Four Blind Mice (Alex Cross #8)
by James Patterson

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Book Summary Information

• ISBN13: 9780446613262
• Condition: New
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Book Reviews of Four Blind Mice (Alex Cross #8)

Book Review: Comic Book without pictures for Grow-ups
Summary: 2 Stars

So Patterson isn't a literate writer, or even a careful one any more. But you can still enjoy his books, and in some sense they are perfect for post-literate America. I found that although I was disappointed with Four Blind Mice in many ways, my disappointment wasn't complete if I changed my expectations. Instead of comparing Patterson's recent work to Lehane, Hall, Connolley, or even early Patterson, if I think of it as a sort of comic book without pictures for grown-ups it seems to work. (I don't say adults, because there's no real sexuality to it, in spite of what a few of the other reviewers claim.) Patterson is better compared to Stan Lee, and Alex Cross isn't that far removed from Lee's creation Peter Parker, aka Spider Man, with his crime fighting and home-life problems coming into conflict; even his identity conflicts as a superhero find their reflection in Cross's character. Stylistically there are many similiarities, too. Comics are action-heavy with fairly flat, sometimes corny dialogue and often weak plots; so is Patterson's writing. Characters are boldly good or bad in both, and often motivations are also black and white. There's no mystery in a Spider Man comic, nor is there in an Alex Cross book any more. These aren't stories about clever deduction or uncanny observation. Instead, essentially someone tells Cross who the bad guys are. And like comics but not real life, unfortunately, characters come back from the dead. So although Patterson makes what seems an obvious ploy for us to compare his work to Thomas Harris--Cross's visit to Kyle Craig in a high security prison to gain information on the current killings struck me as an AMAZING reference to Harris' Hannibal Lecter (amazing in its blatant appropriation, not in its quality!)--we're better off thinking DC and Marvel. Hey, maybe THAT'S the "DC" in Cross's home town, not District of Columbia.

Summary of Four Blind Mice (Alex Cross #8)

Literature & Fiction Books

• Subjects > Literature & Fiction
• Mystery, Thriller & Suspense > Mystery
• Police Procedurals
• Thrillers > Legal