Helpful Score: 10
I have always read James Patterson's Alex Cross series. And even though I have felt his writing is getting very bad I usually have no problem reading his books.
This one was so violent and Alex Cross seemed so stupid that I just could not take it anymore. The problems in Africa are a serious subject and even though fiction can bring to life real issues I felt that this book was too badly written to do justice to the subject.
This one was so violent and Alex Cross seemed so stupid that I just could not take it anymore. The problems in Africa are a serious subject and even though fiction can bring to life real issues I felt that this book was too badly written to do justice to the subject.
Helpful Score: 8
Reviews of this book speak to the intensity of the action, the drama of the plot. While the reviews are correct, the main issue Patterson addresses is the utter ignorance of the American people regarding what is taking place on the continent of Africa.**
Patterson takes Alex Cross into Nigeria in search of a particularly vile murderer, and in doing so he exposes Alex (and the reader) to a world unknown prior to reading this book. The chaos of war, the misery of the displaced-persons camps, the lawlessness that is fed by lack of structure in the higher echelons of government, all of this forms part of the plot of this very quick-moving story. Prepare yourself for entertainment as you read the words Patterson has written, and settle in for quite a read. I doubt that you'll be able to put down this book because you are drawn into the plot from the very beginning. In my most humble opinion, this is one of Patterson's better books--in addition to plot twists and turns, there is a very real message given to the reader.
** it is not so much that we're unwilling to learn about what's going on, it is that the media which are supposed to bring us news tend to avoid much in-depth discussion of current events in Darfur, Nigeria, etc.,.
Patterson takes Alex Cross into Nigeria in search of a particularly vile murderer, and in doing so he exposes Alex (and the reader) to a world unknown prior to reading this book. The chaos of war, the misery of the displaced-persons camps, the lawlessness that is fed by lack of structure in the higher echelons of government, all of this forms part of the plot of this very quick-moving story. Prepare yourself for entertainment as you read the words Patterson has written, and settle in for quite a read. I doubt that you'll be able to put down this book because you are drawn into the plot from the very beginning. In my most humble opinion, this is one of Patterson's better books--in addition to plot twists and turns, there is a very real message given to the reader.
** it is not so much that we're unwilling to learn about what's going on, it is that the media which are supposed to bring us news tend to avoid much in-depth discussion of current events in Darfur, Nigeria, etc.,.
Helpful Score: 6
This book was definitely not as good as the previous Alex Cross books in the series. (I seriously feel like my interest in them has been in decline with the last three that I've read.) The story is fast-paced, but it really only serves to supply Cross's need for drama. The man is an adrenaline junkie and it feels like he tries to find trouble in order to get it.
He also once again has woman drama. We see Cross having to involve himself in the investigation of the murder of an ex-girlfriend from college so that he may find her killer and avenge her. So, his newest "you gotta be kidding me" adventure leads him to Africa on the murderer's trail. And, while there, Cross can't even handle being in another country (far away from his current squeeze, Bree) that he just happens to run across a beautiful woman who's a reporter that he gets a little cozy with... it wasn't "sex" cozy, but I wouldn't like to think Bree would've been cool with him cuddling up to another woman at night. I mean seriously, I can't be the only one to notice that he's either a player or has serious co-dependency issues. (Did the man not get breast-fed enough?) I used to really like that these books weren't all filled with ridiculous personal drama, but this one sure proved me wrong! This one almost makes Alex Cross out to be some kind of "Jack Bower"-wanna be-super hero by the comment that Nigeria wanted him there. As if.
I also totally felt that weaving the troubles that are taking place in Africa into the plot of this book was a bit far-fetched. If Patterson really wanted to make readers aware of what is going on over there, I think it would've been better served by creating a new character and a new series. The little bit that Cross did over there in no way represents enough of the atrocities going on. I mean really, the last couple of Cross books have just managed to go downhill as far as overall story content. I'm to the point that where I don't think I'm ready to stop reading the series all-together, but I'm definitely not regretting that I haven't spent money on new copies of the last few books that have come out (prior to this one and this one included). It makes me really glad that all I need to do is use a credit. (And patience is not a problem, because I'm hoping by the time I get the next one, my disappointment in this one will have faded so I won't be so annoyed by the content if it sucks.) But, I can say, if this downward spiral into "you gotta be kidding me" continues, I'll be looking for other authors who aren't just selling books because they've been around so long they feel like they can get sloppy. Although, and I know the show was fictitious, but I remember watching the episode of "Castle" where Patterson chided Rick for killing off his star character because that's where you keep getting your money. At the time it was funny, but I think he was serious...
I'm also not sure how much research Patterson did on animal life when he wrote this book, but to make it more "suspenseful" Cross was attacked by a crocodile. The whole description of the scene just didn't make sense because Cross saw the water rolling and backed away just as he saw the croc come to the surface and then he ran from it, etc. Okay, I'm sure the average person could've watched some re-runs of The Crocodile Hunter to know that you don't get that kind of warning from those things. If it played out accurately, I'm pretty sure Mr. Cross would've had a messy and painful retirement.
I was also scared to find myself actually agreeing with Nana in this book, in regards to Alex going to Africa. The man seems to stupidly, and consistently, do things to put his family in danger and then seems surprised that the bad guys go after them. (It made all those times he gets his butt whooped on his journey more like just desserts and not outrages. Unfortunately, it didn't knock any sense into him.)
Overall, this book was mediocre at best. I read it because I've been trying to keep up with the series, but I'm definitely only wish-listing the next two books because after this one, I really don't care when I next read about the misadventures of Alex Cross.
He also once again has woman drama. We see Cross having to involve himself in the investigation of the murder of an ex-girlfriend from college so that he may find her killer and avenge her. So, his newest "you gotta be kidding me" adventure leads him to Africa on the murderer's trail. And, while there, Cross can't even handle being in another country (far away from his current squeeze, Bree) that he just happens to run across a beautiful woman who's a reporter that he gets a little cozy with... it wasn't "sex" cozy, but I wouldn't like to think Bree would've been cool with him cuddling up to another woman at night. I mean seriously, I can't be the only one to notice that he's either a player or has serious co-dependency issues. (Did the man not get breast-fed enough?) I used to really like that these books weren't all filled with ridiculous personal drama, but this one sure proved me wrong! This one almost makes Alex Cross out to be some kind of "Jack Bower"-wanna be-super hero by the comment that Nigeria wanted him there. As if.
I also totally felt that weaving the troubles that are taking place in Africa into the plot of this book was a bit far-fetched. If Patterson really wanted to make readers aware of what is going on over there, I think it would've been better served by creating a new character and a new series. The little bit that Cross did over there in no way represents enough of the atrocities going on. I mean really, the last couple of Cross books have just managed to go downhill as far as overall story content. I'm to the point that where I don't think I'm ready to stop reading the series all-together, but I'm definitely not regretting that I haven't spent money on new copies of the last few books that have come out (prior to this one and this one included). It makes me really glad that all I need to do is use a credit. (And patience is not a problem, because I'm hoping by the time I get the next one, my disappointment in this one will have faded so I won't be so annoyed by the content if it sucks.) But, I can say, if this downward spiral into "you gotta be kidding me" continues, I'll be looking for other authors who aren't just selling books because they've been around so long they feel like they can get sloppy. Although, and I know the show was fictitious, but I remember watching the episode of "Castle" where Patterson chided Rick for killing off his star character because that's where you keep getting your money. At the time it was funny, but I think he was serious...
I'm also not sure how much research Patterson did on animal life when he wrote this book, but to make it more "suspenseful" Cross was attacked by a crocodile. The whole description of the scene just didn't make sense because Cross saw the water rolling and backed away just as he saw the croc come to the surface and then he ran from it, etc. Okay, I'm sure the average person could've watched some re-runs of The Crocodile Hunter to know that you don't get that kind of warning from those things. If it played out accurately, I'm pretty sure Mr. Cross would've had a messy and painful retirement.
I was also scared to find myself actually agreeing with Nana in this book, in regards to Alex going to Africa. The man seems to stupidly, and consistently, do things to put his family in danger and then seems surprised that the bad guys go after them. (It made all those times he gets his butt whooped on his journey more like just desserts and not outrages. Unfortunately, it didn't knock any sense into him.)
Overall, this book was mediocre at best. I read it because I've been trying to keep up with the series, but I'm definitely only wish-listing the next two books because after this one, I really don't care when I next read about the misadventures of Alex Cross.
Helpful Score: 3
This is the most intense of the Cross books. It's a really fast read, but the subject is really creepy. Great for those of us who love the creepiness...James Patterson can't write fast enough for me!!!
Helpful Score: 3
I was a little mixed on this one. This was definitely not a typical Alex Cross story. This one takes Cross to Africa in search of the killers of an old college sweetheart (who had been working on an expose of the goings on in Nigeria) and her family. As usual, this was a page-turner with some extremely bad characters from Africa committing some extremely brutal murders in both the U.S. and Africa. While in Africa, Cross sees first hand some of the outrages being perpetrated on the African people in Nigeria, Sierra Leon, and the Sudan including the refugee camps in Darfur. While these parts of the novel are eye-opening, I'm not sure an Alex Cross novel is the best forum to expound on the political turmoil in Africa. The whole premise of Cross running off to Africa to seek the killers is a little preposterous. Cross is never in command of the situations when he gets to Africa or for that matter throughout the book. He seems to be working completely in the dark and does not really use his wits as he does in some of the earlier novels in this series. Overall a mild recommendation.
Helpful Score: 2
This is a truly unbelieveable story line. Alex Cross is (or was) not stupid enough to do what he did in this story. I promised myself I wouldn't get any more of Patterson's books, but got this one anyway. I've always been a fan of his but this one really, really disappointed. Hope others don't feel the same....
Helpful Score: 2
It's time for Alex Cross to retire!!
Helpful Score: 1
Alex Cross takes us on another adventure in which he travels to Africa searching for "The Tiger", a vicious, ubiquitous killer. He is horrified at the atrocities and is nearly killed. A fast pace thriller that kept me up all night reading!!!
Helpful Score: 1
This is one of the best books by James Patterson that i have ever read...and I have read a LOT by him
Helpful Score: 1
great book, kept me on the edge of my seat the whole way through. He chases this killer gang to Africa and almost gets killed himself. They follow him home and invade his house, it was really exciting!
Helpful Score: 1
This was the worst Alex Cross novel that James Patterson had written to date. I would just recomend skipping this book to any that are following the series.
Helpful Score: 1
Great as usual for Patterson
Helpful Score: 1
Heart-stopping, hold-your-breath action from first page to last. You won't believe what Alex Cross has to endure to catch the latest killer. This book is one you'll think about days after you finish it. What a read!
Helpful Score: 1
I LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVED THIS BOOK, I THINK IT WAS ONE OF MY FAV CROSS BOOKS, WELL THE 3RD IN LINE AFTER POP GOES THE WEASEL, AND LONDON BRIDGES OF COURSE. ONCE I GOT READING THIS BOOK I COULDN'T PUT IT DOWN. I LOVED IT AND IT WAS VERY FAST PACED AND ACTION PACKED RIGHT FROM THE BEGINNING. I DON'T MEAN TO YELL BUT THIS BOOK WAS OUTSTANDING AND I LOVED IT. DON'T READ REVIEWS THAT SAY A BOOK ISN'T GOOD UNTIL YOU READ IT YOURSELF. IF YOU LOVE CROSS YOU WILL TRUELY ENJOY THIS BOOK. THE END HAS A KICK TOO IT TOO, SO DON'T READ THE LAST 2 PAGES UNTIL YOU GET TO THEM. NO CHEATING! ENJOY! HAPPY READING! I'M SO GLAD THAT JAMES PATTERSON WAS ONCE AGAIN MY FIRST BOOK COMPLETED FOR THE YEAR
Helpful Score: 1
I usually like the Alex Cross books, but I had neither the nerves or the stomach for this book. I couldn't make it through the first 50 pages. I wasn't even sorry when I had to toss it in the trash because it had become wet. I just considered it one less book for someone to get stuck reading. I will be hesitant to read another Cross book for a long time, if ever.
Helpful Score: 1
This was good like all the others. Not quite as good as some but definitely worth reading!
Helpful Score: 1
I love the Alex Cross series but this one was not my favorite. It brought needed attention to issues in other parts of the world. I am just not a big fan of storylines in other countries; however, the book was intriquing.
Helpful Score: 1
This was hard to read. Not because the subject matter was difficult to understand, but because it was poorly put together. I am a huge James Patterson fan and like many others a big fan of the Alex Cross series, but if he's running out of material I'd rather see him retire the series then do it such a disservice.
Different twist with Cross international.
I love the Alex Cross series. I recommend James Patterson to people who aren't avid readers. The chapters are always short, you can stop and start at any place in the book and you never lose the story. The characters are great, his writing style is page turning. Big Patterson fan!
Great Cross Series Book
If you are a Alex Cross fan you will like this. I thought it was just okay.
Caption: The chase is on-is Alex Cross the hunter or the hunted
Caption: The chase is on-is Alex Cross the hunter or the hunted
I usually like Patterson's books but this one was not one of my favorites. The theme was current but the ending just left me hanging with lots of unanswered questions.
Good book!
It was fast-paced and pretty unrealistic on several fronts. It did hold my interest until the end but I had lots of questions about many of the adventures including why he went to Africa in the first place since he had no jurisdiction in any of those countries.
James Patterson at his best in this Alex Cross book. A savage murder occurs in Washington DC obliterating a family. It is the most gruesome case Alex has ever seen. Then another one and this one hits a friend from his past. As Alex digs into the case he finds a trail to a murderous mercenary called The Tiger and it leads him to Africa. On his own Alex finds himself in a nightmare world moving from Nigeria to Sierra Leone and even to the camps in Darfur. He can trust no one and soon finds himself back in DC were greater shocks await. The term ripped from the headlines gets thronw around a lot but this one hits the mark. I couldn't put it down and finished it in two readings. Action, adventure and as always with Patterson a shocking end. Highly recommended.
Loved this book! I have been waiting for a good Cross book to come back! I was on the edge of my seat for most of the book. There were parts that got a little far fetched but for the most part it brought me a reminder why I started reading his Cross series in the first place.
James Patterson most intense books. I have read 25 or so of his books and I found this book to be intense throughout the whole book. Was it the best James Patterson? Probably not but it was not a complete disappointment. You are left on the edge till the end, but overall I would recommend.
I have read most of James Pattersons books and there are only two I did not like so well, They were good but not his great. I however enjoyed the heck out of this book.
James tried to make his Alex Cross character just like the rest of us with our nuances and short comings, oh and also add frayed judgment. The world needs to know what is really going on in Africa.You can run, but you cannot hide. This book was wrote rather close to the edge on politics. Very risky but very needed. James I Thank You for your guts
to not be afraid to take chances and to make you Alex Cross character be the same way.
THIS BOOK WAS A GREAT ROLLER COASTER RIDE AND DEFINITELY NOT FOR THE SQUEAMISH. I enjoyed it and want to recommend it to Alex Cross fans. Not for the shallow minded.
James tried to make his Alex Cross character just like the rest of us with our nuances and short comings, oh and also add frayed judgment. The world needs to know what is really going on in Africa.You can run, but you cannot hide. This book was wrote rather close to the edge on politics. Very risky but very needed. James I Thank You for your guts
to not be afraid to take chances and to make you Alex Cross character be the same way.
THIS BOOK WAS A GREAT ROLLER COASTER RIDE AND DEFINITELY NOT FOR THE SQUEAMISH. I enjoyed it and want to recommend it to Alex Cross fans. Not for the shallow minded.
Love the Cross series.
A good book about Alex Cross.
Good book. I enjoyed it.
Another fast paced Patterson novel involving Alex Cross. Unforturnately this was not a favorite. The theme placed Alex in Nigera Africa. Its amazing all the horror Alex was put thru but still remains alive. I still look forward to the next book in the series though.
When the home of Alex Cross's oldest friend, Ellie Cox, is turned into the worst murder scene Alex has ever seen, the destruction leads him to believe that he's chasing a horrible new breed of killer. As Alex and his girlfriend, Brianna Stone, become entangled in the deadly Nigerian underworld of Washington D.C., what they discover is shocking: a stunningly organized gang of lethal teenagers headed by a powerful, diabolical man--the African warlord known as the Tiger. Just when the detectives think they're closing in on the elusive murderer, the Tiger disappears into thin air. Tracking him to Africa, Alex knows that he must follow. Alone.
From the author Time magazine has called "the man who can't miss," CROSS COUNTRY is the most heart-stopping, speed-charged, electrifying Alex Cross thriller yet.
From the author Time magazine has called "the man who can't miss," CROSS COUNTRY is the most heart-stopping, speed-charged, electrifying Alex Cross thriller yet.
I love James Patterson/Alex Cross books, but often feel they follow the same template. This one breaks the mold. I was riveted throughout the entire book. I highly recommend Cross Country.
I always love James Patterson books and Alex Cross books are the best. You will not put it down.
Definitely much better than the previous Cross books-Patterson's writing really shown through (and no one else's-finally)! Can't wait to read the next one!
Not as good as the previous, but the ending makes up for it. Good Read
Although this book got mixed reviews I though it was very good. It seems to me that James Patterson was trying to show how bad things are in other countries and how the media does not address it and everyone just wants it go away. Part of it reminded me of the story of "Blood Diamond" that most Americans don't want to see how the natives of Africa are treated and how we don't want to see or read about it. This book was a page turner and I really enjoyed reading it. How lucky we are so far that this does not go on in our country but the greed of others may someday affect our freedom too.
miss the original Alex Cross books. This was nowhere near a regular Cross book. I always look forward to the Cross books because they're the only ones Patterson writes by himself and they were pretty consistent over the years. I had a hard time following this book because it seemed like we really weren't learning anything beneficial (to the 'whodunit' part of the plot) from most of the text. Alex wasn't himself, the bad guys were pretty obvious and it felt like this was more about politics than a good mystery.
Wow! This is a really fast-paced book. I mean just how many times can you get kidnapped in less than 500 pages? He's kidnapped by the good guys, he's kidnapped by the bad guys, and he's kidnapped by people you don't even know who they are.
Alex chases a viscious murderer to Africa and back. There are some very descriptive, gruesome murder scenes that I had to stop and regroup for a bit before reading on. Then his family gets kidnapped and he is taken by the murderer to reclaim their bodies.
Alex chases a viscious murderer to Africa and back. There are some very descriptive, gruesome murder scenes that I had to stop and regroup for a bit before reading on. Then his family gets kidnapped and he is taken by the murderer to reclaim their bodies.
Excellent! One of the best A. Cross novels I've read.
I love the Cross series. This book was a little harder to read, but over all it was a good book.
As always, James Patterson delivered with this book. I have been an avid fan of the Alex Cross series and have read every one.
Another great Alex Cross story. A quick read. Story gets political but all points that are worth making. Gets a bit far fetched that Alex is able to live through everything that happened to him in Africa. While this isn't my favorite Alex Cross book, I would still recommend it highly.
After reading a review about Alex Cross following a killer to Africa; I decided to read the book in spite of it. I wish I wouldn't have. I've always been a fan of Patterson's books especially those with Alex Cross. A D.C. Detective following and tracking a killer in Africa was too unbelieveable. The book could have been just as effective with serial killers in the U.S. In the future I hope Patterson stays with entertaining novels without trying to make a statement of what is happening in foreign countries.
I love anything about Alex Cross but this one was really different as it is mostly in another country with him pursuing a killer there. However, it does give you definite insight as to what horrible things go on in Nigeria.
Another page turner! I found myself having a lot of feelings when I read this book. The descriptions are vivid, as usual. Thumbs up!
Alex's trek to travel cross Nigeria as an indignant and politically ignorant lawman. Sets him up on a hopeless mission that once again endangers his family. I am mad at that man.
Another great read by James Patterson, I never tire of the Alex Cross series.
This one has a large overseas element & that was very interesting. I finished it quick & really enjoyed it.
This one has a large overseas element & that was very interesting. I finished it quick & really enjoyed it.
I really like James Patterson / Alex Cross books. However I do need to state that thou the beginng and story developement of this one was really good, the end seemed like the author just ran out of steam. There was alot of characters that were just left hanging and the true storyline could have better tied up. Other than that it was a quick and interesting read.
Read it in about 2 days. The story was good but the ending was a let down.
Excellent, excellent, excellent! Great read.
Great Book. Another good read.
I really like "most" of James Patterson books... I was an avid fan of Alex Cross...but it seems in this book...he went a little out of the comfort zone of Alex being able to solve the problem of the "Tiger".... I didn't care for the storyline in Africa....it seemed too far fetch that a detective would go that far to try and solve the crime...and the story line (to me) was jumpy... I won't stop reading James Patterson books...
While this novel was my least favorite book in the Alex Cross series, due to the violence portrayed in Washington, DC and in Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Darfur, I truly couldn't put it down! This time Mr. Patterson really wrote a thriller! When an old acquaintance of Alex and her entire family are slaughtered, a bloodthirsty mercenary with a gang of boy-killers is suspected. "The Tiger" is a ruthless killer with no emotion as he unleashes his gang of little boy- throwaway boy-pre-teen killers upon any targets he is paid to eliminate. Alex Cross is led to Africa o investigate, where he is immediately pursued/imprisoned/tortured/beaten, etc until the "CIA" contact for the area intervenes. Without knowing whom to trust or turn to for help, the situation quickly becomes dire. I was literally unable to stop reading this book until 2:00 a.m. until I finished it.
This is another book in the James Patterson's Alex Cross series. Once again, Alex Cross is drawn into a murder mystery that compels him to see it through to the end even if it means risking his own life in a different country, hence "Crosss Country".
This is an easy and fast read for fans of James Patterson.
This is an easy and fast read for fans of James Patterson.
Loved the twists.
It's starting to get a bit old now when Alex and family are in danger and so on. Not a very original 'Cross' book, in my humble opinion.
Another great book about Alex Cross by James Patterson -- difficult to put the book down!
I thought book was your typical fast paced page turner Alex Cross book. I enjoyed the book but I thought book was wrapped up a little to fast.
