James Patterson, Along Came a Spider

Although I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it wasn't quite the absorbing read that I had hoped for. The story was pacy and the main characters likeable - at least the good guys were, but the split personality of the murderer soon wore thin as a plot device. I think I will be reverting to Lisa Gardner for my next read, who seems to do this kind of book rather better.

I read a much later James Patterson Alex Cross novel,while I was working at a local bookshop. It was called London Bridges. The plot appealed to me and I enjoyed it immensely.

I decided to read a few more titles of James Patterson's Alex Cross series but then realised after 4 or so equally intense thrillers they were part of a series and chose to read them the sensible way, chronologically, so I read Along Came A Spider, the first in the series.

I actually bought it for 99p from a "The Times" newspaper offer that was on at the time which would explain my 10 rating for value for money. This is probably why my edition had quite dodgy print. However the RRP is £6.99 which I don't think is too much for such an enthralling story.

If you like suspense and thrills then this is for you. However just a word of warning for sensitive souls, some of the details are quite graphic of the murders and attacks.

The character of Alex Cross you warm to very quickly and the techniques used by Patterson effortlessly lull you into believing certain aspects of the book and he'll then throw you right off guard and before you have caught your breath he's pulled you in another direction like you're on a lead.

When I read this for the first time though it was different layout to other titles so much as the chase goes right up to the end of the book. I won't say too much to spoil it though!

For me the third quarter of the book was quite slow in comparison to the breakneck speed of the first half. However the last quarter simply blows you away!

The best book I have read for sheer unpredictability and you are sure to continue reading the series.