Cross Fire by James Patterson

Kyle Craig is back.  If you have read any of the Alex Cross books, that four word sentence is enough for you to want to read this one.    Multiple plots, multiple villains and an intense climax make this a speedy read.

Alex is in love again.   This Time Bree Stone is the object of his affection.   This guy has had more deep loves than Jacque Cousteau.  A wedding is planned and surprisingly Nana is on board.   The kids are also in favor of Bree.   Sounds like a love story but then add Kyle Craig, the monomaniac ex-FBI serial killer.   That provides a heady mix and an intoxicating brew.   Typically fast paced with the characteristic 2 and three page chapters the book moves really fast. 

An ethical dilemma that plays well in today’s distrustful environment complicates an already involved plot.   High profile sleazoids are being killed.   Mortgage brokers defrauding home owners, oil speculators, people who are widely hated for their self serving behavior are being killed and the killer is seen as a dispenser of justice.   This  adds difficulty to Cross and Sampson when they investigate.   Who wants a “patriot” to be caught?

This Patterson was a bit more thought provoking than many.   Don’t get me wrong, I most often enjoy them but they seldom cause me to ponder.   The ethical issues in one case, in this book, let me to ponder my own feelings on the situation.   It was an extra added bonus on top of the light speed, cotton candy read that I usually expect from Patterson. 

I highly recommend it.

Body of  work of James Patterson</a>

 Site: http://www.jamespatterson.com/books

Tick Tock by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge

The two authors seems to thrive on bringing the psychopath and sociopath to the printed page.   A killer is recreating New York City’s most heinous crimes.  The big questions are what is the killers motivation and where or with whom will it stop.  

We met Michael Bennett in Worst Case.  

 Michael is a single parent and NY detective with a blended, multi-racial family of 10 kids.  His deceased wife was the motivator with the huge heart that led to the adoption of Michael’s “brood”.  The overwhelming aspect of parenting 10 children is further complicated by hostage negotiations and nefarious characters.   His family is Michael’s major motivator even as he strives to be a good cop.   The authors successfully portrayed his anger, frustration and satisfaction.   It may be formula writing but much like donuts, I am addicted.

This is entertainment at it’s fastest pace.   The short chapters and action provide a runaway, headlong plunge that makes it darn difficult to put the book down.  

Once again Michael Bennett demonstrates his humanity and passion.   I like the way the author’s show how deeply a man can care for his kids and still depict that same tender hearted father as a butt kicking manly man.  

Bennett is forced to make some interesting choices regarding his lack of a love life.   That too, provided realism and pathos in a story that is chock full of horror and rampant action.  I feel that Patterson and Ledwidge have created a solid series starring Michael Bennett.

I highly recommend it.

Body of  work of James Patterson</a>

Body of  work of Michael Ledwidge son</a>

 Site: http://www.jamespatterson.com/books

Three by Ted Dekker

Kevin Parsons is studiously pursuing a degree in divinity when he becomes stalked by a demented purveyor of unmigated terror. Confused as to why he has been singled out as a target, Kevin reaches out to his only long term friend Samantha. Samantha and Jennifer from the FBI pursue the perpetrator of dismay to the shocking end.

Once again Dekker does a masterful job forcing the reader to ponder what truly defines mental illness. Mr. Dekker leads you through a convoluted and stressful story of a tormented soul and who is really the tormentor. He keeps your attention throughout while forcing you to ponder the basic premises of good and evil and the dichotomy thusly illustrated. The characters are well portrayed and it is difficult not to sympathize with their frustrations. This is an excellent mystery and study of basic human nature.

I highly recommend the book.

Body of work of Ted Dekker

Web site: http://www.teddekker.com/

The Bride Collector by Ted Dekker

Grisly, gruesome and frightening are descriptive terms that don’t do justice to this dive into the demented soul of Quinton Gauld. A serial killer runs amuck in this chilling tale of mental illness and those afflicted with it’s myriad symptoms.

Dekker does a masterful job forcing the reader to ponder what truly defines mental illness. Brad Raines is an FBI agent who displays borderline problems of his own. He is captivated by a surprising woman. His character grows in the story. The rambling rationalizations of the tormented psychopath are believably chilling. In addition it is a darn good mystery.

I highly recommend the book.

Body of work of Ted Dekker

Web site:

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