Along Came a Spider, by James Patterson

So, I've been making an effort lately to read outside my "box", or preferred genres.  I thought a good place to start would be the New York Times Bestsellers list .  And, towards the top of the list is James Patterson's Hope to Die with his detective, Alex Cross. With this being the 22nd book in the series, however, I decided to start at the beginning with Along Came a Spider.

Alex Cross is full of sass, empathy, dogged persistence, and in your face toughness.  He needs to use all of those skills to catch what looks like a serial killer in the slums of Washington D.C.  Six black people from the bad part of town are already dead and the killer shows no signs of stopping.  Unfortunately, Cross' superiors pull him off that case and want him to work a high profile kidnapping case.  Can Alex solve both cases before more bodies start piling up?

This book was a mind bending thrill ride.  I truly liked the character of Alex Cross, Patterson's writing was smooth, the action never-ending, the twists twisty.  So, why do I plan to never read the rest of the series?

I've discovered that James Patterson is too far outside my box.  I can read about angry villains, power tripping villains, greedy villains. However, creepy, stalking psychopathic villains that hide their madness behind a smile disturb my sleep and I jump at shadows too much to want to read about them.

So, for those of you with a stronger stomach than I, please plan to enjoy your evening with the Detective Alex Cross.

Just, check behind the door before you go to bed tonight.  :-)

Shivers,
Amy

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James Patterson's Alex Cross Series (In Order)

Along came a spider (Dec 1993)
Kiss the girls (Jan 1995)
Jack and Jill (Sep 1996)
Cat & mouse (Nov 1997)
Pop goes the weasel (Oct 1999)
Roses are red (Nov 2000)
Violets are blue (Nov 2001)
Four blind mice (Nov 2002)
The big bad wolf (Nov 2003)
London bridges (Nov 2004)
Mary, Mary (Nov 2005)
Cross (Nov 2006)
Double cross (Nov 2007)
Cross country (Nov 2008)
Alex Cross's trial (Aug 2009)
Alex Cross (Nov 2009)
Cross fire (Nov 2010)
Kill Alex Cross (Nov 2011)
Merry Christmas, Alex Cross (Nov 2012)
Alex Cross, run (Feb 2013)
Cross my heart (Nov 2013)
Hope to die (Nov 2014)

Life Expectancy, by Dean Koontz

Jimmy Tock was born on a stormy night at the exact time his own grandfather died. Just before his grandfather died from a paralyzing stroke, he spoke very clearly and demanded that Jimmy’s father write down every date he was about to tell him, because Jimmy would have five terrible days in his lifetime and he needed to be warned. Jimmy’s father didn’t think much of it until his own father’s prediction proved true--how everyone would call his son Jimmy and that he would weigh a certain amount at birth and be a certain length as well. Also that he would have a condition called syndactyly toes--webbed toes.

Jimmy tells the story from his perspective. The first 23 chapters are about the first terrible day of Jimmy’s life. One way to describe it could be, “A Hannibal Lecter University graduate meets Abbot and Costello at the Bates Motel”. It was quite humorous throughout with some seriousness as well. The back and forth use of literary references during conversations and Jimmy’s thoughts were so very humorous and entertaining causing almost constant chuckles. It had quite a few unexpected twists and turns, and what a surprise ending!

Reviewed by Fran, First Regional Library

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Book Trailer: Emblaze by Jessica Shirvington

The hidden war between Grigori, the protectors of humanity, and the vengeful exiled angels on earth has really begun, and Violet Eden teeters on the edge of a decision that could unleash the darkest evil from the depths of hell itself. Learn more about this book http://bit.ly/uRLYCg and author http://www.jessicashirvington.com/

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Book Trailer: Loner, by Lindsay McKenna

Ex-US Navy SEAL, Dakota Carson, is a man at war with himself. Living by himself in the Grand Tetons with his wolf, he wants nothing more than to be left alone with his PTSD. So why does Shelby's gentle presence suddenly make him question his seclusion?

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Troublemaker, by Janet and Alex Evanovich

Alexandra ("Barney") Barnaby’s friend, Rosa, is missing from a weekend getaway trip to the Florida Keys. At Rosa's job, Barney finds a voodoo doll. In walks, Sam Hooker, Barney’s romantic interest and he decides to throw the doll away…

 However, it explodes!

 So they decide to go to Rosa’s house and look for clues. When they arrive they find a box with a hand in it… then the chase is on. It leads them to the Everglades in a voodoo ritual. What will happen next? Will Barney and Sam be able to save Rosa much less themselves?

Troublemaker is third in the Alex Barnaby series and was an entertaining read in the classic cliff hanger style.

Reviewed by a staff member, First Regional Library

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Hold Tight, by Harlan Coben

Small Town Crime

In this thriller, a murder, a missing housewife and a suicide occur in a New Jersey suburb. Each crime appears to be independent and random.

The story gains interest immediately by introducing the families who have been faced
with these tragedies. Parents are suffering the loss of a child through suicide. Others are dealing with the effect the suicide has on friends left behind and possible involvement.

Spouses and children are dealing with the uncertainty of a missing mother, and police are trying to solve the murder of a woman beaten to death and dumped in bad part of town. Because this is a small suburb, the characters are linked by everyday life, schools, doctors, teachers and friends.

Harlan Coben skillfully places the clues to each crime. It isn’t until the final chapter that Coben reveals how the crimes and families are connected. Throughout this fast paced murder mystery, the reader is reminded of how important family is and to “Hold Tight”.

 Reviewed by a staff member, First Regional Library

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Fever Dream, by Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child

Shocking thriller

The story features Special Agent Pendergast and is set in modern times. While examining his wife’s gun, he comes to the startling conclusion that her death 12 years ago rather than being a tragic accident, was actually murder. With his friends, Lieutenant Vincent D’Agosta and Captain Laura Hayward, he must now solve the mystery of not only who killed her but why.

This fast paced adventure takes them to Africa, the scene of the crime, to New York, Georgia and Louisiana as they try to unravel the puzzle. Strangely, the people the agent wishes to question about the incident are being murdered one by one.

Reviewed by a staff member, First Regional Library

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Monster, by Frank Peretti

Screams, monsters, and things that go bump in the night

More terrifying than any nightmare, Reed Shelton takes his wife on a camping trip only to have her abducted by an unknown monster. Dependent on the locals to follow its bloody path through the Idaho hills, the tale unfolds into a relentless race. For without knowing if she is still alive, it’s a struggle against time. Even more important, Reed soon realizes that they are not the only ones doing the hunting. Something much faster, more relentless and definitely not human has begun to hunt them. It lives, it hunts, and it’s just getting started.

In the midst of horror, a friend of Reed’s and a former scientist investigate the DNA left at the monster’s ravaging sites and find it is contaminated with chimpanzee DNA.

If you like a thriller with savage screams, monsters, and things that go bump in the night, Monster, the 2005 novel by Frank Pereitti, is for you.

Reviewed by a staff member, First Regional Library

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The Lost Empire, by Clive Cussler with Grant Blackwood

2nd in Fargo Adventure series

The book takes place during modern times, in two main exotic locations: Off the East African Coast, and the Singapore Islands. The main characters, Sam and Remi Fargo, come across a confederate era artifact while diving off the coast of Africa. It leads to questioning the origins of the South America Aztec Indians.

An adventure thriller with plenty of suspense and action.

Reviewed by a staff member, First Regional Library

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The Moses Expedition, by Juan Gómez-Jurado

Lost Treasure…

An adventure novel that takes place during modern times, with a terrorist theme undertone. The majority of the book takes place in the Jordan border area of the world. The story is about a newly discovered map which is supposed to show where the Ark of the Covenant was hidden, once it was taken from the Solomon Temple during a siege, in historic times.

The story is fast paced and suspenseful. I would recommend it to anyone who loves Tom Clancy and Clive Cussler.

Reviewed by a staff member, First Regional Library

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13 ½, by Nevada Barr

Masterful Tale

Nevada Barr takes a break from her Anna Pigeon series to write a gripping psychological thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. She begins with the brutal slaying of three members of a family in Minnesota. Dylan Raines, age11, is convicted of these crimes and the near-fatal wounding of older brother Richard, even though he can’t remember these events.

Fifteen year old Polly Deschamps wishes she could forget her past in the Mississippi trailer park with an alcoholic mother and a series of unpleasant stepfathers. She escapes to New Orleans at age 15, and builds a new life for herself as a lawyer and a now-divorced mother of two young daughters.

She carefully keeps her emotional distance from any men she dates until she meets architect Marshall Marchand. A whirlwind romance culminates in marriage just four months after they meet.

A seemingly chance encounter with a fortune teller tells her the man she married is not who he claims to be and that she will end up killing him. Coupled with growing concerns about her husband’s behavior and that of his brother, Danny, Polly begins to fear for her safety and the lives of her daughters.

Ms. Barr keeps you guessing through the many twists and turns of this dark novel. She weaves a masterful tale that isn’t anything like her Pigeon series.

Reviewed by Barbara Evans, First Regional Library

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Violet Dawn, by Brandilyn Collins

Killer Suspense

Violet Dawn is a novel that revolves around Paige Williams who moves to the small town of Kanner Lake. Her life soon changes when she finds a dead body in her hot tub. Paige, who has some secrets from her past that she doesn’t want discovered by police, decides to get rid of the body. This is when her troubles really begin. The real killer is actually watching Paige’s every move. The killer has their own plans for Paige.

Most of the book takes place within a single day. Even though most of the story revolves around Paige, other characters emerge in the book. There is Bailey Truitt who has a connection with the murder victim and also dealing with her husband’s sickness. There is also chief of police Vince Edwards who is struggling with the loss of his son. The book also flashes back to a girl named Rachel who goes through years of abuse and neglect from her mother. We see how faith guides her through the pain of her horrible childhood. Violet Dawn is several stories in one.

Reviewed by Sharon Woods, Olive Branch Library

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Maximum Ride: the manga vol.2, by NaRae Lee

James Patterson in Manga

If you enjoyed James Patterson's Maximum Ride series you must check out the manga. NaRae Lee has adapted James Patterson's series into a graphic novel. The illustrations are just like what I imagined.

P.S. There is also a sneak peek at James Patterson's next book "Fang," which is out March 15, 2010.

Reviewed by Emily Oliver, Hernando Public Library

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Cross, by James Patterson

Personal Tragedy

This is the 12th book of the famous Alex Cross series. Cross, who is a forensic psychologist for the FBI, is still dealing with the murder of his wife many years ago and trying to take care of his children. The book starts out with Det. Cross thinking back to the day his wife was murdered. It also focuses on a serial killer who has raped and murdered several women. When Cross realizes he has had enough of tracking down killers, he finally decides to leave the FBI to focus on his family. He is soon drawn back in when he learns the murders could lead him to his wife’s killer.

Reviewed by Sharon Woods, Olive Branch Public Library

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The Face of Fear, by Dean Koontz

Tragic Visions

Graham Harris an ex- mountain climber who has a tragic accident on a mountain. It leaves him with a bad leg injury and a sense of knowing the future. Graham starts having visions of women being murdered. When the killer finds out about Graham’s visions, he sets out to stop him before he can be identified. Graham and his girlfriend are soon faced with the killer on a 40 story office building and their only escape is to climb down the building. The only thing stopping them is Graham’s overwhelming fear of heights.

The story keeps you on edge for most part of the book. It also goes in to detail the struggle and courage Graham faces with the outcome of his accident, as well as the relationship with his girlfriend. Even though the killer is revealed early on, the book’s ending is still suspenseful.

Reviewed by Sharon Woods, Olive Branch Public Library

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One Second After, by William Forstchen

America descends into the Dark Ages

One Second After, by William Forstchen is a "Sit on the edge of your seat" suspenseful novel. How would you cope, if you found yourself without electricity, transportation, basic necessities; without any advance notice, for a long period of time. Throw in a medical emergency and anarchy/riotous environment, and you would understand the craziness that life becomes, one second after.

Reviewed by Robin Warren-Busigo, Hernando Public Library

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Black Hills, by Nora Roberts

Childhood friendship matures into love

Nora Roberts' book, Black Hills, is an excellent "thriller" read. Yes, there is a romance woven into the story, yet, the majority of the storyline is based on a serial killer on the loose in the badlands of the Dakota's. The story takes place in several sections, different times, and how the killer affects the people and the sanctuary that evolves.

I would highly recommend it, if you like suspenseful novels.

Reviewed by Robin Warren-Busigo, Hernando Public Library

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Rules of Prey by John Sandford

Exciting Thrills

Rules of Prey by John Sandford


This book is the first in the Lucas Davenport series. It is filled with twisting plots and well developed characters. The main character, Detective Lucas Davenport, is a down-to-earth protagonist who is obsessed with finding the killer. Throughout the book, the antagonist/ villain, Louis Vullion, is able to stay one step ahead of Davenport. The characters are well rounded including the murderer who possesses likeable traits.

The setting is realistic. The writing is faced paced, filled with intrigue and state of the art crime solving methods. The story and characters are entwined in heart racing believable daily events. The reader becomes involved in solving the case. This series is addictive. As soon one book ends, you can’t wait to start the next book in the series.



Reviewed by a staff member at First Regional Library

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