Along Came a Spider begins with the double kidnapping of the daughter of a famous Hollywood actress and the young son of the secretary of the Treas...
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Nov 08, 2011
Jessica
rated it: 
finally made myself sit down for a couple hours and finish the last 250 pages or so. I’m glad I did.
Along Came A Spider was really good in the fact that the plot was creative and unique, and it was fresh. The book was bad in… every other fact. I’m sorry to say that this will be the first and last book I’ll read in the Alex Cross series. At least, for any amount of time. I have other books that look to be 10 times better. I couldn't connect to the characters, and I found it very hard t More...
Along Came A Spider was really good in the fact that the plot was creative and unique, and it was fresh. The book was bad in… every other fact. I’m sorry to say that this will be the first and last book I’ll read in the Alex Cross series. At least, for any amount of time. I have other books that look to be 10 times better. I couldn't connect to the characters, and I found it very hard t More...
Dec 07, 2008
Marnie
rated it: 
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
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Aug 25, 2007
LJ
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ALONG CAME A SPIDER (Police Procedural/US/Cont) – Poor
Patterson, James – 1st in series
Warner Books, 1992- Paperback
The daughter of a famous actress and son of the secretary of the Treasury has been kidnapped. The boy's body is found and the kidnapper demands that Detective Alex Cross be the one to deliver the $10M ransom. The money is taken, but the girl is not returned and Alex joins forces with Jezzie Flanagan, the supervisor of the Secret Service, to find the kidnapper.
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Patterson, James – 1st in series
Warner Books, 1992- Paperback
The daughter of a famous actress and son of the secretary of the Treasury has been kidnapped. The boy's body is found and the kidnapper demands that Detective Alex Cross be the one to deliver the $10M ransom. The money is taken, but the girl is not returned and Alex joins forces with Jezzie Flanagan, the supervisor of the Secret Service, to find the kidnapper.
More...
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May 27, 2007
stephanie
rated it: 
the first of the alex cross novels, i was very surprised by the characterization of cross. i guess there is a lot of development over time, but the cross that i was introduced to in mary, mary is only like this cross in a peripheral way - reminded me of bad fanfic. if you think trashy thrillers don't deal with the big issues, like race, this proves you wrong - this whole book is about race and interracial romance and the like. in fact, it beats you over the head with it. which - i didn't even re
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Jan 28, 2012
Felicia
rated it: 
What I Loved: This is the first book in the Alex Cross series and it was a fantastic introduction of the Cross Character. I had seen this movie but I don't think I had ever read the book. The case was compelling and the twist (even though I knew it was coming) still kind of caught me off guard. James Patterson truly has a way of sucking you into a story and never quite knowing which way he is going to turn.
What I Liked: The pacing was a little off in this book but with that in min More...
Dec 19, 2011
Samuel
rated it:
Having watched the movie quite a while ago and remembering enjoying it, my expectations for the book were quite high. Unfortunately they were not to be met. While the plot is refreshing and catching, the narrative style spoils the experience with a ridiculous amount of one page "chapters" serving only to refresh inactive and docile characters without really fleshing out their feelings and personas.
This reminded me very much of the style in Star Wars 1-3, where George Lucas would More...
This reminded me very much of the style in Star Wars 1-3, where George Lucas would More...
Nov 08, 2011
Jonathan
rated it:
James Patterson has created a page turning, murder/kidnapping mystery called Along came A Spider, which will keep its readers actively reading. Readers will travel along with Alex Cross in order to find a psychopathic serial killer who is on the loose and up to no good. The adventure begins in Washington D.C. where Gary Soneji, an extremely intelligent math teacher, who is plotting to pull of the crime of the century by kidnapping the daughter (Maggie Rose) of a movie actress and the son (S
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Oct 21, 2011
Kristensilvermoore
rated it:
Okay, I was really disappointed by this novel, which I listened to as an audiobook while working on my computer. James Patterson is one of the most popular authors out there, so though I didn’t expect him to be a literary genius, I did expect him to be a good storyteller. I was sorely disappointed.
There were plenty of twists and turns in plot—I’ll give him that—and I did want to continue reading (or rather, listening) to see how everything turned out, but I was unimpressed by his dull More...
There were plenty of twists and turns in plot—I’ll give him that—and I did want to continue reading (or rather, listening) to see how everything turned out, but I was unimpressed by his dull More...
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Aug 27, 2011
Laura
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One thing about library borrowing is that you can check out books that you never would buy. It is actually kind of freeing. And, if there aren't any good books available as ebooks, you can use the opportunity to check out books that you wouldn't have read otherwise. Books such as as Along Came a Spider by James Patterson.
Now, I know that popular fiction is popular for a reason. But these authors who just pump out book after book after book, each book so similar to the last, tend to More...
Now, I know that popular fiction is popular for a reason. But these authors who just pump out book after book after book, each book so similar to the last, tend to More...
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Aug 26, 2011
Elizabeth
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I have read other Alex Cross books but, finally was able to read the first one in the series. I did like it in that I felt it really gave me the background/indepth that I was looking for in Alex and who he was and why he ticked.
This story does the introduction of Gary Soneji. I have read about him periodically thru out other books in the series. Now I know how he came into the big picture. Nice to know the entire background (so to speak) of Gary and what he means.
The stor More...
This story does the introduction of Gary Soneji. I have read about him periodically thru out other books in the series. Now I know how he came into the big picture. Nice to know the entire background (so to speak) of Gary and what he means.
The stor More...
Apr 24, 2011
Along Came a Spider, by James Patterson, b-plus, narrated by charles Turner, produced by Time Warner Audio, downloaded from audible.com.
This is, I believe, the first Alex Cross book, or at least near the beginning of the series. Alex Cross is Black and a detective in Washington D.C. He is also a trained forensic psychologist and sometimes provides profiles or even interviews suspects to help come up with a conclusion. In this case, we have a serial kidnapper and murderer who wants More...
This is, I believe, the first Alex Cross book, or at least near the beginning of the series. Alex Cross is Black and a detective in Washington D.C. He is also a trained forensic psychologist and sometimes provides profiles or even interviews suspects to help come up with a conclusion. In this case, we have a serial kidnapper and murderer who wants More...
Apr 12, 2011
Greg
rated it:
James Patterson is one of the most prolific authors of all time, generating a bevy of titles--individually and with multiple collaborators--and constantly extending the boundaries of his brand. Along Came a Spider is Patterson's first novel, and his first in the Detective Alex Cross series.
When a multi-personality killer kidnaps two children from a prestigious day school, the race is on to find them. Enter Alex Cross, part-detective, part-psychologist. Cross must use his wits and at More...
When a multi-personality killer kidnaps two children from a prestigious day school, the race is on to find them. Enter Alex Cross, part-detective, part-psychologist. Cross must use his wits and at More...
Mar 24, 2011
Harmonybites
rated it:
I've read over a half dozen of Patterson's Alex Cross novels, and of those I've read this first one is the best. A lot of the reason I kept reading after this one is the protagonist detective, Alex Cross. He's likable and relatable here. He's a black detective and psychologist in Washington DC. One who doesn't want to leave the old neighborhood and raising two young children with his grandmother having lost his wife. Cross is smart, but most of all, in the first person parts of the novel, he con
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Dec 12, 2010
Riccarla
rated it: 
"Along Came a Spider" by James Patterson is a great "OMG!" book because that's what you'll say after almost every chapter.
This is the first Alex Cross book and sets up our hero nicely. A widower with two children and a grandmother at home, he is one of an elite squad called in to investigate a double kidnapping at a prestigious Washington D. C. school. Apparently the children have been kidnapped by a teacher but it goes way beyond this. Gary Sonejii is probably More...
This is the first Alex Cross book and sets up our hero nicely. A widower with two children and a grandmother at home, he is one of an elite squad called in to investigate a double kidnapping at a prestigious Washington D. C. school. Apparently the children have been kidnapped by a teacher but it goes way beyond this. Gary Sonejii is probably More...
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Sep 08, 2010
Matisse
rated it:
As a big fan of crime books I've been recommended James Patterson books for a while but have never managed to find the first book of his Alex Cross Series. ( I have to read books in order, it's my little thing.) Finally I found it in a charity shop and soon got down to read it. And it was brilliant! The story was complex and original, as well as the characters.
Alex Cross is not like any other main character I've read before. And that makes this book so good, it's different which is har More...
Alex Cross is not like any other main character I've read before. And that makes this book so good, it's different which is har More...
Feb 20, 2010
Julie
rated it:
Having read several other James Patterson books (from other series), I was interested to see how the first Alex Cross book would compare.
You can definitely tell the difference between this book and the later Pattersons, where he is writing with a co-author and putting out three books a year. This one seemed to have more depth to it and I couldn't blow through it in a day like his more recent works.
I like the character of Alex Cross, but I find him to be volatile and outspoken More...
You can definitely tell the difference between this book and the later Pattersons, where he is writing with a co-author and putting out three books a year. This one seemed to have more depth to it and I couldn't blow through it in a day like his more recent works.
I like the character of Alex Cross, but I find him to be volatile and outspoken More...
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Feb 07, 2010
Sandra
rated it:
Snowbound with no power but with Along Came a Spider...this novel was a great way to pass the time.
As with most detective/heroes, Alex comes with an interesting and unbeatable combination of characteristics: he’s black, working class, still lives with the grandma who raised him, is a police detective with a PhD. in psychology from a prestigious school, he’s handsome, and he’s tough. The paper back copy I read had a photo of Morgan Freeman on the cover, which was disconcerting, bec More...
As with most detective/heroes, Alex comes with an interesting and unbeatable combination of characteristics: he’s black, working class, still lives with the grandma who raised him, is a police detective with a PhD. in psychology from a prestigious school, he’s handsome, and he’s tough. The paper back copy I read had a photo of Morgan Freeman on the cover, which was disconcerting, bec More...
Jan 11, 2009
Carrie (envinoveritas)
rated it:
Ah the lure of mass market fiction... I often refer to Patterson novels as "TV for your brain". Page turning, edge of your seat excitement? Yes. Intellectually challenging? Not particularly.
This is the first introduction to character Alex Cross, a DC detective whose differentiating characteristic is his intrinsic morality, love of his children and his doctorate in psychology. A failed attempt in private practice leads him to policework.
Cross lives with his grand More...
This is the first introduction to character Alex Cross, a DC detective whose differentiating characteristic is his intrinsic morality, love of his children and his doctorate in psychology. A failed attempt in private practice leads him to policework.
Cross lives with his grand More...
Mar 14, 2010
Barbra
rated it:
This is the first in the Alex Cross series and a good psychological thriller. Full of suspense and a page-turner plus fast paced and exciting.
Back Cover Blurb:
He had always wanted to be famous. When he kidnapped two well-known rich kids, it was headline news. Then one of them was found -dead - and the whole nation was in uproar.
For such a high profile case, they needed the top people - Alex Cross, a black detective with a PhD in psycholody, and Jezzie Flanagan, an ambi More...
Back Cover Blurb:
He had always wanted to be famous. When he kidnapped two well-known rich kids, it was headline news. Then one of them was found -dead - and the whole nation was in uproar.
For such a high profile case, they needed the top people - Alex Cross, a black detective with a PhD in psycholody, and Jezzie Flanagan, an ambi More...
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Jan 07, 2009
Scott
rated it:
A reasonably scripted thriller with some cringe-worthy lines that should never have gotten past a high school-educated editor. Alex Cross is a black, working class police detective in Washington, D.C., which was refreshingly different for a hero in a procedural thriller. The story moved along and was not predictable. But that was some crappy writing.
As with the Left Behind series – and, frankly, a lot of other mass-market stuff – the really bad writing was in the short turns of ph More...
As with the Left Behind series – and, frankly, a lot of other mass-market stuff – the really bad writing was in the short turns of ph More...
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Nov 18, 2010
Jen
rated it:
Damn. Okay, this was a 4-star book until the last section, which I would have given 3-stars. But, since I was REALLY enjoying this book for most of it, I'll give it a 3.5-star rating.
I picked this paperback up off of our "Borrow a Book" shelf here at work, because I vaguely remembered seeing the movie or perhaps I just remembered a Morgan Freeman movie poster. I figured, if I didn't remember the STORY, then it was probably a good time to go back and read the book.
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I picked this paperback up off of our "Borrow a Book" shelf here at work, because I vaguely remembered seeing the movie or perhaps I just remembered a Morgan Freeman movie poster. I figured, if I didn't remember the STORY, then it was probably a good time to go back and read the book.
More...
Apr 30, 2010
Richard
rated it:
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
To view it, click here
Feb 19, 2010
Avigail
rated it:
Along Came a Spider is probably the epitome of what every crime-thriller novel should be. At 500 pages its easy to devour reading, the suspense is well balanced, but the real key to success is Alex Cross himself. Alex is a black, detective with a degree in psychology, who is passionate about his work, volunteers at a food bank and counsels on the side. And he isn't perfect, he loses his head and punches out racists, doesn't spend enough time at home with his kids and is a bit of a sucker for the
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Jan 15, 2010
Sarah
rated it:
Alex Cross, detective and psychologist in D.C., gets involved in a case involving the kidnapping of two high profile children and a very disturbed man.
I almost hate to admit that I enjoyed this. However, I would like to point out that this is the original Alex Cross novel, written before Patterson had a cadre of "co-authors" at his disposal. Patterson's writing is nothing exquisite but for the type of stories he's writing, it suits. Additionally, his short chapters keep the More...
I almost hate to admit that I enjoyed this. However, I would like to point out that this is the original Alex Cross novel, written before Patterson had a cadre of "co-authors" at his disposal. Patterson's writing is nothing exquisite but for the type of stories he's writing, it suits. Additionally, his short chapters keep the More...
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Feb 26, 2009
Miguel
rated it:
I am a big James Patterson fan. I love the pacing of his novels. He doesn't waste a lot of time in character development, because these are not egg-headed tomes in the vein of Agatha Christie. No, Alex Cross is a man of intelligence, but more so a man of action. And action is what you get, both from lead character the aforementioned Mr. Cross and sometimes from the vantage point of the criminals he chases.
In this novel he comes across a very sneaky and very scary Gary Soneji. The de More...
In this novel he comes across a very sneaky and very scary Gary Soneji. The de More...
Jan 19, 2011
Michael
rated it:
T************SPOILERS BELOW****************
If I’d not been assigned to read this for my "Master Class" workshop for professional fiction writers, it is unlikely that I would have picked it up, because it is not my favorite genre.
Patterson unfortunately uses much vulgarity. His characters are potty-mouths, and much of the narrative is in first-person potty-mouth. Not my cuppa tea. There was some graphic violence, which was pretty gross. The graphic sex scenes wer More...
If I’d not been assigned to read this for my "Master Class" workshop for professional fiction writers, it is unlikely that I would have picked it up, because it is not my favorite genre.
Patterson unfortunately uses much vulgarity. His characters are potty-mouths, and much of the narrative is in first-person potty-mouth. Not my cuppa tea. There was some graphic violence, which was pretty gross. The graphic sex scenes wer More...
Aug 14, 2010
Brett
rated it:
Classic Patterson. My first Patterson book was an Alex Cross book and I loved it. This one was great as well. It started out slow, but eventually picked up and became a page-turner. I like the twists, and the dark ending.
I do have to mention that is is odd that Patterson's main character is a black man. Usually you write what you know. Robin Cook is a Doctor and writes medical thrillers. John Grisham is a lawyer and writes legal thrillers. Then there is Patterson, whose two m More...
I do have to mention that is is odd that Patterson's main character is a black man. Usually you write what you know. Robin Cook is a Doctor and writes medical thrillers. John Grisham is a lawyer and writes legal thrillers. Then there is Patterson, whose two m More...
Mar 18, 2011
Nate
rated it:
An unexpected pleasant read! I know I'm a little late coming to this book, as it was first published 19 years ago, but I have so report in anyway that I enjoyed it very much. Per my own practice I won't attempt a summary of the story, I will just say that Patterson did great work bringing complexity to the characters. While there is the "pure evil" character, most everyone in the book was given a thorough enough treatment that you felt they could be real. It went a long way toward
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Jan 02, 2011
Shannon
rated it:
Clutching the book fircely with your hands, is the way this story is told. This novel called "Along Came a Spider", by James Patterson is such a profound murder-crime-mystery novel that it takes not even days to read it. It is a story, on a pyscho killer who has killed more than two hundred people, however the crime they are accusing him of is kidnapping two children. Just from thought of who these children are makes who question the kidnapper. Is he doing it for the money? Or does he
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Sep 07, 2010
Mindy
rated it:
I became a fan of James Patterson about the time the Alex Cross series was about 5 books deep. I have not previously been a series fan - and if I do read a series, I insist on reading them sequentially. With that said, until now, I had not read any of the Alex Cross series. I have spent the summer reading all of the Womens Murder Club Series, I read Postcard Killers and Private and found myself without any other Patterson to read. I bought the entire Cross series on eBay and read Along Came a
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