Roses Are Red

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English

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In a series of crimes that has stunned Washington, D.C., bank robbers have been laying out precise demands when they enter the building - and then killing the bank employees and their families if those instructions are not followed to the letter.Detective Alex Cross takes on the case, certain that this is no ordinary bank robber at work - the pathological need for control and perfection is too great. Cross is in the midst of a personal crisis at home, but the case becomes all-consuming as he learns that the Mastermind is plotting one huge, last, perfect crime.

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Contributors
Fernandez, Peter Jay Narrator, narrator., nrt
Patterson, James Author
ISBN
9781478964193
9780316145329
9780759521483
9781594834509

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Also in this Series

  • Along came a spider (Alex Cross novels Volume 1) Cover
  • Kiss the girls (Alex Cross novels Volume 2) Cover
  • Jack & Jill (Alex Cross novels Volume 3) Cover
  • Cat & mouse (Alex Cross novels Volume 4) Cover
  • Pop goes the weasel (Alex Cross novels Volume 5) Cover
  • Roses Are Red (Alex Cross novels Volume 6) Cover
  • Violets are blue (Alex Cross novels Volume 7) Cover
  • Four blind mice (Alex Cross novels Volume 8) Cover
  • The big bad wolf (Alex Cross novels Volume 9) Cover
  • London bridges (Alex Cross novels Volume 10) Cover
  • Mary, Mary (Alex Cross novels Volume 11) Cover
  • Cross (Alex Cross novels Volume 12) Cover
  • Double cross (Alex Cross novels Volume 13) Cover
  • Cross country (Alex Cross novels Volume 14) Cover
  • Alex Cross's trial (Alex Cross novels Volume 15) Cover
  • I, Alex Cross (Alex Cross novels Volume 16) Cover
  • Cross fire (Alex Cross novels Volume 17) Cover
  • Kill Alex Cross (Alex Cross novels Volume 18) Cover
  • Merry Christmas, Alex Cross (Alex Cross novels Volume 19) Cover
  • Alex Cross, run (Alex Cross novels Volume 20) Cover
  • Cross my heart (Alex Cross novels Volume 21) Cover
  • Hope to die (Alex Cross novels Volume 22) Cover
  • Cross justice (Alex Cross novels Volume 23) Cover
  • Cross the line (Alex Cross novels Volume 24) Cover
  • The people vs. Alex Cross (Alex Cross novels Volume 25) Cover
  • Target: Alex Cross (Alex Cross novels Volume 26) Cover
  • Criss cross (Alex Cross novels Volume 27) Cover
  • Deadly cross (Alex Cross novels Volume 28) Cover
  • Fear no evil (Alex Cross novels Volume 29) Cover
  • Triple cross (Alex Cross novels Volume 30) Cover
  • Cross down (Alex Cross novels Volume 31) Cover
  • Must die: a thriller (Alex Cross novels Volume 32) Cover
  • The house of Cross (Alex Cross novels Volume 33) Cover
  • Cross kill: an Alex Cross story (Alex Cross novels Volume ) Cover
  • Detective Cross (Alex Cross novels Volume ) Cover

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Similar Series From Novelist

NoveList provides detailed suggestions for series you might like if you enjoyed this book. Suggestions are based on recommendations from librarians and other contributors.
Fans of intriguing, fast-paced mysteries filled with thrilling twists will enjoy these two series, which offer introspective looks at complex detectives who must deal not only with brutal crimes but also racial and social issues as they navigates crime scenes. -- Derek Keyser
Like the David Gold series, the Alex Cross novels are plot-driven and fast-paced and often focusing on Chicago and Washington, D. C. The investigators in these novels pursue individual criminals and terrorists in a headlong effort to protect innocent lives. -- Mike Nilsson
Though Alex Cross is a police detective and Ashe Cayne becomes a private investigator after being fired from the force, both of these thriller series star tough as nails sleuths who solve gritty cases around the city. -- Stephen Ashley
In these richly detailed and fast-paced thrillers, detectives Lincoln Rhyme and Alex Cross work with forensics to solve crimes and terrorist activity for the NYPD and FBI, respectively. -- Andrienne Cruz
These fast-paced, intricately plotted, and suspenseful mystery series both feature detectives trained in clinical psychology who encounter a wide range of disturbed criminals and unbalanced patients. -- Derek Keyser
These fast-paced novels star tough, smart police detectives who never give up. Though set in wildly different places -- Cam Richter novels in rural North Carolina, the Alex Cross novels in Washington, D. C. -- both series are compelling and well-plotted. -- Mike Nilsson
Though Alex Cross is set in Washington, D.C., and Veronica Rosenthal takes place in Brazil, both compelling thriller series star keen-eyed heroes who uncover crime at every turn. -- Stephen Ashley
These suspenseful and intricately plotted mysteries (Alex Delaware) and thrillers (Alex Cross) star brave psychologists who team up with police detectives to investigate clues in twisty and disturbing cases. -- Andrienne Cruz
Both Alex Cross and King Oliver take on gritty cases filled with intrigue and danger in these fast-paced series. Alex Cross is a thriller series, while King Oliver is focused more on the intricacies of the mysteries. -- Stephen Ashley

Similar Titles From NoveList

NoveList provides detailed suggestions for titles you might like if you enjoyed this book. Suggestions are based on recommendations from librarians and other contributors.
NoveList recommends "King Oliver novels" for fans of "Alex Cross novels". Check out the first book in the series.
NoveList recommends "Teigan Craft forensic novels" for fans of "Alex Cross novels". Check out the first book in the series.
NoveList recommends "Will Trent series" for fans of "Alex Cross novels". Check out the first book in the series.
The terrorist next door - Siegel, Sheldon
NoveList recommends "David Gold novels" for fans of "Alex Cross novels". Check out the first book in the series.
When the bough breaks - Kellerman, Jonathan
NoveList recommends "Alex Delaware novels" for fans of "Alex Cross novels". Check out the first book in the series.
Ruthless puppetmasters manipulate parents into committing crimes by threatening their families in these suspenseful, plot-driven thrillers. Professional detectives unravel the case in Roses; in The Chain, a mother is thrust into the roles of victim, perpetrator and amateur detective. -- Alicia Cavitt
NoveList recommends "Veronica Rosenthal novels" for fans of "Alex Cross novels". Check out the first book in the series.
NoveList recommends "Hana Westerman thrillers" for fans of "Alex Cross novels". Check out the first book in the series.
NoveList recommends "Inaya Rahman novels" for fans of "Alex Cross novels". Check out the first book in the series.
NoveList recommends "Lincoln Rhyme mysteries" for fans of "Alex Cross novels". Check out the first book in the series.
NoveList recommends "Kate Marshall" for fans of "Alex Cross novels". Check out the first book in the series.
NoveList recommends "Inspector Anjelica Henley thrillers" for fans of "Alex Cross novels". Check out the first book in the series.

Similar Authors From NoveList

NoveList provides detailed suggestions for other authors you might want to read if you enjoyed this book. Suggestions are based on recommendations from librarians and other contributors.
Jeffery Deaver and James Patterson both write gripping suspense novels characterized by clever plot twists, memorable characters, menacing atmospheres, psychological overtones, and often nightmarish qualities. -- Kim Burton
Jonathan Kellerman and James Patterson write gritty, suspenseful series that combine psychological insights into crime and criminals with police procedures. For both, vividly drawn characters, page-turning pacing, and cinematic story lines create compelling and twisted crime stories filled with violence and grisly details. -- Joyce Saricks
Though there's no doubt that James Patterson is the better-known author, both he and James Siegel use similar writing styles--short chapters and paragraphs--to keep the tension high. Both authors also feature twists and turns, which fuel fast-paced plots. -- Shauna Griffin
Both authors' books are practically guaranteed to hit the bestseller lists, whether they are written for adult or youth audiences. James Patterson partners with many co-writers for his youth fiction; Bill O'Reilly generally sticks to nonfiction adaptations of his adult books. The two partnered on a bestselling picture book. -- Autumn Winters
Both authors write intense, fast-paced thrillers starring courageous detectives who take on investigations that could make them the killer's next target. James Patterson writes for adults, teens, and children; Robyn Gigl writes primarily for adults. -- CJ Connor
Though James Patterson also writes in a plethora of other genres, both his and Anne Holt's catalogs are filled with exciting titles for readers looking for fast-paced and suspenseful mystery thrillers. -- Stephen Ashley
James Patterson and Ridley Pearson both feature serial murders, series detective protagonists, bleak outlooks, graphic violence, and psychological implications, though Pearson's novels are more densely written and reflective in tone than those of Patterson. -- Kim Burton
Though James Patterson's thrillers are generally faster paced than Rachel Howzell Hall's, both write compelling and suspenseful mystery thrillers sure to excite fans of the genre. -- Stephen Ashley
Like James Patterson, John Sandford writes hard-edged, suspenseful novels of detection. Sandford offers similarly fast-paced, bleak stories, pervaded by a menacing atmosphere. Psychological details are often the key to the case, and the story unfolds with strong language and graphically portrayed violence. -- Kim Burton
While Attica Locke's writing focuses on atmosphere and James Patterson's is more plot-driven, both create a variety of twisty and surprising cases in their compelling mystery thrillers. -- Stephen Ashley
Greg Iles writes more elegantly than James Patterson, but tells equally complex stories of gritty suspense. Plot twists, contemporary settings (although he has also written suspenseful thrillers set in World War II), alternating points of view, and graphic violence feature prominently. -- Kim Burton
These authors' works have the appeal factors banter-filled and well-crafted dialogue, and they have the genre "humorous stories"; and the subjects "twelve-year-old boys," "boys," and "brothers."

Published Reviews

Booklist Review

Alex Cross, Patterson's detective hero, is back in a thriller that is guaranteed to hold his many fans spellbound. This time around, Cross' nemesis is the Mastermind, a cunning bank robber who recruits teams of criminals to do his dirty work while he orchestrates the crimes from the shadows. What makes the Mastermind especially frightening is that he takes the bank executives' families hostage in order to ensure compliance, and he kills in cold blood, seemingly at random. Cross is called in on the case, but he may have more than he can handle on his plate. His girlfriend has left him, his beloved daughter is in the hospital, and an old enemy has popped up. But Cross throws himself into the Mastermind case, aided by an attractive FBI agent named Betsey Cavalierre. Despite their resourcefulness, the Mastermind always seems to be a few steps ahead of them, even when the case seems to be coming together. Patterson keeps the pages turning all the way up to the jaw-dropping conclusion, which is sure to have readers eagerly awaiting the next Cross novel. Roses Are Red is far superior to Patterson's most recent novels and should impress readers who enjoyed his earlier Cross books, such as Along Came a Spider (1993) and Kiss the Girls (1995). This one is not to be missed. --Kristine Huntley

From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
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Publisher's Weekly Review

Alex Cross is backÄand that alone will have this novel crowning bestseller lists, a feat Patterson's books have achieved often of late, both his Cross (Pop Goes the Weasel) and non-Cross (Cradle and All) thrillers. Patterson won an Edgar for his first novel, The Thomas Berryman Number, but he hasn't won one since. One reason is that his prose, though sturdy as a trusted rowboat, is just as wooden; another is that his plottingÄhere detailing Washington, D.C., homicide detective Cross's pursuit of a crazed but crafty homicidal criminal known as the MastermindÄis about as sophisticated as that of a Frank and Joe Hardy tale. So why are the Cross novels so popular? In part because Patterson constructs them out of short, simple sentences, paragraphs and chapters that practically define the brisk, fun, E-Z read, and in part because, here and elsewhere, he engages in the smart and unusual tactic of alternating third- and first-person (from Cross's POV) narrative. Mostly, though, readers adore them because Cross is such a lovable hero, a family-oriented African-American whose compassion warmly balances the icy cruelty of Patterson's villains and their sometimes graphically depicted crimes (as is the case here). In the new novel, Cross suffers lady problems as his old love, who's in terror of Cross's job, leaves him, and he fumbles toward a new romance with an FBI agent; he also suffers personal trauma as his beloved daughter develops a brain tumor. That's back-burner action, though. The main focus here is, first, on a series of shocking Mastermind-engineered bank robbery/kidnappings involving wanton killings and, second, on the hunt to ID the MastermindÄa hunt both absorbing and annoying for its several (rather smelly) red herrings, and concluding with a revelation that screams sequel. While there's nothing subtle in this novel, every blatant element is packaged for maximum effect: roses may be red, but Patterson's newest is green all the way. U.K. and translation rights, Arthur Pine Associates. 1.25 million first printing; Literary Guild and Doubleday Direct main selections; simultaneous Random House large-print edition and Time Warner Audio. (Nov.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
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Library Journal Review

The latest "nursery rhyme" adventures of Dr. Alex Cross pick up where Pop Goes the Weasel (LJ 7/99) left off. Girlfriend Christine has just had baby Alex Jr. but is still haunted by her kidnapping and can't face life with a policeman. Alex is off catching yet another maniacal murderer, a creep who calls himself Mastermind and is terrorizing suburban Washington, DC, by robbing banks and killing indiscriminately. Working with the FBI rather than dependable partner John Sampson, Alex is frustrated again and again as the killer eludes them, until finally a break in the case leads them to their quarryDor does it? Patterson's formulaic suspense machine is once again in high gear, and fans of his usual breakneck plotting won't mind that the story is implausible and the surprise ending so surprising that any hint of motivation is sacrificed. They'll be waiting for the next installment. [Previewed in Prepub Alert, LJ 7/00.]DRebecca House Stankowski, Purdue Univ. Calumet Lib., Hammond, IN (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
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Kirkus Book Review

Who's robbing all those banks and kidnapping all those people and killing all those accomplices? It's somebody calling himself the Mastermind--a comic-book sobriquet that represents everything that's wrong with the latest installment in Patterson's Alex Cross franchise. A young woman robs a bank in suburban Maryland and threatens to kill the manager's family if she's kept from meeting her timetable. She's less than a minute late out the door, so the family dies. So does the robber. So do all the staff at a second bank after somebody tips the police off. Who could possibly be so ruthless? It's the Mastermind, the evil genius who set up both robberies intending murder from the beginning--even warning the cops the second time. And robbing banks is only the beginning for the megalomaniac, who's plotting a group abduction worth $30 million and a series of maneuvers that'll feed his cat's-paws to the police, or to the fishes. And since the Mastermind likes to see families suffer, he vows to take the war of nerves right to forensic psychologist Cross. But if he wants to ruin the D.C. detective's life, he'll have to stand in line, since Cross's girlfriend Christine Johnson is pulling away from him and his daughter Jannie is suddenly having seizures. Despite his prowess with guns and fists, and his awesome insight into other people's minds, Cross would be desperate if it weren't for the timely embraces of FBI agent Betsey Cavalierre, to whom he'll make passionate love while telling her, "I like being with you. A lot. Even more than I expected." With an adversary like that, how can the Mastermind prevail? As usual, Patterson (Cradle and All, p. 262, etc.) provides a nonstop alternation of felonies and righteous retribution unclouded by texture, thought, or moral complexity, to produce the speediest tosh on the planet. Copyright ©Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
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Booklist Reviews

Alex Cross, Patterson's detective hero, is back in a thriller that is guaranteed to hold his many fans spellbound. This time around, Cross' nemesis is the Mastermind, a cunning bank robber who recruits teams of criminals to do his dirty work while he orchestrates the crimes from the shadows. What makes the Mastermind especially frightening is that he takes the bank executives' families hostage in order to ensure compliance, and he kills in cold blood, seemingly at random. Cross is called in on the case, but he may have more than he can handle on his plate. His girlfriend has left him, his beloved daughter is in the hospital, and an old enemy has popped up. But Cross throws himself into the Mastermind case, aided by an attractive FBI agent named Betsey Cavalierre. Despite their resourcefulness, the Mastermind always seems to be a few steps ahead of them, even when the case seems to be coming together. Patterson keeps the pages turning all the way up to the jaw-dropping conclusion, which is sure to have readers eagerly awaiting the next Cross novel. Roses Are Red is far superior to Patterson's most recent novels and should impress readers who enjoyed his earlier Cross books, such as Along Came a Spider (1993) and Kiss the Girls (1995). This one is not to be missed. ((Reviewed August 2000)) Copyright 2000 Booklist Reviews

Copyright 2000 Booklist Reviews
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Library Journal Reviews

The latest "nursery rhyme" adventures of Dr. Alex Cross pick up where Pop Goes the Weasel (LJ 7/99) left off. Girlfriend Christine has just had baby Alex Jr. but is still haunted by her kidnapping and can't face life with a policeman. Alex is off catching yet another maniacal murderer, a creep who calls himself Mastermind and is terrorizing suburban Washington, DC, by robbing banks and killing indiscriminately. Working with the FBI rather than dependable partner John Sampson, Alex is frustrated again and again as the killer eludes them, until finally a break in the case leads them to their quarry or does it? Patterson's formulaic suspense machine is once again in high gear, and fans of his usual breakneck plotting won't mind that the story is implausible and the surprise ending so surprising that any hint of motivation is sacrificed. They'll be waiting for the next installment. [Previewed in Prepub Alert, LJ 7/00.] Rebecca House Stankowski, Purdue Univ. Calumet Lib., Hammond, IN Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.

Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.
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Publishers Weekly Reviews

Alex Cross is back and that alone will have this novel crowning bestseller lists, a feat Patterson's books have achieved often of late, both his Cross (Pop Goes the Weasel) and non-Cross (Cradle and All) thrillers. Patterson won an Edgar for his first novel, The Thomas Berryman Number, but he hasn't won one since. One reason is that his prose, though sturdy as a trusted rowboat, is just as wooden; another is that his plotting here detailing Washington, D.C., homicide detective Cross's pursuit of a crazed but crafty homicidal criminal known as the Mastermind is about as sophisticated as that of a Frank and Joe Hardy tale. So why are the Cross novels so popular? In part because Patterson constructs them out of short, simple sentences, paragraphs and chapters that practically define the brisk, fun, E-Z read, and in part because, here and elsewhere, he engages in the smart and unusual tactic of alternating third- and first-person (from Cross's POV) narrative. Mostly, though, readers adore them because Cross is such a lovable hero, a family-oriented African-American whose compassion warmly balances the icy cruelty of Patterson's villains and their sometimes graphically depicted crimes (as is the case here). In the new novel, Cross suffers lady problems as his old love, who's in terror of Cross's job, leaves him, and he fumbles toward a new romance with an FBI agent; he also suffers personal trauma as his beloved daughter develops a brain tumor. That's back-burner action, though. The main focus here is, first, on a series of shocking Mastermind-engineered bank robbery/kidnappings involving wanton killings and, second, on the hunt to ID the Mastermind a hunt both absorbing and annoying for its several (rather smelly) red herrings, and concluding with a revelation that screams sequel. While there's nothing subtle in this novel, every blatant element is packaged for maximum effect: roses may be red, but Patterson's newest is green all the way. U.K. and translation rights, Arthur Pine Associates. 1.25 million first printing; Literary Guild and Doubleday Direct main selections; simultaneous Random House large-print edition and Time Warner Audio. (Nov.) Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.

Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.
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