Detective Alex Cross is on his way to resign from the Washington, D.C. Police Force when his partner shows up at his door with a case he can't refuse. One of John Sampson's oldest friends, from their days together in Vietnam, has been arrested for murder. Worse yet, he is subject to the iron hand of the United States Army. The evidence against him is strong enough to send him to the gas chamber.Sampson is certain his friend has been framed, and Alex's investigation turns up evidence overlooked - or concealed - by the military authorities. Drawing on their years of street training and an almost telepathic mutual trust, Cross and Sampson go deep behind military lines to confront the most ruthless - and deadliest - killers they have ever encountered. Behind these three highly skilled killing machines there appears to be an even more threatening controller. Discovering the identity of this lethal genius will prove to be Cross' most terrifying challenge ever.
On his visits home, Alex must confront another, more disturbing mystery: what's the matter with Nana Mama? As he explores the possibility of a relationship with a woman who offers him new hope, Alex must also face the fact that his beloved grandmother is only human.
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"Book 8 of the Alex Cross series. Also found this story line compelling. Alex's partner Sampson has more of a roll as he and Alex work to solve a series of seemly unrelated murders in the military. All of which someone has already been caught and often executed for."
— Kaye (4 out of 5 stars)
“Everything clicks in this novel...the best Cross yet.”
— Publishers Weekly“Patterson delivers another exciting thriller, with some intriguing new developments for Cross.”
— Booklist“Detective Alex Cross returns in an outstanding paramilitary thriller...With a Bogart-like no-nonsense persona, Peter J. Fernandez captures the confident character of Cross and reflects the gravity of the story’s plot. Michael Emerson brings chills as he delivers an edge to the calculating, emotionless killers as they plan each murder. The background music and sounds enhance the presentation, and the accomplished readers add breadth and realism to the characters and cultures portrayed.”
— AudioFile" Love listening to James Patterson's books always a good time listening! "
— Kozmo, 2/28/2022" In what he claims to be his last case before retiring from the DCPD, Detective Alex Cross helps his longtime friend and partner John Sampson investigate the case of Sampson's old Vietnam buddy Sergeant Ellis Cooper who was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to death by lethal injection by the U.S. Army. However, Cooper proclaims his innocence up to the final moments when he is executed. Now, to clear his name, Cross and Sampson decide to continue their investigation and discover that he, among many others, were set up by three former Army assassins who go by the nickname of the Three Blind Mice. Very suspenseful and fast moving book which is the trademark of Patterson. However, it seems that Cross' character is really starting to get a little tired and he should really be retired by Patterson entirely. "
— Kevin, 2/14/2014" now i start another...i had to pause for jodi picoults new one in between alex cross and his grasp!! "
— Kelly, 2/7/2014" I've really enjoyed this book. It did get a litle slow about halfway in, but the rest of the book compensated for it. This book really gets you thinking of this that have a already happened. I'm not gonna spoil the book for those who haven't read it. All I can say is that you should read it. "
— Mousie, 2/4/2014" Fast and furious. "
— Steven, 1/30/2014" Vintage James Patterson! Can't wait to read the next one in this series. "
— Brenda, 1/23/2014" Third time to read this series. "
— Andrea, 1/22/2014" Unbelievable, fantastic plot. However, characters and action and suspense were good. "
— James, 1/10/2014" I haven't been a James Patterson fan; I find most of his works as medicare at best. However this one was more interesting than some other ones I had read. It was an interesting murder mystery. I guess I have to give it to this author, he writes a lot and has plenty of imagination. But at what cost? (From what I hear, great amounts in his bank account, therefore, kudos to him.) "
— A.R., 1/5/2014" Good book, and I always like a mystery, but I hate language or sexual innuendo so every now and again you have to move over language, but it's still pretty good "
— Carrian, 12/28/2013" James Patterson always delivers a fascinating, action-packed thriller. Practically a non-stop thrill with a great plot. Love the short, stunning chapters. Impossible to put down. "
— Kim, 12/12/2013" Loved loved it he is such a good writer just can't put his books down "
— Samantha, 11/27/2013" I only liked this book. I think it was longer than it could have been. It seemed to drag in parts, but it was still a pretty good book. I'll keep reading the series, because I still love Alex Cross. "
— Susan, 11/19/2013" Without giving anything away, this is an interesting twist on the basic Patterson story. After 7 previous Cross novels, a pattern starts to appear. This book was a refreshing deviation from the common story. "
— Nick, 11/11/2013" Love those Alex Cross series! "
— Sara, 11/4/2013" a typical James Patterson fast read "
— Joyce, 5/19/2013" Should have read in order "
— Jill, 4/12/2013" Another one in the Alex Cross series, great book, had me going right up to the end. "
— Nina, 11/28/2012" first paterson book for me. it led me to want more so it's a pretty good book "
— Coraline, 10/12/2012" Just downloaded this from Austin Public's overdrive on my ipad. Can I finish it in 14 days before it is automatically removed? Probably not.....I'm now reading all the James Patterson books based on Joanne and Jody's recommendations. I do enjoy these thrillers. "
— Maryjo, 9/10/2012" Another good book in the Alex Cross series "
— Monica, 7/30/2012" JP has a way of twisting everything around then funnels them back together. I love this series "
— Jennifer, 1/14/2012" Typical Patterson/Cross. Reading these books is like eating candy kisses - I love them - but not a lot of nutrition. "
— Ray, 11/29/2011" Always a good suspence novel. "
— Kimberly, 11/25/2011" Patterson is just twisted. Love his Alex Cross character. "
— Audrey, 8/13/2011" "Finished up Four Blind Mice and as usual James Patterson never lets you down. It's always a good read. Scares me to think that perhaps there could be some truth to some of this story." "
— Denise, 5/16/2011" Again, not a very good read. Not as smoothly written and hard to get through because the plot got boring. "
— Emily, 5/7/2011" Fine for an airplane read, not much else "
— Madeleine, 4/9/2011" One of the better in this series. Very gory at times (not what I like in these books but that's what you get with James Patterson). Good twist to the story. "
— Jan, 3/27/2011" Good, quick read. I'm reading each book out of sequence, but the story is easy to follow and fast paced and fun! "
— Milosz, 3/26/2011" Honestly? I didn't feel like there was a whole lot of the actual mystery in here. It all seemed rather clear-cut, right from the beginning. Not his best. "
— Savita, 2/17/2011" A great book in the Alex Cross series. "
— Laurie, 2/14/2011" Another great story from James Patterson. Definitely a solid story but I could not recommend it as a jumping on point as by this point in the series too many references are made to past important events. "
— Shaft, 2/9/2011" An Alex Cross novel-need I say more? Lots of thrilling plot twists. "
— Jody, 2/6/2011James Patterson is the most popular storyteller of our time. 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. He has coauthored #1 bestselling novels with Bill Clinton and Dolly Parton, told the story of his own life in James Patterson by James Patterson, and received an Edgar Award, nine Emmy Awards, the Literarian Award from the National Book Foundation, and the National Humanities Medal.
Peter Jay Fernandez is an accomplished audiobook narrator who has won three AudioFile Earphones Awards and an Audie Award in 2009. He has also appeared on television, film, and stage. His appearances include roles in Law & Order, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, and the musical Thunder Knocking on the Door.
Michael Emerson is an American actor who has starred in some of television’s most popular shows, including Lost, Person of Interest, and The Practice. He is known for his distinctive voice. A graduate of the prestigious Professional Actor Training MFA program run by both the Alabama Shakespeare Festival and the University of Alabama Department of Theater and Dance, his passion is acting on stage.