Rating: 
Summary: Irrelevant Ending
Review: The sequel to Roses are Red. You are advised to read Roses are Red before starting on Violets are Blue. Entertaining book, but the clues dropped along the way aren't enough to identify the murderer.
Rating: 
Summary: Standard Patterson fare, in other words, pretty satisfying
Review: I came upon JP a few months ago while looking for something to get me across the country on a plane. I started with Jack & Jill, figuring that I had seen the first two on film. It was a fine place to begin, but were I to do it over, I would start at the beginning with Along Came a Spider. Both of the movie-books are sufficiently different from their Hollywood counterparts to merit a read, especially Spider, which reaffirmed the old cliche about books being better . . .In any event, Violets is entertaining. It isn't my favorite of the Cross novels, but it is still worth reading. I was confused by the bait and switch other reviewers mention with regard to the ending of Roses are Red, but that didn't detract from the novel too much. The vampire narrative is the primary plot line, and I didn't find it especially gruesome, certainly no more than any other crime novels, I've read. All in all, if you like JP and the Alex Cross series, keep going with this one. If you haven't read any oher novels in the series, this is not a good starting point. It stands alone, but you'll appreciate it more with the full history of the characters.
Rating:
Summary: Great action, predictable conclusion
Review: I made the mistake of reading this Patterson book before any other. I would recommend starting with Along Came a Spider and reading them in order. This was an interesting plot, but let's just say the conclusion was very predictable.
Rating: 
Summary: Standard Alex Cross
Review: If you like James Pattersons writing, you will like this book, it is just like all the others. I like something comfortable and somewhat predictable, so that is why I keep coming back for more. If you want something new, this book isn't for you.
Rating:
Summary: My first Patterson book won't be my last.
Review: Having seen (and enjoyed) a couple of the movies based on books by James Patterson, I decided to finally take a shot at one of the books itself, starting first with Violets are Blue. Although not the highest rated of Patterson's efforts, I went through it quickly and thoroughly enjoyed it. This book grabs the reader early and does not let go, effectively weaving together two main storylines (a cross-country murder spree and the Mastermind's pursuit of Alex Cross). Clearly, however, the book is not for the feint of heart - the body count is substantial and the vampire murders are described in graphic detail. Delicate subject matter notwithstanding, Patterson kept me turning the pages.
Rating: 
Summary: two tales in one.......not a good thing
Review: Violets Are Blue is almost two completely separate tales in one book. One involves gruesome murders where the blood has been drained from the victims. This series of gorey murders leads into the world of modern vampires. This is frightening and intriguing and draws the reader into the dark world of fact and fiction surrounding this cult-like existence. It is both fascinating and repelling at the same time. When the Mastermind, the bad guy from Roses Are Red, turns out to be involved, then it begins to feel like two separate stories that never quite seem to fit themselves together. This would have been far better had the Mastermind not been a part of this. That part feels forced. You never feel like "Oh yeah, now I see who it was!" more like "Oh, him........well, I guess so."
It just kind of fizzles in the finale.
Rating:
Summary: Enjoyed the chance to revisit Detective Alex Cross
Review: I had previously liked several "Detective Alex Cross" mysteries
by James Patterson . . . however, for some reason, I had stopped
reading them as of late . . . so I decided to revisit the genre by listening to
VIOLETS ARE BLUE, the tale of a series of murders that appear
to have been caused by vampires. As with Patterson's other books featuring Cross (think KISS THE
GIRLS, ALONG CAME A SPIDER), etc., you'll find yourself
drawn into Cross' compelling character . . . and wanting to find out
what happens next in his love life and/or with his family. The actual plot kept me interested until the end . . . I liked
the short chapters, which were particularly useful for keeping me awake when I was driving . . . also, Daniel Whitner and Kevin O'Rourke both
did a find job of narration.
Rating:
Summary: Good but one small problem
Review: The killers murdered two people in a popular hotel room in Vegas, and there is no mention of security video cameras. It was downhill from there for me.
Rating:
Summary: People quit whining and just enjoy the damn book!!
Review: Hey all,
I wish that you people would stop trashing this novel and just appreciate it for what it is. A great author doing something different. There will never be another "Kiss the Girls" or an "Along Came A Spider" so quit expecting every new Patterson novel to be better then the previous one. I enjoy a James Patterson novel for a few reasons: #1 The great character of Alex Cross who is always evolving #2 A memborable villain is always introduced that is not one dimensional #3 A great plot with lots of action, suspense and twists to keep you guessing. I also love the short chapters that keep you turning and turning the pages. My only gripes with these books are the chapters dealing with cross's family. I hate the constant banter back and forth between family members, it gets really repetative and annoying. But besides that, this book excelled at everything I l look for and would recommend it to anyone looking for a great mystery, suspense procedural book. Thanks. P.S. a suggestion to Mr. Patterson: How about a book with Cross finally investigating the murder of his wife. This is something that has always bothered me and I just feel that an outstanding detective like Cross would not be able to rest until his Wife's killer is caught. Just a suggestion
Rating:
Summary: Not as Good as Usual
Review: James Patterson has long been one of my favorite authors, as much for the structure of his books as for the gripping suspense of his Alex Cross stories. He is the master of short chapters in the design of novels. I have favored his structural approach so much so that I chose to incorporate that reading convenience into my own novel, EVIL, BE GONE (available on Amazon.com). I was, however, not nearly as entertained and intrigued by VIOLETS ARE BLUE as I have been by other Patterson works. Although the story does grab you at the onset, three-fourths of the book are spent on an entangled plot that seems to have little to do with the arch-villain, Mastermind, and ultimately descends to a rather anticlimactic conclusion. The novel might have been salvaged with the suspense of unmasking the Mastermind, but the nasty character's identity becomes all too clear far too early in the story. I will continue to read James Patterson's novels, considering this book an anomaly in an otherwise strong stream of winners. - Robert John Estko, the author of the suspense thriller, EVIL, BE GONE
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