“Alex Cross, Run” by James Patterson – Hunting Hunters while Hunted

Alex Cross, Run by James Patterson (Book cover)
Alex Cross is to James Patterson what Harry Bosch is to Michael Connelly; some kind of seemingly super-human detective worthy of multiple novels, something with which I wholeheartedly agree.

Patterson’s previous Alex Cross novels have been hailed as nothing short of a modern classic, and it seems that it is the case once again with the newly-published Alex Cross, Run.

The story starts off as Alex Cross busts one of the many parties thrown by a renowned plastic surgeon Elijah Creem, one with various drugs and underage dancers (who probably double as prostitutes for economic reasons).

At this point, Elijah Creem, a relatively powerful man with some good connections, is willing to do anything to stay out of jail and preserve his reputation.

However, Cross can’t busy himself with this case as the bodies of three women were discovered in a short span of time, each one murdered in a truly vicious manner. Are these the works of three different serial killers, or only one?

While Alex works day and night to solve those murders, he loses sight of what’s happening around him: someone is spending their time investigating Alex Cross, with only one purpose in mind: vengeance.

As you can imagine, this Alex Cross novel is just as fast-paced as the ones before it, and even more I’d say due to the numerous plotlines Alex Cross is involved in, with each one of them having something to bring. The one with Elijah Creem is a very interesting look at how rich and powerful people deal with being caught red-handed.

The serial killings are interesting mostly because of the “whodunit?” factor, and let’s face it, we all have a kind of soft spot when it comes to mysteries involving deranged and calculated lunatics that don’t murder for practical reasons.

Finally, it’s a nice change of pace to see Alex Cross as being the one hunted and chased around, and what’s more, the fact that it’s done by a mysterious person from Alex’s past makes it all more intriguing; Alex has made many enemies over the years, which one did he damage so badly so he (or perhaps it is a she?) would dedicate his/her life to vengeance?

As is usually the case, James Patterson offers a very compelling story, and even though the language is quite simple it still perfectly manages to convey all the thoughts, emotions and philosophies James Patterson sought to include.

Alex Cross, Run by James Patterson (Book cover)
If there is one thing you can always count on James Patterson to be, it’s concise and vivid. Of course, there are times when his descriptions are mundane, but there are many more instances of them being nothing short of breathtaking.

All in all, fans of Alex Cross will definitely love this book, with it being very fast, captivating, and without a single dull moment. If you didn’t know about Alex Cross, then this novel will definitely make you


James B. Patterson (Author)

James B. Patterson


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James Patterson is an American writer who has dedicated a large part of his literary career to writing murder-related thrillers, inventing in the process two memorable character-based series in Alex Cross and Michael Bennett.

His most prominent works include Kiss the Girls and Along Came a Spider.

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