Rating: 
Summary: Better than the movie
Review: I'll admit it: I had watched the movie version of "Along Came a Spider" long before it ever occurred to me to read any of Patterson's books. I only knew him as 'that writer in those TV commercials,' which, quite frankly didn't appeal to me. But being a fan of John Grisham's books/movies as well, I understood that Patterson's book was probably tremendously better than the movie. So I gave it a try...Let me tell you, once I got started, I discovered I just could not put this book down! And even though I knew the basics of the ending already, I was still on the edge of my seat throughout the story. And the characters! First of all, Patterson creates a wonderful character in Alex Cross. He just seems like someone you would love to know. The character of Gary Soneji is a masterpiece in itself, with so many layers to discover throughout the book. He's a great example of an evil genius we all love to hate. And the story wouldn't be complete without Jezzie Flanagan, who keeps readers on their toes while trying to get at the heart of how she operates. Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone who is tired of those carbon-copy thrillers where you know who "did it" from Page One. And a special note to those who have seen the movie first: Don't let that stop you from reading this book! If you were stunned by the plot twists in the movie, you'll be beside yourself when you're done reading this book.
Rating:
Summary: An excellent thriller
Review: Here, Patterson shows us what really made him famous. His first several books were really stunning thrillers, up to and including Cat And Mouse. but since then all his Alex Cross books have just been re-hashings of the same old plots. This book is great. It's a chilling read, with an excellent and truly original plot. Alex Cross comes across as a great compassionate character, who has much life in him. But Unfortunately, patterson tired him out very quickly. With this book Patterson created one of his most chilling victims. He is chilling because Patterson spends time making him so. Developing his character. With his latest books, Patterson doesn't bother developing his villains )or ANY of his characters, for that matter) and just expects us to believe him when he says they are "a chilling and terrifying killer" and leaves it at that. With this book, he really shwos us what he can do. He is listening to his fans to much when they say "can't you write faster". He has chosen to do so, and in doing that has sacrificed good characters and original plots. This book was a great pageturner and a great thriller, with a really brilliant and unexpected twist right at the end. I cannot reccomend this highly enough. How i wish patterson had stayed with this kind of book, rather than started attending the Danielle Steel school of literature. (i.e. it doesn't matter about the quality, the more the write, the more you sell, so let's laugh all the way to the bank) A once great author. I hope he soon refinds his previous great form which he displayed here.
Rating: 
Summary: Is he, or isn't he?
Review: The elusive serial demon has been planning this all of his life. He's practiced and perfected his technique and he can fool anyone, even the great super-detective, Alex Cross. Detective Cross has been chasing this persistent menace to society for several novels now, but this may be the time that he finally gets him. Or is it? Soneji is the social misfit who determined since childhood that he will kill and kill again, to seek revenge for the constant torture prevailed upon him by his wicked stepmother and her horrible brood. He will get even for sure and he's had lots of time to think about it and practice, having spent weeks at a time locked in a root cellar as a young lad. He has created the perfect alibi and after all of these years, he finally gets to use it. And to beat all, it may be such a convincing act that even dear reader believes it. And then doesn't. And then does. And then doesn't.... Patterson keeps us guessing whether or not the evil Gary Soneji is really schizophrenic or just playing the part. Is the man that Cross sees before him trying to avoid a murder rap with a plea of "Insanity?" Will he convince a jury? Find out for yourself! This is quite possibly the best of the novels in the Alex Cross detective series. To get a small understanding for just how clever Soneji is and why Cross is so bent on capturing him would only be appreciated by having read how futile his previous pursuits have been. But never fear, for those who choose this as a first Patterson novel to witness are in for an adventurous story that keeps those pages turning!
Rating:
Summary: tom
Review: an excellent show of a physchological, and thrilling action. Will keep you reading until you know the truth.
Rating:
Summary: better than the movie
Review: This was the 1st Patterson book I read. What an excellent author.....however I recommed you read the book before you see the movie. The movie has some parts that don't even occur in the book. Yes, I'm aware that creative license happens in screenwriting, but in this case it should've stayed true to the novel. Hopefully the next movie based on a Patterson novel will be better......
Rating:
Summary: Thrilling book that keeps you guessing
Review: This is the first book by James Patterson that I've read, namely because I wanted to read the book prior to seeing the movie. Let me say that I'm very glad I did. This book, the first in the Alex Cross series of stories, opens with an alternative telling of how the Lindbergh kidnapping might have happened, and then proceeds to detail a brilliant kidnapping from a highly guarded private school attended by the children of national politicians and ambassadors. The criminal mastermind (named Gary Soneji) is very well created, always staying one step ahead of the police while trying to create his legacy as the greatest criminal of all time. His chief rival, psychologist and police detective Alex Cross, is the only one up to the challenge of catching Soneji. In fact, detective Cross's pursuit of Soneji allows the author to draw some very disturbing but insightful pictures into the mind of a madman. This alone would have made the book an excellent story. However, the plot twists that continue to be revealed as the book unfolds make the book even better. I don't know if Mr. Patterson's later books about Alex Cross are as good as this first one, but if they are even half as good, then they'll be a real treat. Oh, and for those of you who have seen the movie, don't worry. The book is very very different from the movie, and in my opinion much better. I don't know why movie makers think they've got to change the storyline of a bestselling novel to bring it to the screen, but in this case, the result is a very diminished and unfaithful retelling of James Patterson's classic thriller. So take my advice and read this book. You'll love it, and you'll be hooked on James Patterson and Alex Cross.
Rating:
Summary: Great book...as creepy as a spider ;o)
Review: What a great novel. Creepy plot, nice twists. This is James Patterson at his best!
Rating:
Summary: excellent, a must read
Review: Alex Cross, everyones hero. This book is a must to read, keeping you turning the pages constantly, you can't put it down. James Patterson left the ending to this story brilliantly open for the "sequel" cat and mouse. Mr Gary Sonjei, how could you? After fininshing this book, I couldnt wait to start the next one. Once all characters have been introduced and you have "got to know them" the ending is a sure surprise. As with all James Patterson books that I have read, you just can't seem to put them down.
Rating:
Summary: ALONG CAME A SPIDER - A GREAT BOOK
Review: This is a really great book! It has suspence, romance, action, and mystery. It is the perfect novel! I would reccomend the book rather than the movie. Gary Soneji is teh perfect criminal and Alex Cross is the perfect detective! If you get the chance to read this book - GET IT, NOW!
Rating:
Summary: Lost in Jamaica but reaquainted in the States!
Review: I went Jamaica and happened to pick Jack and Jill off the shelf in the airport. Once I started to read it, I could not put it down! I happened to lose it when I was on the last chapter and searched high and wide in Jamaica for it. I unfortunately could not get it until I got back to the States. After reading Jack and Jill, I could not stop! I had to go to the beginning of Alex Cross' story and it was worth it. Along Came A Spider was a hit with me! I have become a true James Patterson fan. Alex Cross is the man and James Patterson brings him to life in these murder/thrillers! Every page is an adventure. A true fan will not be able to put any of his books down!
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