Four Blind Mice: 8 (Alex Cross Novels) - Softcover

Patterson, James

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0446613266 ISBN 13: 9780446613262

Publisher: Warner Vision, 2003

Synopsis

In this #1 New York Times bestseller, Alex Cross is ready to resign-but when his partner shows up with a case he can't refuse, he goes up against the most bone-chilling killers of his entire career.
Detective Alex Cross is on his way to resign from the Washington, D.C., Police Force when his partner's oldest friend-a Vietnam veteran-is arrested for murder. He is subject to the iron hand of the United States Army, and the evidence against him is strong enough to send him to the gas chamber.
Sampson is certain his friend has been framed, and Alex's investigation turns up evidence overlooked-or concealed-by the military authorities. Drawing on their years of street training and an almost telepathic mutual trust, Cross and Sampson go deep behind military lines to confront the most terrifying-and deadly-killers they have ever encountered. Behind these three highly skilled killing machines there appears to be an even more threatening controller. Discovering the identity of this lethal genius will prove to be Cross's most terrifying challenge ever.
On his visits home, Alex must confront another, more harrowing mystery: what's the matter with Nana Mama? As he explores the possibility of a new relationship with a woman who offers him new hope, Alex must also confront the fact that his beloved grandmother is only human.

About this title

Review:

There's absolutely no denying the fact that it's impossible to put down a Patterson thriller once it's been picked up--and Four Blind Mice is no exception. And it's not just the cliff-hanging chapters: Patterson is a stylist of real distinction, and in Alex Cross he has created one of the most memorable (and durable) protagonists in the genre (no mean achievement, given Patterson's avoidance of the usual clichés: recovering alcoholic cop, endless conflict with superiors, etc.).

Having fought a bloody battle with a criminal mastermind, the weary Alex has decided to leave the Washington Police Force. Another factor in his decision is a new romance: his life has changed since he met the seductive Jamilla Hughes. But (readers won't be surprised to hear) Alex is persuaded by John Sampson to take on one final case: his closest friend has been indicted for a grisly double murder. Fingerprints and DNA evidence link the suspect with two women who have been savagely knifed at an army base, but Alex comes to believe that he's looking at a frame-up. And as the resourceful detective cuts through a swathe of intrigue to uncover both a complex plot and a malign opponent, he finds himself in quite as much danger as in any of his confrontations with super-intelligent serial killers. Those familiar with previous Patterson novels as will know exactly what to expect here. If there is less time than usual spent on developing Alex's personality, that's because Patterson is more than ever putting his skills at the service of an extremely fast-moving narrative. Four Blind Mice will keep Patterson admirers more than happy. --Barry Forshaw

Review:

"Everything clicks in this novel...the best Cross yet."--Publishers Weekly

About this edition

• Publisher: Warner Vision
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 0446613266
• ISBN 13: 9780446613262
• Binding: Mass Market Paperback
• Number of pages: 404