Helpful Score: 3
This is book seven of the Alex Cross series and as always for me is is a great page turner. As all of the Alex Cross novels the story also picks up where it left off with "Roses are Red." Because as Cross is on the case, The Mastermind is still lurking and taunting him. Once again, the heartless killer threatens everything and everyone that Alex Cross cares about. The Mastermind wants Alex dead, and he will not stop the mayhem and rampage until he gets his wish. Could this be the end for Alex Cross?
I thought it was a really good read. The action is sharp and fast-paced, with almost a cliff-hanger lurking around every chapter. The chapters are also very short, which makes it all the more easier to read. The narration is quite powerful and convincing; you can tell that Patterson has the most fun when he has Alex Cross narrating the story.
The violence in this book is more graphic than it usually is for most of what Ihave read so far from Patterson but with the killers being vampires, what do you expect.
I thought it was a really good read. The action is sharp and fast-paced, with almost a cliff-hanger lurking around every chapter. The chapters are also very short, which makes it all the more easier to read. The narration is quite powerful and convincing; you can tell that Patterson has the most fun when he has Alex Cross narrating the story.
The violence in this book is more graphic than it usually is for most of what Ihave read so far from Patterson but with the killers being vampires, what do you expect.
Helpful Score: 3
Well written but very bizarre. Not for the faint of heart. This book follows "Roses are Red". The first two-thirds of the book is gory, sensational, filler. You could start at chapter 93 and not miss much. In fact the end of this book should have been included in Roses are Red, and the beginning of Violets of blue could have easily been a completely different book. I recommend reading "Roses are Red" and then read the end of "Violets are Blue" to finish the story. In my humble opinion.
Helpful Score: 1
A great conclusion to Roses are Red. Very action packed and suspensful. Patterson does a great job of weaving a story to keep readers interested until the very end. I definitly would not read this one without reading Roses are Red though, you might feel a little loss.
Another Alex Cross suspense thriller involving 'The Mastermind'.
Patterson is wonderful again
D.C. Dectective Alex Cross has seen a lot of crime scenes. But even he is appalled by the gruesome murders of two joggers in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park -- killings that look more like the work of savage beasts than humans. Local police are horrified and even the FBI is baffled. Then, as Cross is called in to take on the case, the carnage takes off, leaving a trail of bodies across America and sweeping him to Savannah, Las Vegas, New Orleans, Los Angeles ... as his nemesis, the merciless criminal known as the Mastermind, stalks him, taunts him, and, once again, threatens everything he holds clear....
A murder/detective story that takes place in San Francisco
A real thriller
I like the Alex Cross novels
If you like the Alex Cross books you will like this book. I couldn't put it down. Good twist ending.
D.C. Detective Alex Cross has seen a lot of crime scenes. But even he is appalled by the gruesome murders of two joggers in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park - killings that look more like the work of savage beasts that humans. Local police are horrified and even the FBI is baffled. Then, as Cross is called in to take on the case, the carnage takes off, leaving a trail of bodies across America and sweeping him to Savannah, Las Vegas, New Orleans, Los Angeles...as his nemesis, the merciless criminal known as the Mastermind, stalks him, taunts him, and, once again, threatens everything he holds dear...
Alex Cross is involved in a series of killings that look like the work of savage beasts. The carnage begins in San Francisco and sweeps across America to Savannah,Los Vegas,New Orleans,LA. This is another thrilling Alex Cross novel, maybe the best to date in my opinion.
one of the many good Alex Cross novels
Good read.
`alex cross is suprised at the joggers muders that look like some animals killed them. and he follows the trail across the usa
D.C. detective Alex Cross has seen a lot of crime scenes. But even he is appalled by the gruesome murders of two joggers in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park - killings that look more like the work of savage beasts than humans. Local police are horrified and even the FBI is baffled. Then, as Cross is called in to take on the case, the carnage takes off, leaving a trail of bodies across America and sweeping him to Savannah, Las Vegas, New Orleans, Los Angeles...as his nemesis, the merciless criminal known as the Mastermind, stalks him, taunts him, and, once again, threatens everything he holds dear...
An Alex Cross Novel
Excellent Alex Cross story.
Great book, great plot, very unique twist on the story.
Two joggers are found murdered in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park, and the killings are bizarrely reminiscent of a Washington, D.C. case that Alex Cross has been unable to solve. He is called to San Francisco, and then learns of similar murders in eight cities from Las Vegas to Charleston. Together with a female San Francisco detective, Cross plunges into a menacing world where posing explodes into bloodlust and frenzy, even as he is being stalked by a terrifying criminal who calls himself the Mastermind.
James Patterson is at his most shocking and suspenseful best in a novel that will stun and satisfy his vast audience.
James Patterson is at his most shocking and suspenseful best in a novel that will stun and satisfy his vast audience.
Fans of James Patterson's resourceful cop Alex Cross will be relieved to find that he's back on familiar territory with Violets Are Blue--and, more importantly, that this is one of the best Alex Cross thrillers yet.
The malign criminal genius of Roses Are Red is fixing to give Alex a hard time once again. The FBI joins Patterson's dogged cop in a particularly unsettling investigation: two San Francisco joggers have been viciously murdered and are found suspended by their feet, with all the blood drained from their corpses. And when further brutal deaths follow in California and on the East Coast, Alex is forced to contemplate the bizarre possibility of modern-day vampires, although his instincts point him to one of the many sinister religious cults that flourish on the West Coast. Aided by Jamilla Hughes, a streetwise young woman detective from San Francisco, Alex finds that he has to crack not one but two impenetrable mysteries to stop further bloodletting.
The malign criminal genius of Roses Are Red is fixing to give Alex a hard time once again. The FBI joins Patterson's dogged cop in a particularly unsettling investigation: two San Francisco joggers have been viciously murdered and are found suspended by their feet, with all the blood drained from their corpses. And when further brutal deaths follow in California and on the East Coast, Alex is forced to contemplate the bizarre possibility of modern-day vampires, although his instincts point him to one of the many sinister religious cults that flourish on the West Coast. Aided by Jamilla Hughes, a streetwise young woman detective from San Francisco, Alex finds that he has to crack not one but two impenetrable mysteries to stop further bloodletting.
Wonderful Alex Cross action suspense novels. Loved it!!!
I love the entire Alex Cross series. It's a fun and easy read that keeps you entertained. After reading the first book I ran out and bought every book available in the series at the time and read them back to back.
Another page turner...you won't be able to put "Violets" down until you've reached the back cover! It really is this good!!
This is one of the better books in the series with one caveat. Telling us who the Mastermind was on the last page of the previous book. I really didn't like knowing throughout the book who it was. But, the other story about vampire killers was really good.
This whole series is great! They're always fast paced & keep me turning pages!
I really like James Patterson's Alex Cross character. He's the kind of detective you hope would be investigating the murder of someone you knew [heaven forbid!] The Mastermind is back and Alex is determined to catch him. This novel takes a couple twists and turns, and the ending will surprise you.
Fast-moving and gory, but character's complexities are nicely explored.
As usual James Patterson keeps you guessing til the end. A must read book
Another novel by James Patterson that you won't be able to put down until you've reached the last page.
It is a great read. I was surprised by the ending.
James Patterson.........what more can I say?
I haven't read ONE that I don't like!
I haven't read ONE that I don't like!
Not my cup of tea.
Not Patterson's best, but enjoyable.
Incredible! Fantastic!! Couldn't put it aside for more than 5 minutes. I've read all James Pattersons books and this is the best.
Another Great James Patterson Book!!
D.C. Detective Alex Cross has seen a lot of crime scenes, but even he is appalled by the gruesome murders of two joggers in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park -- killings that look more like the work of savage beasts than humans. Local police are horrified and even the FBI is baffled. Than, as Cross is called in to take on the case, the carnage takes off, leaving a trail of bodies across America and sweeping him to Savannah, Las Vegas, New Orleans, Los Angeles -- as his nemesis, the nerciless criminal known as the Mastermind, stalks him, taunts him, and, once again, threatens everything he holds dear.
Another great book in the Alex Cross series.
This is almost two completely separate tales in one book. One involves gruesome murders where the blood has been drained from the victims. This series of gorey murders leads into the world of modern vampires. This is frightening and intriguing and draws the reader into the dark world of fact and fiction surrounding this cult-like existence. It is both fascinating and repelling at the same time. When the Mastermind, the bad guy from Roses Are Red, turns out to be involved, then it begins to feel like two separate stories that never quite seem to fit themselves together. This would have been far better had the Mastermind not been a part of this. That part feels forced. You never feel like "Oh yeah, now I see who it was!" more like "Oh, him........well, I guess so."
It just kind of fizzles in the finale.
It just kind of fizzles in the finale.
Stephanie T. (dastephan6) -
excellent story featuring alex cross. he finially captures the mastermind.
Great Alex Cross murder mystery.
A wonderful book by James Patterson.
Mary P. (riverratreader) - , reviewed Violets Are Blue (Alex Cross, Bk 7) on + 164 more book reviews
D. C. Detective Alex Cross has seen a lot of crime scenes. But even he is appalled by the gruesome murders of two joggers in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park - killings that look more like the work of savage beasts than humans. Local police are horrified and even the FBI is baffled. Then, as Cross is called in to take on the case, the carnage takes off, leaving a trail of bodies across America and sweeping him to Savannah, Las Vegas, New Orleans, Los Angeles...as his nemesis, the merciless criminal known as the Mastermind, stalks him, taunts him, and, once again, threatens everything he holds dear...
So far my least favorite of the Alex Cross series. So much about this story was off from the series. I am taking a break after this book, I truly disliked it!
One of the great Alex Cross series. Wonderful mystery.
James Patterson is known for his exciting writing style and the many novels he writes. "Violets are Blue" is indeed another great book, with short sentences and you cannot wait until the next chapter starts. But ...
Patterson should have split this book into two different books. The dark and frightening descriptions of the murders and the vampire gatherings are chilling, but Patterson should have left Mastermind (detective Alex Cross' arch-nemesis) out of this story. It has nothing to do with the main theme (vampirism) and the different themes don't mix well. It's still a page turner, but not his best work.
Patterson should have split this book into two different books. The dark and frightening descriptions of the murders and the vampire gatherings are chilling, but Patterson should have left Mastermind (detective Alex Cross' arch-nemesis) out of this story. It has nothing to do with the main theme (vampirism) and the different themes don't mix well. It's still a page turner, but not his best work.
Detective Alex Cross must confront his most terrifying nemesis ever - and his own deepest fears - in this electrifying thriller from the master of suspense, James Patterson.
Another great book in the Alex Cross series. Loved it!
Detective Alex Cross must confront his most terrifying nemesis ever-and his own deepest fears-in this elecrifying thriller from the master of, James Patterson
Couldn't put it down!
A favorite
Read in one night. Couldn't put it down!!!
Another great read in the Alex Cross series from James Patterson!
Another great James Patterson book - hard to put down!
James Patterson is one of my favorite's and I alwasys enjoy his books.
Another fantastic Alex Cross novel!
You will love this follow up to Patterson's Roses are Red......Patterson has wrote 12 book relating to Alex Cross...and each one is super...............Readers fall in love with the detective and his partner.
The 7th book in the Alex Cross series
Good book!!
another Alex cross intrigue. kept me turning the pages
A page-turner and a very fast read! I couldn't put this book down!
Very, very good!
One of my least favorite books by James Patterson. It started out well, and I enjoyed the first few chapters but it was down hill from there. Just not believable to me, and not very well written.
Very well written. Captivates the reader and keeps him engaged throughout. Great read.
"ANOTHER PAGE-TURNER...YOU WON'T BE ABLE TO PUT 'VIOLETS' DOWN UNTIL YOU'VE REACHED THE BACK COVER." New York Times
D.C. Detective Alex Cross has seen a lot of crime scenes. But even he is appalled by the gruesome murders of two joggers in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park--killings that look more like the work of savage beasts than humans. Local police are horrified and even the FBI is baffled. Then, as Cross is called in to take on the case, the carnage takes off, leaving a trail of bodies across America and sweeping him to Savannah, Las Vegas, New Orleans, Los Angeles..as his nemesis, the merciless criminal known as the Mastermind, stalks him, taunts him, and, once again, threatens everything he holds dear...
D.C. Detective Alex Cross has seen a lot of crime scenes. But even he is appalled by the gruesome murders of two joggers in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park--killings that look more like the work of savage beasts than humans. Local police are horrified and even the FBI is baffled. Then, as Cross is called in to take on the case, the carnage takes off, leaving a trail of bodies across America and sweeping him to Savannah, Las Vegas, New Orleans, Los Angeles..as his nemesis, the merciless criminal known as the Mastermind, stalks him, taunts him, and, once again, threatens everything he holds dear...
James Patterson at his best as always. Would highlt recommend for any one.
Another great book by Patterson. Can't wait to see where he takes this series next!
This is one of his best. It blew me away. Wow!
Should be read along with Pattersons other book.."Roses Are Red"
"D.C. Detective Alex Cross has seen a lot of crime scenes. But even his is appalled by the gruesome murders of two joggers in San Franciso's Golden Gate Park -- killings that look more like the work of savage beasts than humans." -from the cover
A great addition to the Alex Cross crime series!
D.C. Detective Alex Cross has seen a lot of crime scents but even he was appalled by this one - two joggers murdered in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park - killings that look more like the work of savage beasts than humans. Local police are horrified and the FBI is baffled. As Cross is called into take on the case, carnage takes off leaving a trail of bodies across America - his nemesis, the merciless criminal known as Mastermind, stalks him, taunts him and again threatens everything he holds dear.
The main plot never really provides closure. Why was the sire and his minions doing what they were doing?
Alex Cross investigates the brutal murders of 2 joggers. Then the carnage becomes worse, leaving a trail of blood across the country. One of the best in the series.
Fast paced reading. Excellent book!
very good book
The SEVENTH book in the series featuring Alex Cross who is a psychiatrist and homicide cop in Washington D.C.
Very enjoyable book that is hard to put down!
All I can say is 'WOW'. At first I thought it was a bit farfetched, but as I got into it more and more I couldn't put it down.
The story started out good, just like most all of James Patterson books. However, somewhere along the story line, it morphed into a bizarre murder mystery with modern-day "vampire" killers, of all things! I got a bit turned off by the time I finished the book. After all, I can get that kind of story filed under "Fantasy".
I sort of got the impression this story was put together quickly as a sequel to "Roses Are Red", but we knew who the Mastermind was by the time we finished that book. We also knew, after reading the Alex Cross series, that the Mastermind would be stopped eventually, so why concoct a storyline with "vampire" killers? I say Mr. Patterson (or his ghost writer) should have kept it on a more believable level.
I sort of got the impression this story was put together quickly as a sequel to "Roses Are Red", but we knew who the Mastermind was by the time we finished that book. We also knew, after reading the Alex Cross series, that the Mastermind would be stopped eventually, so why concoct a storyline with "vampire" killers? I say Mr. Patterson (or his ghost writer) should have kept it on a more believable level.
Sandra M. (Lighthouses4Sandy) reviewed Violets Are Blue (Alex Cross, Bk 7) on + 145 more book reviews
Patterson has done it again. Another book that keeps you on the edge of your seat and keeps you reading no matter what. I never get tired of his imagination!
One of his best.....
Alex Cross is a great character. The books should be read in order.
Patterson is such a good read! This book upholds that characteristic very well. His characters are so real and placed in such a good yarn.
I have only read a few of James Patteron books, but I always enjoy them. I also enjoy the movies that are based on his novels. He is great at suspenseful thrillers. Great read!
great
From back of box: "Alex Cross has never believed in vampires. But when two joggers are found slain in a manner that suggest a macabre ritual, he has to reconsider. Someone believes in vampires enough to have committed a series of bizarre murders that appear to be the work of one. Local police are horrified, and even the FBI is baffled.
Cross takes on the case and plunges into a netherworld of secret clubs and role-players, a world full of poseurs and playactors-and someone demented enough to have crossed the line from dark ritual to real blood. At the same time, a lethal super-criminal from Cross' past know as the Mastermind is stalking him, taunting him, and threatening everything he holds dear. Cross has never been closer to defeat, or in greater danger. In a shocking conclusion, Alex Cross must survive a deadly confrontation-only to discover at last the awful secret of the Mastermind."
Cross takes on the case and plunges into a netherworld of secret clubs and role-players, a world full of poseurs and playactors-and someone demented enough to have crossed the line from dark ritual to real blood. At the same time, a lethal super-criminal from Cross' past know as the Mastermind is stalking him, taunting him, and threatening everything he holds dear. Cross has never been closer to defeat, or in greater danger. In a shocking conclusion, Alex Cross must survive a deadly confrontation-only to discover at last the awful secret of the Mastermind."
Never really identified with the characters. Didn't see much ingenuity behind the protagonists or antagonists.
My first James Patterson novel. This felt like it was deadline driven and hopefully not representative of his work.
1 star out of 5
My first James Patterson novel. This felt like it was deadline driven and hopefully not representative of his work.
1 star out of 5
Enjoyably spooky. New York TImes says, "Another page turner...You won't want to put it down"
creepy but critical in the onging tale of the mastermind. Alex Cross is a main character you won't forget anytime soon.
D.C.Dectective Alex Cross has seen a lot of crime scenes. But even he is appalled by the gruesome murders of two joggers in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park---killings that look more like the work of savage beasts than humans. Local police are horrified and even the FBI is baffled.
This is about a detective that has seen several murders but finally has a case that he is even grossed out about!
Another Great Patterson Book!!!
Yet again another great Patterson book in the Alex Cross series
Alex Cross has never believed in vampires. But when two joggers are found slain in a manner that suggests a macabre ritual, he has to reconsider. Someone believes in vampires enought to have committed a series of bizarre murders that appear to be the work of one. Local police are horrified, and even the FBI is baffled.
Cross takes on the case and plunges into a netherworld of seret clubs and role-players, a world full of poseurs and playactors-and someone demented enough to have crossed the line from dark ritual to real blood. At the same time, a lethal super-criminal from Cross's past known as the Mastermind is stalking him, taunting him, and threatening everything he holds dear. Cross has never been closer to defeat, or in greater danger. In a shocking conclusion, Alex Cross must survive a deadly confrontation-only to discover at last the awful secret of the Mastermind.
Cross takes on the case and plunges into a netherworld of seret clubs and role-players, a world full of poseurs and playactors-and someone demented enough to have crossed the line from dark ritual to real blood. At the same time, a lethal super-criminal from Cross's past known as the Mastermind is stalking him, taunting him, and threatening everything he holds dear. Cross has never been closer to defeat, or in greater danger. In a shocking conclusion, Alex Cross must survive a deadly confrontation-only to discover at last the awful secret of the Mastermind.
Good Cross novel.
missing dust jacket and small tear on front cover
