Rating: 
Summary: Not Patterson's best work by a long shot.
Review: I have read several of his books, they have all been better than this one. The ending seems to me that he figured, "Well, I've written enough to sell a book, I'll end it right now." One of those "...and then I woke up" endings.
Rating: 
Summary: Twisted Patterson/Book reader
Review: This the second book I am reading by James Patterson. My first on was 'When The Wind Blows', it was excellent. Then I wanted to expand my horizons and decided to read my first Alex Cross book, 'Roses Are Red'. I really enjojed the read, except for the ending. Patterson's twist and turns, and the several endings, only to leave you hanging, upset me. But, I remembered that I heard a new Alex Cross book was coming out, 'Violets Are Blue'. SO, now I am excited about continuing this read. The only problem I can see, is I will have to wait for the third addition to this trilogy. I hope the second book doesn't end three different times.
Rating: 
Summary: A great read!
Review: Fans of the James Patterson's "Alex Cross" series will absolutely love "Roses Are Red"! The novel is steeped in suspense with plenty of human emotion thrown in. All of the familiar characters are present and true to form. I disagree with the Amazon reviewers who criticize the book's ending and predictability. There are more than a few twists and turns throughout the book and, the ones that you do figure out ahead of time make the book no less entertaining. "Roses Are Red" ranks with Patterson's earlier Alex Cross books, "Along Came a Spider" and "Kiss the Girls". He does a great job getting the reader quickly involved in the story. Try if you must, but you can't help but get caught up in Cross' pain and suffering as he tries to cope with the changes in his personal life, while trying to track down a killer who's aptly named the "Mastermind". Patterson's style of writing short chapters make this a whirlwind of a read. Rarely, do I find books that I literally "can't put down", but there's no question that "Roses.." fits that category. If you're new to the series, I would recommend that you start with "Along Came a Spider", but even if you do start with "Roses..." you'll find it a terrific "stand-alone" read. I can't wait for the next installment, "Violets Are Blue"!
Rating:
Summary: Reasonably happy until the end
Review: I read James Patterson's books for the excitement of the story. The characters are not usually well developed and the dialogue isn't great but the pace is fast and enjoyable.
The ending, however, was a huge disappointment. It was like the author had a deadline from the publisher and simply turned in the half that he wrote. You have to buy Violets are Blue in hardcover to get the ending (I think) though I'm not sure its worth it. He definitely owes his readers more.
Rating: 
Summary: Roses are Red
Review: I know that almost everyone disliked this book, but I LOVED it! I was hooked by page 2. I could not put the book down; it took a lot of self-discipline to not read it in one sitting. I can barely wait for Violets of Blue to be released nexst week.
Rating:
Summary: "GOOD BOOK----BAD ENDING"
Review: Another good James Patterson book until the ending. Patterson's imagination is wonderful.The book starts great, it grabs you by the throat and never lets go. A series of crimes with bank employees and their families getting killed for no apparent reason. Cross and Sampson take off to try and find the so called Mastermind, who is behind it all. I like the short chapters as I have to quit quite often and it makes it easier. The three rating was because of the ending. I am pretty sure I would have bought his next book but I hate to feel forced into it. If I read 378 pages, paperback, I think I should be through. Shame on you James Patterson for an ending like that. I guess it is one way to string everybody along and sell another book, however, you are a great writer, you did not need to do this.
Rating:
Summary: Short but suspenseful read
Review: I haven't read Patterson's books on Alex Cross for ages, but my mom bought this book and I really needed something quick and intense to read for a few days. I knew that Patterson's books would always capture my interest ~~ he is a suspenseful writer. And this one is no different. Alex Cross is yet on another search, this time for The Mastermind, the scary mind behind all the murders during bank robberies, and Alex is jerked around by this criminal with the perfect plan. No one knows who he is ~~ and he can walk among them without anyone having a clue that he is this notorious murderer. Special Agent Betsey comes along and becomes Alex's partner in more ways than one while on this hunt for the Mastermind ~~ only to find that he is always one step ahead of them. It's suspenseful enough to keep your interest in the book and now, you will have to read Violets are Blue to see what happens next ~~ a clever gimmick on Patterson's part to keep his readers interested and ensnared in his books. I wouldn't hesitate to pick up this book ~~ especially if you're facing a long drive, commute or flight ~~ it sure makes the time go by faster because you're kept engrossed in this book. It's a fun read ~~ but be warned, there are some explicit scenes in this book that I wish he hadn't written about ~~ so skim over that if you have a queasy stomach like me! Otherwise, it's a fun book to read.
Rating:
Summary: A High Quality Thriller (4 1/2 stars)
Review: Patterson is the master behind the best suspense novels and fails to leave readers unsatisfied. In this suspenseful time-bomb just waiting to go off, "Roses Are Red" is a page-turning thriller that will leave you breathless. Once again, we join Alex Cross; a brilliant detective. He is chasing one of the most horrifying and brilliant criminals he has ever gone after. A sick madman behind the name "Mastermind" has organized dozens of puzzling robberies. If the robberies go a second longer than ordered to, employees and their family members are executed without hesitation. A disturbing fact is that when the Mastermind is through with his crew of robbers, he poisons them and finds a new gang to do his bidding. Just what is Mastermind up to and what is his next big caper? Who else will lose lives and be slaughtered. Cross must find out who the Mastermind is before it's too late. Filled with great narration, fast-paced action, and twists that'll make you feel numb, "Roses Are Red" is a great read. There is no other like Patterson when it comes to writing great thrillers. You will have this book read in a day or two. Just remember; once you start reading, there's a very good chance that you will not be able to put it down until you finish the last haunting sentence. Also, check out "Along Came a Spider," which I think is James Patterson's best work.
Rating:
Summary: A fast paced gripping novel.
Review: Before I read this book I'd seen a number of reviews that said that this wasn't the best novel and that the ending was rushed and a badly conceived marketing ploy for the sequel but having read the blurb on the back cover I decided that I wanted to read it anyway. I don't regret it. Like many of James Paterson's other novels this book features the now familiar character of Alex Cross. Familiar that is to a regular reader of Patterson. This was only my second Patterson novel the first being his departure from crime fiction, Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas. Set mainly in Washington the plot of this novel is centred around a criminal who calls himself the Mastermind and the police and FBI's attempts to solve the puzzle of his identity but there's also the sub plot, the continuing story of Alex and his family. The short chapter style in which this book is written meant that I never wanted to put it down and I managed to finish it in a little over a day. If I hadn't had to go to work it wouldn't have been that long! I would recommend this to anyone whether they are a James Patterson fan or like me, new to his work. I'm really glad I ignored some of the reviews I've read and gave this book a chance. It was an enjoyable read and the ending just blew me away. Can't wait to read Violets are Blue.
Rating:
Summary: Just a book reader!
Review: Let me say this first I just read books! I am not a critic or anything like that. Now with that said, I loved this book. As with all Alex Cross novels things are fast paced. A nice change from other books. I HAVE READ ALL THE CROSS NOVELS and to say that the story was shotty or poor,is in my opinion ridiculous. Now if you want deep background info or you want to get to know the killer inside and out, then Cross novels are not for you. Cross novels stick to the here and now, he does not back track much so people who have not read any previous novels can catch up. READ THE OTHER BOOKS!! I personally dont want to re-read a book I already read in the next book! As for the ending I do not understand why people have complained about it. It was a surprise to me. I never saw it coming and I am pretty good at figuring out endings. If you have not read ALL the previous novels, you won't understand why (to me) the ending is a great one. We all cant agree on certain things and thats fine but Cross novels HAVE to be read from the Along Came A Spider to Roses are Red. I loved this book and have given it to other people but only people who have read previous works.
To read just Roses are Red is not doing the series justice, (in my eyes)!
| 
