I, Alex Cross (Alex Cross, #16)

Title: I, Alex Cross (Alex Cross, #16)

Author: James Patterson

Published in: 2009

Date read: 24th September 2013

Score: 4/5

Genre: Crime, Detective, Thriller

Plot: (Warning, may contain spoilers):
"I, Alex Cross" by James Patterson is the 16th novel in his hugely popular Alex Cross series. Published in 2009, it plunges the forensic psychologist and detective into a deeply personal and dangerous investigation when his own family is targeted.

The story begins with a horrifying and immediate crisis for Alex Cross: his beloved niece, Caroline Cross, a brilliant law student, is found brutally murdered. Her body is discovered in a notorious Washington D.C. neighbourhood known for its high crime rate and drug activity. The initial police response is dismissive, quickly labelling it as a drug-related hit, a sentiment that enrages Alex as he knows Caroline was clean and focused on her studies.

Devastated and consumed by grief, Alex is determined to find Caroline's killer, even if it means stepping outside conventional police procedure and risking his own career and family's safety. He throws himself into the investigation, which takes him into the darkest corners of D.C.'s criminal underworld, far from the polished halls of the FBI where he usually operates.

As Alex delves deeper, he uncovers a shocking truth: Caroline's murder is not a random act of violence, but is intricately linked to a powerful and secretive sex-trafficking ring operating at the highest levels of society. This network involves influential and dangerous individuals, including corrupt politicians, businessmen, and even members of the police force, who exploit vulnerable young women.

The investigation becomes incredibly personal and dangerous. Alex finds himself up against enemies who are desperate to protect their secrets and are willing to kill anyone who gets too close. His own family – his grandmother Nana Mama, his children Damon, Jannie, and Alex Jr., and his new love interest, Detective Briana Stone – are all put at risk as the criminals try to intimidate him and stop his pursuit of justice.

Alex's traditional methods of psychological profiling and forensic analysis are put to the test in this emotionally charged case. He must navigate a world of lies, betrayal, and unspeakable cruelty, relying on his keen intellect and his deep love for his family to push him forward.

The climax involves Alex closing in on the mastermind behind the sex-trafficking ring, leading to a violent and desperate confrontation where he must not only bring the perpetrators to justice but also ensure the safety of his remaining family. "I, Alex Cross" is a raw and intense instalment in the series, highlighting the personal cost of Alex's dedication to justice when the crime hits too close to home.

Comments:
An excellent episode in the Cross books, it feels immensely personal which makes it more desperate and dark.

Books that we've read by James Patterson (32):
Along Came a Spider (Alex Cross, #1) (1993), Kiss the Girls (Alex Cross, #2) (1995), Jack & Jill (Alex Cross, #3) (1996), Cat & Mouse (Alex Cross, #4) (1997), Pop Goes the Weasel (Alex Cross, #5) (1999), Roses Are Red (Alex Cross, #6) (2000), 1st to Die (Women's Murder Club, #1) (2001), Violets Are Blue (Alex Cross, #7) (2001), 2nd Chance (Women's Murder Club, #2) (2002), Four Blind Mice (Alex Cross, #8) (2002), The Big Bad Wolf (Alex Cross, #9) (2003), The Jester (2003), 3rd Degree (Women's Murder Club, #3) (2004), London Bridges (Alex Cross, #10) (2004), 4th of July (Women's Murder Club, #4) (2005), Mary, Mary (Alex Cross, #11) (2005), 5th Horseman (Women's Murder Club, #5) (2006), Cross (Alex Cross, #12) (2006), The 6th Target (Women's Murder Club, #6) (2007), Double Cross (Alex Cross, #13) (2007), 7th Heaven (Women's Murder Club, #7) (2008), Cross Country (Alex Cross, #14) (2008), 8th Confession (Women's Murder Club, #8) (2009), Alex Cross's Trial (Alex Cross, #15) (2009), I, Alex Cross (Alex Cross, #16) (2009), The 9th Judgment (Women's Murder Club, #9) (2010), Cross Fire (Alex Cross, #17) (2010), 10th Anniversary (Women's Murder Club, #10) (2011), Kill Alex Cross (Alex Cross, #18) (2011), 11th Hour (Women's Murder Club, #11) (2012), Merry Christmas, Alex Cross (Alex Cross, #19) (2012), Alex Cross, Run (Alex Cross, #20) (2013)