Common Sense Media Review
By Mary Eisenhart
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Exciting first case for detective's middle-school son.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
ALI CROSS is the youngest son of Alex Cross, the African American detective hero of James Patterson's best-selling adult mystery series, set in Washington, D.C. Ali's determined to follow in his father's footsteps. And, when Gabriel, one of his middle school classmates, goes missing instead of showing up for their regular online game, Ali's determined to find him and bring him back. Ali's dad and stepmom (also a cop) are supportive and the police on the case, but also distracted by a police-brutality court case that could change the family's lives forever. So Ali figures it's mostly on him and his friends to find Gabe.
Is It Any Good?
James Patterson delivers an appealing hero, engaging characters, plenty of action, and a raft of book recommendations in this series debut featuring the young son of his noted detective Alex Cross. A master storyteller who's determined to make more kids like reading, he's off to a promising start as middle-schooler Ali Cross matches wits with online gamers and real-life criminals in his quest to find and save his missing friend.
"The whole thing was legit creepy, like something out of movies Gabe and I had seen together. He was probably laughing his butt off about this somewhere. I'd kill him later. Just as soon as I made sure he was okay."
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about detective stories, and why they're so popular. How does Ali Cross compare to others you've read? Have you ever thought you'd like to be a detective yourself?
Ali's older sibs excel at sports, his older brother plays for the same college that was once home to NBA star Stephen Curry, and his sister's being scouted by colleges. Do you like sports? Are you interested in pursuing an athletic scholarship by getting really good at your favorite sport?
Do you know any kids who are being pressured (or threatened) by family members or others into doing things they know are wrong? Is there anything you can do to help?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Mystery
- Topics : Adventures , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Friendship , School ( Middle School )
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : JIMMY Patterson Books
- Publication date : November 25, 2019
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 10 - 14
- Number of pages : 320
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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