Book Review: Roses are Red

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Roses are Red     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
James Patterson
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Thriller   Police Procedural
Series: Alex Cross # 6
Little, Brown; Nov 2000; $26.95; 400 pp.

Washington DC police detective Alex Cross struggles with his girl friend who just gave birth to their son. However, after recently being kidnapped, Christine refuses to live with a cop anymore. Before the caring Alex can do much on the personal front, the Mastermind terrorizes his city. The brilliant criminal uses vicious thugs to rob banks, but changes his MO each time to include murdering the innocent.

Furthermore, the ingenious Mastermind kills his gang members to reduce the potential trail to him. Alex, accompanied by the FBI begins the hunt for one of the nation's most vicious criminals ever. Even as he becomes obsessed with capturing the villain, Alex learns his daughter has a brain tumor. On the other hand, the perfect Mastermind decides Alex has become a pesky bug that needs personal extermination.

Formula baby Formula! The villain is super-vile and Alex is struggling with a nasty investigation while confronting soap opera-ish troubles in his personal life. In spite of all this, ROSES ARE RED is an exciting, easy to read Alex Cross adventure that will please the audience immensely. Alex remains a compassionate individual struggling with a balance between work and home (think Office of Personnel Family Friendly workplace programs). The Mastermind seems more like the old Lex Luther, but this reviewer and James Patterson's fans will agree he is a perfect foil for Alex to bear. Fun baby Fun!

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner

Please Note: Books reviewed are usually provided by the publisher, author, or an agent. Reviewers usually get to keep the book.