Cross and Sampson

Alex Cross #35

by James Patterson, Brian Sitts

Detectives Alex Cross and John Sampson are better together—until they’re called to separate locations to investigate a pair of serious crimes.

In Washington, DC… Metro PD detective John Sampson stands in a crater in the middle of a DC street, calling in the bomb squad. “Dispatch, this is Sampson. Contact the FBI and the ATF. We’ve got a suspected terrorist attack here.” In Chapel Hill, NC… Alex Cross searches the apartment of a missing psychology grad student—his own son Damon. Has following in his famous father’s footsteps made Damon a target? From FBI headquarters, in police stations, on airplanes, and at murder scenes, the detectives track crimes committed hundreds of miles apart. It will take more than distance to weaken the partnership of Sampson & Cross.

Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Fiction, Suspense, Mystery Thriller, Crime, Audiobook

368 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 29, 2026

About the author

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JIMMY Patterson Books
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James Patterson is the most popular storyteller of our time and the creator of such unforgettable characters and series as Alex Cross, the Women’s Murder Club, Jane Smith, and Maximum Ride. He has coauthored #1 bestselling novels with Bill Clinton, Dolly Parton, and Michael Crichton, as well as collaborated on #1 bestselling nonfiction, including The Idaho Four, Walk in My Combat Boots, and Filthy Rich. Patterson has told the story of his own life in the #1 bestselling autobiography James Patterson by James Patterson. He is the recipient of an Edgar Award, ten Emmy Awards, the Literarian Award from the National Book Foundation, and the National Humanities Medal.

Reviews

[Mandy White (mandylovestoread) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading a new James Patterson book is one of my favourite things to do. It is always a thrill to get access to read any of his books early, so a massive thanks to Little, Brown and Company for allowing me the opportunity. I spent my Christmas Eve afternoon into the evening on a roller coaster ride of emotions and tension.

We see this unstoppable duo split up in Cross and Sampson. Alex is frantically searching for his son Damon, who has gone missing at college, with John is on the hunt for a serial bomber who is ruthless and taking lives at an unrelenting pace. Both are racing against the clock, on little sleep and without each other.

Alex has to ask for local authorities help, as a father which at times blurs his judgment. His worry for his son overshadows his ability to make good decisions and puts himself in danger more than once. If ever he needed John’s support and clear head it is now. But John has his own problems in DC where bombs are going off before the team gets a chance to do much investigation on the previous one. The city is scared, thankfully he has Nana Mama looking after him and his daughter.

I love these characters, their personalities and family bonds. The Cross family will do anything for anyone, and Nana Mamas cooking makes me hungry! This is an emotional one, with one of their own in trouble. Also plenty of twists and turns and full of action. Cannot recommend this series more, another easy 5 stars from me.

Out on February 9th, a must read.

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two equally exciting stories in one book! James Patterson fans will love this.

Alex Cross is searching for his son who is a grad student at UNC and has gone missing. Meanwhile, Alex's good friend John Sampson is hunting for a possible terrorist who has set off a bomb in Washington, DC, killing many people. The chapters bounce back and forth between the two storylines as each of these men separately investigate their cases.

I enjoyed the ever-mounting mystery and suspense of both individual stories, but the setup and delivery are just not my favorite style and that's why this book fell a little short of high marks for me.

[Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

As I have described in previous reviews, I’ve been reading James Patterson books for around thirty years or more. During that time, like most of his fans, my favorite character has always been Alex Cross. He was Patterson’s first detective series that helped lay the foundation for his kingdom of several bestselling series and stand-alone novels. For me, Alex has remained a fierce, intellectual knight of moral character and the proper use of action.

I still remember reading the Alex’s first adventure, “Along came a Spider” and almost cried when Alex, then a widower, faced the loss of his new love in an ending twist I would never forget. In the thirty years following, there have been some good (and excellent) adventures and some less-than-stellar outings along the way, but I generally looked forward to the end of each year when another Alex Cross adventure was published.

Now, in early 2026, the 35th book in the series – “Cross and Sampson” – has been published, and this time (which has only happened twice before) Patterson has included one of his co-writers, Brian Sitts, on this one. In addition, this is Patterson’s second Cross novel published in the last three months, giving us a two-for-in visit with Alex Cross, his wife, best friend, and his family.

“Cross and Sampson” is not another duo adventure where our two heroes get to work together in pursuit of a serial killer. Patterson and Sitts wisely choose to separate them and give them each their own investigation, which actually works well in concept, using third person for Alex’s chapters and first person for John’s chapters. I would say that it not only works well, it even gives John Sampson his opportunity to take a lead role and shine in the spotlight, much like he did in the previous book in the series - “Cross Down” – that came out a few years ago in 2023. The authors even split the time that Alex’s wife, Bree, spends helping each of them.

The book starts off with Alex receiving a call from one of his oldest son professors. It seems that Damon has not shown up for classes for the last three days gone and appears to have gone missing. Alex and Bree immediately head to Chapel Hill, North Carolina, where he attends college at UNC. Alex’s biggest fear is that Damon has been targeted by one of his father’s enemies or their family members seeking revenge for past crimes. Or maybe it’s Alex’s current nemesis, the Maestro, causing more turmoil for him and his loved ones…

At the same time, a truck bomb explodes near downtown Washington, DC, causing a destructive, mass casualty event that calls John Sampson to the scene and unable to help his best friend. The bombing is treated as a terrorist attack, bringing in the FBI and ATF, and Ned Mahoney, supervising special agent with the Bureau to run the investigation. Ned has worked with Cross and Sampson for many years and immediately drafts John to work on his team. Even Bree, because if her job at the Bluestone Group, a top private security firm, is called away from helping Alex to assist with the bombing investigation.

While Alex runs into one roadblock after another in trying to find his son, a second bombing attack occurs in Washington, DC, amplifying Sampson’s need to find the bomber before more lives are lost. The only clue is the C-4 explosive that was used is only available through the U.S. government military channels.

Alex and Sampson are not only separated and unable to relay on one another, they are both facing impossible odds and the clock is running out on both of them...

For me, this was one of Patterson’s better than average, but not great books (like 6 out of 10), primarily due to the execution not fully delivering on the payoff that it was trying to achieve. The first half sets up pretty good, but only the Sampson bombing plotline comes close to closing out strongly in the second half. As much as I was pulled into Alex’s search for his son, I just felt like once his investigation got going, it lost its edge and turned out to be rather weak in the end (although I will avoid any spoilers). To be honest, I was expecting more and felt a bit letdown with the climax of Alex’s storyline after all of the dramatic build-up. One thing that weakness did do was help highlight Sampson’s storyline, which although somewhat predictable, still brought a sense of tension and drama to the reading experience. And there was a pretty dang emotional moment that really took me by surprise, but the delivery was well done (again, no spoilers).

However, there was one big element in the DC bombings that really bugged me from a bad guy viewpoint. Once everything was explained in the end, a major strategy from one of the primary villains just didn’t make sense at all. I want to be careful with spoilers here but let me try and dance around it enough so it doesn’t negatively ruin anyone’s reading experience. If you were a trained government and/or a seriously experienced military person, and wanted to kill someone, would you do it quietly and make it look like an accident, or would you choose to try to eliminate them in a big public attack that would kill a lot of innocent people and draw unwanted attention to you? Even with the premise that this is a work of fiction, I am going to go with the first choice, as the second one just seems to be a rather stupid strategy. Maybe that’s just me, but seriously… I am letting this go now and moving on…

As I have mentioned previously, Alex Cross is my favorite mystery/thriller series that Patterson writes, followed by his Michael Bennett and Private series (which has knocked the Women’s Murder Club down into the 4th spot). Although it doesn’t make my top ten list of favorite Cross novels, It had most of Patterson’s usual thriller elements, including fast-paced tempo, and lots of dramatic twists and turns from beginning to end. It packed several punches, bouncing back and forth between Alex’s search and John’s investigation in the smooth and crisp writing style that Patterson is known for. I just wish Alex’s storyline had turned out to involve a stronger mystery.

Having said that, I fully appreciate how Patterson deals with racism and prejudice, as well as strength in family, in this series. Those are strong themes providing positivity through the love of family, offset by having to continually deal with discrimination and bigotry in our country. These are serious issues that have no place in our society, but unfortunately, that is not the reality we live in. Hopefully by putting it in his books, Patterson is helping us to remember why those beliefs and behaviors are incredibly wrong and hopefully impact change in a positive way.

Overall, this was a thriller/mystery that followed the proven Patterson formula and provided me two evenings of escapist reading. Sampson’s 3.5-star storyline offset Alex’s 2.5 star plotline, for a decent, not great, 3 out of 5 stars.

Additional thoughts on my part – since his introduction to the world of fiction in 1993, the character of Alex Cross has stood the test of time pretty well. He’s hunted many serial killers and life-threatening situations. His biggest strengths have been understanding the minds of others while doing his best to keep his family safe. Cross has grown and changed in many ways, but his ethical and moral compass has remained true and strong, a prime example and model for doing good, no matter what the situation is. Some of his adventures have been really good, some okay, and a few not so great, but that’s par for the course.

For me, Alex Cross still shines bright most of the time and I hope that Patterson can continue to find ways to keep his stories fresh and creative after so many books, which is a challenge with long-running series. It’s not easy, that’s for sure

[Howard · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars for Cross and Sampson: Alex Cross, Book 35 (audiobook) by James Patterson and Brian Stills read by Isaiah Mustafa and Dion Graham.

Alex’s son has gone missing from college. The local police are no help, so Alex has to go search for him. Could his past be catching up with him? Is someone trying to get revenge or did his son create his own troubles?

[Brooklynn Tobin · Rating 1 out of 5]

This installment just didn’t work for me. It felt far more political than previous books in the series, leaning heavily into commentary and bashing of alt‑right groups. The story also focused a lot on racism in a way that painted “rednecks” as the default villain, which came across as heavy‑handed rather than thoughtful.

The writing itself felt surprisingly childish, especially compared to earlier Alex Cross novels. The multiple POVs didn’t help—Sampson’s chapters were written in first person while Alex’s were in third, and the shift between them made the narrative feel disjointed and amateurish. The additional random POVs sprinkled throughout added nothing and only disrupted the flow even more.

I also can’t recall another Alex Cross book that used a co‑author, and I have to say, I’m not a fan of the change. The voice, pacing, and overall quality felt noticeably off, to the point that it’s making me question whether I want to continue with the series at all.

Overall, this one just wasn’t it for me and I wouldn't recommend it to anybody.

[JOSEPH M. · Rating 1 out of 5]

Worst book in the Cross series

Interesting use of changing narrators. However, overshadowed by a seeming obsession with the idea of rampant racism by whites. So, this book then seems to have a political agenda. I can not believe Patterson allowed this to be published under his name.

[Angie Boyter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two gripping thrillers in one book!
Washington Metro police detective John Sampson is faced with a serious challenge. A series of bombings in public areas in DC has left a lot of clearly innocent people dead. The locations seem unrelated, and the explosive techniques used are the only apparent connection. Sampson’s desired partner Alex Cross is not available to work with Sampson, though, because his son has gone missing from college in Chapel Hill, NC., and Alex naturally feels compelled to go there to investigate.
From the writeup on Cross and Sampson and my past experience with books by James Patterson, I knew I was in for a lot of action and accompanying violence in this book, but the opening paragraph also gave me the expectation that I would see plenty of good writing and light moments. All of these expectations were fulfilled.
The writing is very well done. The plot(s) move along smoothly, and there are a number of surprises as befits a book of this genre. I also learned about things like taggant explosives, which I had never heard of. There were only two disappointments. The first was simply annoying and totally avoidable, and that was the fact that too many characters had names starting with a “P”. This was unnecessary and made it harder to follow some of the interactions. The second was that the chapters switched back and forth between Cross’s case and Sampson’s. These cases had no connection, and the two protagonists did not work together, despite the title. For the readers’ benefit, they should have been separate books or at least separate works within the same volume. This was the main reason I rated the book a 4 rather than a 5, but I will still be recommending it to friends.
Back to the good writing, there is a lot of violence and death in this book, but there are resolutions as satisfactory as could be, given how many lives were lost. As a nice bonus, the ending left me with a big smile on my face.
I have read many books by James Patterson but none in this series. I did not feel at a disadvantage, though, and certainly plan to read more.
I received an advance review copy of Cross and Sampson from NetGalley and Penguin Books.

[Ethan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Alex Cross series has been a mainstay on my reading list ever since I first picked up Mary, Mary as a high school student. For the better part of two decades, I’ve faithfully read each new installment—through the highs and the more questionable lows (I’m looking at you, BookShots). Beyond Patterson’s signature pacing and plot-burning style, I’ve always gravitated toward the Cross books because they were one of the few series he wrote without a co-author.

That all changed with 2023’s Cross Down, the first entry to bring in a collaborator and to shift some of the focus away from Alex himself to include the perspective of his longtime partner, John Sampson. I went in worried the quality might dip. Instead, it felt like a breath of fresh air, broadening the scope of the story in a way that was surprisingly welcome. So when Patterson’s publisher offered me a copy of the latest installment, Cross & Sampson, I jumped at the chance to dive back in.

Alex Cross and John Sampson have always worked best as a team. Best friends since childhood, they’ve built their careers on an unshakable trust, a bond that’s made them one of the most effective duos in the Washington, D.C., Police Department. But this time, circumstances pull them in different directions. Sampson remains in D.C., investigating what appears to be a terrorist attack after a bomb detonates on a crowded street with no group stepping forward to claim responsibility. Meanwhile, Alex and his wife Bree head to Chapel Hill for a case that hits far closer to home: Alex’s eldest son, Damon, has vanished. He’s stopped going to class, stopped answering calls, and even his girlfriend hasn’t heard from him in days. Wherever Damon is, Alex is determined to find him. For once, the two partners will have to rely on their instincts separately, working on independent angles in the hope that each can bring his case to a hard-won resolution.

Cross & Sampson sees James Patterson and Brian Sitts continue to expand the world of the Alex Cross series in a way that feels both true to the foundation Patterson has built over the better part of three decades while still pushing the characters into exciting new territory. All the hallmarks of the series are here. The pacing is as quick as ever, the mysteries hook you from the start, and the action is grounded by character moments that raise the emotional stakes.

Thirty-five books in, these characters feel like old friends, and part of the joy is watching their lives evolve alongside the investigations. Writing chapters from John Sampson’s perspective gives us the chance to connect with him more deeply. We see his relationship with his daughter, the strain after a proposal gone wrong, and his fierce loyalty to the Cross family. Patterson and Sitts balance this personal growth with sharp plotting, using shifting perspectives and short, cliffhanger chapters to keep the suspense high and the pages turning. The result is another strong, fast-paced entry in a long-running series that still knows how to entertain. It leaves me more than happy to keep following Cross and Sampson wherever the next case takes them.

[Rich Cattarello · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hi Goodreads. I realize why James Patterson books are so popular. This one will not disappoint you. I love reading the short chapters and the suspense in between. I kept turning pages. Between James Patterson and Johnathan Kellerman my reading habit is taken care of.

[Jill McGill · Rating 5 out of 5]

James Patterson has done it again... Cross and Sampson is another absolute win in the Alex Cross series! This book delivers everything I want when I pick up one of his novels—fast pacing, sharp dialogue, and a case that keeps the tension high from start to finish.

I love reading a James Patterson novel because I know exactly what I’m getting: short chapters that make it impossible to stop “just one more,” compelling characters I’m already invested in, and twists that land at just the right moments. Alex Cross and Sampson’s dynamic is as strong as ever, and their partnership adds both heart and grit to the story.

This is the kind of book you fly through but still think about after you’re done. If you’re a longtime fan of the Cross series—or just love a solid, gripping thriller—Cross and Sampson is a must-read.

*Many thanks to NetGalley & Little, Brown and Company for my ARC.

[bookswithpaulette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ive been a fan of the Alex Cross series for many years. With a new book on the horizon I knew I would be quick to pick this one up ..... as usual it didn't disappoint.

Alex’s son Damon a psychology grad student has gone missing from college. The local police are no help, Alex travels to North Carolina to find him. Has Alex's work made his son a target, is it finally catching up with him or has his son got mixed up with the wrong people?

Meanwhile John Sampson calls the bomb squad, he's in the middle of DC with a suspected terrorist attack on his hands. There is a lot happening in this book, the partnership between Cross and Sampson which spans over years of working together and their friendship as kids Im here for it.

Very thankful to Penguin books Australia for me copy of this book.
Alex Cross fans.... definitely pick this one up. Yes its a big series, but thee books can easily be read as standalones.

[Morgan Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love me some Alex Cross & John Sampson. Really liked how there were 2 storylines taking place this time!

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alex Cross and his good friend John Sampson are back in this high-octane thriller with plenty of twists and non-stop action. The two who are usually a team have to split up as Alex follows clues to find his missing son Damon and John has to stay in D.C. to track down a bomber killing innocent people in various locations. With a dual narrative and plenty of action in both, this book was compelling and an immersive read. The short chapters and the fact that one character was left in peril while the story picked up on the action in the life of the other one kept me reading and on the edge-of-my-seat. Alex has to use his psychology to figure out the clues about Damon’s location and John has to use his past experience in the military to follow clues to the bomber. There are some real surprises mixed in, along with great characterization and realistic threats to their lives. I always enjoy a good Alex Cross thriller and this one rates as one of the best, with both men facing constant danger and both of them doggedly determined to find out the truth.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

[Blue · Rating 5 out of 5]

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Thank you Penguin Australia for this book in exchange for an honest review

Did I read this book in three hours and loved every second of it?! Hell yes I did!!

I am still in disbelief that Penguin has blessed me with a Patterson book! Patterson has been one of my favourite authors of all time and has been since I started reading his work when I was 14 years old!

One of the many reasons I love reading a Patterson book (besides the brilliant plot and the rememberable characters) is the short chapters, that really bring in the ‘one more chapter one hurt’ thought process and before you know it you have finished the book. I cannot stress this enough that Patterson has a way of writing, that you are COMPELLED to finish. You won’t be able to help yourself!

Cross and Sampson is technically the 35th book in the series but don’t freak out, you can read this without reading any of the previous books! If you knew to Cross and Sampson you get to see their powerhouse dynamic that will wedge its way into your heart as one of the best duos of all time, even when they aren’t together. Alex Cross is frantically searching for his son who went missing while at college, and John Sampson is on the hunt for a serial bomber who is relentlessly targeting public areas of everyday lives, not tourist hotspots nor government. And that is all I am going to tell you about the plot because PLEASE READ THIS!

I love all the characters, even the murders in previous books have been phenomenal reads, Nana Mama obviously being a personal favourite and an absolute sweetie! Like all Patterson books, you will not be disappointed with a book full of twists and turns, jaw dropping moments and plenty of action and heart.

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually finished this last night. It was like reading two books in one. Sampson was investating a bombing in Washington D.C. and Cross was looking for Damon, who had disappeared from college. There was quite a bit of suspense in the book. I enjoyed reading it.

Thanks to Netgalley and Little Brown and Company for the E-book. I received this book for an honest opinion. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Booze Boobs Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another hit staring Alex Cross and John Sampson. This time the dynamic due a forced to work on separate cases hundreds of miles apart. Alex is busy in NC trying to track down his missing son Damon, while John is busy hunting down a dangerous bomber in DC. Filled with tons of action and lots of suspense this is one that will have you turning the pages at lightning speed.

[Brianna Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is my favorite author!! I loveee Sampson and Cross.. I really wanted Sampson to get a chance at love :( I was on edge the entire book like Alex don’t play about his family. I wasn’t surprised at all that racist pigs were the reason for Damon disappearing.. wonderful book ! 5 Stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Jane Perron · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it. Alex Cross and John Sampson are a great pair.

[Dawn Grzyboski · Rating 5 out of 5]

cross and Sampson roll again

I love the Alex Cross books Easy to read and always exciting. The kids are growing and their involvement is real and hopeful

[Mary Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yup! Like reading 2 books.

[Susan Schneider · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alex and John never fail in suspence and in family love. A definate on audio for road trips.

[Deb Mervold · Rating 4 out of 5]

it was a detailed plot

[Lois Elhajj · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two mysteries with my favorite crime fighters Cross & Sampson Kudos to co-author Brian Sitts ~well done!!

[Monica E. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointing. Before I got very far into the book I figure out who would’ve blamed for his son’s disappearance .

[Ray Palen · Rating 4 out of 5]

It has been quite a ride for author James Patterson who first burst onto the literary scene in the 1970’s and now sits atop the world as the best-selling author on the planet. In my opinion, none of his fame would have been possible without the connection he has made with readers on his greatest literary creation and long-running series featuring DC Detective Alex Cross and his partner John Sampson.

CROSS & SAMPSON, written along with writer Brian Sitts, is the latest in the series and comes at a time when Alex Cross has never been more popular with the critically acclaimed 2nd season of “Cross” currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video. This novel is literally Cross and Sampson working together, but not side-by-side as we are used to. Rather, they are split working on two vastly different cases. Cross has had to leave the DC area for Chapel Hill, NC, where his oldest son and graduate student Damon has recently gone missing. Meanwhile, Sampson is stuck in DC taking on a deadly bomber whose first two apparently senseless attacks has left a slew of victims in the area.

First, the phone call parent always dreads arrives from one of Damon’s Professor’s informing Dr. Alex Cross and his girlfriend Bree that Damon has been missing for three straight days. This was not only extremely unlikely behavior for him, but it turns out his live-in girlfriend Melissa is also gone. They share an off-campus apartment and have been unreachable. Cross alerts Sampson who indicates he will be right behind them to NC after he delivers his daughter to school. Unfortunately, Sampson will not be able to keep that promise as he is called downtown to deal with a car bomb attack that shows all signs of being terrorist in nature.
The chapters shift between the two cases, each one presenting suspense and mystery allowing for the pages to turn into the typical Patterson fast fashion. Sampson is working with long-time collaborator from the FBI Ned Mahoney. They quickly find themselves paired with an expert on bombings with a solid military background by the name of Anna Rizzo. She is a take-no-prisoners sort who immediately hits if off with Sampson.

Cross and Bree dive directly into Damon’s case and begin on campus where they learn that he was a vocal and well-respected voice who was apt to speak up whenever he saw something that was unjust. It may not be ironic that his disappearance may have coincided within days of a controversial right-wing figure coming to campus that represented the group called the Young Freedom Fighters. They turn up nothing at Damon’s apartment but do run into a CIA Agent named Drake who was also seeking Damon’s whereabouts in connection with the same upcoming campus special guest.

Cross and Bree locate Melissa, who was keeping a low profile and also genuinely concerned about Damon’s absence. During a dinner at the local tavern, the windows are broken in by a hurled brick delivered by a white militia group all involved with the current uproar happening on campus. It will not be easy to find Damon amidst all this noise and activity and their efforts are cut in half when Bree has to return to DC for her work as an investigator with the firm Bluestone. The one positive is that she can utilize other forms of detection from her desk to search for Damon’s whereabouts and discovers a case her firm is working on that may cross paths with his disappearance.

Meanwhile, Sampson and Rizzo face a second bombing attack near the Viet Name Memorial and step up their investigation considerably. They narrow things down to a man named Phillips who was ex-military and possibly on a rogue mission of unknown and dangerous purpose. Cross, working solo, learns that one of Damon’s primary Professors and his TA were off campus and possibly overseas on a top-secret mission that even the Dean will not share. The only thing that is for certain with this disappearance is that Cross will stop at nothing to find answers to help get Damon back safely.

CROSS & SAMPSON is a constant reminder of the strength Patterson wields with his writing, especially when presenting a story filled with his oldest and most beloved characters. These dual situations raise the hackles on the back of the neck as the tension is squeezed a little bit tighter with each passing chapter.

Reviewed by Ray Palen for Book Reporter

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book review: Cross and Sampson by James Patterson and Brian Sitts. Published by Little, Brown and Company, with a huge thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for my gifted ARC.

There is something undeniably cozy about returning to the Alex Cross world, even when the story itself is anything but. Cross and Sampson opens at a sprint and never really lets up, delivering two parallel crises that pull Alex Cross and John Sampson in opposite directions while keeping their partnership firmly at the heart of the novel. I settled in expecting a fast-paced thriller, and what I got was that familiar Patterson rhythm paired with a deeper emotional punch than I anticipated. Alex Cross is facing every parent’s worst fear when his son Damon goes missing at college in Chapel Hill. This storyline hits hard because it strips away Alex’s professional armor and forces him to operate as a terrified father first and a detective second. Meanwhile, John Sampson is in Washington, DC, investigating a bombing that quickly escalates into something far more sinister. The physical distance between the two men adds tension, but it also reinforces how strong their bond really is. Even when they’re apart, you feel the weight of their shared history on every page. One of the pleasures of this book is how smoothly the dual narratives are handled. The chapters alternate just enough to keep both storylines moving, and I constantly found myself thinking, “Okay, just one more chapter,” only to realize I’d read five. The pacing is classic James Patterson: short, punchy chapters, clear stakes, and an almost cinematic sense of momentum. Brian Sitts’ contribution feels seamless here, maintaining the familiar tone while adding a slightly sharper edge to the suspense. Emotionally, this book leans heavily into themes of loyalty, family, and the cost of doing the right thing. Alex’s fear for Damon is palpable, and Sampson’s determination in the face of mass-casualty violence gives his character a chance to shine independently. I especially appreciated how Sampson is allowed to carry significant narrative weight rather than simply orbiting Alex as support. Their friendship, built over decades of fictional history, remains the emotional backbone of the story. There are moments where the plot resolves a bit too neatly, and a few side characters don’t get as much depth as I would’ve liked. That said, those issues didn’t pull me out of the story. This is a thriller that knows exactly what it wants to be and delivers on that promise with confidence and clarity. One line that stuck with me perfectly captures the tone of the novel: “Distance doesn’t break a partnership like ours, it only reminds us why it works.” That sentiment sums up Cross and Sampson beautifully. It’s tense, emotional, familiar, and deeply readable. If you’re a longtime fan of the Alex Cross series, this will feel like a satisfying continuation that still finds room to surprise. If you’re newer to the series, this book offers an accessible entry point without overwhelming backstory. Either way, it’s an easy book to recommend for anyone who loves fast-paced crime fiction with heart.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5 stars #CrossAndSampson #JamesPatterson #BrianSitts #AlexCross #ThrillerReview #CrimeFiction #BookReview #NetGalleyARC #LittleBrownAndCompan #MysteryThriller #2026Release

[Bookreporter.com Mystery & Thriller · Rating 4 out of 5]

It has been quite a ride for James Patterson, who burst onto the literary scene 50 years ago and now sits atop the world as the best-selling author on the planet. In my opinion, none of his fame would have been possible without the connection he has made with readers thanks to his long-running series starring Washington, DC-based homicide detective Alex Cross and his partner, John Sampson.

CROSS & SAMPSON, written with Brian Sitts, comes at a time when Alex Cross has never been more popular, as the second season of the critically acclaimed series “Cross” is currently streaming on Prime Video. In this latest entry, Cross and Sampson are working on two vastly different cases. Cross is in Chapel Hill, NC, where his oldest son, Damon, has gone missing. Meanwhile, Sampson is stuck in DC taking on a bomber whose first two apparently senseless attacks has left a slew of victims in the area.

The chapters alternate between the two cases, with each one presenting a great deal of suspense and mystery. Sampson is working with FBI agent Ned Mahoney, and they find themselves paired with Anna Rizzo, a bomb expert with a solid military background. Rizzo is a take-no-prisoners sort who immediately hits it off with Sampson.

Cross and his girlfriend, Bree, dive directly into Damon’s case and start on his college campus. Damon is a vocal and well-respected young man who is apt to speak up whenever he sees something that he thinks is unjust. Could his disappearance have anything to do with the impending arrival of a controversial right-wing figure who represents the Young Freedom Fighters? Although they turn up nothing at Damon’s apartment, they run into a CIA agent who also is looking for Damon in connection with the campus's guest.

Cross and Bree locate Damon’s girlfriend, Melissa, who has been keeping a low profile and also is genuinely concerned about his absence. During a dinner at the local tavern, the windows are broken in by a hurled brick delivered by a white militia group, which is tied to the current uproar happening on campus. It will not be easy to find Damon amidst all this noise and activity, and their efforts are cut in half when Bree has to return to DC for her work as an investigator with the Bluestone Group. The one positive is that she can utilize other forms of detection from her desk to determine Damon’s whereabouts. She ends up discovering a case her firm is working on that may cross paths with his disappearance.

Meanwhile, Sampson and Rizzo face a second bombing attack near the Vietnam Memorial and step up their investigation considerably. They narrow things down to an ex-military man who might be on a rogue mission of unknown and dangerous purpose. Cross, who is working solo, learns that one of Damon’s primary professors and his teaching assistant are off campus and possibly overseas on a top-secret assignment that even the dean will not share. He will stop at nothing to get his son back safely.

CROSS & SAMPSON is a constant reminder of the strength that Patterson wields with his writing, especially when presenting a story featuring his oldest and most beloved characters. These dual situations raise the hackles on the back of one’s neck as the tension is squeezed a bit tighter with each passing chapter.

Reviewed by Ray Palen

[thewanderingjew · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cross and Sampson (Alex Cross #35)-James Patterson and Brian Sitts, authors
Cross and Sampson are a team of investigators working for the FBI. When a professor from Chapel Hill calls Alex and Brie Cross about his son’s disappearance, they vow to search for him together. Apparently, Damon Cross has not attended class, and even his girlfriend Melissa has no idea where he is and is worried.
Meanwhile, a White Supremacist has been invited to the campus of this University of North Carolina. Damon, his girlfriend Melissa, and some of their friends have been engaged in a protest against the speaker. Has Damon somehow gotten involved with or been harmed by those supporting Jackson Thorne and The Young Freedom Fighters who are radicals and racists? Are any professors involved in this activism? Are they promoting, shielding or protesting the troublemakers?
When bombs suddenly begin to go off in Washington DC, terrorism is suspected and John Sampson cannot help Brie and Alex search for Damon, so they go to North Carolina alone. Soon, Brie is also called back to DC to investigate the series of bombings. They are sophisticated attacks using weapons very difficult to attain. C4 explosives have been used. It is therefore surmised that it has to be a professional, perhaps a veteran suffering from PTSD who is behind the bombings, perhaps someone who has been trained in the use and handling of explosives. Soon fingers point in one direction only, but is this person, Aiden Phillips, an expert bomb-maker guilty, or is he being framed? Is the government covering up their own actions? Can Damon’s disappearance be somehow related to the bombs going off in Washington DC?
The book introduces many ideas, and most are coming from the vantage point of a left-wing philosophy. Terrorism, white supremacy, racism, government corruption, a justice system that leaves a lot to be desired, and even a grown man obsessed with the Confederacy are involved in the investigations. It covers these ideas especially through the lens of the Cross and Sampson families. Their experiences are unique to the problems.
There are times when the novel feels contrived for the purpose of indoctrinating the reader to liberal ideas because of some subjects that seem to be randomly introduced. The color of the characters is pointed out, the history of slavery is featured, the support of the NRA is presented negatively, a speaker is chosen that is specifically a white supremacist fanatic, white privilege is suggested, and even January 6th is implied as an insurrection, not a march for election integrity, etc. The dialogue is sometimes a bit corny or overly sentimental, and is often repetitive. Still, the point of the book is that justice is at stake and Cross and Sampson are dedicated to seeing it is served.
There are many deadly forces at play in this novel, most of which are caused by the deranged or the fanatic. Contrast that with the family and home life of Alex Cross which seems to border on fairy tale in its treatment of problems and each other. If there is a perfect family, they are it.

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cross and Sampson is the second book in the Cross and Sampson series, which is in addition to the Cross Series. Usually, we see the pair working together as a team, but in this edition, they are having to work apart but get to see the thinking processes behind the characters.

Alex Cross is contacted by Damon’s academic advisor at the University of North Carolina, wanting to know if he or Bree have heard from him recently. Which they have not. Alex cannot raise Damon’s girlfriend, Melissa, either, so Alex flies out to the university to hunt for his son. Alex is accompanied by Bree as they arrive at Chapel Hill.

John Sampson would normally be at Alex’s side, but a bomb has been detonated in the middle of rush hour. He is stood in the middle of a crater wondering who is going to claim this, as he calls the bomb squad. It does not help when a second bomb is detonated outside a veterans cemetery, both linked but with nobody claiming responsibility.

Alex and Bree meet the Chapel Hill Police Department, who do not seem all that interested in the case of an adult student who has gone missing. Bree and Alex have to search for Damon themselves, but they do get help from Melissa who he does not quite trust just yet. He knows she is hiding something. When Bree is called away by work, Alex has to work on his own in a county where his colour stands out. Some people are not even afraid to show their hostility to Cross due to the colour of his skin.

Sampson’s investigation takes an interesting turn when the CIA turn up on his doorstep, which certainly means he will have to listen to a story, which might be true, or there will be a grain of truth somewhere in the story. When he is informed by ATF that the C4 used in the bombings is part of a cache which was American issue in Afghanistan and Iraq. Sampson starts to see somethings falling in to place, like CIA damage control in action.

Both Cross and Sampson know they will have to trust people to help them, but they need to do the hard yards themselves. Both know they need to find the key, which will unlock their investigations, and some people are determined to make life harder for them.

A great detective story, which will keep the reader hooked from beginning to end.

[E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

As if the stakes couldn't get higher or the story even better...
This book has to be one of my favorites from this series. And I have more than a few from this series.
Starts off with Alex getting a call no parent ever wants to get... You're child is missing. But for Bree and Alex taking a flight out to get answers only leaves them with more questions then answers and a town where no one seems very helpful. This book is filled with characters that are still stuck back in the day much like now in the present real life.

Race issues with people that unfortunately are stuck thinking one way. Which imo need to move along, we don't need all that hate speech stuff. But Alex handles it beautifully in this book. We see what he goes through to find his son and just when you think he is going to break he doesn't. Sure he makes some comments, but he handles it better then most.

John gets pulled in another direction when an area in DC gets bombed, he is on the hunt for a mad man and when it goes deep into the web of secrets. He gets help from another and even Bree gets pulled away from Alex to find this person or persons setting car bombs off.
John and his partner Anna search for the truth and the person behind this. But when it seems like there isn't a pattern and innocent people are getting killed they have to dig deeper. Whom do you trust? CIA? FBI? This part of the story is very deep into which side of the government can you trust with finding the answers.
I like the different points of views with Alex and John and a couple of others. It gave insight to how both were feeling without having the other there to help.
My hope is that this book makes it to the Amazon prime series Cross.
It is well written and very explosive with everything that goes on. Especially Alex always getting into things on his own. Please please Alex think some more before running to do something on your own. ha ha. I get it and that's why we love him. But I had to put the book down and say Alex please tell me you didn't do what I think you just did... Only for him to do something else just as crazy. But again he was thinking as both parent and authority.