If “Violets are Blue” is your first James Patterson novel, it is a good introduction to his novels regarding Detective Alex Cross, and Patterson’s writing style. Detective Alex Cross is asked to join an investigation of a bizarre murder case, where the victims are hung and drained of their blood, but there is not blood at the crime scene. Were the bodies moved? Where did all of the blood go? Some murders involve a tiger attacking. Are they the same murders or someone completely different? As Alex chases these strange murders across the country he is also haunted by phone calls from a man named only, The Mastermind. Who is this mastermind, and why is intent on Alex and harming those he loves? Will Alex be able to solve the murder case and find out who The Mastermind is before it is too late?
Patterson’s short chapters make it easier to read, almost as if it reads faster. It makes it easier to switch scenes with a short chapter than with longer drawn out chapters. Patterson’s writing is short and to the point, but delivers his message that way he wants. This is something it seems he has lost in his later novels. In Violets Are Blue Patterson takes the myth around vampires and changes it into something different than most stories. He delves into the vampire underworld culture and weaves an uncanny tale of those taking the myth to the extreme. As the readers read through the novel the reader feels for Alex as he struggles with being away from his family for work, but also feeling the need to be with his children as they grow older. The reader’s heart breaks for him, a man wanting to protect his family and find justice for those who are being murdered. Patterson brings emotion into his story that you wouldn’t expect to find in a murder mystery novel.
Characters:
Alex Cross is a strong detective known for his profiling and psychoanalytic skills. He has solved many cases in the past and is stumped and perplexed with this case. What is he missing? What is the link to the murders and the vampire sub-culture? He is a trouble soul with a sad past and a growing future. Will he be able to leave police work? Is that the best way to protect his family? Alex Cross is calculating and thinks through his options before he jumps to action. He tries to think with a clear head even during troubling times with The Mastermind. The character of Alex Cross is a strong on that readers love.
Kyle is an FBI detective who has worked with Alex on several other cases. They seem to have gotten close enough to form a good friendship. Kyle relies on Alex’s profiling and analytical skills to help solve this crime. He seems the type to not like women on his team as he dismisses Detective
Jamilla almost as soon as she begins the case. He is worried about Alex and The Mastermind, he even tries to help Alex track down his calls to find him. He is a character you want to keep your eye on. While he is friends with Alex, there seems to be something off about him, but as a reader you cannot put your finger on it. Jamilla is a feisty California detective Alex meets while investigating the case that begins the cross country goose chase. She is strong willed and a powerful female character. She doesn’t take crap from anyone and speaks her mind whenever it is needed. She is one of those characters that readers will want to see in other novels. She is fun loving and carefree when it is needed but also calculating and opinionated when need be. She is not one to back down from a fight.
William and Micheal are brothers, two peas in a pod so to speak. They grew up in an unusual way, one that would make most people need a therapist. They had already had troubles with the law in the past and seem to be one step ahead of the game. They are searching for the new Sire and follow his rules as they fulfill their mission whatever that may be. They are young men, beautiful in their own right, but scary at the same time. Two boys who let no one get close to them, other than the Sire of course. VIolets are Blue are a great novel for summer reading. It is easy to fly through in one day or two with the shortened novels. It seems faster than books with longer drawn out scenes. The character development is well crafted with characters readers love and characters readers hate. Perfect novel for the beach or poolside.
