Let's address the controversy surrounding the latest Alex Cross novel upfront. A quick look at the cover reveals two significant departures from the norm in this long-running series. First, James Patterson has deviated from his tradition of single-handedly writing the series by enlisting one of his frequent collaborators, Brendan DuBois, as a co-author for this novel. Second, this new installment shifts the spotlight away from the renowned detective, Alex Cross, and places it firmly on his longstanding partner, John Sampson. In fact, Alex Cross takes a backseat early on in the story, leaving Sampson to confront the latest threat on his own. While this technically marks the 31st entry in the series, these deviations from Patterson's typical formula may align it more closely with Alex Cross's Trial, another co-authored book in the series that delved into Cross's ancestors rather than focusing on the character himself. Whether this newest book can be considered a true part of the series is open to interpretation. As a massive fan of the previous books, though, I knew it was only a matter of time before I read it.
The United States faces a dire crisis as a series of brutal terrorist attacks engulfs the nation in fear and uncertainty. In response, the President assembles a task force comprising top security and law enforcement experts. Among them are Alex Cross and his partner, John Sampson. Exiting a pivotal meeting onto the bustling streets of Washington D.C., Alex begins to voice his suspicion that the patterns of these attacks seem oddly random. Before he can elaborate further, chaos erupts in gunfire, leaving Cross critically injured. Now, Sampson is torn between tending to his wounded friend and delving into the mysteries behind the orchestrated attacks. In this turbulent time, the lines between friendship and duty blur, and Sampson finds himself on a precarious journey to safeguard the lives of the Cross family, his own daughter, and the very nation he holds dear.
Cross Down marks a significant departure for the Alex Cross series. Setting aside the controversy surrounding co-authorship and the shift in focus to a side character, the book still carries a distinct tone and focus that diverges from its predecessors. This departure doesn't necessarily equate to a negative change, but it does introduce an unfamiliar element to the series. While most previous books revolved around hunting serial killers, this installment delves deeper into political and foreign affairs, granting the story a broader scope.
Patterson's signature short chapters maintain a brisk pace, propelling the plot forward and keeping readers on the edge of their seats. With the life of the series' beloved hero hanging in the balance, the relentless pursuit to thwart a catastrophic terrorist attack adds to the suspense. Despite the jarring shift in tone and focus compared to the rest of the series, these changes did breathe new life into the story. They offered a fresh perspective on Alex's family, allowing the characters to evolve in a way they hadn't in recent books. While the next installment appears to return to the tried-and-true formula that has carried the series through 31 books, it remains to be seen how this outlier will impact the series' future. Regardless, I am eager to continue reading to see what comes next.
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(2023, 78)
