Cross Fire
by James Patterson
Little, Brown 2010
Book 17 of Alex Cross
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 5.3 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
Book 17 in a series — earlier books first
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- political corruption
- justice versus vigilantism
- obsession and revenge
- family and loyalty
- moral ambiguity
- power and conspiracy
- law enforcement ethics
- cat-and-mouse pursuit
- terror and public fear
About this book
Detective Alex Cross’s wedding plans to Bree Stone are derailed when a sniper begins assassinating corrupt Washington, D.C., power players. As Cross hunts the killer, his most dangerous nemesis resurfaces with a plan to destroy Cross and everyone he loves, pushing the detective into a high-stakes showdown amid political intrigue and personal peril.
Setting: Contemporary Washington, D.C., including federal buildings, neighborhoods, and law-enforcement hubs
Readers also enjoyed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cross Fire right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Cross Fire. The reading level is AR 5.3, 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 political corruption, justice versus vigilantism, obsession and revenge. Note: this is book 17 in a series — your child should read the earlier books first.
How long does it take to read Cross Fire?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Cross Fire takes around 8.8h to finish. The book has 87,300 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Cross Fire have an AR quiz?
Yes — Cross Fire 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 Cross Fire?
Cross Fire has an AR reading level of 5.3, 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.