One of the best characters of all time, Alex Cross is called to an airport regarding a killer targeting pilots. Cross and Sampson race to the crash site. The plane didn’t fail because it was shot down by a stolen Vietnam War–era machine gun. The list of experts who can operate the weapon is short, so Cross and Sampson must find the killer quickly before many other people die.

James Patterson doesn't disappoint, and I liked reading another book in the Alex Cross series. Although this book is called, "Alex Cross Must Die," on Goodreads it is listed as "Cross Out." Both of those titles confuse me because the book has nothing to do with someone hunting down Alex Cross.

That being said, this book reads quickly, just as Patterson's books do. It has four different mysteries going on at one time: the bringing down of a plane, the missing college athlete, the disappearance of a CEO, and a serial killer of younger men. Some reviews said they found it a little confusing, but I actually liked all of the different storylines. It kept the story moving along, and I didn't think it was confusing.

I gave this book four out of five stars. Thank you Little, Brown and Company for my free copy in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you Netgalley and the James Patterson Street Team for this ARC copy! A solid 3.5/5 stars
I really enjoyed this book. I've always been a big Alex Cross fan and this one did not disappoint.
This has four main cases: the take-down of a commercial jet, the disappearance of a wealthy CEO, the strange late-night murders of random men in DC, and the disappearance of a friend of Cross' daughter. Many of these cases end up being interwoven, and Alex and his wife Bree have to sort out all the details.
The amount of cases made this a bit overwhelming, and their interconnections a bit far-fetched, but the pacing of this Cross book was really well done and the tension felt really authentic. In a post 9/11 era, a downed airliner is an incredibly touchy subject but I thought this was done really well. The twists and turns were well set up and I liked the ending. This is a cliffhanger though? So you better get ready for the next Cross book.

Great book! I’ve loved the Alex Cross series since I was in high school. My mom started me on them. Thank you for allowing me to read this great book! Ready for the next one.

This was a solid read. Although a good story, it was not my favorite Alex Cross book . . . but I am so glad he's back! If you read the previous book, Crossdown, you understand my excitement. I look forward to future adventures with Dr. Cross! Thanks to Netgalley for the advanced copy.

Well darn, just like the last in this series it just didn’t grab me like his earlier works in the series. There was way too much going on. And while that made for a multiple faceted story, it was just confusing at some points. I will continue the series tho. Thanks to the publisher and netgalley for this copy for read and review

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 unfolds as 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.

Although this Alex Cross was presented to me as Alex Cross Must Die, it downloaded from Netgalley as Cross Out. I assume the two titles refer to the same book.
James Patterson with co-authors has written 30 Alex Cross stories. There have been 3 Alex Cross movies with talk of a series coming to Prime Video. It is fair to say Alex Cross has a built-in audience. I have only read a few of the narratives so my review is a little more objective, but frankly I don’t think positive or critical reviews will have any impact on the popularity of an Alex Criss title.
The story here is a good one and the development of the two cases — a terrorist targeting commercial airplanes and a serial killer — that make up the narrative is well constructed. The main characters are all individuals you’ve met before — Dr. Alex Cross, his wife Bree and Detective John Sampson. Each of these three is the focus of certain chapters that propel the story. There are also familiar family members, 90 year old Nana Mama, daughter Willow among others, but frankly I couldn’t differentiate one character’s voice from another. They all came across as bland, even Nana Mama who used to have some real sass.
The story had lots of action and cliffhangers, but frankly I think Patterson is just phoning it in now. Whether you want to waste your time and another serving of the same old mix is up to you.

I didn’t see the end coming! I love those kind. Patterson kept the pages turning and the intrigue at an all time high. There were so many interesting parts of this story that I couldn’t wait to see what happened next and how it was all related: if at all. This was a great story, and even believable. Another winner in the Alex Cross series. I can’t wait for the next one!

Alex Cross Must Die is written by James Patterson. I have been reading the Alex Cross series for as long as I can remember. James Patterson never disappoints with any of his books.

Detective Alex Cross and John Sampson are called to Reagan Airport. A plane has been shot down with stolen Vietnam War–era machine gun. There is not a lot of people that are able to handle that sort of power. There is also Alex's wife Bree searching for her boss’ friend who is missing. I always enjoy when Patterson writes multiple cases in his books.

In true Patterson fashion, lots of action and detailed scenes. Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read a copy of this book -all thoughts are my own.

Another amazing read by the one and only James Patterson! His Alex Cross series is one of my all-time favorites.
I recommend all of his books to my friends.

Thank you for allowing me to read and review yet another great Alex Cross book.

4.5 stars Overall I enjoyed this book. The three different major plot lines definitely kept my interest. The only thing is that I did quite get the same level of danger to Alex Cross that I did in the video trailer for the book.
Thanks to #netgalley, #littlebrown publishers, #JamesPattersonbooks, and the #JamesPattersonStreetTeam for this advanced copy (book comes out TODAY, 10/20/23) . My review is unbiased.

The action in the latest Alex Cross thriller is not just non-stop. It’s a runaway train on a downhill course to disaster! Alex and Sampson are busy trying to solve serial murders that they are called the Dead Hours killings. Unfortunately, they were interrupted in finding a murderer because a plane is shot down and the partners are tasked with following the clues to who could be responsible before he takes another plane filled with innocent passengers down. This is a propulsive thriller, terrifying in its realistic details and addiction as the action is fast and furious. There are some intricate plot threads and some red herrings about who the killers could be, but there was no way I could guess who was responsible until almost the end when clues were coming quickly and revealing more and more. The writing was sharp and the mystery was compelling and intense. I enjoyed the inclusion of Bree Stone solving her own mysteries at the same time that Alex and Sampson were traveling to various locations to unravel theirs. This is an edgy and tightly plotted thriller with multiple layers that all flow together seamlessly at the end.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

When I start an Alex Cross book, I hate to put it down. Alex Cross Must Die (Cross Out) by James Patterson is definitely one of his best thrillers.
With so much happening, readers will have a hard time.looking away.

Alex Cross Must Die, by James Patterson, is a fast-paced page-turner with all the components you love in an Alex Cross novel. Four cases in one and family galore will leave James Patterson lovers wanting more (as always)!

This book was also downloaded as "Cross Out".

I thought it would be hard to keep track of the four simultaneous cases, all connected by the involvement of family and friends of Alex Cross, but Patterson's use of short alternating chapters worked well in keeping the momentum going and the confusion level down.

In two of the cases, we get to see what's happening, but not the motivation. There is some interweaving of cases and a big "aha" moment. But I think the best part was when Nana Mama got to zoom teach a class of high school kids - and goes viral!

This book is fast-paced and suspenseful.

Thanks to NetGalley, Little, Brown and Company, and the #JamesPattersonStreetTeam for an advance reader's copy!

5 out of 5 Steaks!
Damn James does not disappoint at all with another awesome book!

Alex Cross is another favorite of mine, this book shows us what all can happen and can in fact connect people and stories.
That twist towards the end though..
Not going to lie I stayed up all night reading this book.

It hooked me when the killer described his day and what he was going to do with the plane and the plane going down. I was like wait huh? You for real, then to jump to a little later. I didn’t know what to think.
When Alex's wife Bree gets a call from her boss about a missing best friend and they start looking into her life. Things are definitely not what they seem.
Then we have Alex's daughter who has a missing friend and enlists Bree's help.
What could possibly go wromg with everyone missing and a hunt for the killer in more ways then one. With them looking for the Dead hours killer and Alex's son Ali going rouge and "trying" to help.
Its pure chaos,especially with Mama Nana feeling like she wants to work again in some way.
Thank you again James Patterson street team for allowing me to read an advanced copy!
Looking forward to the next book!

Another heart-pounding, stay on the edge of your seat Alex Cross thriller from James Patterson. The Alex Cross series is a long-time favorite and I eagerly await each installment.

I love the books that include the whole family in some way and this one definitely did with so much going on for each of them.

There are four separate cases going on in this book and Patterson does a great job building suspense by switching between the stories at critical points.

I didn’t see the twists coming in each case and was surprised and glad when each case was concluded. I found myself flipping back to see where I missed the hints!

I cannot wait for the next installment in this series.

Thank you to Little Brown for the copy of this book. All views are my honest opinion.

Alex Cross is back in book 32 with no signs of letting up. I just cannot get enough of these face paced, page turning crime thrillers from one of my favourite authors of all time. You always know when you pick up an Alex Cross book that it will be non-stop action and you will be reading until you finish. His punchy, short chapters make for a fabulous reading experience every single time.

This time we have quite a bit going on… a commercial plane full of passengers is shot down killing all on board, there is a serial killer out there, nicknamed the Dead Hours Killer and Bree is looking for a missing Company CEO. On top of all this, Ali is getting himself into trouble again, Nanna Mama is going back to work and so much more. How could you not want to read this. And the ending..,another to be continued… ahhh!!!

Book Title: Alex Cross Must Die also listed as “Cross Out”
Series: Alex Cross # 32
Author: James Patterson
Publisher: Little Brown & Company
Genre: Mystery Thriller,
Pub Date: November 20, 2023
My Rating: 3.7 rounded up
Pages 416

I am a big Alex Cross fan this is #32 and I read all but four.
. Love the Cross family – Bree, Jannie, Ali, and of course, Nana Mama. It has been such fun watching them grow and getting to know them including Ali having his own story.
Stories typically are fast page turning crime thrillers. Always love the short chapters.

The cross family members are all super busy in this story
• This story starts when an American Airlines flight coming from West Palm Beach is approaching DC’s
Regan Airport crashes and explodes on the runway killing the 200+ passengers on board.
Not long before this happened a terrorist threatens to shoot it down.
• Alex Cross and John Sampson are trying to catch the “Dead Hours” serial killer who is on the loose stalking
DC at night, killing young men in the early hours.
DC Metro Police and the FBI are working non-stop to catch both the terrorist and the serial killer.
• Meanwhile, Alex’s wife Bree Sone is looking for the disappearance of CEO. Leigh Anne Asher who is the
best friend of Bree’s supervisor Elena Martin.
(I knew these stories just might be connected. We soon find out that Leigh Anne’s real name is Maggie Fontaine and that name is on the manifest of the plane that exploded.)
• Daughter Jannie, is a freshman and track star at Howard University; calls Bree that her team mate Iliana
Meadows wants to talk to her ~ after waiting – her no-show seems she is missing!.
• Ali now 10-years old, always very curious is secretly following the Dead Hours serial killer trying to find
information to help his dad solve this case.
• Then there is Nana Mama who is enjoying her new career as a cook on YouTube!


Aww I totally love when a Cross story includes the entire family.
Hope this isn’t a spoiler but it wasn’t a surprise that Bree’s nemesis M somehow has a connection. Yep delighted like there will be Alex Cross #33.

Want to thank NetGalley and Little Brown & Company for this early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for November 20, 2023.