Review: I, Alex Cross
When the remains of Alex Cross’s niece, Caroline, are found, he’s determined to find her killer. He hasn’t seen Caroline since his brother died twenty years ago and feels he owes this to him. The search for the killer leads Alex to a private gentleman’s club where, for the right price, fantasies can come true. There are some high powered people involved and they want Alex off the case.
There are things going on in Alex’s personal life too – his beloved Nana Mama has to be hospitalized and Alex realizes just how much a part of his family his girlfriend, Bree, is.
I, Alex Cross by James Patterson is typical of his work – fast paced action and short chapters – and it was exactly what I needed when I read it. I’ve read quite a few of Patterson’s Alex Cross books and I like the fact that Alex is such a family man and a real softie deep down inside. I’ve grown tired of most of Patterson’s collaborations, but I still enjoy this series. I was able to figure out the mystery fairly early, but it didn’t mar my enjoyment of the book – I wanted to know how Alex caught the bad guy. This is a quick, fun read, but there were a few parts that were pretty gruesome. You won’t want to miss I, Alex Cross if you’re a fan of this series.
Another good story.
I read the first Alex Cross book and liked it. I need to get back to these. Glad to see that the series stays interesting.
I did not much like the book I read as part of this series. I read Along came a spider.
So I do not think this series is for me. Great review.
I agree that the Alex Cross series is my favorite of Pattersons, so I might give this one a shot.
JP is always one of my favorite. Looks like I have to pick this one soon. Thanks for the review.
I think it is his collaborations that put me off his work. He just seems to bring out too many books for it to be possible that he has written them all.
You know, I really abhor Patterson. He just annoys the heck out of me. I have read quite a few of the Alex Cross books, and liked them, but the last couple seemed to have lost their intrigue for me. I’m not sure if that is because Patterson’s minions that write for him are slacking, or I just have an attitude! Ha!
I have to agree that the collaborations are take em or leave em for me, but I love the Alex Cross Series of books. This is the series that got my mom to read, and now she’s hooked me on them.
I guess I’m with Sandy. All the collaborations and seeing writing as a money machine have just turned me off!
I have read some in this series, but for some reason it did not really grab me.
I haven’t read Patterson in years, and do like him, but really prefer his earlier stuff. I can’t get into his collaborations and haven’t tried the Cross books yet. This one does sound good though, so I might have to check out this series. Great review, Kathy! I am glad that this was what you had been hoping for!
I’ve never read any James Patterson. I don’t know why I’ve missed out on him but I think I may have to remedy that this year. I think I’ll have to start with the Alex Cross series.
This is a definite add on to my tbr pile.
Great review!
I have read a couple in this series and liked them. I need to get back into them, it’s been a while!
I hear you about growing tired of Patterson. I don’t know why I keep reading The Women’s Murder Club series, but it’s probably because I’ve read 9 so why stop now. I haven’t read any Alex Cross books, though I’ve heard this series is his best.
Your the first I’ve seen review this book. I haven’t read any of his but its on my list of must reads.Definitely will have to get to this one.
natalie :0)
The Book Inn
I haven’t read Patterson in some time but in the past I found his books to be predictable and I HATE that. Maybe I should give him another try but there are just so many authors out there that don’t get the exposure Patterson does and I like exploring their work. Glad you enjoyed this one.
I have this on my tbr list, and it sounds from your review, that its a typical Patterson read, but will have to read it anyway.
I’ve held on to James Patterson and 3 of his series even though they are somewhat formulaic. I just can’t let them go like I’ve done with other mystery series. LOL
I’ve read a few Cross books and liked them but these days I limit myself to the Women’s Murder Club books only. Any more Patterson would rot my brain 🙂
His books are really good when you just want to be sort of distracted…nothing beats a quick short chapter when there is something else on your mind…I am glad it was there when you needed it…
How are you doing? Delayed sadness is a part of grieving, too…
alex cross is one of those characters that just stays with you isn’t he? i’ve read so many of patterson’s books, especially the cross series for when i needed a get lost in a book and not have to think at all ~ i’m glad you enjoyed this one! i”ll have to pick it up.
I wonder if my friend has read Patterson..surely she has, just not for me
I feel ridiculous that I haven’t read Patterson! Truly ridiculous 🙂
This sounds really good. Sometimes it is fun to solve the mystery in advance. 🙂
I enjoyed the movies but don’t think I have read any of the books. I have this one on audio. I do enjoy those short chapters at times. I love a feeling of accomplishment.
this is the one series that i haven’t read in order! it seems like every time i turn around another one comes out. i just can’t keep up with patterson, but its definitely one of my goals to read the alex cross series in order.
He most certainly is fast paced! I haven’t read much of his work, but there was one about a marriage which went lickety split, just the thing I needed while on Vicodin recovering from a foot surgery.
I like the Alex Cross books too. My husband and I are both reading this one right now. [We keep fighting each other for it.] I agree with you – it’s good.
I like the Alex Cross series, too. It’s the rare crime thriller that mixes family well into the plot. I’ve missed this one somehow, so now I’ll read it. Thanks for the reminder.
I’m still trying to decide if I should check this series out. I’m so inclined to reading it…
I read Kiss the Girls and Along Came a Spider years ago but could never get into it. Then, I listened to Cross a couple of years ago on audio and that one didn’t really work for me either – maybe I should skip this one, huh? 🙂
I’ve seen this one around and debated reading it. You really seemed to like it!
I always think “gruesome” equates to my made-up word “skipster” (IOW, not for me!) but I read at least one book that was fairly gruesome at times, last year, and it turned out to be among my favorites. Still . . . I’ll keep avoiding this series. I don’t think it’s really my thing.
i listened to a few of these audio books but haven’t ever sat down and actually read one! this sounds like a must-read for fans, but i might just skip it unless it’s on the lending shelf at the library.
I haven’t read any of this series. To be honest, I’m turned off by Patterson, not by his books necessarily but by all his collaborations and the fact that he seems to have his foot in every genre.
I know there are so many people who enjoy Patterson and there is a time and place for him but I just can’t stand his stuff.
I haven’t read Patterson in years. I definitely went on my Patterson reading binges in the past. I was kind of over him but maybe I should give him another try.
I used to listen to this series on audio but haven’t in years. Maybe I’ll have to get back to it one day.
Patterson is a huge hit at work, I see his books everywhere.
One day will have to read him since I’ve seen so many of his books made into movies. An incentive to get on the program fast.