Cross

Written by James Patterson

Narrated by Garrick Hagon

Alex Cross was a rising star in Washington, DC, Police Department when an unknown shooter killed his wife, Maria, in front of him. Years later, having left the FBI and returned to practising psychology in Washington, DC, Alex finally feels his life is in order... Until his former partner, John Sampson, calls in a favour. John's tracking a serial rapist in Georgetown and he needs Alex to help find this brutal predator. When the case triggers a connection to Maria's death, could Alex have a chance to catch his wife's murderer? Will this be justice at long last? Or the endgame in his own deadly obsession?

(P)2012 Headline Digital

• Language: English
• Publisher: Hachette UK Audio
• Release date: May 3, 2012
• ISBN: 9780755398317

James Patterson

James Patterson is the CEO of J. Walter Thompson, an advertising agency in New York. He has written several successful fiction and nonfiction books, including The New York Times best seller The Day America Told the Truth.

Reviews for Cross

[carramel0705 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

can't wait to read the next book !

[feralcatbob · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

A little on the formulaic side but a fun, quick, easy read. This is the type of book that makes for excellent travel reading except for when you're swept up in the action and your flight gets called for final boarding.

[nataliec7 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I really enjoyed this Alex Cross book. Alex resigns from the FBI and starts up his own practice. However he gets called in on a case as its linked to the murder of his wife Maria. What I liked about this book the most was the information provided about Maria. From the 1st book, we've known she was killed but this book gives us the background info. I read this in 12 hours and am about to start Double Cross.

[buffalogr · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Number 12 in the series answers a lot of questions from previous books. Our hero chases a bad guy who killed Cross' wife. Characters are exquisite. I liked Samson, who's a really bad (good guy) dude. Nana-moma is also a strong character. Read in series, these books form a great story--where's the next one?

[jguidry-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I really enjoyed this installment in the Alex Cross series. This is an example of when audiobook narrators improve the story. There were two narrators--one for Alex Cross and one for The Butcher. This normally doesn't impress me, but this time it added to the suspense. I really enjoyed going back and forth getting both points of view. The story was gripping, and the final chapter was well-written. I will admit that the epilogue was unnecessary. It annoyed rather than built suspense for the next book.

[brucemmoyer · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This, in my opinion, is one of the better Alex Cross novels, however it is still an Alex Cross novel and as such, it borders on the trashy.I did find it entertaining and enjoyed the read, but all the time thinking I could be reading something better. Every Patterson Alex Cross book I have read adheres to pretty much the same formula, only the bad guy changes. If you like Alex Cross novels, you will surely like this one.

[jjean7-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Another great thriller with lots of action....Written in easy short chapters to read...if you like Alex Cross, you will enjoy this book...as he moves on!!

[whybehave2002 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I'm so happy I read this. I feel terrible that it's the first book I"ve read by James Patterson. I can't wait to read more. Wonderful writer!

Just finished this book a second time. Audio version this time. Still love it!! June 3, 2014.

[motelboss · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Another excellent read by a fantastic author. This book has it all for thriller fans. The character Cross does not disappoint

[dandeethings · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

This is my first James Patterson novel, as this is not my usual genre. It was fast paced and held my attention but I was so put off by the constant chapter changes, it made me disconnect. I certainly won't run out to buy another Patterson book immediately but would be willing to read his work again.

[hazysaffron · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This book is outside of the genre I usually read but so many people like this author I figured I'd give it a go. It is pretty good for a crime novel. Reads like a episode of Law & Order. I gave it three stars because it doesn't rate much more than that so far as my own personal enjoyment level. If you like detective/crime novels I'd probably say it would rate four stars for you.

[debavp · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Finally, some real information on the tragic past of Cross. And a few bits of realistic compulsive behavior to boot. Where Cross goes from here is going to be interesting.

[jbemrose_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Alex Cross's wife maria was murder. He was deturmened to find out who and why she was killed. Plus help his former partner John Sampson track down a serial rapist. This book has page turning suspence and lots of thrills.

[es135_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This novel is, thankfully, reminiscent of the early books (Along Came a Spider, Kiss the Girls) in the series. It is apparent that the success of an Alex Cross novel, in my mind, is dependent on Alex's personal stakes in the cases. Patterson, whether you like his style or not, is very good at writing simple human emotions. When his wife's killer resurfaces after so many years, Alex will stop at nothing to put the man behind bars. This novel packs the old school style that faithful Patterson readers have come to expect and enjoy.

[sonicquack · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Less frantic that most of the Cross novels, this entry has more content and storyline than usual. It's a story piece, following Alex's departure from the FBI, whilst his past comes back to haunt him, offering the potential of closure for a theme that has run across all the novels so far. The narrative is denser than all the previous entries too, with smaller text and a few longer chapters. That said, the usual breakneck speed of chapters is still present in the main, thus Cross still remains both easy to consume or read in small bites, whichever suits the reader. There's a more graphic feel to the sexual and violent sequences too, Patterson is hitting hard with Cross, even though the subdued pace takes the edge off some of the tension. A good entry in the series, although his break from the norm actually reduces the impact.

[meganangela · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

James Patterson's Cross was my introduction into the world of James Patterson novels. His books aren't my usual fare, but this book was given to me as a present so I figured I should at least try it.As far as style is concerned, I enjoyed the short chapters. I felt that having the chapters be that short made it easier to keep reading and helped the story keep a fast pace. There was also the alternating POVs. Some chapters were told from Alex Cross' point of view and others from Michael "The Butcher" Sullivan's. However, despite the short chapters and fast pace, I felt that the novel was lacking. James Patterson has made no dice about the fact that he is a storyteller first and foremost, not a great writer, so going into it I knew that the writing wouldn't be up to the same standard as other mystery writers. Yet, this story seemed to be kind of boring. I've learned that this is a continuation of an earlier plot line, so perhaps I'm missing something along the way. Still, while it was the very definition of a "page turner", I didn't feel like the suspense truly built and the end was miserably anticlimactic.I give this novel three stars because it did its job as a page turner, but it wasn't a book that I would reread or recommend to those seeking a book full of thrills and twists.

[davidcrawford_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I was expecting more of this one. It was a page-turner, but it did not have the suspense I was expecting and therefore this disappointment. Excellent book, just not what I was expecting for the other Alex Cross novels I had read. This is not the Alex Cross that I have enjoyed at the beginning of the series. Cross must have had a head injury because the character just seems to babble along without any intelligible analysis or interpretation of what is happening around him. And then there was this plot twist between Cross and Sampson that I'm still having trouble understanding. I was expecting more from this novel. Still it was a page-turner, to a limited degree, because there was little suspense and this caused a big disappointment with me. It`s not a terrible book, it just didn't measure up to the other Cross stories that I have enjoyed.

[heptonj · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Given this the same star-rating as the book I already had . When I saw this in a book shop on holiday I checked that I hadn't got it in my 'library' and bought it. Only to discover that I had already read it under the title of Cross. Why do publishers/authors have to put their books back on the market under a different name? I've come across this before and it's most annoying.

[tymfos · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

When in need of a good "page turner" novel, James Patterson's Alex Cross series is always a safe bet for me. The books may not be "Great Literature," but they are well-crafted and suspenseful, filled with effective plot twists and peopled with interesting, well-drawn, complex characters. This particular installment of the series finds Alex Cross back in private practice after resigning from the FBI. But just when it seems that his days of crime-fighting are over, he is faced with the possibility of finally catching his wife's killer. And, with the help of his old D.C. police partner, John Sampson, the hunt is on!Both Cross and his current nemesis are plagued by memories. Cross is lost in memories of Maria, who died in his arms over a decade prior. She was the woman who brought out the very best in Alex, and he cannot let go of her memory. His adversary, Michael Sullivan (AKA: the Butcher), is haunted and tormented by memories of his father -- the sadistic monster whose abuse made Michael the twisted, psychopathic killer that he is.As usual in the Alex Cross series, the story is fast-paced and suspenseful. The characters are believable and multi-dimensional. And there are always surprises in store for the reader.

[edwardsgt · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

In this story Alex Cross has left the FBI and has set again in private practice, but finds himself unable to keep away from his friend Sampson's hunt for a vicious serial rapist, as there are echoes with his wife's murder many years ago. A chilling account of a Mafia hit-man and serial rapist who has been aptly named the butcher. No particular surprises in the plot, but well-written.

[skinglist · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I read this in even quicker than typical Patterson fashion. Good, but not spectacular. Alex Cross series is very same-y but I feel the need to see it through. Whatever through is. I remember when this came out they said it would be the end but now Double Cross is coming out in November :/ I didn't find Sampson's revelation to be all that shocking, kind of anti climactic.

[jlouise77_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Good book. Kept my attention and was a fairly quick read. I found it somewhat confusing at times, but that could be mainly because I have missed a couple of the Alex Cross series previous to this one. Good solid read.

[djupstrom · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Yet another satisfying Alex Cross novel. Nothing new.

[sandburg_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

The first Patterson's book I've read. A page-turner that I finished in two sittings. I fell for Alex Cross and buoght the whole series the next day.

[ericlee_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

First of all, I read this as an e-book on my Palm, and was delighted to do so. I was able to purchase the book and read it when I wanted to -- and finished it within 19 hours of buying it. I've read a lot of James Pattersons and don't always like them, but this was actually not bad, a return to form. Cute, the various in-jokes, including the mention of actor Morgan Freeman, who has played Alex Cross in the movies.

[bashert_2 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

suspenseful mafia centered serial killer rapist book. some cross family involvement sidelights or diversions. suspenseful but not one of his better books.

[ct4bergeron · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Alex Cross was a rising star in the Washington, DC, Police Department when an unknown shooter gunned down his wife, Maria, in front of him. Alex's need for vengeance was placed on hold as he faced another huge challenge-raising his children without their mother.THE MOST TERRIFYING CROSS EVER.Years later Alex is making a bold move in his life. He has left the FBI and set up practice as a psychologist once again. His life with Nana Mama, Damon, Jannie, and little Alex finally feels like it's in order. He even has a chance at a new love.Then Cross's former partner, John Sampson, calls in a favor. He is tracking a serial rapist in Georgetown, one whose brutal modus operandi includes threatening his victims with terrifying photos. Cross and Sampson need the testimonies of these women to stop the predator, but the rape victims refuse to reveal anything about their attacker.THE MOST EMOTIONAL CROSS EVER.When the case triggers a connection to Maria's death, Alex may have a chance to catch his wife's murderer after all these years. Is this a chance for justice at long last? Or the culminating scene in his own deadly obsession?

[contessa20 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

A waste of paper! I was SO psyched about finally finding out about the creep that killed Cross' wife so many years ago. In the end though, there was nothing special about it. I expected something FAR better to mark the end of this long awaited mystery but it just didn't deliver. Personally, I think Patterson's books have gone WAY downhill since he started working with co-authors and churning them out like Levi's.

[size12isnotfat · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Cross is an edge-of-your-seat, page-turning thriller. It's gruesome crimes and heroic characters make this an unforgettable episode to the Alex Cross saga.

[joycec_873639 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

predictable - like so many of Patterson's novels