Again Alex In Patterson's
Slightly Off-Beat Series Continuation
Violets are Blue by James Patterson
Bet you can't read just one.
On his way to becoming as prolific a brand as Stephen King, former advertising executive James Patterson is building multiple franchises in the form of character-based series that show no signs of slowing down. King's continuity often rests in his Maine settings. Patterson prefers to keep the same characters and move them around the nation, much like Robert B. Parker has done with his Spenser series among others.
In this installment of the Alex Cross series, Patterson once again sends his profiler detective traveling, this time to pre-Katrina New Orleans. There is plenty of continuity in Cross' character, background and family. Even the antagonist, The Mastermind, sounding straight out of a Batman episode is from a prior book. What is new is a vampire sub-plot reminiscent of Angel or a Laurell Hamilton novel.
The Plot In Exactly One Hundred Words
Alex Cross dealt with a murderer named The Mastermind before, but now he has been told that he is a target. He finds himself earning frequent flier miles by jetting across the country with FBI assistance, and a new romantic interest, a San Francisco detective named Jamilla. Cross and Jamilla find themselves in New Orleans, entangled in a Goth subculture that plays up a faux vampire culture.
There is more Alex and less of Alex's family and friends, which cause the detective concern, but he consoles himself with work and Jamilla. Events reach a bizarre showdown unlike Cross' previous procedurals.
What Works Well
Patterson has nailed Cross by now. He knows this character, and for a wealthy older white guy to tackle a younger black DC police detective is pretty impressive. After this much practice, however, Patterson has the cultural nuances down.
Setting is another area where the author excels. His Washington, D.C. settings have always been perfect, but his New Orleans is nearly as richly detailed, again considered events occur pre-Katrina.
What Doesn't Work As Well
Readers new to the Alex Cross universe may have a difficult time entering at Violets Are Blue. The story may stand alone, but to follow the many hidden meanings in the backstory require a reader familiar with Alex's background. Don't be surprised that the advertising genius knows the value of continuity and the incremental revenue it brings.
Meanwhile, like other Patterson novels, Violets Are Blue is not literature for the ages. The writing is full of
the literary equivalent of film jump cuts, each propelling the reader faster to the story's center.
The Bottom Line, Dog Earred Pages and All
A pleasant, harmless read for Alex Cross fans that explore Goth cults, vampire wanna-bes, New Orleans and San Francisco. If you've read Alex, you'll want to read Violets Are Blue. If this is your first foray, begin at the beginning.
Five Things To Remember From This Review
1. This installment in the Alex Cross universe needs a grounding in the serious to really do the plot justice.
2. Patters has become Cross like Parker has become Spenser.
3. Chopper chapters ending in cliffhangers — a Patterson staple — can sometimes make the reader feel as though they are something written for the screen.
4. The DC settings are perfect again, and New Orleans is very good.
5. Violets Are Blue is a pleasant read, although don't look for deep thoughts or literature.
