Alex Cross
Also published as CROSS
by James Patterson
Little, Brown 2012
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 5.1 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
Themes include trauma and memory
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Genre
Themes
- justice vs. vengeance
- grief and healing
- family and responsibility
- obsession
- trauma and memory
- morality in law enforcement
- serial crime and investigation
- loyalty and partnership
About this book
Years after his wife was murdered in a drive-by shooting, former FBI agent and psychologist Alex Cross has rebuilt a quieter life in Washington, D.C.—until new evidence draws him back to the case that shattered his family. Facing a sadistic killer tied to organized crime, Cross is torn between justice and vengeance as he races to uncover the truth behind his wife’s death while protecting the family he has left.
Setting: Washington, D.C., contemporary United States
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alex Cross right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Alex Cross. The reading level is AR 5.1, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 14+ (9th–12th grade). Themes include justice vs. vengeance, grief and healing, family and responsibility.
How long does it take to read Alex Cross?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Alex Cross takes around 7.5h to finish. The book has 74,640 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Alex Cross have an AR quiz?
Yes — Alex Cross has an AR quiz available, worth 11 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is Alex Cross?
Alex Cross has an AR reading level of 5.1, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Upper Grades (9–12) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.