Alex Cross's Trial

James Patterson and
Richard DiLallo

THE CROSS FAMILY HAD MORE THAN ONE HERO

Alex Cross tells the incredible story--passed down through generations--of an ancestor's courageous fight for freedom.

SEPARATED BY TIME

From his grandmother, Alex Cross heard the story of his great-uncle Abraham and his struggles for survival in the era of the Ku Klux Klan.  Now, Alex passes the family tale along to his own children in a book he's written--a novel called Trial.

CONNECTED BY BLOOD

A lawyer in early-1900s Washington, D.C., Ben Corbett fights against oppression and racism--and risks his family and his life in the process.  When President Theodore Roosevelt asks him to return  to his hometown to investigate rumors of the resurgence of the Ku Klux Klan there, he cannot refuse.

UNITED BY BRAVERY

In Eudora, Mississippi, Ben meets the wise Abraham Cross and his beautiful granddaughter, Moody.  With their help, Ben discovers that lynchings have become commonplace.  He vows to break the reign of terror--but the truth of who is really behind the killings may break his heart.  Written in the fearless voice of Detective Alex Cross, ALEX CROSS'S TRIAL is a gripping story of murder, love, and unparalleled bravery.

My Take:

When I had finished Alex Cross's Trial (which I did in record time) I was left breathless and exhilarated.  I quickly jumped on to Amazon to check reviews, because I wanted to read all about how much everyone else had loved the book.  I was shocked when I came across a TON of bad reviews.  After reading them, I think they were unfair and misleading as they spoke nothing about the content, but rather grudges against the author.  I'd like to give a true review by first addressing the two largest concerns I read about in other reviews.  The first concern I noticed was people asking "Is James Patterson even writing his books anymore?"  A reviewer would give the book 1 star and proceed to go on and on about how he's a sellout, not writing his own stuff etc, not uttering one word about the book itself.  Here's my opinion, I don't care who wrote the book, my review will be based on the work itself, not the author.  Second concern, was the "misleading" title.  People were mad that they bought the book and came home to start reading only to discover that the book was not about Alex Cross, but rather "written" by him.  I was appalled that someone would write a bad review because they weren't smart enough to read the back cover, which clearly states exactly what the book is. I believe a book review should be about the content of the book, and on that note I will climb down from my soapbox and give you my review... I felt that the book was riveting.  While this book will not be the historical gem that is To Kill a Mockingbird, the main character had a very distinct Atticus Finch feel to him.  The subject matter was very heavy, but this does not come as a surprise judging by the book's description.  There was also, shall we say, copious to put it nicely, use of the "N" word, which is a word I just hate, but to write even a semi-accurate portrayal of the times, including the bigotry, it is necessary.  It does not condone the use of the word, but rather, uses it as a tool to demonstrate and condemn the bigotry associated with it's use.   The book is well paced, and there are some twists and turns in the story (it is a James Patterson after all) and Alex Cross's Trial held my rapt attention throughout.  I rate this book a 2, Borders with a Coupon. 

Do you agree with my review?  Do you think I'm totally off base?  Either way I'd love to hear from you, be sure to leave a comment and tell me how you feel!

If this book were a movie, it would likely be rated R for strong depictions of violence, strong language, and repeated use of the "N" word

**FTC Disclosure: This book was provided by the Hachette Book Group in exchange for an unbiased review.  No other compensation was given, all opinions are my own**

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