Criss Cross by James Patterson

The 27th book about psychologist and detective Alex Cross. About time I had a look.

I was aware I was entering a highly popular series by the bestselling author James Patterson and wondered if this would be a problem. However, the history of the main character both professionally and personally was covered briefly before the story began, and therefore avoided the information dump in the middle of the book. Often this can happen in a series and dampen the tale. Not so here.

There are flashbacks to a decade before to link the crimes of a serial killer to modern day murders and those involved. There are clues and red herrings, police investigations, guns, dodgy salesmen and strippers, gore and quirky aspects such as 'gummy bears'.

The hero is not a cold-hearted cop but a family man and there is a nice thread about his children, especially the sharp and advanced ten-year old son, the athletic daughter and the cosy grandmother. As a major theme of this book is revenge though, the happy family ideal always looks vulnerable. Plus the son has a new friend involved with his cycling hobby...

Criss Cross is a complex mystery thriller and action-packed crime novel. A familiar format well done with an ending that also serves as an opening for Alex Cross number 28. 

Published by Cornerstone and Century Digital on 14 November 2019. Advanced review copy supplied by the publisher.