James Patterson's Kill Alex Cross

 

James Patterson is the world’s bestselling author.  In the past few years his novels have outsold those of Stephen King, John Grisham and Dan Brown combined.  Patterson’s most popular character is Washington D.C. psychologist and police detective, Alex Cross.  Kill Alex Cross is Patterson’s 18^th Cross mystery.

Kill Alex Cross begins with President Coyle’s two children, Zoe and Ethan, being kidnapped from their exclusive middle school.  As always, Alex Cross, homicide detective for Washington D.C.’s Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), is the only one who can solve the crime.  He does, however, get assistance from his lifelong friend and fellow MPD detective, John Sampson.  President and Mrs. Coyle have received a note from the kidnappers saying they don’t want ransom.  A desperate Regina Coyle’s only chance is to personally ask Cross to find her children (hopefully alive). 

Kill Alex Cross also introduces us to a Saudi couple.  Hala is a beautiful doctor and her henpecked accountant husband is named Tariq.  The reader soon discovers that the duo are terrorists, part of an organization called The Family.  The Family’s plans, if carried out, will cause more damage to the United States than 9/11.  For much of the book it appears that The Family is behind the abduction of Zoe and Ethan Coyle.

Before Alex Cross saves the day for the President and First Lady, we are offered glimpses of Cross’s personal life.  As is the case with all the Cross mysteries, the reader is introduced to Nana Mama, Cross’s grandmother who raised him after his parents’ deaths.  We also meet Cross’s new wife, MPD detective Brianna (Bree) Stone, and his three children Damon, Janelle (Jannie) and Alex Jr. (Ali).  Cross is always an exemplary husband and father.  As well he is actively involved in the community of Southeast Washington D.C.  Cross still lives there even though he can easily afford to live in a better neighborhood.

I won’t give away what eventually happens to the Coyle children.  At the end of the mystery the Saudi terrorist, Hala, is still alive.  She is almost sure to play a role in subsequent Alex Cross novels.

As is the case with all the Alex Cross books, Kill Alex Cross is a fast-paced, absorbing read.  It keeps the reader intrigued and interested from beginning to end.  I hope Patterson will write many more Alex Cross mysteries in the years to come.