If you like fast-paced, nonstop thrills in your mysteries, this is the book for you. I felt like I had to stop and breathe every now and then; the plot twists, suspense, surprises, and sheer horror of the plot had me so mesmerized, I almost forgot to do so!
Like other Patterson novels, this one, the third in the Alex Cross series, features two parallel horrors, both of which involve the detective in a very personal way. First, a crazed killer is murdering young black children in Cross's own neighborhood, children from his own son's school. The sheer brutality of the murders bespeaks a rage that strikes terror in Cross's heart. But the Washington, D.C. powers that be don't seem to be overly concerned with the horrible happenings in the black neighborhood--they're much more involved with the high-profile, equally mysterious Jack and Jill murders that have captured all the headlines. Jack and Jill are assassins. The ending will keep you guessing which is nice for a change. Patterson seems to realize that a real thriller, like real life, doesnt have an ending with no loose strings. This book will keep you wanting more James Patterson and More of his hero Alex Cross. ( )

Craziness and filled with so many “WTH?” moments it was insane

First you don't know who Jack and Jill are, then you do…only to realize you don't. Not at all. Guessing all the way through. Who is Jack? Who is Jill? Really?

Twists and turns doesn't even describe this storyline. First you know Jack and Jill are the killing duo, then you don't, then you do, it's hard to keep up.

Alex cross, doctor -detective is back, and maybe he's found a new love interest while searching for killers.

Boom, nothing is as it seems. This was a crazy, twisty storyline.

Even after I closed the book for the night I was thinking about it

Recommend?

I recommend to anyone who likes twists, turns, and lots of WTH moments. ( )

My first venture into the world of Alex Cross/James Patterson and I have to say that on the whole I was very impressed. Despite not being my usual genre (this was a, 'choose a book off your bookshelf for me' request to a colleague) I found that this book was well written, well paced, exciting at times and intriguing. Some of the plot twists I saw coming, but then it did not detract from my enjoyment of the book. Love Alex Cross; he's human, compassionate, caring, strong, intelligent, impulsive... There's a reality to this book that some authors struggle to create. You can see this happening, put yourself right in the school playground, or in their homes. The two investigations run seamlessly side by side throughout. Yes there are parts where it's a little too descriptive/wordy, but you're never far away from a significant event and the short chapters make light work of quite a lengthy book.
So, why four stars? I don't want to spoil it for anyone but the ending left me perplexed, with a few questions I wanted answered. I think it was by design but for me I wanted everything wrapped up in one neat bundle. Apart from that, it was an enjoyable venture into a different genre. I'll probably read more James Patterson, but not just yet. ( )

I really enjoy his books. I did read this one years ago but now am trying to read his books in order so re-read it.
This book follows Hide and seek. It has Alex following two murderers. One is a murderer of young children in his neighborhood and the other is a high profile killer going after important people in DC. Good read. ( )

Good book. Entertaining reading. Like character development. ( )