Four Blind Mice

Rating:
Summary: What a Ride...Patterson is Back on His Game
Review: I read this book in four hours! I just could not put it down. What a story!! For a while, the Alex Cross series has been somewhat lackluster, but this was different. Keeping up with the trail of horror created by the Four Blind Mice was like running a marathon... on your hands.

I did not like how Patterson brushed past the fact that Cooper had done something horrible in Vietnam. I think this part could have been better developed. Perhaps some skeletons could have appeared throughout the book.

I especially liked that how Patterson finally gave Sampson some dimension. It is nice to see that he has a life...

It is so sad to see Nana Mama getting on in years. I know I will shed a tear if and when Patterson writes her out. She provides the calm and wisdom that compliments Alex's chaotic life.

Jamilla is great for Alex. They compliment each other well. Wouldn't be something if Alex marries her only for Christine to come back... (Note to James Patterson...if you are reading this, I want 10 %!)

Alex joining the FBI opens the door for new and interesting adventures. I can't wait to see what's next.

Rating:
Summary: Imagine his surprise...
Review: Imagine James Patterson's surprise when he finished "Four Blind Mice" and discovered that he had only around 200 pages. Not good! No one is going to pay 27 bucks for 200 pages. Not to panic! First thing is to break the book into 115 chapters without regard to break in subject matter, thought or scene. That'll add a lot of pages with all that white at the end of the chapter and the beginning of the next. For example: "Why don't we take a walk on the beach, " she suggested. End of chapter 49. Beginning of chapter 50. The sand felt warm and good against his bare feet...."

Oops, that didn't do it, added lot of pages, but not enough. Add several non-related chapters of Alex Cross' girl friend flying from the West Coast to the East Coast for some gratuitous sexual encounters. Then add a few chapters of his buddy Sampson bedding a witness in the investigations.

If one can put up with a lot of extra page turning and chapter breaks that generally ruin the flow of the novel and speed read through the rather ridiculous sex scenes, Patterson is good enough to keep one somewhat entertained on a plane ride from say, Boston to St. Louis. If you're going all the way to LA, better bring another book.

Oh, the story is about Vietnam vets who are killing for hire and setting up other vets to take the fall...for no apparent reason. In Alex Cross' world, people are tried, convicted and executed with alacrity not even seen in Texas. Of course, quick executions are key to the story line.

Rating:
Summary: Somewhat substandard for an Alex Cross novel
Review: OK, maybe the "bar" has been set a little higher for Alex Cross novels than "Four Blind Mice" is able to reach, but having read them all, I was just a little disappointed with Patterson's latest effort. Reading "FBM" is not unlike eating a bag of potato chips, satisfying, at least in the short haul, but filled with empty calories.

Fans of the Cross series will definitely want to read this book, if for no other reason, than to stay current with the lives of Cross, his kids, Nana Mama, Sampson and Cross's new flame, Jamilla. As usual, the mega-short chapters are present and like all of the other Cross novels, the reader will fly through this one as well.

The plot revolves around three reactionary, ex-Vietnam veterans who have been on a serial killing spree for a number of years. When the "Three Blind Mice", as they call themselves, frame a good friend of John Sampson for murder, both Cross and Sampson try and come to the rescue. As our protagionists get ever closer to chopping off the tails of the "mice", Patterson throws in a few plot twists that strengthen the story. Cross's arch-enemy, Kyle Craig, even makes a cameo appearance. Along the way, Cross agonizes over a possible job change and dealing with his ever-deepening relationship with Jamilla.

By all means don't think that I am dissatisfied with "FBM". It's just after this 8th installment, I'm beginning to wonder if Patterson himself isn't becoming a little bored with the Cross franchise. I hold great hope for the next installment of the series, "The Big Bad Wolf" which is due out sometime in the Fall of 2003. Let's hope that Patterson instills some new life in the Cross series and "The Big Bad Wolf" gets on my "can't wait to read it" list!

RECOMMENDED (especially to "completists" of the Alex Cross series)

Rating:
Summary: Four Blind Mice - Four Stars
Review: This book has everything...action, adventure, romance and suspense. It shows an even more emotional side of Alex Cross when his Nana turns ill and his feelings deepen for Jamilla. I also really enjoyed seeing the emotional side of Sampson. What a thrill this book was! I read it in 2 days.