Title:	Alex Cross, Run
	Author:	James Patterson
	Published:	2013, Vision
	No. of Pages:	380
	Cover Price:	$10.00 US

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Alex Cross is back in Alex Cross, Run by James Patterson. The story begins with Alex accompanying his friend John Sampson, of LAPD, along with other law enforcement agents, to a party where there are suspected underage drinkers and prostitution. A prominent plastic surgeon, Elijah Creem and his friend Joshua Bergman are hosts of the party, are arrested, and Creem’s career is essentially ruined.

A short time later, a beautiful woman, who had been a patient of Creem, is found brutally murdered in the trunk of a car; more of the same follow. Alex is also involved in the investigation of a young mother who was brutally murdered and her baby is missing, as well as a similar case that happened several years ago and may be related.

An annoying reporter, who is brushed off by Alex, retaliates by setting up Alex with drug charges (he is able to thrust a needle into Alex’s leg while being escorted from a crime scene) resulting in Ava, his foster child, being taken from his home and a scandal in the department and media.

Alex Cross Run is vintage James Patterson – plenty of unnecessary violence, plenty of unnecessary murders, and plenty of danger to Alex Cross and his family. The novel also features several extremely evil suspects who kill for pleasure, which can be upsetting to some readers.

Who knows why Alex Cross is such a beloved character, and why Patterson’s Alex Cross books are always on the Best Seller lists. But they are, and we read them, enjoy them, and anticipate the next book in the series. This book is no exception. While it is not particularly well-written, it keeps the readers interest, and keeps readers on the edge-of-their-seat, since the reader knows who the murderers are and their motives, while Alex Cross doesn’t; when he finally does figure out who they are, he has to find ways to prove it. Because of the drug charges, and the fact that he is suspended from the case, he must prove his innocence as well as expose the murderers without help or support from the police department.

Alex Cross, Run is a must-read for Alex Cross fans, albeit the fact that the plot is fairly implausible and there is an excess of murder and violence. While there are dozens of thrillers available, many with better plots and many that are well-researched and well-written, it seems that thriller lovers (including me) are addicted to Alex Cross and must read the series despite the inconsistencies and mediocre writing style.

This book was purchased with personal funds and no promotion of the book was solicited by the author or publisher.

This book may be purchased at Amazon: Alex Cross, Run