Kiss the Girls

James Patterson

Book 2 in the series:Alex Cross

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In Kiss the Girls by James Patterson, Detective Alex Cross is faced with a chilling case involving two serial killers operating on opposite coasts of the United States. The killers, known as Casanova and The Gentlemen Killer, are kidnapping and murdering young women, with their paths eventually crossing as they communicate and compete with each other. The book delves into the dark and graphic nature of the crimes, keeping readers on edge with its suspenseful plot twists and fast-paced storytelling.

The writing style of James Patterson in Kiss the Girls is action-oriented and straightforward, allowing readers to easily navigate through the intense and disturbing storyline. The book explores themes of horror, competition, and collaboration between the two cunning killers, creating a sense of unease and fascination as Detective Alex Cross races against time to solve the terrifying murder case.

Characters:

Characters are well-developed, with Alex Cross portrayed as both a compassionate father and a fierce detective, while the serial killers exhibit chilling complexity.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by short chapters, straightforward prose, and multiple perspectives, creating an engaging and fast-paced experience.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot centers around the chilling interlinking of two serial killers targeting beautiful women, with Alex Cross personally invested in finding his kidnapped niece.

Setting:

The setting alternates between unsettling urban environments in North Carolina and California, contributing to the story's intensity.

Pacing:

The story is fast-paced and relentless, with short chapters that maintain reader engagement and tension throughout.

IWAS on the sun porch of our house on Fifth Street when it all began. It was “pouring down rain” as my little girl Janelle likes to say, and the porch was a fine place to be. My grandmother had once t...

Notes:

Alex Cross is a Washington DC detective and psychologist.

In this book, Alex's niece goes missing, prompting him to team up with local authorities.

The story features two serial killers: one called Casanova in North Carolina and another known as the Gentleman Caller in California.

Women are being abducted, and some are found murdered while others are still missing.

The book contains graphic depictions of violence, including sexual assault, which some readers find disturbing.

Alex Cross is portrayed as a tough investigator and a caring father.

The narration of the audiobook is by Michael Kramer, who has been noted for his good performance.

This is the second book in the Alex Cross series and can be read as a standalone.

The story's structure involves multiple perspectives, including that of the victims and the killers.

The author James Patterson is known for his short, punchy chapters which keep the story fast-paced and engaging.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings for Kiss the Girls include graphic depictions of rape, torture, kidnapping, and abuse.

From The Publisher:

'No one gets this big without amazing natural storytelling talent - which is what Jim has, in spades. The Alex Cross series proves it.' LEE CHILD, international bestselling author of the Jack Reacher series

The second novel in the bestselling Alex Cross series

Detective Alex Cross is caught between two murderous masterminds - and so is his family…

When his niece Naomi goes missing, Alex Cross follows the trail - and discovers links to a string of recent abductions and murders, with one horrifying complication.

There are two killers at work on opposite sides of the country, collaborating and competing to commit the worst crimes the country has ever seen.

With his family at risk, Cross knows that his investigation is putting him directly in the line of fire…

Adapted as a major Hollywood movie starring Morgan Freeman

Ratings (30)

Incredible (3)
Loved It (14)
Liked It (7)
It Was OK (6)

Reader Stats (41):

Read It (35)
Want To Read (5)
Not Interested (1)

What can you read after
Kiss the Girls?

See the list (80 books)

About the Author:

JAMES PATTERSON is one of the best-known and biggest-selling writers of all time. His books have sold in excess of 400 million copies worldwide. He is the author of some of the most popular series of the past two decades - the Alex Cross, Women's Murder Club, Detective Michael Bennett and Private novels - and he has written many other number one bestsellers including stand-alone thrillers and non-fiction. James is passionate about encouraging children to read. Inspired by his own son who was a reluctant reader, he also writes a range of books for young readers including the Middle School, Dog Diaries, Treasure Hunters and Max Einstein series. James has donated millions in grants to independent bookshops and has been the most borrowed author in UK libraries for the past thirteen years in a row. He lives in Florida with his family.

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