At the rate James Patterson is turning out work, he’ll have his next novel finished before he even gets started. At least three titles are set for release in 2007 – four if you count the paperback release of “Cross,” his latest Alex Cross offering.
Patterson fills in the cracks for those who may be new to the series about the psychologist-cop-FBI agent struggling to maintain a family life. “Cross” begins with a flashback to the death of his young wife and resulting life changes, but wastes no time introducing the Butcher of Sligo, a mob-connected hit-man whose real name is Michael Sullivan.
As bad guys go, there is none worse than Michael Sullivan, who takes evil learned at childhood to teach his own brand of heartless brutality. He’s equipped with a scalpel and a camera, and has his way with whoever crosses his path – until he crosses Cross.
Alex discovers a link to the murder of his wife Maria, and puts his single-parent life on hold for a chance to track the killer.
Patterson’s style suits perfectly the delivery of differing points of view – he manages almost seven chapters before page 20 – and the short chapters seem to encourage an already quick read. The pace offers relief from the graphic violence, although some may find an urge to look away.
As with many leading roles developed over several books, there is more nuance than development in the character presentation of Alex Cross. Longtime fans will easily fall into the flow, but first-time readers may find themselves wishing for a little more background.
Patterson delivers his thrillers on target, with just enough late-chapter suspense to satisfy, and the sheer number of James Patterson novels out there gives readers plenty of comparison points. “Cross” holds its own with the best of them.
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