This is the first time I am reading a James Patterson book. It later dawned on me that “Cat & Mouse” is actually part of a long series of Novels featuring Alex Cross, an Afro-American hero who is a criminal psychologist.
Anyone who loves crime thrillers – especially gruesome murder mysteries will love this book. This book actually covers two stories – one featuring the serial killer Gary Soneji; apparently Alex Cross has interacted with him in earlier books; Soneji makes a comeback here, and keeps challenging, rather mocking Alex till the end. Soneji has a troubled childhood and kills many of his family members and associates. He fits the profile of a serial killer; while being almost insane in his acts, his activities are more understandable and they follow a pattern (if not directly in the mind of the reader, at least in the mind of Alex Cross, who then explains it to the reader). The second story involves a psychotic killer named “Dr Smith”…the word “Dr” coming from the near surgical treatment of his victims. I was obviously reminded of Jack the Ripper…but this tale was different. There was virtually no theme or pattern around his victims. Of course, at the end, things become clear.
Overall, a very gripping book. One thing I particularly enjoyed was the narration (in first person) from different characters in the book – Gary Soneji, Alex Cross, Thomas Pierce – in different parts. It really changes the mood and increases the excitement. If there was one thing I did not particularly like, it was the romance and the family story of Alex… I am sure the author felt that bringing the personal touch will make the hero seem more real and the reader feel more passionate about the crimes, rather the fight against it. Personally, I found it almost nauseating to read about middle-aged-romance and amorous activities of Alex, in between psychological profiling and serial killing events. It would have been so much better had the text been pure , dark, sanguinary, gory, gruesome, chilling, psychotic, unpretentious, unspeakable, inexplicable, unadulterated, MURDER!!!!