review of 'Double Cross' by James Patterson

Here goes my first ever review (crossing my fingers for luck!)

Disclaimer: I guess I have to warn you beforehand; the reviews I write may not be an accurate description of the novel but simply reflect my opinion.

Double Cross

By James Patterson

This novel is one of many which explore the cases solved by Dr. Alex Cross, who has a doctorate in psychology. He initially works as a psychologist, but later disillusioned by private practise, joins the homicide division of the metropolitan police department (MPD) and then the FBI. He specializes in solving serial murders. After a period of time, he quits the force to resume practise fearing for his family’s safety. In this novel, he gets back on the force as a specialist consultant.

The prologue begins with a proclamation by one of the criminals, called Kyle Craig a.k.a the mastermind, whom Cross had successfully put behind bars earlier. He vows to escape from the high-security prison where he is imprisoned and come back to take revenge on Cross.

The book then moves on to focus on Cross and his girlfriend, Brianna Stone (Bree); who works at the MPD; who are enjoying a quiet holiday at a resort, when Bree receives a call from work, asking her to come immediately as a crime had occurred. Alex offers to come along. They are shocked to hear the details of the crime. The famous crime novel author, Tess Olsen had been murdered brutally at her home at Washington DC, with the killer choosing to murder her on her balcony, overlooking a busy road. He had demanded that the public watch the murder. They are shocked when they realize that the killer enjoys having an audience for his crime.

Cross decides to join the team which is investigating the murder. Bree, Cross and John Sampson; who is Cross’s long-time friend, form the crux of the team. As they investigate the various motives and the suspects for the crime, yet another murder takes place. The victims are totally unrelated, yet they suspect it is the same murderer due to the fact that he again chooses to murder in front of an unsuspecting Broadway audience. They label the suspect as DCAK (DC audience killer). Meanwhile, Kyle Craig escapes from his high-security prison with the help of his lawyer.

Cross realises that the murders are the work of a psychopath who just enjoys murdering innocent people, knowing that he is leaving the detectives confused. He also realises that Kyle Craig is linked in some way to DCAK. Does he figure out the connection before time runs out?

The book successfully portrays how Cross is caught between his commitments to his family, his patients at his practise and his relationship with Bree. The investigation takes a twist towards the personal when the killer challenges Cross online. He starts a number of blogs and websites to communicate with his large fan following. The murders continue, but DCAK denies committing some of them. So, are there two separate killers on the prowl or is DCAK bluffing? What is the connection between DCAK and Kyle Craig? How many more murders will take place before Cross, Bree and Sampson are able to nail the killer? Will they get to him, before he gets to them? To get to know the answers to these questions, read the book.

Now to the million-dollar question. Is this book worth a read? If you are into reading crime novels, this one sure is good. It definitely is not for the faint-hearted and those who hate violence. The only drawback is that while it is an engrossing read, the climax is a big letdown. And though this makes the book more realistic, there are some loose ends and quite a number of questions left unanswered. If you expect an insight into the criminal’s mind and his motive, a la Agatha Christie style, this will disappoint. There really is no other explanation except that psychos don’t kill with reason! But it offers a remarkable insight into the processes involved in police work, the red tape and so on. It makes for a good read on a dull afternoon when you have nothing else to do.