A Book A Week

What's in a name? When James Patterson's publisher initially provided me with a copy of his latest Alex Cross novel, the book bore the title Cross Out. However, by the time the story reached bookshelves and readers' hands, it had transformed, emerging with the new title Alex Cross Must Die. Given my tradition of receiving the latest Cross book from my mom every Christmas, I had to wait a few weeks to determine which title better suited the narrative. Now that I've read it, I find myself questioning whether the name of this book truly holds significance. It stands as another robust thriller from the bestselling author, but neither title appears to align more fittingly with the story than the other. The name change offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of book marketing and publication, yet at the end of the day, the crucial question for most readers remains: Is the book any good?

While investigating a series of murders perpetrated by the 'Dead Hours Killer,' Alex Cross and his partner John Sampson find their focus diverted when news breaks of a commercial airliner shot down near a D.C. airport. The aftermath of this apparent act of terror is vast, with debris and remains scattered over miles. Temporarily putting aside their murder case, the duo lends their expertise to this national security crisis. As details emerge, it is revealed that the weapon used was a Vietnam-era machine gun with significant firepower, yet the path to answers remains murky.

Simultaneously, Alex's wife Bree becomes entangled in an unexpected murder case, brought to her attention through Alex's daughter, who sought help for a troubled friend. The discovery of the friend's body unveils a disturbing pattern of abuse and grooming that sends shockwaves through their community. With three cases encroaching on the lives of the Cross family and their youngest, Ali, delving into amateur sleuthing, the entire clan is pushed to the limits of their investigative skills, jeopardizing their safety in the process. Complicating matters further is the lingering presence of the mysterious M, an enigmatic figure who has taunted Cross across several books, adding a deeper layer of suspense to the entire narrative.

Alex Cross Must Die is a novel burdened by an abundance of plot that exceeds what can be effectively contained within its pages. While Patterson's trademark short chapters contribute to a fast-paced reading experience, the narrative is overwhelmed by the sheer volume of events. The three distinct cases presented could have each been expanded into their own works, allowing for more thorough exploration and attention. Instead, Patterson navigates swiftly from case to case and character to character, resulting in a narrative that, while thrilling, lacks the emotional impact that a more focused approach could have delivered. The enduring strength of the series has often rested on the nuanced growth of its characters, but in this installment, the crowded plot leaves little room for reflection or development. While it provides an entertaining read, the novel lacks the lasting resonance found in the series' best entries.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2024, 9)