Alex Cross is back and he is mad as hell. He's been called to a gruesome crime scene. His partner, Betsey Cavalierre, has been brutally murdered. No doubt, this act is the work of The Mastermind, who played such a large role in Roses are Red. The villain has been terrorizing Alex over his cell phone, threatening to kill his family.
Detective Cross barely has time to mourn before he's called out to California on a double homicide in a San Francisco park. The two victims were found hanging upside down from a tree, their blood drained from their bodies. Massive bite marks on the bodies appear to be those of a human and a tiger.
Readers learn the killers are William and Michael Alexander, two youthful brothers who consider themselves vampires. They hunt for their prey and feed on the blood after the kill.
The authorities know these two recent murders are related to other vampire-style homicides throughout the country. To solve the case, Alex Cross must go into the deep dark underworld of a cult of misfits who consider themselves vampires. At the same time, the legendary detective must protect his family from The Mastermind, who knows their every move and is patiently waiting for the right moment to kill them.
Violets are Blue details the gruesome events of the vampire killings and the search for The Sire, who gives orders to his young followers. Alex Cross is paired with San Francisco detective Jamilla Hughes and the two form a special friendship. Readers follow Cross as he battles past demons, The Mastermind, and his hesitance to form another relationship with a female partner.
Die-hard fans of this series may struggle with the vampire plot. The author gives some background on the eerie subculture, but it will be up to readers to decide if these young, beautiful perfect vampires are believable killers. As the case winds down, The Mastermind appears again to battle his true nemesis. Alex, who seems depressed and defeated through most of the book, finally rises to the occasion in the ultimate showdown.
In true Patterson form, the chapters are short and suspenseful. Violets are Blue starts and ends with a bang. The last sentence of Roses are Red left readers with a ton of questions. The same can be said for this novel. Is this the end of the road for the Alex Cross series? Or will we see a whole new life through the eyes of this popular detective?
In Violets are Blue, Alex Cross seems out of his element as he crosses the country in search of the killers. There is little talk of the family and DC foundation that defines Patterson's popular character. Readers who are unfamiliar with this series will have no problem following the events, but they won't fully come to know the famous DC detective/FBI liaison. Toward the end of the novel, there is some discussion regarding the earlier installments of the series. The author answers a lot of questions and several past events are brought to a close at the book's conclusion.
Naturally, Violets are Blue is a must-read for any Alex Cross fan. Patterson delivers a fast-paced tale filled with suspense. The vampire angle is hard to digest in the world of Alex Cross, but our hero steps up to the plate in his battle with The Mastermind.
New readers should enjoy this novel as well. However, they may benefit by reading past installments first in order to fully appreciate the Alex Cross character. He's a hero with a heart, and loyal fans can't get enough of him.
Whether you are new to the work of James Patterson or you are an old pro, you'll appreciate the major developments that occur in the life of Alex Cross. Many questions are answered, but others are posed. Fans want only the best wishes for their favorite DC detective. Violets are Blue brings out the best and worst in the Alex Cross, leaving readers wanting to know more about his future.
James Patterson has been quite busy recently starting a whole new series with 1st to Die, as well as exploring a sensitive side with Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas. The ending of Violets are Blue is vague enough to leave readers with questions. Will there be a lengthy delay until the next Alex Cross novel, while Patterson focuses on other endeavors? And what's in store for the next installment? Readers will anxiously seek these answers as they eagerly await his future novels.
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