It goes back to "Merry Christmas Alex Cross" and tells the story of Ali's missing friend Gabe and how Ali turns detective to find him. The prolific king of the beach read is back with an intergenerational mystery for the 9-to-12-year-old set. Ali Cross also features a storyline of Alex Cross being on trial for assault and accused of being a dirty cop and being Christmas time, tensions are high in the Cross Family house. Thus ensues an enchanting plunge into the underbelly of a failing library and a city brimful of secrets. The story itself is thought-provoking but it’s not what readers might expect when they start the book.

Ali Cross Books in Order | Toppsta All the Ali Cross Books in Order | Toppsta

James Patterson has a new treat for his young adult (read: teen) fans with this long-awaited debut featuring Ali Cross.The book is 5 star level excellent, but I was shocked and dismayed that a child in the book is asked if they know if the missing 10 YEAR OLD boy has a girlfriend, or a boyfriend. Ali does some sneaking out and other things he's been told not to do -- but he's trying to save his friend's life. Ali has a habit of sneaking out of the house in the middle of the night and he feels like Nana Mama always knows what he’s doing. BOOK OF THE MONTH - the much awaited latest installment in this popular diary-style series for ages 7+.

Ali Cross Book Review | Common Sense Media Ali Cross Book Review | Common Sense Media

I devour almost any book with Patterson's name and I have followed and enjoyed the Alex Cross series.

Following in my footsteps is my niece, we are the two people in our family that know the most concerning family secrets, and total truths.

Ali Cross: The Secret Detective (Ali Cross, 3): Patterson Ali Cross: The Secret Detective (Ali Cross, 3): Patterson

Anyhow, Ali Cross, which I'm guessing is the first installment in a brand-new series, doesn't waste a moment of time setting up the disappearance plot. Late the next night, Detective Isaac Olayinka phones Alex to inform him that police have found Ali’s school ID card at a fresh burglary. Ali Cross is a young novice investigator who admires his Dad, Alex Cross, a major character in a series of novels by James Patterson.It really didn't live up to my hopes, and I think that is probably just because it is much younger than I anticipated. Ali knows Gabe Qualls better than anyone, so when his friend goes missing, Ali jumps right into action. I know this is usually a prayer for kids everywhere, but if it’s okay, I’d like to pray for just one kid tonight,” I said.

Ali Cross (Ali Cross, book 1) by James Patterson Ali Cross (Ali Cross, book 1) by James Patterson

Unfortunately as the son of a well known cop, Ali is hit with the backlash of this, at school, outside his home and even in church. James Patterson delivers an appealing hero, engaging characters, plenty of action, and a raft of book recommendations in this series debut featuring the young son of his noted detective Alex Cross.

What makes the book interesting is you keep asking yourself as you read, why Ali, just why do you keep sneaking out the house at night knowing well your not suppose to do that. Many classmates taunt him with jeers and bumps and a fake Instagram account with his name in the handle doesn’t help matters. This branch-off into the world of young readers has worked well, with a strong narrative and short chapters to hold their attention. Writing in Ali’s voice with occasional cutaways to third-person chapters that follow Alex, Patterson sprinkles the narrative with pop-culture references even as he takes readers through the detective process. Therefore, I know I will have many unsolved questions until I read the Alex Cross books, but I thought it was interesting that James Patterson decided to create a kid version of Alex Cross.