyed the story in this book, and of course the ultimate outcome of Alex Cross as well....
LibraryThing member buffalogr
While tracking down his arch nemesis, Karl Craig, our hero decides to plan a wedding. ;-) Oh and there's also Mice and Men characters George & Lenny, or some knock off serial killers of another ilk. Familiar characters; everyone should have a Nanamoma to keep them straight. Good story. Fast
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chapters, easy listen.
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LibraryThing member BookWallah
Alex Cross is pursued by an uber bad guy we have seen before who escaped from a supermax prison. There are other bad guys too, but they all die. Cross get married, again. Uber bad guy goes down for the count, on a beach no less. Does that make this a "Beach Read"?

This plot feels a little like those
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shampoo bottles that say, "Lather, Rinse, and Repeat". Perhaps it was out outsourced? Recommended only for the hopelessly addicted Cross fans, others can wait for new bad guys.
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LibraryThing member Nataliec7
Not as action packed as the others, Alex Cross returns and this time, there are snipers killing well known people. There are also bodies being discovered with weird numbers on their bodies. The search is on for the killers. Alex and Sampson are on the cases. Meanwhile Kyle Craig is back and with a
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new identity. He starts working with Cross but Cross doesn't know who is! Will he make the connection? Read and Find out!
All in all, not the best Cross novel i have read, however again, it was easy to read, the chapters were short and it kept me interested long enough to finish it.
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LibraryThing member gma2lana
I always enjoy a good story by James Patterson. The short chapters always make the book seem to go by fast!

I enjoyed the story in this book, and of course the ultimate outcome of Alex Cross as well....
LibraryThing member Carol420
A series of murders have taken place in Washington, D.C., Cross's base. The victims include a corrupt politician, a crooked lobbyist, and a venal tycoon. These were people hated by many, but Cross is determined to solve the case. While investigating the murders, he finds a complex math formula in a
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most unusual place, gets a big lead from a submerged Suburban, and makes a life-long commitment.

The question is... could a person assume another person's identity so well that not even the person's co-workers suspect anything? The reader must suspend their belief that this could happen. Overall, this is a good read.
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Publication

Little, Brown and Company (2010), Unknown Binding

Original publication date

2010-11

Language

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