Cross My Heart by James Patterson (audio)
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Source: Public Library Audio, 9.5 hours I am an Amazon Affiliate
Cross My Heart by James Patterson, narrated by Michael Boatman from Spin City and Tom Wopat from the The Dukes of Hazzard, is a slowly evolving novel that demonstrates not only how much family anchors Det. Alex Cross, but how it can become a weakness when the wrong people decide to target you. With one kid away at school, another child just getting a handle on her high school work, and a seven year-old son just looking forward to growing up, Alex Cross has a lot to loose when killers come knocking. As a series of murders push the murder rate up across the city and the police department continues to feel the pressure of a possible federal government takeover, Cross is under even more pressure than usual. In the midst of all this, a woman is kidnapping babies.
Thierry Mulch has stalked Cross and his family, and despite all the signs, Cross is simply spread to thin to put the evidence together in a clear picture. His wife, Bree, Nana Mama, and his children Ali, Jannie, and Damon always have filled in the gaps left by Cross' busy schedule as a detective, and while there are family resentments about his absences, they are all well aware that his job is important. Patterson slowly unravels how Cross finds himself on the razor's edge of revenge at the beginning of the novel, and readers are anxious throughout as the stalker gets closer and closer. Many villains have tried and failed to beat Alex Cross, but Mulch has been studying a long time to become the perfect criminal.
The narrator for Cross and Sampson continues his good performance, though his voice for Sampson still seemed a bit forced and jarring. Tom Wopat speaks for Mulch and the other criminals in the novel, and he does an excellent job of maintaining a cunning and dispassionate character. His villains are practical and diabolical.
This novel shows Alex Cross at rock bottom, particularly as it comes to a close. Cross My Heart by James Patterson, narrated by Michael Boatman from Spin City and Tom Wopat from the The Dukes of Hazzard, is a cliffhanger that will have readers chomping at the bit to read the next, Hope to Die.
About the Author:
James Patterson is a prolific author of thrillers, mysteries, young adult novels and more. His first successful series featured psychologist Alex Cross.