Impressive debut
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This is the first in James Patterson's critically acclaimed Alex Cross series.
I started off reading Patterson's later books that he co wrote with other authors but thought that his short chapters and generic story lines grew old quickly. Because of this I was hesitant to start this series but i'm glad I did.
It follows the story of Alex Cross hunting down a kidnapper who is holding two of hollywoods rich kids at ransom. The pace is good and the characters excellently described and realistic.
The only thing keeping me from giving the book 5 stars is the fact that the pace lags a bit and at times it seems like heavy going.
Even though i'd definately recommend this book its a great read and I can't wait to read the next in the series 'Kiss the Girls'.
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My first Patterson novel but won't be my last
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A very exciting read with a twisting plot that moves along steadily and has an extremely nasty villain. It might not be very arty but it keeps you hooked and gives great pleasure and a few other authors could learn a thing or two about plot pace from Mr. Patterson.
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Typically Patterson
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'Along Came a Spider' introduces us to Detective Alex Cross, a man of mystery and intrigue, who faces a great deal of personal challenges throughout the plot. I am afraid to write that it is typically Patterson - it has shock value, short paragraphs and chapters, and colloquialisms here there and everywhere. The plot is, admittedly, full of twists and turns, and the characterisation of Soneji makes the reader question his own judgement on more than one occasion. I found myself asking - is the main antagonist mad, bad, or a bit of both? Indeed, what does Patterson want us to think? Has Patterson made up his own mind whether the main bad guy in the book is mad or bad? Or innocent? Whether it is the international number one bestseller that it claims to be, I have not decided yet. But it certainly scared and shocked me throughout.
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Utter Rot
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The author would have us believe at the outset that his villain had been wearing a bald wig over a head of curly hair (with stick on moustache to boot) whist going about his business over a period of six months yet not one of his colleagues or any of his students had seen through this cunning disguise despite seeing him on a daily basis?!
Yes, and pigs might fly!!
The hero of the piece is a cross between James Bond and John Shaft and is about as believable. As a personification of "black is beautiful", the big-bulged Dr/Detective is not averse to midnight swims in his speedos with buxom femme fatales whilst still living at home with his Grandma. Yeah, right... He reads like the author is living out his wish fulfillment.
The love scenes are vomit inducing.
I hear that Mr Patterson is currently the most borrowed author from UK libraries. A fact that is enough to make this reader despair.
Utter rot.
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Unputdownable
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I read this book years ago yet vividly remember it. I literally could not put this down. I have read other books by same writer and I've thought they were absolute rubbish but this one is special. Even people who hate reading will not be able to put this down. It really is a fantastic read and I can't recommend it highly enough.
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