Alright, buckle up, thriller fans! We’re diving into James Patterson’s “Cat and Mouse,” featuring everyone’s favourite (apparently) and slightly traumatized detective, Alex Cross.

This wasn’t my first James Patterson and I .remember his writing style from the only other book I read aeons ago: Private India by James Patterson and Ashwin Sanghi. More on that later.

Except this one was more gruesome and vivid, not for my liking. 

Where are my manners? Let’s start from the start.

This one’s a game of cat and mouse, as the title so creatively suggests eyeroll. A twisted killer is on the loose, leaving a trail of bodies and cryptic clues that would make the Riddler blush. Alex, ever the charmer, gets pulled into this twisted web when the “man” himself calls him to the union train station for the first-ever killing spree of the story. And we then stumble onto a gruesome tale.

Since this was only my second of James Patterson, there was something I noticed afresh–short,  very short sentences. Short chapters, some even 1.5 pages long. This book has 130 chapters in 510 pages, about 4 pages per chapter. This was an interesting way of structuring and pacing a book. Gives the reader a time to breathe.

Now, Patterson’s known for his fast-paced, short chapters that keep you hitting “next page” like a fiend possessed. This book is no exception. You’ll be racing through the story, dodging red herrings, skipping through the gory, because there is PLENTY.

Oh, the gory.

Gary is Gory. His acts, thoughts are gory. And this book is littered with gory, gruesome details. After 50 chapters, I started skipping through most of to maintain my sanity.

There are twists and turns galore, some predictable, some genuinely surprising (though let’s be honest, we all love a good twist, even if we see it coming a mile away). There was only one. The rest were all predictable, especially in the second half of the book.

My biggest grouse with the book was repetition. What’s with the obsessive repetition?

• First, it was Alex Cross constantly thinking about Gary Soneji that “there must be a clue”,
• and Gary Soneji himself thinking the same shitting things over and over and over and over again “I’m in control. Nobody else knows how this will end.”
• and then Thomas Pierce constantly trying to find a pattern in Mr Smith’s killings.
• And lastly again Alex Cross trying to find a pattern in Thomas Pierce and the clues he left behind.
• Lastly, these lines:
  • “Thomas Pierce was here, so was Mr Smith”, 
  • “Thomas Pierce said, or was it Mr Smith”
  • has been used so generously, that half of the second part is filled with just this. I get dramatic writing and repetition plays an important part in it but this one got to my nerves.

Parting Thoughts

While packing for my short trip to Bangalore, I picked up this one from the mystery box I ordered from Kitabay.com. This is out of my league. I hope somenof the remaining nine books are more to my liking.

Here’s the thing: If you’re looking for a literary masterpiece with profound social commentary, this ain’t it. But, if you want a thrilling ride with a good dose of suspense and enough chills to keep the fridge door shut tight, then “Cat and Mouse” will deliver. Just don’t expect Shakespearean prose.

So, the verdict?

For fans of fast-paced thrillers: Heck yeah, pick it up!

For those seeking literary depth: Maybe give this one a miss and go for Dostoevsky instead (but seriously, there are other great thrillers out there with more substance).

Bonus points if: You enjoy Alex Cross (because, well, it’s an Alex Cross novel) and don’t mind the occasional eye roll-worthy moment.