Double Cross
by James Patterson
Little, Brown 2007
Book 4 of Noughts & Crosses
Easy read — content targets 9th–12th grade
Reading level 5.1 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 14+
Book 4 in a series — earlier books first
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Genre
Themes
- serial killers
- cat-and-mouse pursuit
- media sensationalism
- revenge and obsession
- psychological manipulation
- law enforcement teamwork
- identity and deception
- family vs. duty
About this book
Alex Cross is drawn into a deadly game when a showman-like serial killer turns Washington, D.C., into his stage, broadcasting gruesome murders for maximum attention. As media frenzy grows, Cross and Detective Brianna Stone race to decode the killer’s patterns—just as Cross’s brilliant old nemesis resurfaces, making the hunt terrifyingly personal.
Setting: Contemporary Washington, D.C., and the U.S. East Coast (mid-2000s)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Double Cross right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Double 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 serial killers, cat-and-mouse pursuit, media sensationalism. Note: this is book 4 in a series — your child should read the earlier books first.
How long does it take to read Double Cross?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, Double Cross takes around 8.0h to finish. The book has 79,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Double Cross have an AR quiz?
Yes — Double Cross has an AR quiz available, worth 12 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 Double Cross?
Double 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.