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After Patterson's last disaster, When The Wind Blows,he has redeemed himself with his newest book, Pop Goes The Weasel. This story is very exciting but light in terms of character develoment, narrative style and basically most other literary elements which make for a well-written novel. However, these are not elements I, and I think many other readers', seek in a James Patterson book.With this said, I think you will enjoy Pop Goes The Weasel very much and find it a very, very fast read. The one minor flaw that I've found in this and other Alex Cross books is the totally unrealistic maturity level and dialogue voiced by Cross's seven year old daughter, Jannie. I'd suggest that in doing research for future books, Patterson should spend a little time finding out what real seven year olds are like.

I've been a voracious reader of this genre for decades and have previously read some of Patterson's books. Some were okay and some were not. I listened to this one on audio tape. What a disappointment!

Pedestrian prose, icky sweet romanticism, plot holes galore, lack of cohesiveness and way too long. There are even errors in the writing/editing that annoyed me. Was Shafer once mistakenly called "George" instead of "Jeffrey" in the book, or only on the tape? If I can catch these mistakes, why can't the editors?

It's annoying and unrealistic reading about yet another "perfect" protagonist. Cross is the best detective, the best father, the best lover, the best friend. Everyone (except the bad guys) loves him to pieces - he has no flaws. His children are cute, clever, talented and well-behaved. The villain, Shafer, is evil beyond redemption. The girlfriend is smart, gorgeous, sexy and willing. Every character is totally one dimensional. Puhleeeze!

I will never read (or listen to) another Patterson novel. There are far too many better writers out there to waste time on this author.

Alex Cross is one of the best detectives I have read, I have always enjoyed this series this novel left a little to be desired though the ending seemed a bit rushed and didn't really satisfy me. As I closed this book I saw myself thiking that none of this was plausible or possible. If you enjoy detective novels then this is a good read, If this is your first Patterson novel please pick something else.