Rating: 
Summary: A DEFINTE PAGE TURNER
Review: THIS WAS DEFINETLY ONE OF THE BEST SUSPENSE NOVELS THAT I HAVE EVER READ. JAMES PATTERSON HAS WHAT IT TAKES TO HOLD YOUR ATTENTION AND KEEP YOU TURNING PAGES. THE ALEX CROSS SERIES IS ONE OF THE BEST BOOK SERIES THAT I'VE EVER READ. THEY ARE VERY TRUE TO LIFE AND BELIEVEABLE. TWO THUMBS UP FOR JAMES PATTERSON. HE HAS ONE MORE FAN TO ADD TO HIS LIST.
Rating:
Summary: great book
Review: I agree that the book was Far better than the movie. In the book you get SO much more! I stayed up one night (morning) until 7:00 reading this wonderful thriller. I thought the Soneji character was one of a kind. You have to read this book if you liked the movie! The book is alot different and I was expecting the movie to at least be somewhat like the book.
Rating: 
Summary: Weak denouement
Review: Almost everything I wrote about "Primal Fear," I could ditto for "Along Came a Spider" (so see that review for more). What is it with suspense writers these days that they're afraid to write a decisively satisfying denouement, meaning the bad guy gets his just rewards in the end. PF was dismal in this regard, but was better written (thus three stars). ACAS was not as well-written but came closer to a satisfying denouement (thus three stars). Closer . . . , but closer is not the same as closure. Most readers, I believe, would enjoy a well-written thriller where the author isn't writing with a sequel in mind, thus he can expose and terminate the villain instead of leaving him langouring in jail or in (or not in) a fugue state. Too simple, I suppose.
Rating:
Summary: left me gasping...
Review: ...boy, what a way to tell and end a detective novel.
The ending really upset me for a couple of days.
Just couldn't take it off my mind.
And since Alex cross has become one of the top police characters
in my choice...
Too bad the movie was not even half good as that terrific novel.
Pierre
Rating:
Summary: Thoroughly Engrossing
Review: Along Came a Spider is the first installment in the detective Alex Cross series by Patterson. I did not read these books in order, but that has not detracted from the flow of any of the books. Since I have read the other books first, and the first book last, Detective Alex Cross has changed somewhat into a mellower, more likeable character. I did not see the movie, but had envisioned Denzel Washington to play the smooth and sophiscated Alex Cross and was disappointed in the choice of Morgan Freeman. But after reading this book, Morgan Freeman fits Alex Cross in this book perfectly - for this book only!!!I love Patterson's books and have read just about all of them. I find them to be engrossing, suspenseful and I just can't put them down. He foils me with the ending each and every time!! In this book, Patterson has a serial killer at large, Gary Soneji, who has kidnapped two children, and who wants to be known as somebody. Jezzie Flannagan from the FBI, is also on the case, giving Cross support to capture the killer. Three great strong main characters, exposed to the reader so as to get into their psyche, yet intertwined with each other to make for one incredible story. The ending is a blow out, which is what I love about Patterson - hanging on to the edge of your seat with each and every page, and giving you the shocker at the end. I love it! His books are definite thrillers and shockers!
Rating: 
Summary: James Patterson is one of the best mystery novelists in US
Review: At first, watching the brutality and tragery happened in NY, and reading the crimes in this book, I wish those should disapper. 1. Which is first, chicken or egg?
The part descibing on possibility of multiple character in Gary Murphy/Sonjei, reminded me of the movie, Primal fear in which Edward Norton deceived Richard Gear so amazingly. So many books recenly are published aiming for Hollywood movie, or many mystery novels and movies look like relatives. Where is the creativity? Among books and movies, I just found only 'Sixth sense' to prove the author's creativty. 2. The detailed and long desciption on the romance made me lost in following the kidnapping case. I think this targeted for the reversal in relationship, but which is a little boring. Although, I gave this book 4 stars.
Because the character of Alex Cross, which is now confused with that of Morgan Freeman (He's too COOL though old), is so realistic and appealing to attract and deserve many people's affection. And one more, I cannot put aside the book and read the last 20-30 pages holding breath. James Patterson is one of the best mystery novelists in US.
Rating: 
Summary: Along came a spider
Review: This is the writing of a novice. Very poor scenario description. A lightweight women driving her motorcycle with a large 6'-2" man on the back going 130 mph on a BMW motorcycle through Washington DC at night in the dead of winter for over an hour and right from the office AND with no mention of wind chill or frostbite. Let alone finding any road in Washington DC you can go 130 mph without traffic. Most of the scenerios are just unrealistic. Author never made me feel as though I was there, it was just not convincing and not well thought out. Not a well thought out or investigated story, no real drama. Very novice writing with a limited vocabulary. Author better research what the suspect's rights are after he is arrested. Never heard from the suspect's attorney until almost the day of the trial, violated the suspects rights from the get go. Before I read another book by this author he has to do more research on criminal law.
Rating:
Summary: I LOVED ANYTHING THAT JP WRITES!
Review: I thoroughly enjoyed this book, especially the Alex Cross character, who is played by Morgan Freeman in the movies.
Rating:
Summary: Along Came a Spider-My personal review
Review: James Patterson is an amazing writer that has the ability to allow the audience to feel as though they live within a character. His dramatic plots and suspenseful writing style complete his novels. Along Came a Spider was an attention grabbing title that lived up to it's name.
The protagonist in the novel is Dr. Alex Cross. Cross, an insightful African American, is a practicing detective, but also has a degree in psychology. Cross lives in the ghettos of Washington D.C. and is fully aware of the dangers facing society today. The novel exemplifies the bitter racial tension between the Caucasians and African Americans in our nation's capital. Cross fights for the justice of his people, but also remains faithful to the white community as well. Patterson uses his descriptive writing style to allow the reader to live inside the mind of Alex Cross.
At the opening of the novel a man kidnaps the daughter of a movie star and the son of a prominent governmental official. As the story progresses, Cross becomes the detective in the kidnapping, and constantly battles with society as well as himself. The antagonist in the novel was extremely well developed; this allowed the audience to peer into the mind of a murderer. Cross eventually comes to terms with his personal battles and psychologically tries to analyze a deranged killer. Patterson writes about believable crimes that could easily happen everyday in the United States. Although the reader must face the harsh realities of a ruthless society, Patterson leaves the reader with a sense of hope in the justice system. I enjoyed the novel very much and would recommend this page-turner to anyone who enjoys a good thriller.
Rating:
Summary: My favorite one by Patterson
Review: This is the first and what I think is the best Alex Cross novel. It begins with the disapperances of two little kids from their school and takes off from there. This novel starts at that and doesn't quit until you read the very last few words. I'm not going to say much than that simply because it's been about 8 years since I've read it. It would probably be wise for me to read it again but there is just so much out there to be reading instead. This was also made into a movie a couple of months ago. I never did see it but I definitely will when it comes out on video. I just hope it stays true with the book.
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