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Review Of Pop Goes The Weasel by James
Patterson
I've read most of James Patterson's novels in recent years and
have particularly enjoyed the Alex Cross series. Alex is a
Washington police detective, psychologist and profiler who is
responsible for catching several high profile serial killers
who have a habit of taunting and endangering him and his
family.
Pop Goes The Weasel, one of the earlier Alex Cross novels
starts out with the murder of a young black prostitute whose
body is dumped naked in Washington. Alex ties the murder in
with others that have occurred where the victims clothing and
identification have been removed. His boss doesn't agree and
orders Alex to investigate another higher profile case of the
murder of a businessman, but Alex and his lifelong friend
police officer John Sampson continue to investigate the series
of killings in their own time.
This isn't a whodunit; we learn right at the beginning that the
serial killer Geoffrey Shafer works for the British Embassy in
Washington and has diplomatic immunity. He has a wife and young
family who believe that he is Mr wonderful because that is the
way that he behaves towards them. In private Geoffrey carries
out an online fantasy game called the Four Horsemen with 3
other ex British secret service officers. In the game Shafer's
name is Death and the aim amongst the 4 players is to create a
'better' fantasy than the other 3 players but none of the
players are sure if the other players stories are just fantasy
or true.
Alex Cross is a widower with 2 children and a girlfriend called
Christine. Early on in the novel Christine accepts a proposal
from Alex and they go on holiday with his family to Bermuda.
During the holiday Christine disappears and it is months before
Alex discovers whether she has been kidnapped or murdered, or
whether or not Christine's disappearance is tied to the murder
investigation.
My Review
Although I have enjoyed reading all of the other novels in this
series I didn't find Pop Goes The Weasel as gripping as the
rest. Perhaps because the character of Geoffrey Shafer wasn't
as believable as James Patterson usually makes his characters.
The plot was a little too intricate to be believable and at
times I lost the plot with it.
What I like about the Alex Cross series is the interaction
between Alex and his family - especially Nana. Alex's elderly
grandmother Nana lives with and looks after him and his 2 young
children. A wise lady, who at over 80 has more energy than most
of us at half of her age. You often find humour in their
conversations and the love between them is apparent.
James Patterson has invented a strong well thought out
character in Alex who is dedicated to his family and job. At
times the job seems more important but then there are
heart-warming scenes with his family to temper the more
gruesome accounts of murder.
The story also shows how police forces may differentiate
wrongfully between crimes and the classes of victims.
Prostitutes are human beings and have just as much right as
businessmen not to be offended against and investigations
should have equal importance.
Although I got a bit lost during the last few chapters the
ending was satisfactory with a few surprises. Pop Goes The
Weasel is certainly worth reading if you like this genre, but I
would advise that you read the series from the beginning
through rather than in a mixed order as I
have.
by Patricia Jones - 11th September 2008
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Patricia has been writing reviews and articles for several
years. You can find more of her work at www.bb-articles.com where you can also
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websites and ezines.
To learn about making money from writing visit www.cashwrite.info
Review Source:
http://www.creativewriter.me.uk
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