Audiobook Sample
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- Title: Criss Cross
- Author: James Patterson
- Narrator: Andre Blake
- Length: 08:17:11
- Version: Abridged
- Release Date: 25/11/2019
- Publisher: Hachette Book Group USA
- Genre: Mystery, Thriller & Horror, Police Stories
- ISBN13: 9.78E+12
There’s something about a good mystery that feels like embarking on a journey into the unknown, much like the winding roads I’ve traveled through deserts and jungles. ‘Criss Cross,’ the latest in James Patterson’s iconic Alex Cross series, is a thriller that unfolds like a map to a buried treasure – full of twists, turns, and dark secrets waiting to be unearthed. As a travel writer who’s always chasing the next story, I found myself hooked from the opening scene, where Alex Cross and his partner John Sampson witness the execution of a killer they helped convict, only to be thrust into a chilling copycat crime shortly after. The note signed ‘M’ – taunting with the words ‘You messed up big time, Dr. Cross’ – sets the stage for a psychological cat-and-mouse game that’s as unsettling as it is addictive.
Listening to this audiobook reminded me of a time when I was driving through the Atacama Desert in Chile, the surreal landscape stretching endlessly before me, while Gabriel García Márquez’s ‘One Hundred Years of Solitude’ played through my speakers. The narrator’s voice back then wove magic into the air, much like Andre Blake does with ‘Criss Cross.’ There’s an intimacy to the audiobook experience that mirrors those moments of solitude on the road – when it’s just you, the story, and the vastness of the world outside. This thriller, with its themes of buried family secrets and haunting pasts, felt like it was being whispered directly to me, as if I were sitting around a campfire in some remote village, listening to a local elder spin a tale of danger and deceit.
The story itself is a masterclass in suspense, a hallmark of the mystery, thriller, and horror genre that Patterson has long dominated. Alex Cross is lured out of Washington, D.C., to multiple homicide sites, each marked with eerily familiar details that dredge up old cases and personal demons. The mysterious killer ‘M’ is after something so precious to Cross that it threatens to stop his heart – quite literally. The narrative tension is palpable, and you can almost feel the weight of Cross’s burden as he grapples with the possibility that an innocent man may have been executed. It’s a police story that doesn’t just focus on the crime but on the moral ambiguities and emotional toll of seeking justice. As someone who’s spent years documenting human stories across cultures, I was drawn to the depth of Cross’s character – his flaws, his fears, and his relentless drive to protect what matters most.
Let’s talk about the listening experience, because an audiobook can make or break a story. Andre Blake’s narration is nothing short of captivating. His voice has a gritty, lived-in quality that suits the hard-edged world of Alex Cross perfectly. He shifts tones effortlessly – calm and measured when Cross is piecing together clues, then sharp and urgent during moments of high stakes. You can almost hear the creak of a door, the rasp of a whispered threat, as Blake brings each scene to life. I was reminded of evenings in Oaxaca, staying with a family whose grandmother would tell stories with such perfect timing and dramatic pauses that you hung on every word. Blake captures that same intimate, personal quality, making this audiobook experience feel like a private conversation. The audio quality is crisp, with no distractions, allowing you to sink fully into the dark underbelly of this thriller.
That said, while ‘Criss Cross’ excels in pacing and suspense, it’s not without its limitations. As much as I admire Patterson’s ability to craft a page-turner – or in this case, an ear-grabber – some of the plot twists can feel a tad predictable if you’re a longtime fan of the series. ‘M’ is a compelling antagonist, but I found myself wanting a bit more depth to their motivations beyond the cat-and-mouse dynamic. Still, these are minor quibbles in an otherwise gripping narrative. The strength lies in how the story balances high-octane action with quieter, introspective moments that reveal Cross’s vulnerabilities – a balance that resonates with me as I’ve often found the most profound stories in the quiet pauses between adventures.
Comparing ‘Criss Cross’ to other works in the mystery and thriller genre, it holds its own against heavyweights like Michael Connelly’s Harry Bosch series, where moral dilemmas and personal stakes are also central. Yet Patterson’s knack for relentless pacing sets this apart, making it a perfect pick for listeners craving a fast-paced police story. If you’ve enjoyed previous Alex Cross audiobooks, this one won’t disappoint, though I’d argue Blake’s narration adds a fresh layer of intensity that elevates the material.
Who would I recommend this audiobook to? Anyone who loves a good mystery or thriller, especially those intrigued by police stories where the line between right and wrong blurs. It’s ideal for long drives – trust me, I’ve tested it – or quiet evenings when you want to escape into a world of danger and intrigue. If you’re new to audiobooks, ‘Criss Cross’ is a fantastic entry point, especially with Blake’s stellar performance guiding you through. And if you can snag this audiobook free through a promotion or trial, don’t hesitate – it’s worth every minute of your listening time.
Reflecting on this story, I couldn’t help but think about the hidden histories I’ve uncovered in my travels – family secrets whispered in small towns, past wrongs buried under layers of time. ‘Criss Cross’ taps into that universal human experience of confronting the past, a theme that’s lingered with me long after the final chapter. It’s a reminder that the stories we carry, much like the roads we travel, often lead us to unexpected places – sometimes dark, sometimes redemptive, but always worth the journey.
So, my friends, as I sign off from this literary detour, I encourage you to plug in your headphones and lose yourself in the ‘Criss Cross’ audiobook. It’s a ride as thrilling as any uncharted path I’ve ever taken. Until our next story, keep wandering and keep listening. This is Marcus Rivera, signing off with a heart full of tales.
