For the longest time I've avoided what I refer to as the big three (Patterson, Clancy, and Grisham) b/c I never really wanted to read what everyone else was reading. In some ways, that is still exactly true. But, I decided this is the year I'll at least dabble in their work if not dive all the way in. This was such a popular book and then of course the movie, which I don't think I saw that either. It's kinda funny to read now (even though it's not THAT old relatively speaking) b/c it has THOSE moments. Pre cell phones. Sports arenas that don't exist anymore. CD's and VHS tapes. Bonnie Raitt referred to as rock music? Ok, that one won't make sense in any era. It's also odd to recall that mixed race dating was such a big deal back then b/c it's so prominent today. That's not to say that mixed race dating racism is gone, but I do think we've made good progress in that area in 30 years. Anyway, to the story, this is a fun little mystery with a few good twists. The story definitely straddles the line between believable and not more than once but that's what makes it FICTION after all, right? Can't punish that aspect of it too hard. Alex Cross is a likable character although to me he seemed more Denzel than Morgan Freeman (what an odd casting choice) if I was going to pick a celebrity in my mind to resemble how I imagined him. I thought the villain was written well, albeit quite a bit reckless with his choices. Although points for getting me to look up the Lindbergh kidnapping case b/c I had never heard of it before. All in all, this was a pretty good beginning. I enjoyed it and I read it much quicker than I thought I would would a 400+ pager. It turned out to be a lighter read than I anticipated. I'd definitely read more of these.