Mary, Mary (Alex Cross Novels) Mass Market Paperback – October 1, 2006

I got this for a friend. She loves this author and this book was on her wish list for a while. She read it in a couple of days. After classes and on her breaks at work. She was so happy to get this book and she's happy she has it for keeps. She prefers to get paper copies of books because its easier on her eyes and this book came in great condition. It also got there quite fast. I'm very pleased with my experience in purchasing this book and so is she.

Yes! James Patterson finally makes a return to original form. After a dark age from "Roses Are Red" to "London Bridges" (minus "Four Blind Mice"), we finally see the light with "Mary Mary".This story literally feels like an Alex Cross novel again. The feeling, the writing, the mystery, and also the pacing are all just right. I love how we finally see Alex Cross taking on larger cases as an FBI agent and facing problems that I've been waiting for him to face. Like for example, the danger of being a cop (or FBI agent). There are some pretty powerful moments when we see Alex ask himself if he should retire from the life of chasing bad guys and be normal for once, for his kids. It really adds to the drama and the decision of what he will make. One thing about this story that really surprised me and actually made me cry, was the breakup between Alex and Jamilla (spoilers). I thought it was pretty heart breaking to read. While I didn't like their relationship in the previous novels, I did kinda warm up to them in last one and also a little bit in the beginning of this too. But that still doesn't mean I actually like the romance fully. But the point is that the breakup really surprised me. I found myself caring because there are some big hurts between the two. You can sense that Jamilla hates doing this to Alex and Alex doesn't want to lose Jamilla. It's a touching situation that really gets to me. But you also understand that it is for the best because the circumstances are different and they live in two different worlds. Maybe they could be together and maybe it could have worked. Now that is really powerful. But it also led to Alex and Kayla Coles finally getting into a relationship (yeah!). I'm so happy that happened! Another thing I really want to point out is a small moment when Alex talks to a fellow widow dad who last his wife. I found that moment to be really strong and interesting (consider that the sequel after this goes into Alex's quest to find his wife's shooter). We finally get what it is like for Alex to live everyday and go through that same pain. It sets up perfectly for that storyline, while also providing an emotional moment for this story too.And then we have the negatives. Which surprisingly, there aren't that many. The revelation behind the identity of the killer of this story isn't really done well. The sub-plots are not needed (I wonder why Patterson even uses them). Also, the ending is rushed and I wish he could have added a few more chapters to make it feel satisfying (you will know what I mean). But the one thing I really hate the most is what Patterson did with Christine in this story. I won't give it away, but it really ticked me off. I literally hate her character now. In fact, I'm more angry at Patterson for ruining such a great character that I grew to love from the previous novels. I'm still hurt from what "Roses Are Red" did."Mary Mary" is a return to form for the Alex Cross series and it corrects some of the mistakes made over the last few installments. We see some pretty touching moments and even finally see Alex get with Kayla (which I have been waiting for). I say that it is definitely worth your money and time to read.

I have read every Alex Cross book (in order, of course) and so far, this one is the best. Not only is the plot downright squirrely, the characters deep and extremely well developed, but this one contains the personal deep emotional anguish then release and euphoria that the others did not. I highly recommend this book!!

What a story !!! Never know where this story will go !!! Who gets murdered why!!!! But the million dollar question!!! who did it ?? Christine will she ever think of her son & do the right decision ?? Who knows ???

Very good novel, keeps you in suspense. Hard to put down. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Great book. I do have a problem with how cross will do something’s that do not fit his Street and police sense. At the end why would his gun be in the trunk of car. In another book his gun was downstairs while he and his family were upstairs. Doesn’t fit the character. Storyline was excellent!

Kept me interested throughout the book. This time a lot of the stress about Alex’s family and the many ups and downs of it.

James Patterson writes another hit

I am reading the whole series of Cross books, right from the very first one. I really like them and you will too.

Very good book, a early Alex Cross story No.11,one of his better efforts, very happy with this purchase.

I’ve always love James Paterson’s books, by far the best. I never give 5 stars but it sure deserves it. I highly recommend it.

I restarted the Alex Cross series two decades after reading the Big Bad Wolf and London Bridges. I still remember how good those two books were.I have to say that the plot in this book felt too basic and completely unlike the pace and depth that The Wolf arc had.

I loved this book. The plot is far more imaginable than some strange fantasies that seem to have „inspired“ some other Cross novels. Really captivating. But … a little strange is, that the reader does not learn much about the killer throughout the book and also, that the showdown is kept so very short. Seems to becoming a patter(n)(son) 😆. Book is highly recommendable.