Criss Cross (Alex Cross, 25)

by James Patterson

Hardcover, 2019

Collection

Publication

Little, Brown and Company (2019), Edition: First Edition, 400 pages

Description

"In a Virginia penitentiary, Alex Cross and his partner, John Sampson, witness the execution of a killer they helped convict. Hours later, they are called to the scene of a copycat crime. A note signed 'M' rests on the corpse. 'You messed up big time, Dr. Cross.' Was an innocent man just put to death? Alex soon realizes he may have much to answer for, as 'M' lures the detective out of the capital to the sites of multiple homicides, all marked with distressingly familiar details--details that conjure up decades-old cases. Details that conjure up Cross family secrets. Details that make clear that M is after a prize so dear that--were the killer to attain it--Alex's heart would no longer have reason to beat"--

User reviews

LibraryThing member jfe16
Alex Cross witnesses the execution of convicted killer Michael Edgerton, a man whose family believes Doctor Cross framed him. However, Alex and his partner, John Sampson, are certain Edgerton is the killer.

But a copycat crime, with a cryptic note from “M,” causes Alex to wonder if they’ve
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just seen an innocent man executed. And then the bodies begin to pile up, each scene brings memories of past cases. The taunting notes continue; Alex is determined to put the case to rest.

And then the unthinkable happens . . . .

In this, the twenty-seventh outing, the past and present weave an intense, gruesome tale. With the expected characters in place, the story unfolds with non-stop action, unexpected reveals that ramp up the tension, and the author’s trademark short chapters keep the suspense building. With most of the storylines tied up as the story wraps up, there’s just the expected cliffhanger that leaves readers to wonder what will happen next.

The introspectiveness of Alex Cross throughout the narrative gives depth to the character and keeps readers involved in the telling of the tale. Despite being part of a long-running series, the book works as a stand-alone since it weaves in sufficient backstory to keep everything nicely humming along. There’s much to appreciate in this perfect addition to the Alex Cross canon.

Highly recommended.
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LibraryThing member Andy_DiMartino
It may seem a bit repetitive after 27 books in this franchise but still a good chase and a compelling ending to get you to the next book
LibraryThing member JPodlaski
I thoroughly enjoyed reading CRISS CROSS by James Patterson. This story left me second-guessing who the killer was every time I closed the book. Then a new murder happened and my theory was blown to bits. The suspense near the end caused me to continue reading way past my bedtime to see how it all
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turned out. I wasn't disappointed. Now I have to wait for the next story to be released to see if "M" continues the killing spree and goes after Alex's family again. Highly recommended.
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LibraryThing member rmarcin
Alex Cross is back in another exciting thriller. In this one, Alex watches a man put to death for murders committed long ago. He continues his claim of innocence to the bitter end. But, when additional murders happen just like those committed by Mikey Edgerton, Alex starts to wonder if they
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convicted the right man.
As more and more discoveries are made, Alex knows that he is being chased by a mastermind, called M. He begins to wonder if his old friend, Kyle Craig, has come back from the dead.
This is an intriguing thriller, with Alex reviewing old cases to see what he may have missed, to provide him clues and insights into what is happening now.
Nana Mama, Bree, Jannie, Ali, Damon, and John Sampson all make appearances in this book, as does Ned Mahoney. Alex's family and friends are always front and center for Alex as he battles the demons of crime.
#CrissCross #JamesPatterson
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Language

Original language

English

Physical description

400 p.; 9.5 inches

DDC/MDS

813.54

ISBN

0316526886 / 9780316526883

Other editions

Rating

½ (74 ratings; 3.7)

Pages

400
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