Cross Down: The Sunday Times bestselling thriller

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The only sad part is that we don’t get to see Alex take the reigning spotlight that the series does. I received a copy of this book from NovelSuspects and Little, Brown in exchange for an honest review. As Sampson discovers a lead through an ex-military contact, his partner Alex Cross is brutally side-lined, leaving him certain about one thing: he can trust no one.

Alex Cross and his partner John Sampson are caught in the middle of seemingly random deadly attacks occurring throughout the country threatening the very fabric of our union. As the book goes along, John realizes that he can't trust anyone except for Alex and their FBI friend Ned Mahoney. There are reports of military attacks across the country and John Sampson needs to find the mastermind as well as save his friend before it's too late. Though Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan, Jack Carr’s James Reece, Stephen Hunter’s Bob Lee Swagger and many more have written better novels, with their heroes confronting sub Rosa, Deep State efforts to end our Republic, Patterson’s effort here, is decent, with characters we really care about…With Alex out, John Sampson carries the load in this thriller…Good Stuff! Now, the 31st book in the series – “Cross Down” – has been read, and it requires a serious warning for readers.I knew from the 1st chapter that it was not James Patterson's writing and I should have stopped reading then, but foolishly continued. Patterson has long held onto this series as his own, working to prove to be that he still has what it takes to pen his own thrillers. In the previous Alex Cross novels, the story was told from Alex’s point-of-view and this one was told from John’s point-of-view, which kept the same rhythm and flow without disrupting the storytelling style.

This one is fast-paced, and really features John Simpson in a rush to save the country from a looming threat. I always find it interesting to watch the series after reading the book, especially with thrillers as it helps me to see the book in a new perspective. If I’m correct, this is the first time Patterson has used a co-author on this series and, IMO, a huge mistake. Plot lines develop with ease and propel the narrative forward, keeping the reader engaged and wondering where things are headed.Patterson and DuBois, for a decent addition to the series, which keeps getting new life breathed into it. He is the creator of unforgettable characters and series, including Alex Cross, the Women’s Murder Club, Jane Effing Smith, and Maximum Ride, and of breathtaking true stories about the Kennedys, John Lennon, and Princess Diana, as well as our military heroes, police officers, and ER nurses. I appreciated that Patterson made politics approachable to the average person, of course taking literary license with what would and would not be feasible. This is a big first in the series; Alex Cross was shot at the beginning of the book; and hospitalized in critical condition.

Short chapters, in Patterson’s traditional way, help push things along and keep the reader delving deeper into things as they occur. Alex Cross has taken a step back, allowing John Sampson to shine and perhaps show his mettle for upcoming novels. For me, Alex has remained a fierce, intellectual knight of moral character and the proper use of action. Another interesting thing that I noted is that the authors kept the same storytelling point-of-view that I thought worked well.In this installment, Sampson is carrying the weight of justice on his own and I feel we see how he develops.

Following the next day, Alex and John agree to meet at the DC Metro headquarters before the second round of meetings. I am actually rather surprised that this type of plotting hasn’t been done previously… And it’s about time. Huge disappointment but it was inevitable that this great series would eventually go the way other Patterson series have gone….The title of the book is a little misleading, it should say: A John Sampson with Alex Cross thriller. As I mentioned earlier, it shouldn’t be a surprise to readers, as the book cover and description were up front about it. His time with Metro PD in Washington has been quite eye-opening, an experience shared with his partner, John Sampson. He was Patterson’s first detective series that helped lay the foundation for his kingdom of several bestselling series and stand-alone novels. If you haven’t read this but plan on doing so I highly recommend you check your local library; not worth the money to purchase.