Cross Justice (Alex Cross #23) by James Patterson

ALEX CROSS IS GOING HOME.

BUT WHAT WILL HE FIND WHEN HE GETS THERE?

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.

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Hope to Die by James Patterson

After a numbing fall to the depths of disappointment with Cross My Heart (Alex Cross), the 21st installment in the Alex Cross series, bestselling author James Patterson returns with his most famous character in a sizzling sequel which will restore the confidence of the faithful in his skill as a master-storyteller, and earn him many more new fans. With his reputation as the world's most popular thriller writer at stake, Hope to Die is a high-risk gamble which will either bury the fiasco that was Cross My Heart (Alex Cross) or put the final nail in the coffin of a legendary fictional character, Alex Cross.

Which way will the scale swing?

Simply put, James Patterson seems totally unfazed by the rampant criticism with which Cross My Heart (Alex Cross) was received. This is apparent as the story continues in the same vein and in the same JP trademark short chapters. Patterson really surprised me by entering enemy territory with Marcus Sunday and his true-crime book The Perfect Criminal hogging the limelight in the introductory chapters. As the story progresses he captures in vivid details, though blurred at times by the necessity of the plot, the fate that befell the Cross family in Cross My Heart (Alex Cross). The picture becomes clearer with each new chapter, focusing on plot of the villain to wreak a final storm on Alex Cross while Alex is working on his own plan to unleash a befitting retribution.

Hope to Die (Alex Cross # 22) by James Patterson is explosive, riveting and enthralling with high-octane action sequences, superb dialogue and a fantastic storyline. Alex Cross is simply superb, as always, and the pain he feels comes right through the pages of the book. I have always loved the Patterson books for the simple reason that they are entertaining. Hope to Die is no different and I get hooked from the beginning. Pure habit forces me to flip to the last page and see how it ends. Hope to Die is one of the best Alex Cross novels, with an intimate and equal portrayal of all the main characters. With a climax that is both surprising and unexpected, a far cry from the frustration of Cross My Heart (Alex Cross), Hope to Die is one of James Patterson's best novels in a long time.