Friday, August 14, 2009

ALEX CROSS's TRIAL: MY REVIEW and GIVEAWAY

GIVEAWAY ENDED
ALEX CROSS'S TRIAL

BY
JAMES PATTERSON
AND RICHARD DILALLO


ABOUT THE BOOK

Separated by time

From his grandmother, Alex Cross has heard the story of his great uncle Abraham and his struggles for survival in the era of the Ku Klux Klan. Now, Alex passes the family tale along to his own children in a novel he's written--a novel called Trial.

Connected by blood
As a lawyer in turn-of-the-century Washington D.C., Ben Corbett represents the toughest cases. Fighting against oppression and racism, he risks his family and his life in the process. When President Roosevelt asks Ben to return to his home town to investigate rumors of the resurgence of the Ku Klux Klan there, he cannot refuse.

United by bravery
When he arrives in Eudora, Mississippi, Ben meets the wise Abraham Cross and his beautiful daughter, Moody. Ben enlists their help, and the two Crosses introduce him to the hidden side of the idyllic Southern town. Lynchings have become commonplace and residents of the town's black quarter live in constant fear. Ben aims to break the reign of terror--but the truth of who is really behind it could break his heart. Written in the fearless voice of Detective Alex Cross, Alex Cross's Trial is a gripping story of murder, love, and, above all, bravery.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS


James Patterson is one of the bestselling writers of all time, with more than 160 million copies of his books sold worldwide. He is the author of the two most popular detective series of the past decade, featuring Alex Cross and the Women's Murder Club. He has won an Edgar Award--the mystery world's highest honor--and his novels Kiss the Girls and Along Came a Spider were made into feature films. His lifelong work to promote books and reading is reflected in his new Web site, ReadKiddoRead.com, which helps parents, grandparents, teachers, and librarians find the very best children's books for their kids. He lives in Florida.

Richard DiLallo
is a former advertising creative director. He has had numerous articles published in major magazines. He lives in Manhattan with his wife.
MY REVIEW

For those of you who wonder how James Patterson writes so many novels, this book may help with that question. ALEX CROSS'S TRIAL's "author" is Alex Cross himself as he tells the reader in the beginning of the book how he came to write this one. While writing his latest book in the Cross series, CROSS COUNTRY, he found himself recalling how Nana Mama often told about his favorite part of their family history. So Alex decided it was about time that he told that story to his readers and for himself.

ALEX CROSS'S TRIAL is different from all the other Alex Cross books in that it takes place in the early 1900's during a time in our country when we were facing the end of slavery but still facing prejudice and hatred and racial discrimination.

The story takes place in Washington,D. C. and the main character is a young lawyer named Ben Corbett. He is married father of twin daughters who he loves dearly, and a lovely wife who is not happy in their marriage. Ben stands up for the poor man and often takes on pro bono cases and his wife thinks he has a lack of ambition. She pictured them as being wealthy and prominent in their community and wants to leave him because of him chasing these noble causes and not the high priced influential cases. Ben seems to have let down not only his wife, but his father as well. They think he is wasting his talents on these poor and thankless cases.

One day, however, Ben Corbett is summoned to the White House as President Theodore Roosevelt himself has chosen Ben to help look into the rumors that are flying about the rebirth of the Ku Klux Klan back in Eudora, Mississippi, where Ben is from. Lynchings and the Klan, once outlawed, seem to be back in this small town and the President wants it looked into and stopped before things get worse. Ben is given the name of a man to help him there when he accepts the assignment. The man is Abraham Cross, the great-uncle of Alex Cross, who also brings into the story Abraham's granddaughter, Moody.

As Ben looks into what is going on back in this normally quiet little Southern town, people let him know that it is not the popular thing to be doing. But Ben truly believes in what he is doing and as he tries to fight for rights and justice, he endangers himself and may lose not only old friends, but his family and even his own safety is jeopardized.

Ben takes on the most important trial of his life as he fights for what is right while his enemies want things kept the same and don't want to see change. Fresh with images that Abraham has shown him of a hanging body, Ben forges ahead despite his father's warnings and sends a report to the White House on what he has found out. As Ben waits to hear from the President on how to proceed, more and more he is targeted even by those he called friend in his hometown years ago. All these things culminate with Ben fighting the good fight in the hardest case he has ever handled.

How Ben manages this case and its results will explain so much about Alex Cross that it could be the way James Patterson along with co-author Richard DiLallo finally end the Cross series... all tied up in a nice little bow. But can that be true? I know I thoroughly enjoyed this book as it is still written in typical fast-paced, short chapter form that keep you from putting the book down even though it is not technically an Alex Cross novel. I think it is one of the best Cross books to come out in several years. Can I see it as the end of the series? Well, it could as it fits but I know it can't be true as fans would be up in arms themselves. You read the book and judge for yourself but I say that the author, Cross or Patterson or DiLallo, all did a wonderful job.


THE GIVEAWAY

THANKS TO MIRIAM AND THE
HACHETTE BOOK GROUP, I
AM ONCE AGAIN ABLE TO REVIEW
AND GIVEAWAY MY FAVORITE
AUTHOR'S NEWEST BOOK DUE
OUT AUGUST 24!

I HAVE 5 COPIES TO GIVE AWAY!

HERE ARE THE RULES:

U.S. AND CANADIAN RESIDENTS ONLY
NO P. O. BOXES, PLEASE
INCLUDE EMAIL ADDRESS IN COMMENT

ALL ENTRIES/COMMENTS
MUST BE SEPARATE

IN
ORDER TO COUNT AS
MORE THAN ONE ENTRY


HOW TO ENTER:

+1 ENTRY: COMMENT ONCE TELLING WHAT YOU THINK MIGHT BE DIFFERENT ABOUT THIS JAMES PATTERSON NOVEL

+1 MORE ENTRY: TELL ME IF YOU ARE A GOOGLE FRIEND CONNECT FOLLOWER IN MY LEFT HAND COLUMN, OR BECOME ONE

+1 MORE ENTRY: BLOG OR TWEET ABOUT THIS GIVEAWAY AND LEAVE A LINK I CAN FOLLOW IN THE ENTRY

+1 MORE ENTRY: ENTER ONE OTHER GIVEAWAY OF MINE IN THE FUTURE BEFORE THE DEADLINE FOR THIS GIVEAWAY, AND COME BACK AND TELL ME WHICH ONE YOU ENTERED AND WHAT NUMBER YOUR ENTRY IS (YOU MAY DO THIS 3 TIMES FOR 3 DIFFERENT GIVEAWAYS TO COME)

ALL ENTRIES MUST BE COMPLETED
BY 6 PM, EST, September 12


GOOD LUCK TO ALL!

115 comments:

chey said...

It takes place in the early 1900's.

I'm a yahoo follower
chey127 at hotmail dot com

Pam said...

I think the big difference will be the narration of the novel. Whereas most of his Alex Cross books are being told by James, this one is being told by Alex himself.

melacan at hotmial dot com

Pam said...

I'm a follower

melacan at hotmail dot com

bermudaonion said...

I have the book, so don't enter me. Just wanted to say, boy, does it sound good!

Julie said...

I think the subject content of this novel will make it different for James...a but more thought provoking maybe?

I'm a google follower


Cheers,
julie.sherritt[at]gmail.com

KR said...

n Alex Cross book about someone else...sounds interesting.

mj.coward[at]gmail.com

KR said...

I'm a Google Connect friend.

mj.coward[at]gmail.com

Paranormal and Romantic Suspense Reviews said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Paranormal and Romantic Suspense Reviews said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Paranormal and Romantic Suspense Reviews said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

The part about taking place in the 1900's sounds so interesting! Please enter me!

nbmars AT yahoo DOT com

Anonymous said...

I follow on Google Reader.

nbmars AT yahoo DOT com

wheresmyrain said...

the time setting and tone/type of narrative seem unique to this novel.
wheresmyrain at yahoo dot com

wheresmyrain said...

im a follower
wheresmyrain at yahoo dot com

Dixie said...

This novel takes place in a different time period for starters.

southrngal(at)gmail(dot)com

Dixie said...

I follow on google friend connect.
southrngal(at)gmail(dot)com

Dixie said...

Melisande wears a purple silk domino to a masked ball in TO SEDUCE A SINNER. A domino is an enveloping cape, usually with a hood and half-mask, worn to masquerades...-heck I thought a domino was a little black tile with white dots on it.:-)

southrngal(at)gmail(dot)com

Dixie said...

Please delete my post prior to this one-that's what I get for having too many windows open!

chey said...

I became a google friend.

chey127 at hotmail dot com

Dixie said...

I also entered to win To Seduce A Sinner and I think I have comment #31 but not sure as it is pending approval.

southrngal(at)gmail(dot)com

Serena said...

Alex Cross books are my favorite patterson novels, and I would love to read this one. A book written by Alex cross...sounds like a best seller to me.

I follow and would love to be entered into the giveaway.

savvyverseandwit AT gmail DOT com

Melissa O. said...

Thanks for the chance to win this book, I'm intrigued by the setting which is out of the ordinary for Patterson--early 1900's!

Thanks again! mlb108[at]gmail.com

Melissa O. said...

I'm also a friend via Google!

mlb108[at]gmail.com

Amy M said...

I love James Patterson! I would say the timeline, since it takes place in the early 1900's

Thanks!
Amy M
atc218 at aol dot com

Amy M said...

I am a follower too :)

Amy M
atc218 at aol dot com

Anonymous said...

It's different because it takes place in the early 1900's.
wandanamgreb (at) gmail (dot) com

Beth (BBRB) said...

It will certainly be different than his serial killer on the loose Swimsuit!

BethsBookReviewBlog AT gmail DOT com

Beth (BBRB) said...

I'm a follower.

BethsBookReviewBlog AT gmail DOT com

cqueen2 said...

he is telling the story as alex:)

sounds great

thanks

wadesherry@hotmail dot com

cqueen2 said...

i follow

wadesherry@hotmail dot com

dancealertreads.blogspot.com said...

Count me in!

dancealert(at)aol(dot)com

dancealertreads.blogspot.com said...

I'm a google reader follower!

dancealert(at)aol(dot)com

Lee P said...

This ones different because it is told from the prospective of Alex Cross. Should be interesting. Thanks for this nice giveaway and please count me in.

chinook92(at)gmail(dot)com

Lee P said...

I follow your blog via Google Friends.

chinook92(at)gmail(dot)com

Cindy said...

One thing that makes this one different is the time period as it is set in the early 1900's. Also, it proobably is worded quite differently as it is being written as Alex Cross would tell the story.

Cindy
Socmom213@aol.com

Cindy said...

I follow your blog on Google.

Cindy
Socmom213@aol.com

Cindy said...

I follow you on Twitter. My username is Soccermom213

I tweet often about your blog and giveaways and will do so again!

Cindy
Socmom213@aol.com

Beverly said...

I do love the Alex Cross stories - do not read JP except if it is a Cross book.

This book is different has it takes place in the past.

I am a follower via google reader

beachlover20855[AT]yahoo[DOT]com

penney said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
penney said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Linna said...

His stories always interest me. Please enter me. I'm a blog follower.

linna.hsu at gmail dot com

Bingo said...

I wish all of your could win this one. If you are a Patterson/Cross fan, it is unique and I think really well done! Good luck!

Anonymous said...

Alex decided to tell about his fam. history for the readers and himself..Thx for contest..
thehighflyer3(at)hotmail(dot)com

scottsgal said...

I like that Patterson is actually bringing race into this story - something he doesn't dwell on too much in his Alex Cross series

msboatgal at aol.com

penney said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
kenziesmum said...

The fact that the narrative is presented by Alex is what, I believe, will differentiate this novel from the others.

zooscapejennifer@rogers.com

kenziesmum said...

tweet! http://twitter.com/kenziesmum2009/statuses/3362785898

zooscapejennifer@rogers.com

Anonymous said...

I just read this book yesterday, I have to say that I have mixed feelings on it. It was a quick read, as all James Patterson's books are for me. But it was a totally different spin on his books, not what he normally writes and not what I normally read by him. But I did like it. I will have my review up sometime soon. Great review!

Anonymous said...

I think this novel might be different because his novels are generally set in the present; this one is set in the early 1900s.

bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

Glenn said...

This one should be different because it's being told from a different perspective, since it's narrated by Alex. Thanks for the giveaway.

glenn_pessano AT yahoo DOT com

Belinda M said...

It takes place in the early 1900`s

Canadian Contests, Freebies, Coupons, Deals, Games and Chat - join us at CoolCanucks.ca


bluebelle0367(at)hotmail(dot)com

Belinda M said...

I follow your blog


Canadian Contests, Freebies, Coupons, Deals, Games and Chat - join us at CoolCanucks.ca


bluebelle0367(at)hotmail(dot)com

kalea_kane said...

I don't know exactly but I know that Alex Cross's storys involve what is going on with Alex, his family, and of course the suspense that has brought us to the novel. This is a book where Alex is relaying a family story. He is narrating what has happened. This will be wonderful I am sure. Thank you for the giveaway!

kalea_kane(at)yahoo(dot)com

kalea_kane said...

I am a follower of your blog with Google friend connect.

kalea_kane(at)yahoo(dot)com

Lee P said...

Tweet your blog and giveaway here:

http://twitter.com/chinook92/status/3484090700

chinook92(at)gmail(dot)com

Anonymous said...

most of alex cross books are told by james this is told by alex cross himself..thx for contest..
thehighflyer3(at)hotmail(dot)com

kalea_kane said...

I blogged your giveaway here: http://enroutetolife.blogspot.com/2009/08/giveaways-to-enjoy.html

kalea_kane(at)yahoo(dot)com

kalea_kane said...

I am number 29 in your Sand Sharks Giveaway. That one looks crazy good!

Bonus +1

kalea_kane(at)yahoo(dot)com

flowerchild said...

this one sounds different cause it is based in a different time..
thanks

flower_child_23(at)hotmail(dot)com

Fokxxy said...

I have not previously read James patterson so I can't tell you what might be different. But I am very intrigued by this novel and would love to read it. Thank you.

ssummmer(at)gmail(dot)com

Fokxxy said...

I follow on google.

ssummmer(at)gmail(dot)com

Google friend connect.

cherdon said...

I think the difference is the fact that Alex is telling the story rather than James who usually does.

cherdon@sympatico.ca

cherdon said...

GOOGLE FRIEND CONNECT FOLLOWER here

cherdon@sympatico.ca

cherdon said...

tweet


http://twitter.com/iamcherdon/status/3524704223

cherdon@sympatico.ca

Beth said...

This might be different because it told from Alex's point of view.
Would love to win. Please enter me.

Lizzi0915 at aol dot com

CherylS22 said...

What's different is that the book takes place in the early 1900s & is James Patterson's character Alex Cross writing the book.
Thanks ~ megalon22{at}yahoo{dot}com

CherylS22 said...

I'm a GFC follower
megalon22{at}yahoo{dot}com

CherylS22 said...

I entered the giveaway for "The Divorce Party" - entry #35
megalon22{at}yahoo{dot}com

Glenn said...

The time period and the historical and slavery aspects. Thanks for the giveaway.

glenn_pessano AT yahoo DOT com

Gaby317 said...

i haven't read any of james patterson's books but it sounds like this is set during an earlier period with the KKK. The books that I'm familiar with revolve around sudden danger and violence but less racial and historical conflicts.

gaby317nyc at gmail dot com

Gaby317 said...

i follow through googlereader and blogger

gaby317nyc at gmail dot com

Gaby317 said...

i've entered the giveaway for the bookshelves

gaby317nyc at gmail dot com

Gaby317 said...

i've entered the giveaway for the audio book re: marilyn monroe

gaby317nyc at gmail dot com

Gaby317 said...

ii entered the giveaway for Sand Sharks!

gaby317nyc at gmail dot com

Jessica ( frellathon ) said...

I don't know what might be different. My mother is the huge Patterson fan so I'd love to win this for her. I've found she thinks the books he writes with others are not as good as the one's he writes on his own. I've heard this from others also. Wonder if this is the case here as well.
jessica(at)fan(dot)com

Jessica ( frellathon ) said...

+ 1 I follow - google
friend connect
jessica(at)fan(dot)com

Jessica ( frellathon ) said...

I entered for your bookshelf giveaway. Great giveaway that one. I'm commentor number 213-214-215
on that giveaway.
jessica(at)fan(dot)com

Unknown said...

I can't tell what is different because I have not read the other ones. aitmama (at) gmail (dot) com

Unknown said...

GOOGLE FRIEND CONNECT FOLLOWER

Unknown said...

http://twitter.com/aitmama/status/3663673343

Unknown said...

Entered The Divorce Party giveaway.

CherylS22 said...

I entered the giveaway for ITALIAN FOR BEGINNERS - entries 79, 80, 81
megalon22{at}yahoo{dot}com

rubynreba said...

Different because of the time period
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

Anita Yancey said...

It was told to him by his grandmother. Great review on this book. I really enjoy reading Patterson's books. Please enter me. Thanks!

ayancey(at)dishmail(dot)net

CMash said...

I am a new follower via Readaholic's blog. Big James Patterson fan, just finished reading Swimsuit. Will be stopping by daily to get your reviews to add to my TBR list

Debs Desk said...

I guess this one is different because it is about Alex's trial instead of someone elses..
Thanks
Debbie
debdesk9(at)verizon.net

Debs Desk said...

I entered your giveaway for The Lace Reader.
Thanks
Debbie
debdesk9(at)verizon.net

dag888888 said...

This novel is narrated by Alex Cross!

dag888888[at]yahoo[dot]com

dag888888 said...

I'm a google friend connect follower.

dag888888[at]yahoo[dot[com

dag888888 said...

Entered Confections of a... giveaway.

dag888888[at]yahoo[dot]com

dag888888 said...

Entered Lace Makers giveaway.

dag888888[at]yahoo[dot]com

dag888888 said...

Entered CSN bookshelf giveaway.

dag888888[at[yahoo[dot]com

CherylS22 said...

I entered the giveaway for "Summer of Two Wishes" - entry #46
megalon22{at}yahoo{dot}com

Molly said...

I believe it is different because the author (James Patterson) is actually writing the novel as "Alex Cross" and this is a first for him in that style.


mollydawn1981(at)aol(dot)com

Molly said...

I follow through google friend

mollydawn1981(at)aol(dot)com

Molly said...

I have blogged about this giveaway

http://buuklvr81.blogspot.com/2009/09/only-few-hours-left-hurry-for-chance-to.html


mollydawn1981(at)aol(dot)com

Molly said...

I entered Cleopatra's Daughter giveaway
comment #38

Molly said...

I entered the Lace Reader giveaway

comment #14

mollydawn1981(at)aol(dot)com

Molly said...

I entered the Smart One and the Pretty One giveaway

comment #19

mollydawn1981(at)aol(dot)com

enyl said...

It sounds like the main character is writing a memior.

enyl(at)inbox(dot)com

enyl said...

I'm a Google follower.

enyl(at)inbox(dot)com

enyl said...

I entered the Marylin Monroe giveaway.

enyl(at)inbox(dot)com

The Giveaway Diva said...

i love that he is taking on the voice of Alex and the thought that alex is writing the book!! very cool!

nicolemarielum @gmail.com

janetfaye said...

I have never read any books about Alex Cross so I cannot say what is different.

janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com

janetfaye said...

I am a follower - janetfaye

janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com

janetfaye said...

Tweet:
http://twitter.com/Janetfaye/status/3960058189

janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com

Jaime said...

I have never read a novel by JAMES PATTERSON, would love to read this
copperllama at yahoo dot com

Jaime said...

I am a Google follower

Booklogged said...

The narration of the story is different and it takes place in the 1900s instead of the present day.

booklogged AT gmail DOT com

Booklogged said...

I am a Google friend.

booklogged AT gmail DOT com

Booklogged said...

I entered the World According to Twitter & The Lost Symbol giveaway.

Booklogged said...

I entered the CSN bookcase & books giveaway. Wow! You really know how to host the giveaways! I'm loving it!

booklogged AT gmail DOT com

Booklogged said...

I just entered the giveaway for Sand Sharks. That sounds like a good, good book.

booklogged AT gmail DOT com

Nancye said...

This book is different because it is historically based. He usually writes mysteries or love stories.

nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

Nancye said...

I am a follower

nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

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