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

Run For Your Life by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge

A dysfunctional family provides fuel for a sociopath. The killer’s agenda runs awry of Michael Bennett. Once again, the wealthiest NY families are terrorized by a psychopath or is it a sociopath or both.

I 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 a donut, I love it.

I highly recommend it.

Body of work of James Patterson
Body of work of Michael Ledwidge son

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

Ni'il, The Awakening by James Boyle

Police Chief Dan Connor is faced with something beyond his experience. A pragmatic soul, he is thrust into a frightening situation involving supernatural forces. Who he allies with and how he proceeds with define the rest of his life.

This story includes native Americans, ecology, mystery, murder, love and the supernatural. It takes this wide range of ingredients and blends it into an exciting and tension inspiring read. Boyle very clearly shows that our past can shape us but that our consciousness can allow us to determine how we let the past mold us. Boyles characterizations were excellent. He shows Dan and Stephanie as real people, who have made real mistakes and allows their characters to come to peace with their past and their future.

There is a message in the book that Boyle promotes without preaching. He does a good job in allowing the reader to form his own decisions. I look forward to seeing more from this new author.

I highly recommend it.

Body of work of James Boyle

Worst Case by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge

Detective Michael Bennett meets a butt kicking female FBI agent and they try and stop an obsessed serial killer. The wealthiest NY families are terrorized by a retro-new age psychopath.

Michael Bennett is a NY detective with 10 kids. He is almost too good to be true. He meets Emily Parker an FBI abduction specialist in the course of a very perplexing case. Sparks fly and the chemistry sparkles between the two while they track a horrific murderer. The relationship aspects of the story are well done and enjoyable. The conscience free killer is grossly disturbing. As most Patterson books, it moves fast, keep you on the edge of your seat and goes quickly.

I highly recommend it.

Body of work of James Patterson

Site:

9th Judgement by James Patterson

The Women’s Murder Club deals with an obsessed war veteran, an aging movie star, multiple murders and a cat burglar in non-stop action.

Lindsay Boxer faces horrific murders and comes through, non-stop. There is action on top of action in this Patterson page turner. I don’t care who or how they turn these out, they make entertaining reading. For non-Patterson readers, there must be some some where; you may find it a little hard to keep up with the cast of characters. For those of us who are fans, the book just rockets! I enjoyed the book, found the subject matter frequently distasteful but regardless it was a very fast, good read.

I highly recommend it.

Body of work of James Patterson

Site:

Haitian Nightmare

Unless you reside on another planet you are aware of the tragedy that continues to unfold in Haiti. Here is a link to a reputable organization that is helping if you are inclined to help. If not inclined to send money, then please, at least, send prayers.