This is the final show down for Detective Alex Cross and his nemisis The Mastermind. This brutal murderer moves closer to home as he threatens to kill Alex's family and friends. In order to catch him, he must discover who is behind bizarre vampire murders suspected of being linked to The Mastermind. The discovery of who is the Mastermind is the grand shocker of all time for Alex but he knows just how to handle it.
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The review of this Book prepared by Tracey Ray
There are killings going on. They are vampiric in nature and odd because no valuables are taken from the victims. Detective Cross must find out who the current killers are...and then figure out who the "Mastermind" is...a person who has been involved in many murders...and has continued to follow and harass Detective Cross even through this new investigation.
The review of this Book prepared by Sarah Oldham
Alex Cross has seen a lot of crime scenes. But even he is appalled by the gruesome murders of two joggers in San Franciso's Golden Gate Park-killings that look more like the work of savage beasts than humans. Local police are horrified and even the FBI is baffled. Then, as Cross is called in to take on the case, the carnage takes off, leaving a trail of bodies across America and sweeping him across the states to Savannah, Las Vegas, New Orleans, and Los Angeles as well.
There's also his nemesis again-the Mastermind. Alex Cross thought he took care of that one-but not really. The mastermind is still very much out there, stalking him, and taunting him. The mastermind is threatening everything he holds dear.
The review of this Book prepared by Boppy
Clever Dr Cross again outsmarts a mass murderer.
The review of this Book prepared by Jo Evans
Cross once again must battle his nemesis, evil genius known as mastermind who taunts our hero with threats to kill him and his family. Cross must also balance this with his newest case: a pair of young killers who think of themselves as vampires and actually drink the blood of their victims as they brutally murder them!Cross with the aid of beautiful det. Jamila Hughes must hunt down these two maniacs as the leave a trail of bloodless bodies around the country and who think of themselves as unstoppable. Patterson is most adept when he juggles the narratives of Dr. Cross and how is trying to put his life back together after the breakup with Christina and the terror he feels when he thinks mastermind may harm his children or the burnout he has from years of catching vicious killers. Cross is great hero because unlike other detectives he isn't cold cynic but passionate cop who uses his brains and heart in his case.We also getting chilling insight on why the mastermind hates Cross and why is obsessed in killing him and showing Cross he is smarter than him. The storyline of the two vampire killers is also memorable as Patterson goes into the minds of these so-called vampires as they seduce,stalk and murder their prey and their terrifying bloodlust that drives them to commmit these awful crimes.This novel also gives us a glimpse of fetish of vampirism and the misguided young people who inhabit underground where people actually believe they are vampires! This gripping thriller leads to heartstopping final confronation between Cross and Mastermind! A unforgettable masterpiece of psychological terror and suspense that makes me believe in the realm of thrillers the true mastermind is James Patterson!
The review of this Book prepared by Rodney Powell
Little, Brown; Nov 2001; 27.95; 393 pp.
ISBN: 0316693235
The case is difficult enough for Washington DC police detective Alex Cross because the alleged victim was a good friend. The case turns frightening for Alex when the brilliant but amoral criminal the Mastermind threatens Alex's children. Alex immediately leaves the crime scene to return home, but the Mastermind reminds the cop you can run, but you can't hide.
Even while he panics over the safety of his children, FBI Agent Kyle Craig calls Alex while he dines with a special date. Someone killed two military joggers in Golden Gate Park in which bite marks are all over the victims, much of their blood was drained, and they were left hanging upside down from a tree. The case reads identical to one that they failed to solve in DC fourteen months ago so Alex immediately flies to San Francisco. Joined by SFPD Jamilla Hughes, Alex begins to find clues that take the duo into a deadly role-playing underground. However, his children are irate that his work comes first especially with the Mastermind stalking them like a tiger after its quarry.
The “vampire” slayings make for a clever police procedural that takes the audience on a unique tour of the Bay area as well as other areas of the country. The Mastermind subplot seems to interfere with the other tale though it enables the audience to observe a depressed and panicked Alex using work to escape his plight. In his latest Cross thriller, VIOLETS ARE BLUE, James Patterson keenly blends his hero's personal and professional lives as each aspect clash leaving the audience with another complete tale.
Harriet Klausner
The review of this Book prepared by Harriet Klausner
