Cross Fire

The prolific Patterson and two fine narrators score a bull's-eye with this 17th Alex Cross adventure. Finally, Alex is going to marry Bree, but the wedding is delayed when snipers begin picking off high-profile characters in Washington. While Cross is jousting with FBI agent Max Siegle, his archenemy Kyle Craig has escaped again and is close at hand. The production is first-rate, and the musical background is perfectly placed for emphasis. Praise is due to Jay O. Sanders for his clear, crisp narration and to Andre Braugher for his accents and believable characterizations. Best of all, Patterson's ending suggests possible new beginnings--maybe even a crossover with another of his favorite characters. A.L.H. (c) AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine