Fans of the bestselling Alex Cross series will welcome the 33rd installment, The House of Cross by James Patterson. In this book, Cross and Sampson team up to solve several murders of judges who are on the short list to be put on the supreme court. Alex’s wife, Bree is investigating a man who she believes is called M and who is responsible for hundreds of murders. During these investigations, they are shot at and taken captive. A lot is happening.

This novel is quintessential Patterson, with lots of killing, lots of violence, lots of mayhem, lots of improbable scenarios, and lots of Nana Mama’s mouthwatering dishes without the recipes. Patterson’s writing style has always appealed to the LCD, and this one is no exception. It seems most readers like Alex Cross, along with his family and friends, but Patterson’s sloppy writing style shouldn’t win him any prestigious awards, nor will his books ever become literary classics. No matter what, these are fun mindless books to pass the time.

Patterson has done a good job over the years of developing his characters, and Alex, et al seem like real friends. He also does an excellent job of developing the bad guys, and in this novel, they are really bad.

All told, this is a typical Alex Cross novel that will most likely be picked up by every type of reader just because it is a James Patterson novel without a co-author.

Special thanks to NetGalley for supplying a review copy of this book.

I've never read an Alex Cross mystery before, but it was quite a suspenseful fbi thriller. Had me wide eyed and surprised in several spots. Definitely enjoyable.

It’s Alex Cross. No one does it better than JP when he’s writing about Alex Cross. I’ve been reading him for years and, by far, Alex and his family are real to me.

This book is a compelling read for readers who love political theories that are profoundly real. The plot is amazing as well as entertaining. How Alex can pull off solving two murder cases at the same time I can not tell you. Reading the short chapters will keep you glued to all the secrets and twists the villains play with Alex and his team. I loved the book, because it seems such an easy read. It’s a quick page turner that keeps the dialogue and the story simple. I love the writers mastermind behind keeping the story thrilling and exciting with the surprising twist that leave saying, well didn’t see that coming. Until next time my fellow readers. Read on!

I really enjoyed reading this book. I feel like you can't go wrong with the Alex Cross series. I have read so many of Patterson's books and while I enjoy most of them, they don't all grip you the same as the Alex Cross series. I want to thank Patterson and the Little & Brown Co for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

James Patterson is consistent with the Alex Cross series. I have read all the books and the pace continues to keep you on your toes until the fast last chapter. And then the suspense continues.

The latest in the Alex Cross series -- I enjoyed #33 thanks to NetGalley (pardon my delayed review)! Fast and action packed plot that kept me on edge in which some of the best legal minds are being assassinated and Alex and Ned are tasked with finding the killer.

James Patterson is a must buy author for me. His books never disappoint. Short chapters and suspense for the win every time!!

The House of Cross had me hooked from the very first page! James Patterson does what he does best, blending pulse-pounding action with intricate psychological tension. Detective Alex Cross is in top form, navigating a complex and high-stakes case involving the president-elect, Supreme Court candidates, and a killer who seems to be one step ahead at every turn.

The suspense is relentless, and the way Patterson unravels each twist kept me on edge. Cross's dedication to his family, his city, and his country is palpable, making his fight to catch the killer even more personal. I loved seeing his sharp mind at work as he delves into the criminal's psyche—it’s both thrilling and chilling.

The pacing is perfect, with just the right mix of investigative detail and heart-stopping moments. By the end, I was left wanting more! If you're a fan of detective thrillers, The House of Cross is a must-read. It’s one of Patterson's best!

Great book. True Alex Cross feels. Read book in one sitting. James Patterson writing is so suspenseful.

I always enjoy Alex Cross novels, and this one did not disappoint. It shares some to the backstory of one of Alex's most formidable opponents. While reading this story, I felt almost every emotion. My heart raced, I was fearful of turning the page, I cheered, I gasped, and then it ended . . . but not quite how I hoped, hence the three stars.

Thank you for the opportunity to preview The House of Cross. It’s been quite some time since I read an Alex Cross book. Patterson is truly a genius writer. How he can keep this series from becoming stale or boring is beyond my comprehension. But he does and I am so grateful to be back in the Alex Cross universe.
Alex Cross is a great example of how a character can be so real and as a reader you become almost a part of his life. That’s what Patterson is able to do so well.
This is a great addition to his universe and I realize I missed reading this series
Another reason to read this book is because it’s not average. It’s very good and Alex Cross is a definable character.
4 stars

Rewriting History

Alex Cross is back, in his biggest and most complex case to date, crossing International borders to find an arch criminal. Although replete with up to the minute cyber technologies, a few of which may not yet have been invented (but will be), the whole was somewhat reminiscent of the Cold War saga of James Bond. Of course James was decidedly a bachelor and Alex is most definitely a loving family man. If you have been following the progress of Alex Cross, you will be up-to-date on a number of other continuing characters as well, but if you've never read any of these, I suspect you'll catch on quite quickly to the Who, What, When, and Where, and rapidly become engrossed in the drama. Five patriotic stars!

This was one of my favorite Alex Cross stories. The suspense was outstanding. It was a nice change having Bree team up with John while Alex was teaming up with Ned. The settings outside of DC were also a nice plus. Looking forward to more in Alex's investigations.

As much as I love James Patterson and the Alex Cross series, I unfortunately didnt love this book. I liked it and kept me entertained for the most part but it dragged a lot. It wasn't as gripping and action packed as the other books. The story line was good, but I didn't feel the normal Alex Cross vibes and thye had Bree acting like a rookie. Overall, it's a decent read and I'll recommend it.

Alex Cross thriller #32. Alex Cross is one of the most memorable protagonists in the mystery genre with many followers. With a new president elect a serial killer is assassinating legal leaders who are being considered for the new administration. Cross and his team suspect the criminal known as Maestro who has eluded law enforcement for years. When his wife Bree and his best friend John Sampson go missing while following a lead Cross enters a wilderness area searching for them . He must not only survive the deadly killers on his trail but perilous winter weather conditions. I have been following Alex Cross since his first appearance in "Along Came A Spider" with eager anticipation for each new adventure. James Patterson is legendary for penning compelling action driven narratives and this entry was no exception. It introduces some interesting plot twists on the ongoing Maestro thread and was fast paced and engaging. Character development has always been one of Patterson's strengths as an author and a sa reader I am always ready to revisit the clever and courageous Detective Cross and his team. Glimpses of his family life always add a touch of the human element to a dark and gritty story.

This is our 33rd, hard to believe it's been that many, Alex Cross book. They just keep getting better and better. Alex is tasked with saving the country once again. In this case someone is killing judges on a possible Supreme Court replacement list. This list is not public but these judges are turning up dead. The evidence leads Alex, Bree and John to the snowy tundra in Canada. They go up against some of the toughest bad guys they have ever fought. Will they survive this last battle. This is one of the best Cross books yet.

As we enter 2025, with a promising lineup of exciting new book releases on the horizon, I’m kicking off my reading year with a title from last year. Since high school, my mom has gifted me the latest installment in James Patterson's Alex Cross series each Christmas. It’s a beloved holiday tradition that I look forward to every year. Even though Patterson’s publisher generously provides me with an early ebook copy for review, I always wait until Christmas morning to unwrap the hardcover—it’s become part of the magic. This year was no different. As the decorations came down and the holiday haze faded, I started the new year with a familiar friend, diving into another thrilling adventure with The House of Cross.

The FBI is on edge as some of the nation’s most prominent legal minds are being systematically assassinated. Each murder takes place in a public setting, with the female assassin showing no hesitation in being caught on camera. Criminal psychologist Alex Cross, who has been consulting with the FBI for years, is called in to investigate. Partnering with his longtime friend Ned Mahoney, Alex begins piecing together the clues, but progress is slow. With the inauguration of a new president just weeks away and the interim FBI director desperate to secure her role permanently, the stakes couldn’t be higher.

While Alex focuses on unraveling this deadly conspiracy, his wife, Bree Stone, and best friend, John Sampson, are deep in an equally perilous investigation. The CEO of tech giant Paladin has reportedly died in a mysterious car crash in a remote location. But Bree and Sampson suspect the supposedly deceased CEO is none other than “M,” the elusive mastermind behind Maestro—a shadowy vigilante organization that has haunted the series’ recent installments.

Determined to uncover the truth, Bree and Sampson venture into treacherous terrain to investigate. If their suspicions are correct, Maestro's reign of terror may not be over, and they may be facing the deadliest threat yet. With two high-stakes cases unfolding simultaneously, Alex Cross and his team are about to be tested like never before.

There’s a certain comfort in diving into the next installment of a long-running series, and The House of Cross delivers everything I’ve come to expect from James Patterson. The plot is as gripping as ever, with relentless pacing that keeps you hooked from start to finish. But what really makes these books stand out is the chance to revisit characters I’ve grown to care about over the years.

Patterson has always had a knack for balancing edge-of-your-seat thrills with meaningful character development. This dual focus deepens our connection to the characters and raises the stakes of the dangers they face. The enigmatic “M” has been a shadowy presence in the Alex Cross series since 2019’s Criss Cross, so seeing this storyline finally reach its climax was satisfying.

Admittedly, the narrative leans into the over-the-top territory reminiscent of a James Bond adventure, but that’s part of the charm. I didn’t pick up this book for gritty realism—I wanted a pulse-pounding thrill ride, and Patterson delivered. The House of Cross was the perfect way to kick off a new year of reading.

The best Alex Cross book I've read in a while. It's nice to see the series get back on track. Someone's murdering federal judges with a presidential inauguration on the horizon. Meanwhile Bree and John investigate Maestro, the big, bad, secret organization of the last several books. It's all very exciting and fast paced but that's all you're getting from me. Go read it yourself.

James Patterson never disappoints and is a comfort author for me (especially the Alex Cross series).

Cross books always keep you on your toes and have unexpected twists, this one being no different. Pick this one up if you’re looking for a quick paced read, full of action, family, and mystery.