Helpful Score: 4
WOW, WOW, WOW!! This is written in classic Patterson prose and his infamous short chapters. The first book of JP's I ever read was one that was totally different than anything else he has ever written ... The Jester ... I was hooked from page one and I then went in a frenzy and just HAD to have and read every book he has ever written. This book, is like that!!
Although is it a part of his Cross series ... it's not typical ... it takes place back in the early 1900's and it is told to you by Alex Cross telling it from Ben Corbett's first person journal account and it features Cross's relatives. It made me tear up a few times while reading it and it was really very graphic when describing some of the lynching scenes ... it's very sad for me to know that these things actually did happened in our country's past. For a white author writing about a very serious time in black history ... I think he did an awesome job relating it and letting you, the reader, feel it.
If you have never read JP before and you pick this one up ... you WILL be hooked. If you have read JP before ... you WILL NOT be disappointed!!
Although is it a part of his Cross series ... it's not typical ... it takes place back in the early 1900's and it is told to you by Alex Cross telling it from Ben Corbett's first person journal account and it features Cross's relatives. It made me tear up a few times while reading it and it was really very graphic when describing some of the lynching scenes ... it's very sad for me to know that these things actually did happened in our country's past. For a white author writing about a very serious time in black history ... I think he did an awesome job relating it and letting you, the reader, feel it.
If you have never read JP before and you pick this one up ... you WILL be hooked. If you have read JP before ... you WILL NOT be disappointed!!
Helpful Score: 3
For Patterson, I thought this was a very powerful novel delving into the racial injustices in the South during the early 20th century. Although the title of the book implies that this is an Alex Cross thriller, it is actually much more. It tells the story of Cross' great uncle, Abraham, and his cousin, Moody, in the town of Eudora, Mississippi. It is the story of lynchings, racial bigotry, hatred, and violence towards African Americans at that time, and paints a very ugly picture of man's inhumanity to man. The book is written in Patterson's fast short-chapter style and is a very quick read but the subject matter leaves you with something more to think about that his usual action thrillers. The trial sequences in the book were somewhat reminiscent of "To Kill a Mockingbird" but not quite in the same league. The book includes references to historical figures such as W.E.B. DuBois and Teddy Roosevelt but I'm not sure of the historical accuracies. If the South was anything like what is portrayed in this story, there is a lot to be ashamed of! Overall, a high recommendation for this one.
Helpful Score: 3
I had stopped reading James Patterson, not that his books aren't good, but because I felt like they were way too short and he could have developed his books a lot more. I accidentally ordered Alex Cross's Trial through my book club. I must admit even though this book is not about Alex Cross it is a very good book. The subject matter is disturbing and goes into detail on lynchings and the Klan in Mississippi before the turn of the turn of the 20th century.
Helpful Score: 3
As a huge fan of Alex Cross, I was eagerly anticipating his next case. However, I was sorely disappointed because the book's title is misleading. The story is not about Alex Cross but a story about one of his ancestors. The writing style and content was not what I have come to appreciate and expect in an Alex Cross story. A disappointing entry in an otherwise excellent series.
Helpful Score: 2
Excellent book. I read it in one day. My wife read it in one day. My father - in - law read it in one day. It is that type of book - you cannot put it down.
