Review: James Patterson – Cross Justice

“I followed the adage that if you really want to learn about someone, you should just shut up and listen.” – James Patterson

This is James Patterson’s latest book in the Alex Cross series. Once again, Patterson continues to bring to life one of his most iconic characters in yet another thrilling chapter of the life of detective-by-day, father-and-husband-by-night Alex Cross.

In this edition, Alex Cross has to return to his hometown North Carolina for the first time in over 3 decades, after his cousin is accused of a heinous crime. Cross heads back home with his family of 4 in an effort to help his cousin and aunt from having to leave the matter solely in the hands of the local police force. While there, Cross has to face uncovering long-kept family secrets forcing him to question everything he’s ever known about his parents’ death. Cross soon finds himself being pulled into a case involving a string of murders.

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Cross Justice is one of the better Alex Cross novels, as it focuses on something different to that of the older novels. The reader is exposed not only to the mystery and crime that always seems to follow Cross, but is given more insight into Cross’ family. Throughout the Alex Cross series, the highlight of the books are the crimes and the criminals Cross chases down, but in Cross Justice I got to learn a little more about his family which is often laid out as a side story. Cross Justice offers the reader a chance to experience the Cross family dynamics, particularly through the interactions Cross, his children and their extended family.

Should you buy this book? If you’re a fan of mystery, crime and thriller fictional novels, DEFINITELY.

However, note that this book is part of a pretty long series spanning aCross (lol) sixteen years, so if you’re thinking of reading Cross Justice I suggest you start with one of the earlier books, preferably Along Came a Spider.

NEW BOOK ALERT: The next Alex Cross book, Cross the Line, will be released on 21 November 2016, so be sure to keep an eye out.

Recommended Reading:

• James Patterson – Along Came a Spider (Alex Cross series)
• Micheal Connelly – The Overlook (Harry Bosch series)
• Dan Brown – Digital Fortress

Praise:

“Alex Cross is a legend” – Harlan Coben

“Patterson boils a scene down to the single, telling detail, the element that defines a character or moves a plot along. It’s what fires off the movie projector in the mind.” – Michael Connelly

“It’s no mystery why James Patterson is the world’s most popular thriller writer. Simply put: nobody does it better.” – Jeffery Deaver