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Alex Cross #23
Cross Justice
The toughest cases are the ones that hit close to home. When his cousin is accused of a heinous crime, Alex Cross returns to his North Carolina hometown for the first time in over three decades. As he tries to prove his cousin's innocence in a town where everyone seems to be on the take, Cross unearths a family secret that forces him to question everything he's ever known. Chasing a ghost he believed was long dead, Cross gets pulled into a case that has local cops scratching their heads and needing his a grisly string of socialite murders. Now he's hot on the trail of both a brutal killer, and the truth about his own past--and the answers he finds might be fatal.
515 pages, Library Binding
First published November 23, 2015
3810 people are currently reading
16846 people want to read
About the author
James Patterson
930 books354k followersOfficial US Site
Official UK Site
JIMMY Patterson Books
ReadKiddoRead
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.
Official UK Site
JIMMY Patterson Books
ReadKiddoRead
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,315 reviews
July 23, 2018
Patterson books can vary between okay and brilliant. Cross Justice for me comes in as somewhere in between, i.e. very good!
When the book began I faltered a bit. It was slow and a little silly but then something happened and it really took off. There were guns going off all over the place but hardly anyone got killed although it came very close. The final chapters of the book, with the culmination of the court scenes and the amazing twist which I at least did not see coming, were really good.
I must admit I find it easy to while away a few hours with a James Patterson book. Realistic they are not but they are always entertaining!
When the book began I faltered a bit. It was slow and a little silly but then something happened and it really took off. There were guns going off all over the place but hardly anyone got killed although it came very close. The final chapters of the book, with the culmination of the court scenes and the amazing twist which I at least did not see coming, were really good.
I must admit I find it easy to while away a few hours with a James Patterson book. Realistic they are not but they are always entertaining!
June 25, 2017
Alex Cross is back to help his family!
Alex and his family are bound for NC where he grew up. He has ventured back to help his cousin, now facing the death penalty for murdering a 13 year old child. The painful, haunting memories of growing up in the poor town of Starkville, NC come flooding back upon his return. But Alex has a job to do - piece together the mystery surrounding his family.
There’s the expected action: bullets flying and severed brake lines that always seem to accompany Alex. The spotlight, however, is on the family itself with long-hidden secrets revealed.
If you have grown to love Alex and his family then you will certainly love this book. Pull a few extra chairs up to the table...you’re about to meet the extended family!
A great addition to the series!
Alex and his family are bound for NC where he grew up. He has ventured back to help his cousin, now facing the death penalty for murdering a 13 year old child. The painful, haunting memories of growing up in the poor town of Starkville, NC come flooding back upon his return. But Alex has a job to do - piece together the mystery surrounding his family.
There’s the expected action: bullets flying and severed brake lines that always seem to accompany Alex. The spotlight, however, is on the family itself with long-hidden secrets revealed.
If you have grown to love Alex and his family then you will certainly love this book. Pull a few extra chairs up to the table...you’re about to meet the extended family!
A great addition to the series!
December 3, 2015
Of all the book series written (or co-written) by James Patterson, those featuring police psychologist Dr. Alex Cross have remained at the top of my favorites list ever since the very first one (for the record, this is the 23rd). I'm happy to say this one doesn't disappoint. Also for the record, I was happy to see that it doesn't follow what seems to be a trend these days - books that are closer to a novella in length than a full-length book.
As is expected with any Patterson book, the chapters are short - another selling point for me simply because for someone like me with a touch of OCD, it's much easier to get to a stopping place when life intervenes. Put another way, having to close my Kindle in the middle of a chapter is almost as unthinkable as turning off the radio in the middle of my favorite Neil Diamond song (and no, it is not "Sweet Caroline" or "Forever in Blue Jeans").
As for the story, this one takes the good doctor, his lovely policewoman wife Bree, two of their kids and his 90-something Nana Mama to Alex's home town of Starksville, North Carolina (for Alex, it's the first visit in 35 years). His cousin, it seems, is on trial for the rape and murder of a young boy who was one of his students at the local school. Another female relative is defending the young man, who insists he's innocent, but she's having a tough time disproving the prosecution's well-documented evidence.
Tracking down clues takes Alex to Florida, where he gets tangled up in a case involving murders of socialite women - the local police need his help, albeit a bit grudgingly; several chapters flip back and forth from these murders to the goings-on in the Tar Heel State. If all this weren't enough, Alex's daughter Jannie gets off on a running start toward a possible future, all to the delight of her proud father and stepmother. But then Alex and Bree's trains of investigative thought begin to hit pay dirt, threatening the future of the entire family.
The chase also challenges Alex and Nana Mama to confront their pasts, unearthing secrets that, for the most part, went dead many years earlier. The truths include the good, the bad and yes, the pretty hokey, but it all works out in the end and gives readers new and interesting insights into both characters.
As is expected with any Patterson book, the chapters are short - another selling point for me simply because for someone like me with a touch of OCD, it's much easier to get to a stopping place when life intervenes. Put another way, having to close my Kindle in the middle of a chapter is almost as unthinkable as turning off the radio in the middle of my favorite Neil Diamond song (and no, it is not "Sweet Caroline" or "Forever in Blue Jeans").
As for the story, this one takes the good doctor, his lovely policewoman wife Bree, two of their kids and his 90-something Nana Mama to Alex's home town of Starksville, North Carolina (for Alex, it's the first visit in 35 years). His cousin, it seems, is on trial for the rape and murder of a young boy who was one of his students at the local school. Another female relative is defending the young man, who insists he's innocent, but she's having a tough time disproving the prosecution's well-documented evidence.
Tracking down clues takes Alex to Florida, where he gets tangled up in a case involving murders of socialite women - the local police need his help, albeit a bit grudgingly; several chapters flip back and forth from these murders to the goings-on in the Tar Heel State. If all this weren't enough, Alex's daughter Jannie gets off on a running start toward a possible future, all to the delight of her proud father and stepmother. But then Alex and Bree's trains of investigative thought begin to hit pay dirt, threatening the future of the entire family.
The chase also challenges Alex and Nana Mama to confront their pasts, unearthing secrets that, for the most part, went dead many years earlier. The truths include the good, the bad and yes, the pretty hokey, but it all works out in the end and gives readers new and interesting insights into both characters.
June 10, 2016
The best Alex Cross book in many, many years. He and his family travel back to the town in which he was raised by his parents, who met with untimely ends, resulting in Alex and his brothers being adopted by Nana Mama and moving north. Alex is asked to assist his niece in defending his cousin, who is accused of rape and murder of a young boy. Meanwhile, there is a second storyline about a series of robbery/murders in Florida, where Alex goes to learn what really happened to his long dead father. Things in Starksville, North Carolina are very unstable, corruption abounds, and someone does not want Alex and Bree investigating the town's many secrets. Lots of suspense and surprises.
One little thing that annoyed me was how often a military trained sniper, who shot someone from a moving car at distance, could miss Alex and others. Guess that's why it's called fiction...
One little thing that annoyed me was how often a military trained sniper, who shot someone from a moving car at distance, could miss Alex and others. Guess that's why it's called fiction...
December 28, 2015
Cross Justice
At first when I finished reading this novel I wasn't so sure what I really thought about it but the more I thought about it I ended up loving it. This book is like no other Alex Cross novel that I have ever read. It was a feel good book and I love that you never saw the ending coming. I love when James Patterson writes his own books without a co author, you can really tell the difference in the story and the writing. I'm so happy that he wrote a good book this time.
At first when I finished reading this novel I wasn't so sure what I really thought about it but the more I thought about it I ended up loving it. This book is like no other Alex Cross novel that I have ever read. It was a feel good book and I love that you never saw the ending coming. I love when James Patterson writes his own books without a co author, you can really tell the difference in the story and the writing. I'm so happy that he wrote a good book this time.
November 28, 2016
Thirty five years it took Alex Cross to return to his roots – and that was only because his family called for his help in clearing his cousin Stefan’s name of the terrible charges that had been levelled against him. Apart from Alex’s eldest son Damon, the rest of the family arrived in Starksville, North Carolina where they joined Alex’s aunts and Uncle Clifford.
As the trial began, Alex and Bree knew the evidence was strong against Stefan – but they also felt some things didn’t quite add up. Quietly they started looking into the case from the very beginning – and they didn’t like what they were finding. But good solid evidence was difficult to procure. And in the meantime Alex was hit with something pertaining to his life as a boy; was everything he knew and remembered about his past a lie?
Not knowing who to trust, and believing at least some of the cops in Starksville were crooked, Alex and Bree had intense danger dogging their every move. But there was more, much more to come…
Cross Justice by James Patterson was explosive action from start to finish! And the twist at the end just blew me away! It’s been awhile since I’ve read an Alex Cross novel, but now I remember why I enjoy them so much. To my mind, this series is the best this author writes and I’m looking forward to the next already! High octane, fast pace and extreme twists and turns, Cross Justice is one I highly recommend.
As the trial began, Alex and Bree knew the evidence was strong against Stefan – but they also felt some things didn’t quite add up. Quietly they started looking into the case from the very beginning – and they didn’t like what they were finding. But good solid evidence was difficult to procure. And in the meantime Alex was hit with something pertaining to his life as a boy; was everything he knew and remembered about his past a lie?
Not knowing who to trust, and believing at least some of the cops in Starksville were crooked, Alex and Bree had intense danger dogging their every move. But there was more, much more to come…
Cross Justice by James Patterson was explosive action from start to finish! And the twist at the end just blew me away! It’s been awhile since I’ve read an Alex Cross novel, but now I remember why I enjoy them so much. To my mind, this series is the best this author writes and I’m looking forward to the next already! High octane, fast pace and extreme twists and turns, Cross Justice is one I highly recommend.
June 10, 2018
Are you kidding me with those last several chapters! This was an awesome installment with so much going on. I loved the whole aspect of Cross going home and reading all the secrets and people of his past revealing themselves. This one is my favorite Alex Cross novel so far.
My quick and simple overall: incredible plots with some amazing reveals.
My quick and simple overall: incredible plots with some amazing reveals.
June 11, 2016
Cross Justice is the twenty-third book in the popular Alex Cross series by prolific American author, James Patterson. Alex Cross, wife Bree Stone, Nana Mama, Jannie and Ali are in North Carolina. Needing a break after recent traumatic events in their lives, the Cross family heads to Starksville, the town from which Nana Mama rescued Alex and his brothers when their parents died.
A request from his niece, lawyer Naomi Cross, sees Alex returning to the town he has not visited for thirty-five years. Naomi is defending Alex’s cousin, Stefan Parks, on a murder charge for which the evidence looks damning. A rude introduction to Starksville’s Police force is only the beginning for Alex: it is soon apparent that corruption is rife in the town and Stefan’s hope of a fair trial is slim.
But as Bree and Alex strive to uncover the facts, Alex also learns some uncomfortable truths about his parents. In an effort to find closure for himself and Nana Mama, Alex heads to Florida to see the place where his father, Jason Cross evidently committed suicide. And finds himself involved in a murder investigation.
Readers may be forgiven for wondering if this book was written by the same author who wrote Cross My Heart and Hope To Die: the standard of writing, the plot with its twists and red herrings, the characters, everything about this book is so much better than the two previous instalments. Perhaps Patterson actually sat down and wrote this one instead of phoning it in? Astute readers will have the big reveal at the end pegged fairly early on, but this one is an enjoyable read. 4.5 stars
A request from his niece, lawyer Naomi Cross, sees Alex returning to the town he has not visited for thirty-five years. Naomi is defending Alex’s cousin, Stefan Parks, on a murder charge for which the evidence looks damning. A rude introduction to Starksville’s Police force is only the beginning for Alex: it is soon apparent that corruption is rife in the town and Stefan’s hope of a fair trial is slim.
But as Bree and Alex strive to uncover the facts, Alex also learns some uncomfortable truths about his parents. In an effort to find closure for himself and Nana Mama, Alex heads to Florida to see the place where his father, Jason Cross evidently committed suicide. And finds himself involved in a murder investigation.
Readers may be forgiven for wondering if this book was written by the same author who wrote Cross My Heart and Hope To Die: the standard of writing, the plot with its twists and red herrings, the characters, everything about this book is so much better than the two previous instalments. Perhaps Patterson actually sat down and wrote this one instead of phoning it in? Astute readers will have the big reveal at the end pegged fairly early on, but this one is an enjoyable read. 4.5 stars
January 8, 2016
WOW!!!!! no one can ever get enough of Mr pattersons books
yet again another great, fast paced, on edge, mysterious, brilliant, fantastic book from Mr patterson, again and again you can never get enough of Alex cross and his fine detective and police skills, and with every book of James patterson you will always be guessing and never figure it out, even when you think your on the right track and got it all sussed it will always be the one person you never even thought of.
so Mr patterson hope the next book or even the next alex cross will be just as fast paced and mysterious as the last (ooooh can't wait)
yet again another great, fast paced, on edge, mysterious, brilliant, fantastic book from Mr patterson, again and again you can never get enough of Alex cross and his fine detective and police skills, and with every book of James patterson you will always be guessing and never figure it out, even when you think your on the right track and got it all sussed it will always be the one person you never even thought of.
so Mr patterson hope the next book or even the next alex cross will be just as fast paced and mysterious as the last (ooooh can't wait)
December 15, 2018
This was only the second James Patterson book I have picked up, the other I discarded due to its first person, present tense, in-your-face format: I like to absorb a book. Initially I had my doubts as the scene skipped between the sub-story of a cross-dressing killer in Miami, and Alex Cross, wife Bree and the two younger kids returning to his hometown of Starksville, NC three decades after Cross left there, where his cousin, Stephan, is arraigned on charges of the drug-fuel rape of a teenage girl and the sodomy and murder of a youth. Cross’ niece Naomi is representing the accused, and this took me aback: can a blood relative represent another in court?
Starksville appears to be a racist backwater with high unemployment and dominated by a few rich white fellas, who hold sway over local law enforcement and the judiciary. A key witnesses is killed off and Alex is targeted by three hoons in a white Impala, who include Finn Davis, ex-husband of the accused’s fiancée.
Overall, an easy read: a fairly predictable plot with a few twists, the usual fight scenes, a bit heavy on the extended family and meals. But I liked how the author kept the main villain in plain view, only to be exposed late in the book.
Starksville appears to be a racist backwater with high unemployment and dominated by a few rich white fellas, who hold sway over local law enforcement and the judiciary. A key witnesses is killed off and Alex is targeted by three hoons in a white Impala, who include Finn Davis, ex-husband of the accused’s fiancée.
Overall, an easy read: a fairly predictable plot with a few twists, the usual fight scenes, a bit heavy on the extended family and meals. But I liked how the author kept the main villain in plain view, only to be exposed late in the book.
September 28, 2020
Loved this 23rd book in James Patterson's "Alex Cross" series!
October 8, 2018
Cross Justice by James Patterson is the 23rd in the Alex Cross Series:
Series Background (Warning – May contain spoilers from previous books):
Alex Cross is a former FBI agent, and now a Detective working in Washington DC. He is also a psychologist. He gets involved in most high-profile cases. His family, which are usually an integral part of the books, include: Nana Mama (his 90-something Grandmother who raised him); Damon (his eldest son, away at College); Jannie (his daughter, in high school); Ali (his youngest son (just starting school); Bree (his second wife, we don’t count Christine, who was his fiancé and Ali’s mother), John Samson (his best friend since they were 10, and a fellow police officer), and Ava, a young street person who they wanted to adopt. Alex is very involved with his family, and when not working, he is active with them, or volunteering at St. Anthony’s Soup Kitchen.
My Synopsis:
Since Alex and Bree are on leave after the horrific case that almost cost Alex his entire family, he quickly says yes to helping his niece try to figure out what really happened, and why his cousin is in danger of getting the death penalty. His cousin Stefan has been charged with drug trafficking, the rape and murder of one of the young boys he teaches, and the rape of a girl in his class. There is so much evidence against Stefan, that even Alex doubts his innocence. But if he is innocent, then the only way to set him free is to find the real culprit.
So Alex and his family return to his hometown of Starksville, NC. Nana Mama had fled Starksville with Alex and his brothers after the death of his parents. But the horrors that Alex had buried as a child are coming back to haunt him now, and some of what he thought he knew appears to have been wrong. Although the family welcomes them with open arms, there are others who would rather see Alex and his family dead.
When Alex’s investigations start to put him and therefore his family in jeopardy, he decides to get away for a bit and follow a personal lead to Florida. There he meets two detectives named Johnson and Drummond, and gets involved in helping them with a case involving the deaths of socialites.
My Opinions:
Okay, this is the second book in a row in this series that I have truly enjoyed. For a while I wanted to give up on this series, but now I’m a fan again.
I loved how we finally found out more about Alex’s family history. That was really interesting.
As always, the short chapters made it a fast read, and the action was non-stop. There were a number of twists in this one. Even though I had a good idea as to the involvement of one character, a number of the other twists were unexpected, and everything came together in the end.
Overall, this was a good book, and a return to the original James Patterson type of writing. Loved it!
Series Background (Warning – May contain spoilers from previous books):
Alex Cross is a former FBI agent, and now a Detective working in Washington DC. He is also a psychologist. He gets involved in most high-profile cases. His family, which are usually an integral part of the books, include: Nana Mama (his 90-something Grandmother who raised him); Damon (his eldest son, away at College); Jannie (his daughter, in high school); Ali (his youngest son (just starting school); Bree (his second wife, we don’t count Christine, who was his fiancé and Ali’s mother), John Samson (his best friend since they were 10, and a fellow police officer), and Ava, a young street person who they wanted to adopt. Alex is very involved with his family, and when not working, he is active with them, or volunteering at St. Anthony’s Soup Kitchen.
My Synopsis:
Since Alex and Bree are on leave after the horrific case that almost cost Alex his entire family, he quickly says yes to helping his niece try to figure out what really happened, and why his cousin is in danger of getting the death penalty. His cousin Stefan has been charged with drug trafficking, the rape and murder of one of the young boys he teaches, and the rape of a girl in his class. There is so much evidence against Stefan, that even Alex doubts his innocence. But if he is innocent, then the only way to set him free is to find the real culprit.
So Alex and his family return to his hometown of Starksville, NC. Nana Mama had fled Starksville with Alex and his brothers after the death of his parents. But the horrors that Alex had buried as a child are coming back to haunt him now, and some of what he thought he knew appears to have been wrong. Although the family welcomes them with open arms, there are others who would rather see Alex and his family dead.
When Alex’s investigations start to put him and therefore his family in jeopardy, he decides to get away for a bit and follow a personal lead to Florida. There he meets two detectives named Johnson and Drummond, and gets involved in helping them with a case involving the deaths of socialites.
My Opinions:
Okay, this is the second book in a row in this series that I have truly enjoyed. For a while I wanted to give up on this series, but now I’m a fan again.
I loved how we finally found out more about Alex’s family history. That was really interesting.
As always, the short chapters made it a fast read, and the action was non-stop. There were a number of twists in this one. Even though I had a good idea as to the involvement of one character, a number of the other twists were unexpected, and everything came together in the end.
Overall, this was a good book, and a return to the original James Patterson type of writing. Loved it!
December 6, 2015
Patterson really needs to stop! This was good until the sappy totally ridiculous ending!!
December 8, 2015
WOW!
By far the best Alex Cross book yet. So full of suspense, family, intrigue, but so totally different from the others. James Patterson pulled out all stops to bring out every kind of emotion known--hate, disgust, empathy, sympathy, love, gratitude, greed, and many others.
Thank you for giving us the true background on Alex Cross and allowing us to meet more of his family.
By far the best Alex Cross book yet. So full of suspense, family, intrigue, but so totally different from the others. James Patterson pulled out all stops to bring out every kind of emotion known--hate, disgust, empathy, sympathy, love, gratitude, greed, and many others.
Thank you for giving us the true background on Alex Cross and allowing us to meet more of his family.
December 8, 2015
While the last 50 pages were entertaining, the rest of it was almost painful to read. For the first 70 pages you meet about a character a page and they all come with long explanations like, "He was my Aunt Hattie's cousins kid" or "Nana Momma's brother's wife". It gets very confusing to keep them straight, and then you realize you don't have to because none of them matter anyway. Possibly my least favorite Cross book.
December 5, 2015
Very good. Didn't see that coming!
May 4, 2016
In this most recent Alex Cross novel, Patterson opens up about the protagonist who has been through many peaks and valleys over the past two decades. After an absence of over three decades, Alex Cross is headed home, back to his roots in North Carolina. While it would be nice to call this a family vacation in its truest form, Cross has a mission. Stefan Tate, a cousin, is on trial for rape and murder, with a pile of evidence making his guilt all but certain. However, Cross remains open-minded and begins poking around into the narrative offered by Stefan, as well as that which the district attorney is using at trial. This uncovers more than Cross can imagine, including a deep-rooted suspected drug ring headed by one of the town's most active businessmen. As he struggles to find innocence in a town where guilt has already been determined, Cross also must address the deaths of his parents and the pains it caused him in his childhood. Digging deeper, Cross learns that the additions his parents had may not have cost them their lives, but these revelations are wrapped in other barbed truths. Cross heads to Florida to get answers, where he stumbles into a set of murder investigations in which socialites appear to be committing drastic forms of suicide. When Cross uncovers a key piece of evidence, he is able to help solve one case and blow another wide open, which necessitates a quick return to the rest of the family before others are hurt. Back in North Carolina, Cross may hold the key to the trial as well as answers to put his family at rest. A stunning turn-around for the usually lacklustre Patterson, which might draw long-time Alex Cross fans back into the fold.
Can this be the same James Patterson who churns out tepid novels as fast as a reader can digest them? It seems as though the old dog might have a new trick or two. Perhaps it is that he holds the story as his own or that he is tired of sub-par publications (which still earn him millions). In any case, Patterson delivers a wonderful story that offers a very strong Alex Cross backstory, one that is long-past due. Patterson also builds on a few developments to bring other Cross family members some drama of their own. While every Cross story seems to need a serial killer and their own machinations, it seems as though Patterson only added this branch out of necessity, for it plays a seemingly minor role in the larger narrative. Still, I remain in awe that such a powerful story could come so easily from James Patterson. What a turn around!
Kudos, Mr. Patterson for returning to your days of glory. I can only hope you will not abandon this writing style, preferring stellar pieces of writing to which your name is affixed.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Can this be the same James Patterson who churns out tepid novels as fast as a reader can digest them? It seems as though the old dog might have a new trick or two. Perhaps it is that he holds the story as his own or that he is tired of sub-par publications (which still earn him millions). In any case, Patterson delivers a wonderful story that offers a very strong Alex Cross backstory, one that is long-past due. Patterson also builds on a few developments to bring other Cross family members some drama of their own. While every Cross story seems to need a serial killer and their own machinations, it seems as though Patterson only added this branch out of necessity, for it plays a seemingly minor role in the larger narrative. Still, I remain in awe that such a powerful story could come so easily from James Patterson. What a turn around!
Kudos, Mr. Patterson for returning to your days of glory. I can only hope you will not abandon this writing style, preferring stellar pieces of writing to which your name is affixed.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
December 2, 2015
This is one of the best books I have read,with Alex Cross out to the town he was born and grew up in to assist in the trial of his cousin. The pages turn as you follow with the Cross family as they become involved in what happened years ago to the trial happening now. Problems appear at every step,leading to a thrilling and exciting end!! Any who like Patterson's Alex Cross must have this book on your list,definitely number one on mine!!
March 2, 2024
The Alex Cross series has always been one of my favorites and this book ending up being magical. That twist at the end….amazing! It was even better because of all the injustices happening during this novel. I just had to wonder how they would get to the bottom of things and prove it all. Very satisfying!
November 6, 2015
It’s twenty-three years and twenty-three installments of justice the Alex Cross-way since the first book in the series, Along Came a Spider, appeared in 1992. James Patterson has changed little. His trademark short chapters continue to enthrall readers, and his books continue to sell like hot cakes. They continue to generate interest, and make for an exciting and fast read. My admiration for him is full to the brim though I also have a huge pile of gripes, mostly relating to the frequent releases bearing his name and the over-pricing of Kindle versions of his books. I’m almost tempted to give up on his novels occasionally, but as a die-hard fan, though I groaned, grumbled and berated his propensity of churning out book after book almost every month, I can’t get myself to actually act.
With Cross Justice, bestselling author James Patterson returns with his most famous character in a plot that is both gripping and fast-paced. Fans of the master storyteller can rest assured in the knowledge that this episode of the series is much better than the insipid Cross My Heart and Hope to Die. It is as entertaining as ever with Cross returning home for the first time after thirty-five years, only to be confronted with a daunting task as he finds himself ensnared in a quagmire of harsh reality and secrets, and an enemy as dangerous as any other. What prompted Alex and his family to return home was the upcoming trial of his cousin, Stefan Tate, a gym teacher accused of torturing and killing a thirteen-year-old boy named Rashawn Turnbull.
Alex Cross series is the only series that James Patterson writes without any co-author, which is a good thing. With sharp twists and turns, readers are in for shocking and fascinating treat in Cross Justice. The appearance of a family member whom Alex thought was dead was a nice surprise. The Reverend Alicia, Marvin Bell, the police chief and the local judge all played a pivotal role in the story. The toast "May God bless the Crosses" at the end beautifully sums up one of the best Alex Cross novels, and James Patterson fans couldn't have hoped for a better ending. I’m glad Cross Justice has renewed my faith in him, and I look forward to many more from him.
With Cross Justice, bestselling author James Patterson returns with his most famous character in a plot that is both gripping and fast-paced. Fans of the master storyteller can rest assured in the knowledge that this episode of the series is much better than the insipid Cross My Heart and Hope to Die. It is as entertaining as ever with Cross returning home for the first time after thirty-five years, only to be confronted with a daunting task as he finds himself ensnared in a quagmire of harsh reality and secrets, and an enemy as dangerous as any other. What prompted Alex and his family to return home was the upcoming trial of his cousin, Stefan Tate, a gym teacher accused of torturing and killing a thirteen-year-old boy named Rashawn Turnbull.
Alex Cross series is the only series that James Patterson writes without any co-author, which is a good thing. With sharp twists and turns, readers are in for shocking and fascinating treat in Cross Justice. The appearance of a family member whom Alex thought was dead was a nice surprise. The Reverend Alicia, Marvin Bell, the police chief and the local judge all played a pivotal role in the story. The toast "May God bless the Crosses" at the end beautifully sums up one of the best Alex Cross novels, and James Patterson fans couldn't have hoped for a better ending. I’m glad Cross Justice has renewed my faith in him, and I look forward to many more from him.
September 30, 2023
Alex Cross returns to his childhood home and faces some of his past head-on. His cousin is on trial for a heinous sexual assault and murder charge, and he has been called in to help. He realizes how much of his past has been blacked by childhood trauma and the death of his parents. Not everything he has been told about his past is true.
Much like the statements in that paragraph I just typed are disjointed and all over the place, that's what reading this felt like.
There are a lot of sections of blatant "shocker" moments that mostly lack a proper emotional response. Such as the drive-by shooting and the car accident; seriously, do we not have better security now? Some of the depth of character reaction is missing, which is usually a strong point for Alex. The background of his parents is still all over the place with me.
Also, WTF with the Track stuff? It sounds like the FBI may have found something too??? What does this mean?
Nana Mama is still the queen, but I found it slightly odd how much she was removed from the unveiling of past events. I thought she would have been more at the forefront and a tremendous emotional sounding board, but she was relegated to the background.
The trial and boo overall were good, but the presentation felt messy.
3.5 Stars
Much like the statements in that paragraph I just typed are disjointed and all over the place, that's what reading this felt like.
There are a lot of sections of blatant "shocker" moments that mostly lack a proper emotional response. Such as the drive-by shooting and the car accident; seriously, do we not have better security now? Some of the depth of character reaction is missing, which is usually a strong point for Alex. The background of his parents is still all over the place with me.
Also, WTF with the Track stuff? It sounds like the FBI may have found something too??? What does this mean?
Nana Mama is still the queen, but I found it slightly odd how much she was removed from the unveiling of past events. I thought she would have been more at the forefront and a tremendous emotional sounding board, but she was relegated to the background.
The trial and boo overall were good, but the presentation felt messy.
3.5 Stars
January 14, 2016
Alex and family travel to North Carolina to help prove his cousin is innocent of murder. Very entertaining and enjoyable book.
December 18, 2015
If this was by an unknown author it would not be published. Stupid preposterous story
March 14, 2017
Losing interest in these read. The potential track-star daughter seems to have the most interesting and important role.
January 22, 2019
Another great addition to Alex Cross series !
May 7, 2016
I hadn't read an Alex Cross novel for some time and now I really need to go back and read the ones I have missed. I thought Cross Justice was one of the best novels by Patterson that I have read and I would have to say that the Cross novels are the best of his series. Not sure if that is because Patterson actually wrote most of these books and did not rely on a co-author or just because Alex Cross is such a great character.
In this one, Cross and his family travel to Starksville, North Carolina, the small town where Alex was born. He is there to help defend his cousin who is accused of a brutal murder and rape of a young boy. The town seems to be under some cloud and no one in the town is happy to see Alex there to help defend his cousin. But Alex and his wife Bree, are there to find out the truth about the murder and what hidden factors may be involved in the killing and the likely framing of his cousin.
Alex also finds out some information he didn't know about his father who had supposedly died 35 years before after he had purportedly killed Alex's mother. He found out that his father had survived and traveled to Florida. Based on this information, Alex travels to Florida to seek out what really happened to his father. While there, he also gets involved with some killings of several socialites and helps the local police resolve those murders. Returning to North Carolina, he helps get to the bottom of who killed the young boy and why.
There were some twists at the end of the novel that I didn't see coming and I thought the ending was very powerful and helped Alex and his grandmother make peace with their past. High recommendation for this one!
In this one, Cross and his family travel to Starksville, North Carolina, the small town where Alex was born. He is there to help defend his cousin who is accused of a brutal murder and rape of a young boy. The town seems to be under some cloud and no one in the town is happy to see Alex there to help defend his cousin. But Alex and his wife Bree, are there to find out the truth about the murder and what hidden factors may be involved in the killing and the likely framing of his cousin.
Alex also finds out some information he didn't know about his father who had supposedly died 35 years before after he had purportedly killed Alex's mother. He found out that his father had survived and traveled to Florida. Based on this information, Alex travels to Florida to seek out what really happened to his father. While there, he also gets involved with some killings of several socialites and helps the local police resolve those murders. Returning to North Carolina, he helps get to the bottom of who killed the young boy and why.
There were some twists at the end of the novel that I didn't see coming and I thought the ending was very powerful and helped Alex and his grandmother make peace with their past. High recommendation for this one!
September 19, 2021
Just when you think you know; Patterson smacks you upside the head making you realize you know nothing. Wow! Wow! The ending of this read was just…. do I dare say it again? Ok, WOW! 5 stars this is one of my favorites of the series thus far! Amazingness!
October 28, 2019
Cross Justice (CD) by James Patterson.
This was one of the best, if not the best, in the Alex Cross series. A great addition to this series as well as a great stand-alone.
This was one of the best, if not the best, in the Alex Cross series. A great addition to this series as well as a great stand-alone.
September 27, 2017
El famoso y reconocido detective, Alex Cross y su familia viajan a Starksville, la pequeña ciudad dónde Alex creció. Él decide viajar para ayudar a su primo, quién es acusado de violar y matar a un joven. Este es un caso especial para Alex no sólo porque un familiar suyo está involucrado sino porque parece haber sólidas pruebas en contra de su prino; pero cuándo Alex y su esposa Bree empiezan a investigar más a fondo, se dan cuenta que algunas cosas no cierran del todo. Y en su búsqueda por descubrir quién de verdad mató al joven y por qué, se encuentra con trabas y situaciones que amenazan a toda su familia. Alguien no quiere que Alex siga investigando.
x
Alex es reconocido por su capacidad para resolver casos y en esta oportunidad deberá resolver más de uno... Al volver a su ciudad natal se encuentra recordando su pasado, memorias y cosas que no recuerda muy bien, asi que mientras busca la inocencia de su primo, encuentra la verdad de su pasado.
Es el primer libro que leo de James Patterson asi que es mi primera historia con Alex y disfruté muchísimo este libro.
El autor narra la historia de una manera cercana y concisa. En este libro hay dos historias que se cruzan y es vital para el desenlace.
Con capítulos cortos, hace una lectura ligera y adictiva. Uno se encuentra todo el tiempo uniendo piezas para encontrar la verdad. Hay suspenso, intriga y mucha acción. Tiene muchos giros inesperados y en especial el del final no me lo vi venir para nada.
Sin dudas espero leer mas del autor. Es una lectura super recomendada para todos las amantes del thriller.
x
Alex es reconocido por su capacidad para resolver casos y en esta oportunidad deberá resolver más de uno... Al volver a su ciudad natal se encuentra recordando su pasado, memorias y cosas que no recuerda muy bien, asi que mientras busca la inocencia de su primo, encuentra la verdad de su pasado.
Es el primer libro que leo de James Patterson asi que es mi primera historia con Alex y disfruté muchísimo este libro.
El autor narra la historia de una manera cercana y concisa. En este libro hay dos historias que se cruzan y es vital para el desenlace.
Con capítulos cortos, hace una lectura ligera y adictiva. Uno se encuentra todo el tiempo uniendo piezas para encontrar la verdad. Hay suspenso, intriga y mucha acción. Tiene muchos giros inesperados y en especial el del final no me lo vi venir para nada.
Sin dudas espero leer mas del autor. Es una lectura super recomendada para todos las amantes del thriller.
March 5, 2016
I haven´t read any of the Alex Cross books (I had to read this one for a challenge) but if the others are even half as bad as this one I´m just glad that I will never have to read one again.
This book was just a disjointed mess. There is practically no tension, all these stupid "coincidences" that advance the plot are maddening and the end is just... no. It turned out that Alex´s father is still alive and OF COURSE his cousin was not guilty of a crime. Because god forbid anyone in his family is anything else than a perfect human being. Sometimes I couldn´t even keep the relatives straight - turns out I needn´t have bothered since they were all bland and boring and practically had the same personality.
Also - really? Dramatic entrance with a gun and a hostage and everyone walks away alive? Are you serious?!
Why this book needed Coco (a Buffallo Bill-type of serial killer. A transwoman. Or a crossdressing man. Coco was always called "he, him" but in the first chapter it very much felt like they were a woman. So I have no idea which of those two options they were supposed to be but it sucked in any case) is beyond me. Their story was underdeveloped and ended so abruptly I wanted to scream. It´s such a stupid and overused trope I never want to read about it again.
And here I thought the worst thing my eyeballs would have to endure this week would be that Fanfiction about Donald Trump and his wig that I stumbled upon...
This book was just a disjointed mess. There is practically no tension, all these stupid "coincidences" that advance the plot are maddening and the end is just... no. It turned out that Alex´s father is still alive and OF COURSE his cousin was not guilty of a crime. Because god forbid anyone in his family is anything else than a perfect human being. Sometimes I couldn´t even keep the relatives straight - turns out I needn´t have bothered since they were all bland and boring and practically had the same personality.
Also - really? Dramatic entrance with a gun and a hostage and everyone walks away alive? Are you serious?!
Why this book needed Coco (a Buffallo Bill-type of serial killer. A transwoman. Or a crossdressing man. Coco was always called "he, him" but in the first chapter it very much felt like they were a woman. So I have no idea which of those two options they were supposed to be but it sucked in any case) is beyond me. Their story was underdeveloped and ended so abruptly I wanted to scream. It´s such a stupid and overused trope I never want to read about it again.
And here I thought the worst thing my eyeballs would have to endure this week would be that Fanfiction about Donald Trump and his wig that I stumbled upon...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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