Patterson at his best. Not a "formula" novel
344322
Patterson at his best. Not a "formula" novel, but a riveting and intriguing story with a dash of some sci-fi elements. The basic premise, once accepted, catapults  this read to one of my favorites of the year.
3530542
I am an avid mystery reader. This book is by far the best murder mystery yet. Mr. Patterson keeps you intrigued and guessing right up until the end. I found myself rooting for the hero Alex Cross and trying to give him my  own personal direction. The character development is superb, you begin to  feel as though you are interacting with the characters. Be prepared to  shelve all other activites until finished.
531384
One of Patterson's better books.  Loved the flow of the chapters and it kept me guessing til the end.  I love trying to see if I come to the same conclusion and found that I was close, but not completely on target!!
1891318
Once again we find Dr. Alex Cross torn between balancing his life with his family, significant other, & his work. Never boring, Mr. Patterson starts off & gets us to the mystery very quickly. We believe the serial killer to be a woman until the Storyteller appears. One goes through the novel mystified as to not only the identity of the killer, but the gender, as well. It all comes together very well at the end where all the loose ends are tied very neatly. The identity of the true killer is quite a surprise & unsuspecting. The end of the story gives the belief that Dr. Cross is headed for retirement to spend his time with his family. I doubt & hope that's not the case. As usual, you can't miss with an Alex Cross novel
4296718
Fast moving and more twists than the Grand Central Parkway in Queens. Could not put the book down and even when I had it figured out, I thought, I subsequently found out I was wrong. Highly recommend the book for Patterson fans, you won't be disappointed.
4271739
I loved this book ,James Patterson never disappoints. The ending took me by surprise but I know it's not the end.
54792
An excellent book.  It's the kind you can't put down - like James Patterson.
1671146
Author James Patterson tells the reader something crucial early on, but it's not revealed to the key character, Detective Alex Cross. I found myself wondering exactly how and when Cross would find out for himself. Of course, I'm not going to give you any clues, but this mystery did keep me turning the pages.

The novel is largely about a series of murders in Washington, D.C., Cross's base. The victims include a corrupt politician, a crooked lobbyist, and a venal tycoon. These were people hated by many, but Cross is determined to solve the case. While investigating the murders, he finds a complex math formula in a most unusual place, gets a big lead from a submerged Suburban, and makes a life-long commitment.

Also in the picture is Kyle Craig, Cross's long-time nemesis. Patterson does a good job constructing Craig as a total monster.

This is the twelfth book written or co-written by James Patterson that I have reviewed for this site. It's near the top of the list. The prose is skillfully crafted. The pages fly by.
4898183
I personally believe that James Patterson's best novels are the ones in his Alex Cross and Women's Murder Club series.  His non-series standalones are largely a mixed bag.  I didn't really enjoy BEACH ROAD that much, and I thought LIFEGUARD and HONEYMOON were just fair.

JUDGE & JURY is the best of the Patterson standalones I've read.  The book starts as a legal thriller, but a major twist occurs a little over 100 pages into this book that takes the novel into a completely different direction.  After this twist, the book's pace really picks up, and I thought the climax of the novel was very exciting and well done.

I think most people who buy a Patterson book know what they're getting into.  This is not a "literary" novel and it does not pretend to be one.  JUDGE & JURY is instead a fun, light read --  the reader is rewarded with fast-paced action and thrills, with a lot of twists and turns along the way.

If fun is what you're expecting, then I think Patterson really delivers the goods with this book, more so than some of his previous novels.  Recommended.
75214
Patterson keeps the reader on their toes. Very enjoyable read. I found it difficult to put down at times. Thrilling!
3666929
This time Patterson has taken us on a trip very much unlike his other novels.  He uses the sea as his setting with a dysfunctional family as his protagonists.  This one has more twists and turns in its' plot than Patterson's usual masterpieces and I can certainly see how this would make a wonderful movie.  You can not afford to miss the wonderful, page turning saga.
961892
I've been a James Patterson fan for years, but was pleasantly surprised when I began reading this book.  This is not his usual work, though he did an amazing job.  I could not put this book down.  I was lead to believe one thing and shocked to find out in the end, that I was wrong.  Just one of the reasons why this book is so good.  Don't miss out.  It's one that will stick with you forever.
727660
This book is wonderful.  The kind you don't want to put down.  I've been a fan of Patterson books since he began writing, have read everything he's ever written.  All but one of his books I would highly recommend.  Great plot, great characters, definetely a book worth reading.  Only problem I have with Patterson is he doesn't write as fast as I read.  Always wait impatiently for his next to go on sale
1938693
One of Patterson's best! His last few have been lacking but this was his true style...intrigue... Suspense....thrills...and a great ending.
Definitely worth the read.
653271
Really great suspense. Lots of twists and turns. I love James Patterson but have not always been a fan of his "duets" with other writers. But this one was a winner.
181391
This was do different than the normal James Patterson Novels.  The descriptive language, era remembrances, local Athens descriptions made it impossible for me to set it down.  The young love descriptions, heartbreak, and pain related in the story were done with such feeling that the reader could sense the same emotions.  Great job Patterson!
768515
As with all of James Patterson's books, this was a "page turner" with a surprise ending! Lots of twists and turns that made this a book I couldn't put down so I ended up reading in one sitting. I am a very fast reader so some people will read it slower. It is well worth the read.