Status
Available
Series
Genres
Collection
Publication
Grand Central Publishing (2008)
Description
Just when Alex thought his life was calming down into a routine of patients and therapy sessions, he finds himself back in the game--this time to catch a criminal mastermind like no other. A spate of elaborate murders in Washington D.C. have the whole East Coast on edge. They are like nothing Alex Cross and his new girlfriend, Detective Brianna Stone, have ever seen. With each murder, the case becomes increasingly complex. There's only one thing Alex knows: the killer adores an audience. As victims are made into gruesome spectacles citywide, inducing a media hysteria, it becomes clear to Alex that the man he's after is a genius of terror--and he's after fame. The killer has the whole city by its strings--and he'll stop at nothing to become the most terrifying star that Washington D.C. has ever seen.… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member MrsRJ
Patterson has a unique gift for making you feel all the joys and pains experienced by Cross, who is one of the best protagonists of the suspense thriller genre. Reuniting fans with beloved, as well as, despised characters, while continuing to press the boundaries, Patterson shines brighter than
Self-imposed retirement, a gorgeous new girlfriend and a quiet romantic camping trip, what could possibly go wrong? Well, when Alex Cross is around the answer is an unequivocal–anything and everything! Hot romance is quickly cooled when Bree is ordered to return to DC after the very public murder of famed author Tess Olsen. Dubbed the Audience Killer, for his propensity for attention, this psychopath seems to have no fear of being discovered, growing more brazen and arrogant with each successive murder. He thrives on the media attention his dastardly deeds afford him and relishes in the panic his murderous acts create. In the midst of the carnage and chaos, Cross receives a disturbing call informing him Kyle Craig had escaped from the maximum security prison in Colorado, where he had been housed for the past four years. Prior to his incarceration, Craig had been a respected FBI colleague and a genius in his own right. Craig was patient, resourceful and vicious, a formidable adversary now methodically making his way through the list of those he deemed responsible for his imprisonment. Of course, Alex Cross was at the top of his list.
Two murderers, one seeking fame, the other bent on revenge, yet they shared a common goal…the elimination of Detective Alex Cross. In this particularly well delivered novel, Patterson weaves an intricate, multi-layered plot, that moves seamlessly between opposing forces, while hurdling toward an unavoidable showdown. There are no twig-like stereotypes or bland settings, as Patterson showcases his unparalleled ability to create three dimensional characters that are diabolical, yet very real and disturbingly interesting. With his omniscient voice, taut narrative and vivid detail, the reader is immersed in this carefully crafted, highly imaginative world, from the very first page. One of the most popular literary characters of the century, Alex Cross is a hard hitting, tough as nails detective, with an almost sixth sense ability to get inside a killer’s mind. But it his personal struggles, as a son, father and lover that continue to bring the character off the page and into the heart of the reader. Chock full of action, short, crisp chapters and a few teasers thrown in to wet your appetite for the next installment - Double Cross is a double shot of Patterson at his thrilling best!
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ever in this hard hitting double header!Self-imposed retirement, a gorgeous new girlfriend and a quiet romantic camping trip, what could possibly go wrong? Well, when Alex Cross is around the answer is an unequivocal–anything and everything! Hot romance is quickly cooled when Bree is ordered to return to DC after the very public murder of famed author Tess Olsen. Dubbed the Audience Killer, for his propensity for attention, this psychopath seems to have no fear of being discovered, growing more brazen and arrogant with each successive murder. He thrives on the media attention his dastardly deeds afford him and relishes in the panic his murderous acts create. In the midst of the carnage and chaos, Cross receives a disturbing call informing him Kyle Craig had escaped from the maximum security prison in Colorado, where he had been housed for the past four years. Prior to his incarceration, Craig had been a respected FBI colleague and a genius in his own right. Craig was patient, resourceful and vicious, a formidable adversary now methodically making his way through the list of those he deemed responsible for his imprisonment. Of course, Alex Cross was at the top of his list.
Two murderers, one seeking fame, the other bent on revenge, yet they shared a common goal…the elimination of Detective Alex Cross. In this particularly well delivered novel, Patterson weaves an intricate, multi-layered plot, that moves seamlessly between opposing forces, while hurdling toward an unavoidable showdown. There are no twig-like stereotypes or bland settings, as Patterson showcases his unparalleled ability to create three dimensional characters that are diabolical, yet very real and disturbingly interesting. With his omniscient voice, taut narrative and vivid detail, the reader is immersed in this carefully crafted, highly imaginative world, from the very first page. One of the most popular literary characters of the century, Alex Cross is a hard hitting, tough as nails detective, with an almost sixth sense ability to get inside a killer’s mind. But it his personal struggles, as a son, father and lover that continue to bring the character off the page and into the heart of the reader. Chock full of action, short, crisp chapters and a few teasers thrown in to wet your appetite for the next installment - Double Cross is a double shot of Patterson at his thrilling best!
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LibraryThing member Fantasma
As usual, a fast paced read. I’ve been a fan of James Patterson for so long, but nowadays you never know what to expect when starting a new book, as he’s not constant in writing good books anymore.
I liked this one, many killings (muahahahahah! ;)) that keep us expecting for the next one, even
As I wrote in the last Alex Cross book review, I can only think that Mercedes pays Mr Patterson something. It’s the only way I can understand why he keeps praising the car, because it’s so comfortable, and powerful, and safe... Argh!
I liked this one, many killings (muahahahahah! ;)) that keep us expecting for the next one, even
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though the bad guys aren’t a surprise. The ending was a bit an anti-climax, after all that happened it just seemed to end to easily and quickly. It’s a good read, but I can’t say the best of thrillers. As I wrote in the last Alex Cross book review, I can only think that Mercedes pays Mr Patterson something. It’s the only way I can understand why he keeps praising the car, because it’s so comfortable, and powerful, and safe... Argh!
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LibraryThing member ericlee
OK, I admit that I'm reading these at the rate of one a day. They're like the old TV ads for Lay's Potato Chips. "Bet you can't eat just one!"
LibraryThing member LeHack
Cross finally solves the mystery of why his wife was killed.
Patterson seems to be churning out novels at an amazing speed and the quality is lacking. Short chapters, little character development. I feel like I'm reading potential scripts instead of a novel. I have purchased my last Patterson
Patterson seems to be churning out novels at an amazing speed and the quality is lacking. Short chapters, little character development. I feel like I'm reading potential scripts instead of a novel. I have purchased my last Patterson
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hardcover -- or paperback for that matter. Too many other good books to read. Show Less
LibraryThing member RPerritt
This was a really good book. It was also sort of like the book Cross, by the same author.
LibraryThing member lmaxfield
a.) An introduction to and brief overview of the novel
--Double Cross follows an earlier Patterson book Cross which follows the main character Alex Cross through his composite life of death, love, family and fear. In this book the killing sprees as in the other books continue but this time Alex is
b) an explanation of the book's connection to our theme (1 paragraph)
--This book creates a connection with the Hero theme through it’s characters that are involved. In Double Cross even the killers consider themselves heroes, so it’s hard to exactly pin point the true definition of a hero. However, being as Alex Cross is someone who repetitively puts himself into dangerous situations and manages to help others no matter what the circumstances this book would nicely fit into our theme. It contains action in which portrays and describes the perfect example to make its characters heroes.
c) a critique of the novel (good? bad? medium? why?) with a final recommendation (should we read?)
--I think that this is a great novel and I really enjoy reading any of Patterson’s books. The way that he separates the chapters to give a first person point of view to more than one character, really gives a more enjoyable and interesting feel to the book. His books pay attention to detail and use real life places to relate better to the reader. The way that he writes and describes action in the book also makes it a fast read, but isn’t on an easy level. If you want a book that includes a little bit of everything such as, action, love, hate and violence then this is a book that I would recommend to anyone to read. I think that Patterson is an excellent author and I look forward to reading more from him.
--Double Cross follows an earlier Patterson book Cross which follows the main character Alex Cross through his composite life of death, love, family and fear. In this book the killing sprees as in the other books continue but this time Alex is
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chasing a killer that he has already put behind bars. While balancing a new love affair and trying to keep his family safe he once again lets his passion for the excitement drag him back into the dangers of the work, and he has to decide if he can really give it up for his family. b) an explanation of the book's connection to our theme (1 paragraph)
--This book creates a connection with the Hero theme through it’s characters that are involved. In Double Cross even the killers consider themselves heroes, so it’s hard to exactly pin point the true definition of a hero. However, being as Alex Cross is someone who repetitively puts himself into dangerous situations and manages to help others no matter what the circumstances this book would nicely fit into our theme. It contains action in which portrays and describes the perfect example to make its characters heroes.
c) a critique of the novel (good? bad? medium? why?) with a final recommendation (should we read?)
--I think that this is a great novel and I really enjoy reading any of Patterson’s books. The way that he separates the chapters to give a first person point of view to more than one character, really gives a more enjoyable and interesting feel to the book. His books pay attention to detail and use real life places to relate better to the reader. The way that he writes and describes action in the book also makes it a fast read, but isn’t on an easy level. If you want a book that includes a little bit of everything such as, action, love, hate and violence then this is a book that I would recommend to anyone to read. I think that Patterson is an excellent author and I look forward to reading more from him.
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LibraryThing member danielpeam
I found this the most disappointing of the Cross Collection, in fact of all the books I've read from Patterson. The addition of Bree was unbearable, not for the fact that she was a bad character but I felt she had to much of a key role. The fact is we read these books to follow Cross and his
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hunting criminal masterminds. His the Hero and his our main interest, so the fact that Bree bailed him out of trouble twice in the concluding chapters, was a such a prevalent part of the case really rubbed me up the wrong way. Cross exclaiming 'Damn she is so confident' 'damn she is so sexy' etc just became tiresome and annoying. I also feel that we desperately need a shock or a twist just to breath new life into the Cross Franchise. Show Less
LibraryThing member Pam1960ca
Love all the Alex Cross novels. This one was no exception. Couldn't put it down.
LibraryThing member kingsportlibrary
Double plots, double killers who end up chasing hero Alex Cross. Short enough to maintain interest.
LibraryThing member Djupstrom
James Patters has gotten his groove back! The Alex Cross mysteries have gotten a bit stale and predictable, but Double Cross really delivers. The has to be one of his best books he has written in years.
LibraryThing member mashley
Good villian, but a little unbelievable in the end.
LibraryThing member puzexpress
You can’t deny James Patterson’s success in selling books. This one, however, in not his finest. If you like gore, this book is for you. The plot is thin and, even with the twists and turns, it is predictable that the main character, Alex Cross, will prevail. It became a book that I had to
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force myself to finish. Show Less
LibraryThing member jboxer7
I read this book after Cross Country, and found it to be about 10x better. This book was the quintessential vacation page-turner; I think there were something like 126 chapters in 300 pages. Patterson sets the scene as a series of gruesome public murders take place, supposedly by the same man each
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time. The story also follows another subplot with the escape of Kyle Craig from a maximum security complex. The new serial killer supposedly worships Craig as a god amongst killers. Able to read this book in one day, I found that Patterson's ability to jump to about ten different places, follow ten main characters, and chronicle about fifteen gruesome murders was incredible. And while this wasn't made to be quality, analytical high-brow literature, it's entertaining and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a fun read. Show Less
LibraryThing member momei
I have been a fan of James Patterson and the Alex Cross series for a long time. I loved the book Cross but this book was really bad. I started this book in January 2009 and I still can't bring myself to finish it .
LibraryThing member kanata
Since Patterson has begun lending out his name to authors to basically create a franchise I've found most of his books lacking. The Cross series, however, has managed to maintain my interest (perhaps because it is actually written by just him) and keeps me returning to them every time a new one is
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produced. Double Cross proves I'm still on the right track. The killer is compelling and I think has a bit of a unique twist. I still enjoy reading about Alex Cross and his family though they seem to take a backseat to his love interest in this one.The only problems I've had with this book are I think just the fault of the audio book format. I'm quite new to them so had a hard time reconciling what I thought Alex Cross would sound like with the narrators voice. A few of the accents put on seemed a little contrived as well. (Especially a British one but, luckily, that only made a brief appearance) And I always have a hard time listening to even the most mildest sex scene being read out loud for fear someone will walk in and wonder just what it is I'm "reading". Show Less
LibraryThing member kelawrence
I hadn't read a book of his in a while - a good "beach book". Predictable.
LibraryThing member CaraLPeacock
I'm not really into the whole Alex Cross thing, so I'm not the best person to review this book. It was OK; a little predictable. Not one of my favorites, but not horrible.
LibraryThing member Heptonj
This was so fast-paced I read it in a day. The Audience Killer has come to DC inflicting horrific death on innocent people in front of appalled onlookers. This killer has a link to Alex and also the 'Mastermind' Kyle Craig, an old adversary of Alex. This is an intriguing plot where all the
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connections marry up in the end. And what an ending! Show Less
LibraryThing member DavidBurrows
Brilliant. Then again Patterson always is. I like the easy style of writing and short chapters. Characters are really good too.
LibraryThing member TigerLMS
Alex Cross's former partner Kyle Craig has been incarcerated in the most secure prison ever built, but after just a couple years finds a way to escape. Shortly before he does, a string of murders start in the Washington D.C. area which eventually lead to Kyle. Alex Cross tries to figure out how the
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killings could be related to a man still in prison. Like others in the series, this is an easy read littered with enough suspense to make it a page-turner. It's consistent with other titles in the series, and most leaves room for many sequels on this same storyline. Readers of other titles won't be terribly disappointed, and new readers won't necessarily have had to read any previous titles to follow the story-- although this certainly isn't as intense or revealing as the early Cross novels. Show Less
LibraryThing member jaypee
Pretty good read, but disappointed with how he ended the book. He didn't tie up some of the lose threads, or maybe I didn't read the book closely. Oh well, on to the next Alex Cross book.
LibraryThing member es135
There is nothing wrong with this novel. The writing is about what readers have come to expect from Patterson. His novels seem to usually be hit and miss, and this one is somewhere in between. I really like the love interest in this one, and hope Brianna will sick around.
LibraryThing member cln1812
A psychopathic audience killer is on the loose in Washington, D.C. - one who seems to have sinister ties with Kyle Craig. Meanwhile, Kyle Craig has managed to escape from death row in Colorado, and is slowly making his way back to D.C. It is up to Alex and his girlfriend Bree to catch the audience
I found this book much more readable than "Cross", (Alex Cross #12), and enjoyed the read, particularly the twist of Kyle Craig escaping from prison. Improbable, but makes for good reading :)
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killer before Alex becomes his next victim.I found this book much more readable than "Cross", (Alex Cross #12), and enjoyed the read, particularly the twist of Kyle Craig escaping from prison. Improbable, but makes for good reading :)
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LibraryThing member BookWallah
Fast paced paced thriller, multiple serial killers, lots of clever murders, all while targeting you and your friends (if you escape into the first person narration by Doctor/detective Alex Cross). Classic one-sitting beach-read by James Patterson -- the faithful will not be disappointed.
LibraryThing member DCarlin
A typical Alex Cross story, however, I felt the characters were more gruesome in this book. I don't know where or how James Patterson would have researched this storyline.
Subjects
Language
Original publication date
2007-11-13
ISBN
0446198986 / 9780446198981