Member Reviews

First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, James Patterson, and Little, Brown, and Company for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

James Patterson delivers one of his stellar series with the latest addition. In a series that has mastered the art of always keeping things moving, Patterson provides fans with something well worth their time. When a number of high-ranking judicial minds are murdered across the country, Dr. Alex Cross and FBI Special Agent Ned Mahoney, begin their investigation. Meanwhile, a familiar billionaire dies in an odd manner and Bree Stone stays as busy as her husband, Dr. Cross, with her own investigation. Could they be tied together in some way? A great series addition by Patterson.

After the bodies of two prominent judges on opposite sides of the country are found, it becomes apparent that someone is trying to assassinate strong legal minds in America. Dr. Alex Cross is called upon to help investigate, sending him and Special Agent Ned Mahoney across the country to put the pieces together. They have the killer’s silhouette in video recordings, but have yet to piece it all together.

Meanwhile, in Nevada, a billionaire succumbs to an odd vehicular accident and is dead, his body identified by the medical examiner. He left a message for Alex Cross, but all for naught. What reason did he have to be killed and how light it tie in with the other case at hand?

While Bree Stone, wife to Dr. Cross, works with Metro PD Detective John Sampson, they uncover a plot that could shake things to the core and reveals a potential to the murdered judges. However, they will have to make it out alive to share this news. On the eve of the presidential inauguration, Cross, Stone, Maloney, and Sampson all work their own angles to bring down a plot that could have dire consequences for all involved. A stunning story that keeps the reader hooked until all comes together. Some of Patterson’s better work!

There is something about James Patterson that makes me enjoy his earlier series work. While he has inundated the world with publications, I can usually rely on some strong writing when Patterson does his own work and remembers his roots. The narrative flows well in this piece, alternating between the two investigations as things heat up. The shift in momentum is subtle, but noticeable for the dedicated reader. Strong themes emerge alongside great characters, building on their backstories and series-long growth. Mixing mystery with politics, the plot emerges successfully and pieces things together with ease, while also never giving up too much. Surprises abound and keep the reader on edge as Patterson delivers another strong novel in this series.

Kudos, Mr. Patterson, for another great addition to this long series!

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Edge-of-your-seat thriller! James Patterson has done it again with House of Cross! This time, our favorite crime-fighting duo, Alex Cross and John Sampson, are on a pulse-pounding mission as Supreme Court candidates are being taken down one by one. Who’s next? Who’s behind it? And how far will Cross go to stop a killer who’s working from the inside?

The stakes have never been higher as Cross navigates Washington’s political underbelly, unraveling secrets even the FBI didn’t see coming. Patterson dives into the complexities of Cross’s family, loyalty, and those heart-pounding moments that define him as one of the best in the game. This story has all the drama and suspense of a thriller classic, with each twist leaving you breathless and unable to put it down.

If you’re looking for a fast-paced, mind-bending, can’t-turn-the-page-fast-enough read, House of Cross is exactly what you need. Prepare for plot twists that’ll leave you saying, “I did NOT see that coming!” An absolute must-read for Patterson fans and anyone craving a top-tier thriller.

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It’s an Alex Cross book and that means it is a must read for fans of this series. Alex, Bree, Sampson, and Mahoney are all still after M and Maestro and this time the hunt takes them from DC to the freezing environs of western Canada during a snowstorm. A real page turner that keeps you needing to know what happens every step of the way. Hard to put down.

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Another 5 Stakes from me for James Patterson and Alex Cross.
These books just keep getting better and better. Just when I think he can't top the last one, I'm amazed that he does every time.
I really enjoyed this one so much, we get different point of views. And I really, really love having Bree's point of view and her own stories within these books.
This time we are looking for M still, and boy do we get a bunch of cat and mouse games and twists.
But while Bree is off investigating her side and not wanting to give up on whom she thinks M is and with Alex investigating a string of murders of Justices in state, things intertwine more then they ever guessed.
When they end up out of the country chasing theories they end up it seems running out of time. In the snow and snow storm coming, Alex is on a mission to find his wife and best friend John. How will they meet and can they save themselves and the rest of the country?
Don't sleep on this new exciting book. People get kidnapped and questions are answered in the craziest ways. This one does really hit a little to close to home for Alex and Bree. Can they get themselves out of this situation? Can they find out who M is before it's to late? Is Ryan really dead? Why the secrets? Who is behind everything?

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The House of Cross by James Patterson is the latest installment in the Alex Cross series. I absolutely am hooked on this series and will read every book that comes out.

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I’ve long been a fan of the Alex Cross series. I love the family scenes the most and how they all pull together no matter what they are facing.

This new addition to the series reminded me of why I enjoy this series so much. The suspense, for me, was right up there with earlier books in the series.

The continued hunt for M took quite a few interesting turns and the technology used was fascinating to me. M’s hiding spot actually sounded rather nice, if you could be there by your own choosing.

I’m curious to see if M pops up again and as always I am eagerly awaiting the next adventure for Alex, Bree, and John.

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

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You are going to want to binge any books in the series you missed cuz wow!!!

The House of Cross by James Patterson eases into the story with a leisurely pace, giving you a 'day in the life' feel that's super relatable and draws you right into the characters' lives. So if you missed anything from the prior books or if you are new to the series, don’t worry you quickly understand the characters and the changes that have occurred in all of their lives.
There's an action-packed opening that grabs your attention, but it's so much fun just hanging out with these characters - it's like a family reunion you don't want to end!
Then, the real action begins, and the intensity is non-stop. I'm talking heart-stopping, hold-your-breath moments that'll keep you on the edge of your seat, wondering if everyone's gonna make it out alive. The plot and character development are top-notch, delivering a thrilling ride that'll take you on a wild emotional rollercoaster.

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Book Title: The House of Cross
Series: Alex Cross # 33
Author: James Patterson
Publisher: Little Brown & Company
Genre: Mystery Thriller,
Pub Date: November 25, 2024
My Rating: 3.7 rounded up
Pages 416

Alex’s wife Bree Stone is once again dealing with her nemesis Maestro. I have been a JP fan for many years and Alex Cross is one of my very favorites! Alex, Bree, and Sampson have been pursuing “M” for almost as many years as I have following this series.

Prologue introduces us to fifty-two year-old Supreme Court Judge Margaret Blevins doing her normal three-and-a-half mile run. She has three teenagers and tries to keep in shape by running this route for fourteen years. She runs early while it is still dark and uses a headlamp light. She hears a noise and the next thing feels dizzy and nearly falls. Hmm was she a medical issue as her dad had- did the noise have something to do with it. She decided it was nothing and doesn’t bother to tell her husband or anyone else.

However it appears that someone is trying to do harm to Supreme Court Judges right before the inauguration of a new President

Meanwhile Metro PD is investigating the apparent death of a tech billionaire.
Bree believes their long-time nemesis – ‘M’ has something to do with it.

Now Bree and John Sampson Alex best friend and Metro PD partner go missing!
Is Maestro responsible?

I am an Alex fan and I especially 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. Yes I still find this series satisfying.

Want to thank NetGalley and Little Brown & Company for this early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for November 25, 2024.

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honestly, our library will be purchasing this book, considering Patterson books are always a hot item and this is a loved series - so I have recommended my librarian purchase copies.

However, on a personal level, I found this book boring. I feel as though the Cross series has been going down and down and this book confirms it.

I could not engage and everyone around Samson and Cross were annoying. Not sure how this happened.

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The Alex Cross series just seems to be getting better and better. In the latest edition, Washington, DC is seeing the president-elect planning her inauguration. The list of Supreme Court candidates is highly confidential—until it becomes evidence in Detective Alex Cross’s toughest investigation. One candidate is gunned down, a second is stabbed, and a third is murdered near midnight on a city street. Cross has to put himself into the mind of a serial killer before he strikes again.

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Is Maestro/M the nemesis of the Crosses, Sampson & Mahoney final put to rest? As always Patterson gives us another heart pounding “will they survive” thriller!! The Cross series are the best always look forward to the next in the series!

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The House of Cross
by James Patterson
Pub Date: Nov. 25, 2024
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
There are no silent nights for Alex Cross, star of the Prime series, this Christmas. Someone is targeting Supreme Court justices, and Cross—and his family—are in the crosshairs too.

It’s time to put the guns down, Detective Cross. Even if you knew the way out of this place, we would catch you.

In Washington, DC, the vigilante group Maestro is killing U.S. Supreme Court candidates.

As Alex Cross leads the FBI investigation, his wife, Bree, and his best friend and Metro PD partner, John Sampson, go missing while on a dangerous quest to identify Maestro’s mastermind.

Alex has only three chances to save the people he loves most:

Number one: Find Bree and John.
Number two: Escape.
Number three: Survive.

If he fails, there will be no one left in the House of Cross. Fantastic book in my favorite Patterson series.

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This books is really fast-paced. Patterson does not disappoint. The vigilante group Maestro has been killing Supreme Court justices. Alex Cross, his wife Bree and his friend John Sampson are after the group's leader. But, they go missing in snowy Canada. Will they track down Maestro's leader? Can they survive in freezing weather? Read to find out.

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The House of Cross, by James Patterson, is the latest installment in the Alex Cross series. Some one is killing potential candidates for Supreme Court vacancies. With a new administration coming into the White House, filling multiple seats on the highest court in the land could change the face of America for decades to come. Alex, John, and Bree must find those responsible before any more damage can be done.

This action packed thriller is sure to keep you turning the page. With short chapters, it is easy to jump in and out as needed making it a quick read. I always like series books the revisit familiar characters but at the same time introducing new ones and this one fills the bill. Although I have read many of the Cross books, I have missed the last several but I still able to jump right back in to the flow of this new one. It probably helps if you have read some of the Cross books before but The House of Cross can definitely serve as a stand alone read.

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Next chapter in the Alex Cross series. This time the hunt for M or the Maestro is back on big time. Read this book in less than a day. For us Alex Cross lovers you'll need to read this one. Thanks NetGalley for the advanced copy. ##NetGalley #advancedcopy

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Someone is killing Supreme Court Judges and other brilliant legal minded people as well. All this right before the inauguration of the new President!

Alex is called up to the FBI and investigates from that angle while John and Bree tackle the mysterious M or Maestro. Are they connected?

These people are ruthless and have a very long reach into every government organization! And all the secrets that go with that.

When John and Bree go missing in Canada, Alex goes on a wild search for them. And M wants them all to die. There may no longer be a House of Cross.

Thrilling as usual, this was such a good and twisty read! James Patterson never disappoints and always leaves us wanting more!


NetGalley/ Little, Brown, and Company November 25,2024

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This book is #33 in the Alex Cross series. Here Alex, Bree, and Sampson are all missing as they investigate the apparent death of a tech billionaire who Bree believes is actually their long-time nemesis, M. They have been pursuing this man for so many years I have lost track. It may be time to move on to a new bad guy. Thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown, and Company for providing an ARC.

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