Customer Reviews

Mary, Mary

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Everyone should read James Patterson books. I plan on reading them all and getting caught up to James, hopefully before he gets too far ahead of me

This is my 2nd book in the Alex Cross series. In this novel, the FBI agent/psychologist helps to chase a serial killer in LA who targets famous actresses. I have mixed feelings about this thriller. The plot is clever but the story is told in a very clinical fashion and about half the book is about the guilt the FBI agent feels about being too preoccupied by his work and neglecting his personal life and family. If you're a fan of the hero than you'll probably like this novel. Personally, it left me indifferent because the book lacks passion. The police investigation is only sketched out at best as the story leaps along, which kills the suspense and logic. The ending is rather odd -- how did the serial killer know where Cross was going and how/why did he take along the journalist? There are a few loose ends too... I was confused by the chapters featuring the real Mary Smith (Was she real? what happens after the outing at Disneyland?) and what was the point of the nagging journalist? So, since I'm not a Cross fan, I give it 2.5 stars out of five (not quite bad but pretty close!).

I love that most are named after nursery ryhmes

I gave it as a gift to my mom and have not read it yet, I am sure it will be a nail biter as they always are.

Top females on Hollywood's A-list are being murdered in a particularly vicious manner. The details of each killing make it clear that the motives are entirely personal. After each killing (and in one case almost during the killing itself), the murderer sends an e-mail to a Hollywood entertainment writer gloating about the murder and virtually daring the police to come and get her. Yes, you read that correctly ... "HER"! The e-mails are all signed "Mary Smith"! Top FBI Agent Alex Cross, much to his chagrin and to the disappointment of his children and his long-suffering grandmother, is pulled away from a well-deserved Disneyland holiday with his family and ordered to act as a consultant to the LAPD on the case.

Admittedly, there's nothing about "Mary, Mary" that will elevate it beyond the ranks of enjoyable brain candy thriller to the status of literature. But it is worth noting that unlike the outrageously weak fare that we suffered through in "London Bridges", "Mary, Mary" seems to be a long awaited return to the quality of thriller that justifiably vaulted James Patterson onto best seller lists around the world. We're treated to an enjoyable plot that moves along with compelling page-turning speed. Alex Cross, in the manner of Inspector Rebus, Harry Bosch and all of the other loner cops in mystery and thriller literature successfully marches to the rhythm of his own drummer. We are also witness to some realistic character development as we watch the relationship with his current squeeze, Jamilla, go down in flames and we hurt with him as he is hauled into a nasty court custody battle for his beloved son, Alex. And our heart aches as Patterson gives us a wrenching example of the trials of a complete mental breakdown!

Literature? No. Brain Candy? Yes. Memorable? Not particularly. Enjoyable? Absolutely! Highly recommended.

Paul Weiss

I found this an amazing thriller, again a Patterson book full of twists and turns. The story and the characters are outstanding, the pace is fast and unpredictable, not a dull moment, and I truly enjoy this book and couldn’t put it down.

Through a friend in the industry I was able to get an advance copy of Mary, Mary. To be truthful I had given up on Patterson (even though I have met the man and find him to be a great interview). His five books a year written in collaboration (actually written by others with him stamping his name on them!) Just never did it for me, and his last Cross novel "London Bridges" was way off the mark. Anyway this book is Classic Patterson, think "Kiss the Girls" in La La land. A crisp, fast moving thriller with awesome twists and turns that keep you turning pages right up to the surprise ending! Oh! I also have to recommend the thriller hit "A Tourist in the Yucatan!" Combine this with "Mary, Mary" as a gift to your your favorite thriller lover this Xmas and you can't go wrong!

While THE 5TH HORSEMAN was an hopefully will always be my favorite Patterson novel (and, yes, I've read them ALL), MARY, MARY is quite superb also. I give it a good solid second place, the third going to "Kiss the Girls" and "Roses are Red." Now, that said, here's what I liked about the book: Great writing--even better than his previous stuff, and another mind bending plot. Great characterizations and short chapters. What more could you want? It was a fun read, the way Jackson McCrae's "Katzenjammer" is, or some books by Tom Clancy. Highly recommended.

I was supposed to get my book around the 20th of June and it is now July 11th and I have not received my book so I cannot comment on it

The Alex Cross series is phenomenal. James Patterson creates such dimensional characters, you really feel like you know them. Definitely one of my favorite authors. This series will keep you on the edge of your seat and begging for more. Highly recommend.

I very much enjoyed this story. Indepth character details, real emotions and life situations. But, If i had to give a weak point it would be too many story lines. This is a detective story with very imaginative and psychological story lines, where does personal family drama fit in really? I found that i lost the "beat" of the story each time Patterson veered away from the thrill and drama pace, to update us on Cross' family or romantic liasons. But wow, what a great imagination and up until the last it had me questioning the "bad guy" or "bad woman" or well.... I won't ruin it for you and tell you either will i?!

a definate recommendation for all though.