O.K, But Not Spectacular

Mr. Patterson's in a tough place. He's developed a pretty good lead character in Alex Cross and used him effectively in a number of books. Unfortunately, it seems like Mr. Patterson's bag of tricks to make Alex Cross interesting are getting thin. He may have joined the FBI, but the change of scenery doesn't change the dynamic very much.

As a result, the main thing that differentiates one Patterson book from the next Patterson book is the quality of the villian that Alex Cross is determined to outwit. Some of the villians, like the couple in "Jack and Jill" are good. Others, like the vampire killers in "Violets are Blue" are just silly.

In this case, I would give the "Wolf" a "B." Although the idea of a Russian mob mastermind is a new twist, Patterson has already used a kidnapping/murder theme before. This book is O.K., but doesn't add anything particularly new or memorable to Mr. Patterson's collection.

Give Alex Cross a VACATION

As a long time fan of James Patterson. I am extremely disappointed. While I have enjoyed his last few novels that DID NOT involve Alex Cross, I am having to say that I wish he would give Alex Cross a much needed vacation. If he can't come up with a better story plot than what this Big Bad Wolf book had, then maybe James Patterson should take a vacation also. The book ended horribly, obviously leaving it open for another book but I will not be rushing out to buy or borrow the next "wolf" book which will inevitably be on the book shelves before we can blink. I have one thing to say.. BIG BAD BOOK!

What a rambling mess.

I think Patterson's point to this novel is that some stories don't have a resolution and you don't always win. Personally, I prefer the conflicts I read about to come to a conclusion. Any conclusion would be good.