Violets are Blue - Book Review

Kliatt, Sept, 2002 by Miles Klein

James Patterson. 2001 Read by Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Michael C. Hall. Abridged. 4 tapes. 6 hrs. Time Warner Audio. 1-58621-195-1. $25.98. Cardboard, plastic; plot notes. SA

What appears to be a series of vampire-related killings finds detective Alex Cross immersed in a dangerous and bizarre sub-culture that features magic, victims drained of blood, tigers and vampires. And, just a cell phone's distance away, is the ever-present nemesis who shadows Cross--The Mastermind. He knows all about Cross, his cases, and his family and seems to always be one step ahead of the detective. He's already killed several people close to Cross, who is a single parent trying to raise three children. Cross's soft, domestic side is evident as his police work deprives him of quality family rime. He even attemps a social lire, with the beautiful and dedicated detective Jamilla Hughes. The end reveals the identity of The Mastermind.

Readers Santiago-Hudson and Hall are equally excellent, and though I don't know who belongs to which voice, they both create drama and excitement with their carefully controlled voices and crisp diction. The abridgment leaves no gaps in the story line. Especially for fans of this series. Miles Klein, Frisco, TX