Double Cross - James Patterson

Double Cross is part of the Alex Cross series of books by James Patterson which started off several years ago with Cat and Mouse.

== Synopsis ==

Alex has given up consulting for the FBI, and moved back into private practise. He hasn't cut all ties with the police though, because he's still dating Bree (Brianna Stone) who's a senior homicide detective, and of course his best friend is John Sampson, also a detective.

Whilst on a weekend camp with Bree, she receives a call to attend a murder scene. Rather than mess around swapping cars Alex travels to the scene with all intentions of waiting in the car, but curiosity gets the better of him, and he goes up to the scene. He soon finds himself being drawn into the investigation despite his reservations.

Unbeknownst to Alex, at the same time Kyle Craig, who was Alex's nemesis for so long is planning his escape from death row, but what does the so called Audience Killer who Alex is now trying to catch have to do with Kyle Craig?

==My Thoughts ==

If you haven't read any of the Alex Cross series you may find some aspects of this book a little confusing. Having said that, it's also a standalone story, there are a few references to previous books, but it shouldn't spoil your enjoyment too much.

The whole series is great though, so if you are going to pick one up, then I'd highly recommend reading them from the beginning.

Double Cross is written in Patterson's usual style; the book flows at a steady pace, and never becomes dull. He also writes in very short chapters, some of which are only a couple of pages long, and although it might seem that short chapters will break up the flow, they actually do the opposite, they help keep the tension going throughout the novel. I also prefer shorter chapters, as I generally read for pleasure (rather than to study) when I go to bed, and there's nothing worse than starting to drop off, but having another 20 pages to read before you get to the end of a chapter.

Unusually for Alex Cross novels, there is very little attention paid to his family, they are mentioned on occasion, and there's one incident involving Damon, but his normal angst regarding his family versus police work are played down in this novel.

There are two parts to the ending of this book, one part I thought was obvious from very early on in the book and wasn't a surprise at all, the second part however I was surprised at.

I would definitely recommend this book, but in order to get the best out of it, I would recommend reading the Alex Cross series from the beginning.