Cross (novel)
| Company type | Novel |
|---|---|
| Industry | Literature |
| Founded | 2006 |
| Founder | James Patterson |
Cross represents the twelfth novel by James Patterson featuring his signature protagonist, Alex Cross. Published in 2006, it was marketed under the title Alex Cross in certain markets. This book is followed by the subsequent installment, Double Cross.
Plot summary
John Sampson, Alex Cross's former detective partner, calls upon him to probe a series of rapes in Georgetown that bear resemblance to an earlier case. As they delve deeper, connections emerge linking these assaults to the death of Cross’s wife, Maria.
Characters
- Alex Cross
Depicted as a committed detective and devoted father who manages the challenges of personal grief alongside his professional responsibilities.
- Nana Mama
Regina Hope Cross, Alex’s grandmother and main caretaker following Maria’s passing. An 81-year-old retired teacher living with Alex and his children in Washington, D.C., she upholds strong family principles and discipline.
- Maria Simpson Cross (flashback)
Alex’s deceased wife appears through early flashbacks. She was a cherished mother to Janelle and Damon and was expecting their third child at the time of her death.
- John Sampson
Alex’s longtime colleague who discloses that he, together with detective Rakeem Powell, eliminated Maria’s real killer, Jimmy "Hats" Galati. This revelation deepens their bond but remains confidential.
- Kayla Coles
A medical resident practicing in Southeast Washington, D.C., and Alex’s girlfriend introduced earlier in the series. After surviving a stabbing by a drug addict, she recuperates but later relocates to North Carolina to advance her medical career. Despite efforts to maintain their relationship, Alex opts to remain in Washington, resulting in their mutual decision to separate amicably.
- Michael "The Butcher of Sligo" Sullivan
A hitman from Brooklyn with Mafia affiliations, infamous for savage murders and intimidating victims through photographs. Initially suspected of killing Maria, he is eventually cleared and subsequently killed by Alex. Sullivan lives in Maryland with his family.
- Jimmy "Hats" Galati
Sullivan’s associate and the actual murderer of Maria. He was killed years prior by Sampson and Powell; this fact is disclosed late in the narrative. Known as "Jimmy the Protector," he was fiercely loyal to Sullivan but met a violent death kept secret from Alex until the investigation’s conclusion.
Film adaptation
The movie adaptation titled Alex Cross premiered on October 19, 2012, featuring Tyler Perry as Alex Cross and Matthew Fox portraying The Butcher/Picasso.
This film significantly departs from the source material by combining elements from multiple Alex Cross novels out of chronological order and adding new storylines. Notably, Alex’s family is depicted as living in Detroit rather than Southeast Washington D.C., with differences in character backgrounds such as the eldest child and details surrounding Maria’s death. Additionally, John Sampson appears as a larger African American man, differing from his depiction in the book.
James Patterson has described this film as a reboot designed to synchronize with contemporary novels. He also expressed appreciation for Morgan Freeman’s earlier portrayal but believes Tyler Perry more accurately embodies his vision of Dr. Cross both physically and artistically.