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Ali Cross #1
Ali Cross
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Middle Grade & Children's (2020)Alex's son Ali is eager to follow in his father's footsteps as a detective, but when his best friend goes missing, what price will he have to pay to solve the mystery?
Ali Cross has always looked up to his father, former detective and FBI agent Alex Cross. While solving some of the nation's most challenging crimes, his father always kept his head and did the right thing. Can Ali have the same strength and resolve?
When Ali's best friend Gabe Qualls is reported missing, Ali is desperate to find him. At the same time, a string of burglaries targets his neighborhood---and even his own house. With his father on trial for a crime he didn't commit, it's up to Ali to search for clues and find his friend. But being a kid sleuth isn't easy---especially when your father warns you not to get involved!---and Ali soon learns that clues aren't always what they seem. Will his detective work lead to a break in Gabe's case or cause even more trouble for the Cross family?
Ali Cross has always looked up to his father, former detective and FBI agent Alex Cross. While solving some of the nation's most challenging crimes, his father always kept his head and did the right thing. Can Ali have the same strength and resolve?
When Ali's best friend Gabe Qualls is reported missing, Ali is desperate to find him. At the same time, a string of burglaries targets his neighborhood---and even his own house. With his father on trial for a crime he didn't commit, it's up to Ali to search for clues and find his friend. But being a kid sleuth isn't easy---especially when your father warns you not to get involved!---and Ali soon learns that clues aren't always what they seem. Will his detective work lead to a break in Gabe's case or cause even more trouble for the Cross family?
320 pages, Hardcover
First published November 25, 2019
About the author
James Patterson
1,173 books349k followersOfficial US Site
Official UK Site
JIMMY Patterson Books
ReadKiddoRead
James 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 Smith, and Maximum Ride, and of breathtaking true stories about the Kennedys, John Lennon, and Tiger Woods, as well as our military heroes, police officers, and ER nurses. Patterson has coauthored #1 bestselling novels with Bill Clinton and Dolly Parton, and collaborated most recently with Michael Crichton on the blockbuster Eruption. He has told the story of his own life in James Patterson by James Patterson and received an Edgar Award, ten Emmy Awards, the Literarian Award from the National Book Foundation, and the National Humanities Medal.
This author also writes under the following name: Džejms Paterson
Official UK Site
JIMMY Patterson Books
ReadKiddoRead
James 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 Smith, and Maximum Ride, and of breathtaking true stories about the Kennedys, John Lennon, and Tiger Woods, as well as our military heroes, police officers, and ER nurses. Patterson has coauthored #1 bestselling novels with Bill Clinton and Dolly Parton, and collaborated most recently with Michael Crichton on the blockbuster Eruption. He has told the story of his own life in James Patterson by James Patterson and received an Edgar Award, ten Emmy Awards, the Literarian Award from the National Book Foundation, and the National Humanities Medal.
This author also writes under the following name: Džejms Paterson
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 812 reviews
December 7, 2019
James Patterson has a new treat for his young adult (read: teen) fans with this long-awaited debut featuring Ali Cross. Many longtime Patterson fans will know of Alex Cross and his youngest—yet also precocious—son, Ali, who sees things outside of the box. While the entire Cross clan is gathered for Christmas, Ali has other things on his mind. His friend, Gabe, is missing and no one seems to be doing much about it. Ali wants nothing more than to help find his close friend, but the case seems to be gathering little but a peppering of snow over the holiday season. If that were not enough, his father, Dr. Alex Cross, is facing assault charges for a recent arrest that left a suspect in a coma after a fall. While the Cross family remains strong, Ali cannot help but wonder if he needs to do more to help the situation. He enlists the help of his father, as well as his step-mother, Bree Stone, to get some answers and to help fill in some of the blanks around Gabe’s location. Then, it’s time to enter the world of the tween, where social media and gaming takes over, allowing Ali to discover some new and disturbing clues that could help him with his search. As Alex is distracted with his own worries, young Ali takes a gamble or two to save his friend. Problem is, like his father, Ali sometimes forgets to put his safety first, which could have dire consequences. When Ali is able to reach Gabe through a video game they enjoy, this only leads to more complications and places both boys in a heap of trouble. A stellar piece by Patterson that will surely loop in a new generation of Cross fans, with a story that is equally appealing to those who have long enjoyed anything with CROSS in the title. Recommended for young and not so youthful readers looking for a great mystery, as well as Alex Cross fans who want a dose of something a little less intense.
I recently finished James Patterson’s latest Alex Cross novel, which saw an increase in Ali’s presence. It felt fitting to turn to this shorter piece to give Ali his time in the spotlight and to see if younger readers were getting the same intensity in their novels related to this DC family. Patterson does well to pull a new set of Cross fans in, setting a mystery with Ali in the middle. Ali Cross is a middle-schooler who has all the tools to live a 21st century life, including an online presence that keeps him in touch with his friends. However, he has Cross blood in his veins and if he is not going to excel in athletics like his siblings, he might as well take up sleuthing. The reader can see this throughout this piece, as Ali Cross comes into his own. He loves a good mystery and has the empathy to make his work mean something. Other characters help pave the way to a successful story, including Alex Cross, which enriches the entire reading experience. While it is hard to place this on the Alex Cross timeline of books, there is surely a little character development for Alex and Ali, though it might be in a vacuum and not entirely in line with the chronology of the larger Cross series (if that makes sense as I pen it now). The story was strong and helped introduce the reader to Ali Cross in such a way that readers will want to know more. With some eerie goings-on in the Alex Cross series and a few hints that Ali Cross has not tripped on his only mystery, Patterson keeps readers of all ages wondering what will come next in the Cross saga and how long until Ali takes over the spotlight, letting Alex relax and fade into the role of advisor, rather than ‘feet on the ground’ detective.
Kudos, Mr. Patterson, for another great piece in the Cross series. This one has remained solid and I do wish you would focus on those pieces that are stellar, rather than mass producing every idea brought to your feet, for money and acclaim.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
I recently finished James Patterson’s latest Alex Cross novel, which saw an increase in Ali’s presence. It felt fitting to turn to this shorter piece to give Ali his time in the spotlight and to see if younger readers were getting the same intensity in their novels related to this DC family. Patterson does well to pull a new set of Cross fans in, setting a mystery with Ali in the middle. Ali Cross is a middle-schooler who has all the tools to live a 21st century life, including an online presence that keeps him in touch with his friends. However, he has Cross blood in his veins and if he is not going to excel in athletics like his siblings, he might as well take up sleuthing. The reader can see this throughout this piece, as Ali Cross comes into his own. He loves a good mystery and has the empathy to make his work mean something. Other characters help pave the way to a successful story, including Alex Cross, which enriches the entire reading experience. While it is hard to place this on the Alex Cross timeline of books, there is surely a little character development for Alex and Ali, though it might be in a vacuum and not entirely in line with the chronology of the larger Cross series (if that makes sense as I pen it now). The story was strong and helped introduce the reader to Ali Cross in such a way that readers will want to know more. With some eerie goings-on in the Alex Cross series and a few hints that Ali Cross has not tripped on his only mystery, Patterson keeps readers of all ages wondering what will come next in the Cross saga and how long until Ali takes over the spotlight, letting Alex relax and fade into the role of advisor, rather than ‘feet on the ground’ detective.
Kudos, Mr. Patterson, for another great piece in the Cross series. This one has remained solid and I do wish you would focus on those pieces that are stellar, rather than mass producing every idea brought to your feet, for money and acclaim.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
January 8, 2020
Ali Cross is something of an Alex Cross book for kids. Ali is Alex Cross's youngest child. He's a whip smart and precocious middle schooler. When Ali's friend Gabe goes missing, Ali decides to conduct his own investigation into his disappearance. Meanwhile, Alex is on desk duty while awaiting trial for an accident that happened to a civilian while on the job.
While written with children in mind, the whole Cross family appears in the book. I do think it is something every Alex Cross fan will want to read, especially those of us who are completists.
While written with children in mind, the whole Cross family appears in the book. I do think it is something every Alex Cross fan will want to read, especially those of us who are completists.
May 13, 2020
I might have liked this “kids” book a little too much. It was fun and light. It was also basically a Cross book. Patterson always includes the family in the Alex Cross novels and this was no different. Ali was a pretty good lead. It was a nice little change of pace, even if it was familiar. The mystery was simple and straight forward and that was just fine. I’ll read the next one, which knowing Patterson, is sure to come out sooner than later.
January 4, 2020
3.6
I have been a big Alex Cross fan for many years. I especially liked when the family was included in the story.
Recently read the latest Alex Cross Criss Cross and 10 year old Ali played a great role.
I was sure I was going to like a story that featured Ali.
I enjoyed when Harlan Coben did several novels featuring Mickey Bolitar (Myron Bolitar’s nephew.
JP didn’t disappoint ~ looking forward to Ali Cross Book #2
I have been a big Alex Cross fan for many years. I especially liked when the family was included in the story.
Recently read the latest Alex Cross Criss Cross and 10 year old Ali played a great role.
I was sure I was going to like a story that featured Ali.
I enjoyed when Harlan Coben did several novels featuring Mickey Bolitar (Myron Bolitar’s nephew.
JP didn’t disappoint ~ looking forward to Ali Cross Book #2
August 16, 2019
I loved most of this but there were some real holes in the story. Ali, son of Alex Cross, is going to appeal to MG readers and perhaps provide some crossover to other mystery/thriller writers. His caring about his missing friend and determination to find him is appealing, but there's where the holes are: surely the police would have been a little more involved? Either a missing person's report was filed by the parents or it wasn't. If it was, wouldn't they have interviewed Ali? and if not, wouldn't they have said something to him about the parents claiming he's ok? so confusing.
There's a substory about Alex being sued by the family of a man he possibly shoved and put in a coma (Alex says he slipped). I have no idea if this is part of a story from the Alex Cross books, but it won't matter to MG readers because it's explained well enough for them without requiring them to have read another book.
ARC provided by publisher.
There's a substory about Alex being sued by the family of a man he possibly shoved and put in a coma (Alex says he slipped). I have no idea if this is part of a story from the Alex Cross books, but it won't matter to MG readers because it's explained well enough for them without requiring them to have read another book.
ARC provided by publisher.
December 23, 2019
Although Ali Cross has been identified as a "Jimmy" book. I am hoping this is the beginning of a new series. Ali Cross is a young novice investigator who admires his Dad, Alex Cross, a major character in a series of novels by James Patterson. Enjoyed the interchange between Ali and Alex Cross. Great insight into becoming a novice investigator.
November 29, 2022
Had to go to the children's section to check out this book. It goes back to "Merry Christmas Alex Cross" and tells the story of Ali's missing friend Gabe and how Ali turns detective to find him. Does cover Alex's trial as it was in his book. Read it in a day. Cute book. Now onto book 3 of the series.
July 14, 2022
Fun! Love that James Patterson writes for the younger readers but keeps his adult characters. Love this story about Alex Cross youngest son. Look forward to more in the series
May 24, 2021
Ali, written by James Patterson as Alex Cross's youngest son, knows Gabe Quails better than anyone. So when his friend goes missing Ali jumps right into action. Being Alex Cross's son has taught him the skills he needs to solve the mystery. Intelligence, persistence, and logic. One rhing he didn't inherit? Patience. Because he knows that with every passing day, Gabe gone, the less likely it is he'll ever be found. AND...being Alex Cross's son, he refuses to accept those odd. This is a very good read. I like his touch of Ali. I remember a former book in which he finds out the problem with the numbers in the margins. Brilliant.....
Several of my Goodreads friends have been very encouraging when I just started reading Alex Cross. Then I got addicted to him and his adorable family and close friends, Nana Mama, Bree, Damon, Jannie and John Sampson, Alex's friend since elementary school. Ali said to himself "Maybe I should have said a prayer for my Dad too. Because I wasn't the only one dealing with heavy stuff that night when The priest asked Ali Jr. to say a prayer for the school. In fact, when we came out of church after services, there was a crowd of people with cameras and microphones waiting for us. It was a little like walking into a pack of hungry lions--and guess who was on the menu!! "Who is Gabriel Quails, Ali?" One of the reporters shouted. " Is he a friend of yours?" "What's the story there?"
But I didn't get to answer. Dad was already stepping in to take over. Which was just as well, because I was ready to go off on these people. And trust me, nobody needed that. Detective Alex Cross looked at his son Ali and tried not to smile. There was nothing funny about what was going on, but it was hard not to admire a fire that big and burning that brightly, in a guy as little as Ali. He had as much spirit as the person he was nicknamed for--the greatest boxer of all time, Muhammad Ali.
His Sister Jannie is still in track and is one amazing runner. One of her coaches is very interested in her running the half marathon (5 event trackmeet). she is so exciting about the potential of this challenge. Today she is running. Alex put Ali into his sleeping bag in what he thought was a safer part of the house as he is being challenged himself. All of a sudden Big Alex knocks the door through gets Ali as they thought they heard a gunshot. Hearing a rattle outside the gunshot scared us bigtime. Big Alex came to the door and with huge relief there was "Gabe"
Gabe said, "I'm glad you didn't give up on me." I was standing there looking at Gabe grateful he was fine. This was a good mystery and with Big Alex and Little Ali and the other family members it made for quite a delightful story. Recommend.
1 like
Several of my Goodreads friends have been very encouraging when I just started reading Alex Cross. Then I got addicted to him and his adorable family and close friends, Nana Mama, Bree, Damon, Jannie and John Sampson, Alex's friend since elementary school. Ali said to himself "Maybe I should have said a prayer for my Dad too. Because I wasn't the only one dealing with heavy stuff that night when The priest asked Ali Jr. to say a prayer for the school. In fact, when we came out of church after services, there was a crowd of people with cameras and microphones waiting for us. It was a little like walking into a pack of hungry lions--and guess who was on the menu!! "Who is Gabriel Quails, Ali?" One of the reporters shouted. " Is he a friend of yours?" "What's the story there?"
But I didn't get to answer. Dad was already stepping in to take over. Which was just as well, because I was ready to go off on these people. And trust me, nobody needed that. Detective Alex Cross looked at his son Ali and tried not to smile. There was nothing funny about what was going on, but it was hard not to admire a fire that big and burning that brightly, in a guy as little as Ali. He had as much spirit as the person he was nicknamed for--the greatest boxer of all time, Muhammad Ali.
His Sister Jannie is still in track and is one amazing runner. One of her coaches is very interested in her running the half marathon (5 event trackmeet). she is so exciting about the potential of this challenge. Today she is running. Alex put Ali into his sleeping bag in what he thought was a safer part of the house as he is being challenged himself. All of a sudden Big Alex knocks the door through gets Ali as they thought they heard a gunshot. Hearing a rattle outside the gunshot scared us bigtime. Big Alex came to the door and with huge relief there was "Gabe"
Gabe said, "I'm glad you didn't give up on me." I was standing there looking at Gabe grateful he was fine. This was a good mystery and with Big Alex and Little Ali and the other family members it made for quite a delightful story. Recommend.
1 like
December 10, 2020
This was my first time reading a James Patterson novel and I really enjoyed it. Although I've never read any his Alex Cross novels, I thought writing a middle-grade mystery novel about Alex's son, Ali Cross, was such a fantastic idea. I'm definitely going to be adding some of the Alex Cross novels to my TBR.
What I really enjoyed about this novel was that it was a very believable and plausible mystery in which the adult (Alex Cross) also gets a POV and is involved in solving the mystery of Ali's missing friend and the string of break-and-enters in their neighbourhood (because if I'm being honest, most middle-grade mysteries are pretty far-fetched).
I also really enjoyed Alex's story arc on the side about his trial regarding possible misconduct/police brutality. It was approached in a way that didn't come across as being too heavy-handed on the social justice front, and it didn't completely overshadow the overarching storyline.
What I really enjoyed about this novel was that it was a very believable and plausible mystery in which the adult (Alex Cross) also gets a POV and is involved in solving the mystery of Ali's missing friend and the string of break-and-enters in their neighbourhood (because if I'm being honest, most middle-grade mysteries are pretty far-fetched).
I also really enjoyed Alex's story arc on the side about his trial regarding possible misconduct/police brutality. It was approached in a way that didn't come across as being too heavy-handed on the social justice front, and it didn't completely overshadow the overarching storyline.
February 9, 2020
I was so excited to finally get to read this book as I have been waiting for ages for it to be released as months before I had read an article that spoke about how James Patterson was finally writing a book with Ali as the main character. Out of all the Cross family, I have always had a soft spot for Ali as he is a mini-Alex and always been a fun character. He has always been full of life and had some intelligent conversations and quips in the Alex Cross series. Ali Cross dreams of being a detective just like his dad and now when his best friend Gabriel Squalls goes missing and the police keep hitting dead ends, Ali sees this as his chance to finally get to do some investigating to find his friend as he knows he's alive whereas everyone else has written him off as we all know the first twenty-four hours of a missing person is the most vital time to find them and any time after that, it can become a lost cause as every day that ticks by - is a day closer to them being found dead. Ali Cross also features a storyline of Alex Cross being on trial for assault and accused of being a dirty cop and being Christmas time, tensions are high in the Cross Family house. Ali Cross was a fun read and the perfect companion read for all fans of Alex Cross series - no matter what age you are, as previous fans will get a kick out of reading a teen Ali Cross.
March 29, 2020
3.5 Stars
I haven't read any of the Alex Cross series. There was some backstory that was missing about him (since he is Ali's father) but I think the author did an ok job catching the reader up. I could definitely tell that this was written for the younger crowd. I think it was a good book (and maybe series?) for young adults who like mystery/thrillers!
I haven't read any of the Alex Cross series. There was some backstory that was missing about him (since he is Ali's father) but I think the author did an ok job catching the reader up. I could definitely tell that this was written for the younger crowd. I think it was a good book (and maybe series?) for young adults who like mystery/thrillers!
August 23, 2024
There’s only so much you can do with a middle grade/YA detective story, so I correctly guessed who was behind the shenanigans before the character was even introduced lmao. Finding out I was correct on a guess I made in the first 20 pages was hilarious
September 9, 2019
Great middle grade mystery. The story itself did not represent an accurate description of what would have happened but the mystery was compelling for a middle grade read.
April 19, 2020
It was okay. It is probably for more of younger kids.
February 21, 2021
Hemos leído este libro en el club de lectura middle-grade de la Libroteca #LosCazalibros y la verdad es que nos ha gustado mucho.
Una trama ágil y llena de acción con la dosis de misterio justa y capítulos cortos que hacen la lectura todavía más adictiva.
Se tratan muchos temas interesantes como la violencia policial, el maltrato y la delincuencia y a la vez se introducen elementos muy atractivos para la edad, como los videojuegos.
Sin duda estamos deseando leer más casos del joven Ali Cross.
Pronto reseña en el blog de Las Lecturas del gato y la cuenta de la Libroteca en Instagram.
Una trama ágil y llena de acción con la dosis de misterio justa y capítulos cortos que hacen la lectura todavía más adictiva.
Se tratan muchos temas interesantes como la violencia policial, el maltrato y la delincuencia y a la vez se introducen elementos muy atractivos para la edad, como los videojuegos.
Sin duda estamos deseando leer más casos del joven Ali Cross.
Pronto reseña en el blog de Las Lecturas del gato y la cuenta de la Libroteca en Instagram.
May 18, 2024
This book brings out the mystery and suspense throughout the book. Ali Cross is a brave and un giving up person. I think it was amazing during the book when he was looking for his friend Gabe. With all the robberies and his father’s trial, Ali was able to find his friend and start following in his father’s footsteps. I feel so bad for Gabe. I know that some kids don’t always have good parents. This book has a lot of mysteries, I can’t wait to read about Ali’s next case.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 8, 2023
I've read a lot of the Alex Cross novels so it was interesting to read a book about his son. Although obviously geared towards younger readers the story was not childish and it held my interest. I will read others in this series.
February 22, 2020
James Patterson expands the Alex Cross legacy in his new series, featuring Alex's son, Ali. This book is the first book in the series and it is such a welcome change. Ali is aspiring to be a detective like his dad, Alex Cross so you not only get the son's (Ali's) point of view, but the father's (Alex's) point of view as well.
A great introduction for YA and middle grade readers to the writings of James Patterson.
4 stars - I really like it.
A great introduction for YA and middle grade readers to the writings of James Patterson.
4 stars - I really like it.
January 8, 2021
This book is not part of the Popsugar 2021 challenge, I read it for work.
The last time I read a James Patterson book was probably a good 12 years ago? In that time, it seems like Alex Cross had a bunch of kids and the youngest one is solving mysteries.
Not a bad read!! I had forgotten that Alex Cross is African American. I think James actually did a good job inserting some of the nuances of race into the story, especially since he is targeting a middle school audience with this book!
The last time I read a James Patterson book was probably a good 12 years ago? In that time, it seems like Alex Cross had a bunch of kids and the youngest one is solving mysteries.
Not a bad read!! I had forgotten that Alex Cross is African American. I think James actually did a good job inserting some of the nuances of race into the story, especially since he is targeting a middle school audience with this book!
December 4, 2019
Another Great Book!
I have read many books by James Patterson and this new one is a good one.
When I heard that the story was about Alex’s son, I thought it would be a Children’s story. How wrong I was!
It started out right away as a thriller. And kept my attention throughout the book.
I would recommed the book to everyone.
I have read many books by James Patterson and this new one is a good one.
When I heard that the story was about Alex’s son, I thought it would be a Children’s story. How wrong I was!
It started out right away as a thriller. And kept my attention throughout the book.
I would recommed the book to everyone.
January 9, 2020
Fantastic ! Love Ali Cross - even more than his dad Alex. Cannot wait until next one !
June 18, 2024
Listened to this audiobook with my 5th graders and mom on a road trip. While I’ve never picked up a James Patterson novel myself, I heard him on a podcast talking about his children’s books and thought this would be age appropriate for my daughters to pass the time.
It was narrated by two wonderful voice actors, had a great plot that was enjoyable for all 3 generations in the car.
The story did have references to murder charges, police violence, and racial tensions that may be concerning for some parents.
I know my kids though, and they’re advanced readers who have awareness of these societal forces so I wasn’t worried at any point that Patterson’s work was beyond their understanding. When they had questions about words or concepts (“is a detention center the same as saying jail?”), we paused the book and discussed.
It’s hard to find middle school age fiction that isn’t juvenile or fantasy… highly recommend!
It was narrated by two wonderful voice actors, had a great plot that was enjoyable for all 3 generations in the car.
The story did have references to murder charges, police violence, and racial tensions that may be concerning for some parents.
I know my kids though, and they’re advanced readers who have awareness of these societal forces so I wasn’t worried at any point that Patterson’s work was beyond their understanding. When they had questions about words or concepts (“is a detention center the same as saying jail?”), we paused the book and discussed.
It’s hard to find middle school age fiction that isn’t juvenile or fantasy… highly recommend!
December 7, 2020
Oh, my word! I've never read any of the Alex Cross novels, but now I will. It says a lot that I was able to read this entire book within a workday! The novel avoids doing something many YA books are guilty of-- fluffing things up to deter the preteen reader from realizing that scary things DO exist in the real world. Was it terrifying? No. But it goes to show a book about danger can be appropriate for middle-grade students and still be realistic. I hope Patterson writes more! If not, I suppose I'll just have to read the adult version-- sigh.
December 8, 2020
Having read a lot of James Patterson's adult books including some Alex Cross books, I was really pleased that he could bring his writing down to a middle school mystery level. I really enjoyed this fast, clean read and am looking forward to reading more "Ali Cross" books.
August 14, 2023
This book was great! A lot of suspense! I liked that at the end of every chapter I want to read more! I can't really say much more because I don't want to spoil it for others!
January 17, 2020
I am giving a book talk on this book!
December 21, 2019
Why is it that James Patterson's children and YA books are better written than his most recent adult thrillers? I don't know the answer to the question, I'm just asking to see if anyone knows the answer.
Anyhow, Ali Cross, which I'm guessing is the first installment in a brand-new series, doesn't waste a moment of time setting up the disappearance plot. Now if you have read any of the Alex Cross novels, then you would have already met Ali, who has made appearances in those novels. In this mystery, the character takes center stage, kinda like a modern day Hardy Boys story.
Overall, I enjoyed reading Ali Cross. It's a well-written, fast-paced little mystery that young readers should like. Plus, it might even appeal to older Alex Cross readers.
Anyhow, Ali Cross, which I'm guessing is the first installment in a brand-new series, doesn't waste a moment of time setting up the disappearance plot. Now if you have read any of the Alex Cross novels, then you would have already met Ali, who has made appearances in those novels. In this mystery, the character takes center stage, kinda like a modern day Hardy Boys story.
Overall, I enjoyed reading Ali Cross. It's a well-written, fast-paced little mystery that young readers should like. Plus, it might even appeal to older Alex Cross readers.
January 11, 2020
So, overall impression of this book was one of being UNDERWHELMED. It really didn't live up to my hopes, and I think that is probably just because it is much younger than I anticipated. I was thinking this might fall into the likes of a Harlan Coben book, or something along the lines of the C.H.E.R.U.B series, but it is SOLIDLY middle grade. And more of the 4-6 end of the spectrum than the 6-8 end. Final verdict: I think it will be popular due to the author and the premise (kid detective, missing friend, etc) but it will most likely be well-loved by younger readers. And, another thing that felt "off" about it to me was the fact that it had chapters from Alex Cross's point of view. I mean, I get that this is a "crossover" but the target audience for this book will NOT have read the original series, so pandering to those who have felt fake and forced. Just my opinion.
December 25, 2019
2.5 rounded up. This is a kid's book. The story line was very simplistic. I'm not sure that the book would even keep a child interested. Got a bit "preachy" at times.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 812 reviews