Into the Fire

I might be the only avid fiction reader of mysteries, suspense, police procedurals, thrillers, etc., who had yet to read a James Patterson novel. Just after Christmas, a friend of mine gave me Merry Christmas, Alex Cross to try. The prolific author and creator of the Detective Alex Cross character (among others) ranks as Numero Uno of the NYTimes bestselling authors with the most novels to hit the number one status on its lists. The number of books he's written is off the charts. He churns them out like opinions. Honestly, I expected him to be a hack who could tell a good story – and, frankly, I've heard him described that way. Having said that, the two-pronged plot for this story was both realistic, entertaining, and well done.

It's Christmastime in DC, and even cops' families have expectations of time spent together especially on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Although those might be unrealistic in many cases, it's a hope not easily discarded just because some criminal or whack job decides Christmas is the perfect time to stage a grand event of lawbreaking or terrorism.

It's Christmas Eve, a huge snowstorm approaches, and a former celebrated attorney decides his ex-wife, their children, and her present husband should die. He's barged into their home and has them in complete submission with his personal supply of meth and other drugs and an arsenal of weapons. Detective Cross is familiar with the man, who rose to the top in a prestigious law firm through two prominent cases, which is why he is summoned to assist in subduing the intelligent lunatic. Cross's family is none too happy to see him leave their celebration, but duty calls.

Cross finagles his way into the home, unarmed, and must listen to the man's ranting and abusive treatment of these people who he once loved – with the exception of the new husband who is first on his list to be exterminated. When there is gunfire, Cross is hard-pressed to make a way to get this guy into custody before SWAT must risk an all-out assault.

When things are finally under control, Cross makes his way home and hopes Christmas Day can be enjoyed after a few hours of sleep and some of his grandmother's sweet bacon, but a female terrorist has been spotted and Alex's friend and former associate from the FBI calls putting an end to any Christmas joy.  

The two plots are distinctly different. I don't know if this is a pattern in Patterson's novels, but they served to demonstrate the often consecutive draws on a LEO's life regardless of time of day or night or special occasion or holiday. Families are forced to endure the abrupt absence of their loved one and the fear this causes. In Merry Christmas, Alex Cross, we see the wilting stamina forced upon Cross after enduring hours and hours with little rest to get one perpetrator into custody and then figuring out the grand plan of a mastermind terrorist before something horrific happens to a large number of people. The toll of what occurs during these two events leaves scars on the psyche as Cross fights to put it all behind him.

I found Merry Christmas, Alex Cross to be well-written and entertaining with realistic characters. To my surprise a healthy dose of faith and Christianity were included, and profanity was kept to a minimum. I recommend this quick-read for those who enjoy police procedurals with strong characters good and bad.

Father, I pray James is one of yours and that you will continue to supply him with good stories that ultimately showcase the gift you've given him. May he inspire others to look to you. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.