Jack & Jill (Alex Cross)
by James Patterson
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Book Reviews of Jack & Jill (Alex Cross)
Book Review: Intriguing plot; Lacking elements found in his other books
Summary: 4 Stars
I thought that the story was very interesting and Patterson obviously put some thought and work into to making the plot seem plausible (considering it is a work of fiction). However, I think he did not develop the main antagonist characters as much as in "Along Came a Spider" and "Kiss the Girls". Alex Cross and Sampson were as likeable as ever but---Gary Soneji where are you. The Jack & Jill characters were not as believably sinister as Soneji and/or Cassanova, but the plot twists were acceptably decent and not completely predictable. However, my biggest bone to pick with this book is the fact that several references were made to the BRANDS of clothing, jewerly, etc. that the characters used. I could care less if Sampson was telling time with his new BULOVA watch wearing a KANGOL hat. He could just as effectively checked the time with an old raggedy swatch duct taped to his wrist wearing a sweat stained dust cover. I don't need such descriptions of a character's possessions to tell me they're a badass---their actions should dictate what persona they emulate. The ending was enjoyable because EVERYTHING in Washington can be covered up or filed away "somewhere" without a nice trite ending (as seen from recent experiences). However, Alex Cross NEEDS to get himself a lady friend sometime soon because the man desparately could use a stress release. I can't wait to read Cat & Mouse because Soneji (why such a weird name anyway) is back for some more. At least, Patterson realizes when he does have a strong character even if he has problems sifting through the weak ones. Buy this book because it is a quick read, keeps you interested, and does perform it main purpose---it entertains.Book Review: Not the BEST Alex Cross story out there, but still good
Summary: 4 Stars
After having hopelessly addicted myself to the trials and tribulations of Alex Cross when I picked up a copy of 'Kiss The Girls' I felt it my duty to pick up 'Jack & Jill'. I find Pattersons writing style to be quite different than most authors out there (Every other chapter written in 1st person) and although I had my reservations at first, I have come over to be a loyal supporter of Pattersons way of writing.With that said, is 'Jack & Jill' his best novel? Nope. 'Course I am consistently surprised at the negative comments on particular reviews here on Amazon at books that I have not just enjoyed, but downright LOVED. Now I wouldn't go so far as to say I loved this book, but I AM a bit confused at some of the not-so-kind reviews...I feel (and still do) that Patterson really knows how to pace his novels, and I for one do not judge his books based entirely upon previous books he has written. With EVERY author they hit home runs, and then a few singles now and
then, and were it not for the home runs, they would be considered above-avereage writers. In Pattersons case, I believe him to be one of the best in the crime/thriller genre. He writes in tiny segments that are all primed to 'get-to-the-point' without wasting time and unncessary words and descriptions. Miniature chapters that are in and of themselves small mysteries, and some with ENORMOUS cliff-hangers. Patterson paces his books like a gigantic literary drag race. His stories do not just start and build up speed, nosiree--they are catapulted into action which NEVER LETS UP until the last page. All in all I liked 'Jack & Jill' very much, and if you are a fan of Alex Cross I believe you will find this one another great 'whodunnit' with a satisfying conclusion.
Book Review: What is all the hype about????
Summary: 2 Stars
I find this not even being better written than the other mystery/thrillers I read. I can't find a better way to describe this than to say, "poorly written". When compared to both Jonathan and Faye Kellerman (who can write like nobody's business), I fail to understand why Mr. Patterson is making money. I mean, the phrases, the cliches, the characters...talk about poor development. "Nana Mama"?! Get real. And Alex Cross is still whining for Kate McTiernan in this book? Move on, dude. I read Kiss the Girls, and I really was in no rush to read another Patterson book, but I saw this one in the library (thank GOD I didn't pay for it) and said, well he keeps churning out these books, surely he has something interesting to write about. Nope! Alex's meetings with the President...boring, the chases through the streets of DC...boring, his new love interest...boring. The villans...boring! I mean, I could go on and on. How does this guy solve crimes? Why is he so acclaimed? He's not doing anything mind blowing or even remotely interesting or spectacular. I don't see how he's so smart, and figures out things that no one else can. He just seems to be taking up space to me, with his annoying thoughts and perspective. And I swear, as I read this, all I could hear was Morgan Freeman's voice (since he portrayed Detective Cross in the Kiss the Girls movie. I love him, by the way). No lie. But that's my own issue, I know. I've become a fan of numerous authors after reading just one of their novels (Cornwell, both Kellermans', etc), but after two tries with Patterson, sorry, but I fail to see what the big deal is. I just read this thing to keep from staring at everyone on the subway. Good grief.Book Review: MADNESS TIMES TWO
Summary: 5 Stars
James Patterson continues to amaze me. Having recently began reading his material, I am enthralled with his story telling. Jack and Jill is a masterpiece thriller worthy of every suspense fan's attention. Not one, but two storylines will leave you flipping from chapter to chapter in no time.Someone is visciously mudering young black children in the neighborhood of detective Alex Cross. There are no leads but Alex is determined to find the killer. At the same time a pair of stalker-serial killers known as Jack and Jill are preying on the powerful and famous in Washington D.C. When it becomes apparent that the killers have their sights set on the president, Cross is aked to help. He becomes determined to not only find Jack and Jill but to find the child murderer on whatever spare time he can afford. Cross is burning the candle at both ends and he doesnt have much time to save the president and capture the killers. Both plots progress at a fast pace. Cross' determination and excellent detective work shine and he in time finds the killers, but is he too late. As with ALONG CAME A SPIDER Patterson keeps you guessing until the very end and there is no shortage of surprises.
Both of the story lines could have a been books unto themselves. The fact that Patterson weaves them into a single novel is a testament to his craft. A stunning ending clinches JACK AND JILL as a five star thriller. The ending will keep you guessing which is nice for a change. Patterson seems to realize that a real thriller, like real life, doesnt have an ending with no loose strings. This book will keep you wanting more James Patterson and More of his heroe Alex Cross.
Book Review: Jack and Jill
Summary: 3 Stars
Patterson, James. Jack and Jill. New York: Warner Books Inc, 1997. 464 pages.
Jack and Jill by James Patterson, which turns this into a thrill-seeking detective, murder case. The book starts off with a man named Alex Cross, who is investigating a child murderer, which gets little attention because of another high profile killing, by the people named of Jack and Jill. The child killer competes back and forth between Jack and Jill because he wants to be noticed. It just so happens that Jack and Jill are going on a rampage killing many famous people and threatened to kill the president. As Alex is working long days and working for the White House and Police Station these murders bother him and he wont stop working. As he draws closer and closer to the mystery, the story takes curves to a whole different direction. Will Jack and Jill kill the president or will Alex Cross be able to come to the rescue and stop the murder? No one really cares about the girl that was murdered everyone was focused on this Jack and Jill. The only people who seemed to care about the girl were Alex and his partner. "We had seen Shanelle's broken body and met her heartbroken parents." Every since seeing that girl Alex kept picturing his own daughter and he was so eager to catch this child killer before any more deaths. I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend this book. If you love non-stop, mysterious, jaw dropping action then this book is perfect for you. This book draws you in and doesn't make you stop reading until you find out the whole truth.