#2 Book Review: I, Alex Cross - James Patterson

#2 James Patterson's Alex Cross Series: Another Stunner

ⓒ Lee Robert Bouzida, 2018

James Patterson has become probably the biggest thriller writer of the past twenty plus years (Lee Child might have something to say about it, but sales win, sorry Jack Reacher) and his style has become almost a staple for writing a fast-paced crime novel.

It works, undoubtably. Short chapters, crossed story lines both personal and business, and a lead character so familiar and relatable our hearts often bleed. 

When I first got back into reading in my teenage years, JP, and in particular Alex Cross, came to be a huge part of that. Such easy, yet brilliant reads. That's why I chose to review one of Patterson's Cross series first. 

Whilst the title may not seem clear throughout, this is certainly full of the staple Patterson diet. A very delicious appetiser of brutal murder, followed by the personal link to Alex Cross' life. A tragedy to arrange even the coolest of heads, Dr Cross immediately takes to the case. 

What unfolds is a constant mystery that keeps you guessing and changing your mind about 'whodunnit?' throughout, right until the last. I'll try and not give away too many plot points, by the way, but there's some staples. 

Prostitution for the rich and powerful. Terrified young girls trafficked and brutally murdered. All the while Cross faces a family crisis from inside his own four walls, as the case becomes even bigger the further he dives in. 

The ending will shock.

Throughout, however, Patterson constantly entertains at pace, and changes focus cinematically. There's no one point perspective here. 

What I love about a REALLY good thriller is that you are kept alongside the lead character's story, with little more knowledge than him throughout. The positive of that is unlike Alex, you're not being shot at. You most likely are in bed with a cuppa. 

The only criticisms that come through JP's novels is often his writing of women (as maddeningly found throughout literature) is objectifying. But it could be argued that this be the doing of the characters, and most likely not Patterson's own feelings. However, it does have to be rung up. Again.

Other than that, and the relatively mundane title, this is a really staple diet of Patterson's writing, and an important chapter in Alex Cross' story. 

I already can't wait to pick up another instalment. 

LB x

Do you have any thoughts on this book, or it's subsequent review? Let me know what you think in the comment section! Subscribe for more reviews.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

#3 A Week In Beer: Exmoor, Two Cocks, Kona, Arbour

Image
#3 Exmoor Ales, Viscount, Classic Kona, Arbour Mosaic IPA... Good morning, All sorts of beer to talk about this week; maybe I drank too much! On Monday I tried a few of varying quality, and all of which were relatively fruity. Except for the Seafarer's. Yes, the Seafarer's was the first beer I tried this week and my word was it so painstakingly average. It was Fuller's, so what should I have expected? The badge is pretty I guess? Beer was a relatively flavourless bitter in taste, but a little deceptively light on the eye. Tasted like malty water. 2/5. Seafarers, Fuller's. The Lamb Inn, Newbury. I then moved back to my beloved home (The Catherine Wheel) to test out the Bristol-brewed Arbour range that had been a fridge takeover from the week before. Now, whilst Mosaic hops are one of my favourites, I'm not super keen on their Mosaic IPA that I tried on Monday. It was a little less hoppy, a little too smooth and fruity for what I was after. Still a good
Read more

#5 Album Review: Coup De Grace - Miles Kane

#5 Miles is back, big, bold, but not life threatening Miles Kane has been a staple of indie rock's finest for the last decade, particularly brilliant alongside Arctic Monkeys' Alex Turner at the front of The Last Shadow Puppets, creating one of my favourite albums ever in 2016's 'Everything You've Come To Expect'. Kane might well be one of the best guitarist's in indie (Turner once described him as being able to 'make a guitar sing') and is one of my personal heroes vocally and with some of his songs becoming classics amongst indie rock's faithful. In his first effort as a solo artist, Miles collaborated with Alex Turner to write timeless 60's inspired tunes such as 'Come Closer', 'Rearrange' and 'Colour Of The Trap' that are now synonymous with festivals and cans of dark fruits in hand, being sung by every kid who ever bought an Arctic's record. The second album, 'Don't Forget You Are' was a de
Read more

#4 Old Friends, Same Places

Image
#4 Why do we keep meeting old friends in the same places? It was a week of reunions for me. With everyone having trickled back from university, whether departing fully or taking the summer, a lot of old folk returned to our town this week, so I thought I'd say hey. Met a friend of mine for lunch on Friday, and we had a lovely time I can assure you, however tired I've been. However it felt like our relationship had changed somewhat? I didn't realise it had been a YEAR since she came down to Falmouth, and that being when I saw her last. Crazy how fast time moves on. Newbury, The Wharf and Kennet & Avon Canal. © Lee Robert Bouzida Then Saturday night was the big one. After going for dinner with my Dad (had some beautiful ribs, in Bill's in Newbury, with some damn tasty spicy sauce mmmm) I met up with some old pals in the Market Place to watch a Killers tribute act (The Kopycat Killers; they were pretty good, but their Brandon was less than convincing). We
Read more