The People vs Alex Cross
written by James Patterson
read by Andre Blake
Published by Hachette Audio
Visit James Patterson's website here
Synopsis:
Alex Cross is on the wrong side of the law. Serving a suspension from the force while he awaits trial for murder, Cross has been branded as a trigger-happy cop, another bad apple walking the streets with a gun, an accusation that Cross will do anything to refute. To make himself feel useful again, Cross opens a counseling office in the basement of his home. When his former partner Sampson shows up needing his help, Cross jumps at the chance, even if it may end up costing him what's left of his career. When a string of young, blonde women go missing, the investigation leads Cross and Sampson to the most depraved, darkest corners of the internet. Struggling to prove his own innocence and uncover the truth lurking online, Cross must risk everything to save his most at-risk patient of all...himself.
My Review:
Move over OJ - - the People vs Alex Cross is the new trial of the century.
Patterson has done the unthinkable - Alex Cross is on trial for murder. His badge, his reputation, his life's work, as well as, his freedom are all on the line. He will do anything to prove his innocence and restore his good name. The nation is transfixed and the tabloids are having a hay day as the prosecution paints Cross into what looks like an indefensible corner. The evidence against him is so damning even his children begin to question their Dad.
Alex Cross has been to court too many times to count. But never on this side of the courtroom. spending his days sitting in court listening as the prosecution told the jury that he is yet another cop gone bad. That Alex Cross thought he was above the law and decided to play judge, jury, and executioner when he shot and killed Gary Sonjei's unarmed associates.
Now this story would have listeners burning the midnight oil to see what will become of one fiction's favorite detectives. But this isn't just any protagonist. No, this is James Patterson's go-to guy. . . "The Alex Cross." So, of course, there's a secondary plot-line creatively woven into the very heart of the story. Each could easily have been a novel in and of itself. Not with Patterson. He stretches the confines of reality to the limit. So Yeah we have to suspend reality a bit and go for the ride. Believing that any human being would be capable of enduring a high profile trial all day and go out to hunt bad guys all night. Come to think of it we've been doing that since readers were first dazzled by the Caped Crusader way back in 1939.
The dual plots play themselves out effortlessly right up to the stunning conclusion. The subject matter is real, raw and disgustingly ugly. Patterson includes enough information to give the case for the missing women credibility. However, he does not draw a map to the very real and very horrific online dungeons. Andre Blake's narration is incredible. You can feel the almost unbearable tension of trial in his voice. When the dialogue moves to the dark web, Blake's voice takes you there. This is one of the best Alex Cross novels in a long time. If you're a fan . . . don't miss it! If you've never read an Alex Cross, there's just enough information to stand alone without boring long-time readers. This is one heck-of-an audiobook...even if you have read the hardcover, Blake delivers an incredible listening experience.
Happy Listening,
RJ
