Alex Cross’s Trial – James Patterson and Richard Dilallo

 

 

Paperback: 416 pages
Publisher: Grand Central; Reprint  (April 6, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0446561800
ISBN-13: 978-0446561808
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Racism. The Ku Klux Klan. Mississippi. One of the ugliest time periods in American History. Ben Corbett, a white lawyer with a wife and two daughters, is contacted for a special government mission. They want him to go to Mississippi to investigate stories about Lynchings. His contact is Abraham Cross, grandfather to Moody Cross, a relative of Alex’s. Once there, events unfold in often terrifying sequences.

The book is written as a book within a book. The author is really supposed to be Alex Cross writing about event’s in his families past. James Patterson and Richard Dilallo have managed to capture that time, in what I think, is a very realistic manner. Sometimes, maybe too realistic. There were passages where I cringed. The language, the behavior, and the events were true to the time period. The bravery of the main character facing all of this kept driving me onward in the book. The book was sprinkled with famous historical personalities too. I won’t mention which ones, because part of the fun is seeing these people, through he author’s and character’s eyes.

This is one of those books where you hesitate to say you liked it. The story was real, the people seemed real. But the reader isn’t supposed to like it. You’re supposed to hate the fact that this went on. You’re supposed to feel and see things through the eyes of Ben. Some of the scenes involving lynchings presented very strong imagery. Imagery that at times I couldn’t get out of my mind.In that respect I think the author succeeded. There were times where I cheered on Ben, and times where I was ashamed of our nation’s past. I’d recommend it to any James Patterson fans, people interested in early 20th century American history, or just those generally wanting a good book to read. I’m not sure how much Mr. Patterson wrote, and how much Mr. Dilallo wrote, but it was enjoyable. On a family friendly level, I’d say no one under 17/18. There was some strong language, and racially charged situations and language. All seemed withi context, but could be offensive to some audiences.

Be sure to check out our giveaway for this book here.

*Disclaimer* A special thanks goes out to Valerie at Hachette Book Group for a copy of this book.  It in no way influenced my review.

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