Cross is the twelfth book in the Alex Cross series and is just as gripping as the previous books and the development of Cross even further. As well as seeing Cross’ development we see that of his family and Nana Mama being ageless. Cross is still working for the FBI but is thinking a lot about his dead wife Maria and we learn more about her even though she is mentioned in the previous books. It helps the reader to understand Cross more. Cross is out with his children trying to buy a new car which will meet everyone’s approval when he is paged about something that has happened in Washington DC. He answers the call to arms and attends the crime scene with his familiar disgust. It while out on this call Cross is injured which angers Nana Mama. She speaks to him very angrily giving him food for thought. The outcome was that Cross decided to leave the agency. Cross’ former Metro PD partner and friend John Sampson is chasing a serial rapist in the Georgetown are of DC. Sampson is in desperate need of Cross’ input. The rapist has a very brutal modus operandi where he threatens the victim if they were ever to speak out. He then shows his victims pictures of his various handiwork. Cross and Sampson know they need the testimony of one of the victims to make their case, but the victims are far to scared to say anything. The case also has a connection to his wife’s murder which may finally give him some sort of closure. The more they investigate the more confused becomes the picture, but they do feel they are getting closer. Cross and Sampson feel that they are finally getting answers, and that closure may actually happen for them both. This is a rollercoaster of a ride clichéd as it is, it is true! This is a gripping read and you can understand the dilemma in Cross’ life.

this is another great instalment of the alex cross series and gives us more insight into alex and is dead wife.With its short chapter is makes it great for slipping in a chapter while you wait for the kettle or a bus.It is a real page turner and will keep you gripped from the first page to the last. If you have never read a james patterson book before read this one and you will want to read them all .The writting style paints a very vivid picture and makes u want to know what happens next , all in all an exerlent read that keeps you on the edge of your seat wishing you could read faster so you can see what he has instore for us next