CrossCross
Score Modern
What it's about
Alex Cross has left the FBI to work as a psychologist in Washington, but he's never stopped thinking about his wife Maria, shot and killed years ago. When a brutal hitman known as the Butcher surfaces in a new case, Cross realizes he may be the man who killed Maria, and he goes after him.
Why it's worth reading
It hit #1 on the New York Times list. Alex Cross is Patterson's most famous hero, and this book finally answers the series' biggest question.
You'll love it if you liked
1st to Die
Step on a Crack
The Midnight LineGood to know
It's violent, including sexual violence. It's well into the series but explains what you need.
By the numbers
- Readers55 out of 100 · counts 42%
- Critics0 out of 100 · counts 14%
- Bestseller51 out of 100 · counts 34% (its stronger lane)
- Buzz0 out of 100 · counts 10%
Critics and Bestseller are two ways to earn a place: a book's stronger one counts more. Buzz rewards recent bestseller weeks and prizes, so older books start at zero. The parts combine into the Must-Read Score, shown on a scale where the best book we found scores 99 and the last book to make the ranking scores 50.
Where it ranks
- #204 of the 555 mysteries and thrillers we rank
- #751 of the 1,573 modern books we rank
- #1411 of the 2,816 books we rank
Why it made the list
Reads as
Gripping
More by James Patterson
1st to Die
Worst Case
Sam's Letters to Jennifer
Kill Alex CrossIf you like this, read next
Say Nothing: A True Story of Murder and Memory in Northern Ireland
Verity
Gone Girl
The Martian
2666
Gideon the NinthExplore the best-of lists
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Quick answers
Is Cross worth reading?
Yes. It hit #1 on the New York Times list. It ranks #1,411 of the 2,816 books in our ranking, with a Must-Read Score of 69.1 (the best book we found scores 99).
What is Cross about?
Alex Cross has left the FBI to work as a psychologist in Washington, but he's never stopped thinking about his wife Maria, shot and killed years ago. When a brutal hitman known as the Butcher surfaces in a new case, Cross realizes he may be the man who killed Maria, and he goes after him.
How long does it take to read Cross?
About 10 hours (393 pages), or about 3 weeks at 30 minutes a day.
What should I read after Cross?
If you liked it, try 1st to Die by James Patterson, Step on a Crack by James Patterson or The Midnight Line by Lee Child.