Cross Fire first published in 2010 is the seventeenth book in the Alex Cross series by James Patterson. This book returns to the earlier form where suspense and thriller comes smashing together to create an excellent read. It also helps that Kyle Craig is thrown into the mix.

When a black Lincoln Navigator pulls up outside a well-known Washington restaurant a sniper team is ready and waiting. Once they have completed their task there are two dead bodies from Washington’s elite dead on the sidewalk. Alex Cross is called in to investigate but little does he realise that Kyle Craig will insert himself into the investigation. He may be too close for comfort.

John Sampson has been given a homicide investigation to head up and Cross helps out his old friend on this too. Known as ‘the numbers killer’ someone is going around killing homeless men. They just seem to be random numbers carved on to the victims’ bodies. Cross knows a maths professor at Georgetown University, and she casts light on the numbers as ‘The Riemann’s Zeta’ function. A theoretical mathematics problem, which arguably one of the biggest unsolved problems in mathematics. Someone is clearly obsessive.

Cross and Bree are beginning to get their ‘act’ together concerning their relationship, but it does not help when Christine Johnson turns up unannounced and is causing problems. We do finally see that Cross and Bree do get married and Kyle Craig had always promised he would allow them to marry. Unfortunately for them he turns up during their honeymoon, but at least he kept his promise.

This story brings Cross face to face with his nemesis which makes for a pulsating read. It is good to have the Alex Cross of old back! ( )

This book comes out November 15, 2010. ( )

A very easy read comprising three threads. It lacked a wow factor for me but was still an okay read that had a bit of a dull ending and some of the threads lacked any real depth. Light entertainment. ( )

Ok ( )

and on and on it rolls...one serial killer down, another returns? I guess I'll keep reading on... ( )