If you’re a fan of thrillers, chances are you’ve heard of James Patterson. The prolific author has penned almost 150 novels, many of which have topped best-seller lists worldwide. His book Criss Cross is no exception. But what happens when we compare Patterson’s work with another thriller heavyweight’s, such as Lars Emmerich’s Burn? In this article, we’ll take a deep look at both novels and try to determine which is better overall.
Overview of the two novels: Criss Cross and Burn
Criss Cross is the 27th novel in the popular Alex Cross series by James Patterson. The book was published in November 2019 and continues the story of Cross, a forensic psychologist and detective. Burn, on the other hand, is the first novel in the “Brotherhood” series by Lars Emmerich. The book was published in August 2018 and introduces us to Jack “Keeper” Marconi, a retired military intelligence officer.
Criss Cross sees Alex Cross investigating a series of gruesome murders that seem to be connected to a case he worked on years ago. As he delves deeper into the investigation, he realizes that the killer may be someone he knows and trusts. The novel is a thrilling page-turner that keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.
Burn, on the other hand, takes readers on a journey through the world of espionage and international intrigue. Jack Marconi is pulled out of retirement to help stop a terrorist attack on American soil. As he races against time to uncover the plot and stop the attackers, he realizes that he may be in over his head. The novel is a gripping thriller that will keep readers guessing until the very end.
Introduction to James Patterson and Lars Emmerich
James Patterson is a household name when it comes to thriller novels. With over 300 million copies of his books sold worldwide, he’s one of the most successful authors in history. Lars Emmerich, meanwhile, is a relative newcomer to the genre. He served for over a decade in the U.S. Special Operations Command and has since written several successful thrillers.
Despite their different backgrounds, both authors share a passion for creating gripping and suspenseful stories that keep readers on the edge of their seats. Patterson is known for his fast-paced plots and complex characters, while Emmerich’s books often feature intricate political conspiracies and high-stakes action.
While Patterson has been writing for decades and has a vast catalog of books, Emmerich is still building his reputation in the genre. However, his unique perspective and experiences in the military have given him a fresh voice in the world of thrillers, and he’s quickly gaining a following among fans of the genre.
Plot summaries of Criss Cross and Burn
Criss Cross follows Alex Cross as he tries to hunt down a dangerous killer known as the “Wolf”. As the body count rises, Cross struggles to connect the dots to stop the killer before it’s too late. Burn, on the other hand, follows Jack Marconi as he gets pulled into a conspiracy involving a terrorist group, corrupt government officials, and his own family’s tragic history. As Marconi races to uncover the truth, he must also protect his loved ones.
In addition to the thrilling plot, Criss Cross also explores the personal life of Alex Cross, including his relationship with his family and his struggle to balance his job with his personal life. The novel also delves into the psychological toll that the hunt for a killer can take on a detective.
Burn, on the other hand, not only features heart-pumping action and suspense, but also touches on themes of loyalty, betrayal, and redemption. As Jack Marconi uncovers the truth about his family’s past, he must confront difficult decisions about who to trust and how far he is willing to go to protect those he loves.
Analysis of the protagonists and their development in the novels
Alex Cross is a well-established character in the thriller genre. He’s flawed, but dedicated, and fans have come to love his tenacity and wit. In Criss Cross, we see Cross struggling with personal issues while tackling a difficult case. We also get to see him interact with his family members and colleagues, which gives us more insight into his character and motivators. Jack Marconi, on the other hand, is a bit of an enigma in Burn. We get glimpses of his past and his motivations, but he’s not as fleshed out as Cross. That being said, Marconi is a likable character, and readers will root for him as he navigates through dangerous situations.
In addition to the character development of Cross and Marconi, the novels also explore themes of justice and morality. Cross, as a detective, is constantly faced with ethical dilemmas and must navigate the gray areas of the law to bring criminals to justice. Marconi, as a former criminal turned private investigator, also grapples with his past actions and tries to make amends for his mistakes.
Furthermore, the settings of the novels play a significant role in the development of the protagonists. Criss Cross takes place in Washington D.C., where Cross is a well-respected detective with a strong support system. In contrast, Burn is set in a small town in New England, where Marconi is an outsider trying to prove himself. The different settings provide unique challenges for the protagonists and add depth to their character arcs.
Examination of the supporting characters and their impact on the storylines
Both novels have interesting supporting characters that play pivotal roles in the plots. In Criss Cross, we have a wide cast of characters, including Cross’s family, colleagues, and suspects. Some characters play more critical roles than others, but they all serve a purpose in moving the story forward and adding depth to the world Patterson has created. Burn has fewer supporting characters, but they’re just as essential. Marconi’s family members and colleagues all have significant moments and contribute to the overall narrative.
Comparison of the writing styles of Patterson and Emmerich
James Patterson’s writing style is concise, fast-paced, and easy to read. He’s known for short chapters and cliffhangers that keep readers turning the pages. Lars Emmerich, meanwhile, has a more descriptive writing style. He takes his time setting up scenes and describing characters and environments. Both styles are effective; it’s a matter of personal preference.
Assessment of the pacing and suspense in both novels
Patterson is renowned for his expertise in building suspense, and Criss Cross is no exception. The book is a page-turner, and readers will be on the edge of their seats throughout. Burn also has its fair share of suspenseful moments. Emmerich’s pacing is slower, but it allows for more build-up and tension.
Exploration of themes present in Criss Cross and Burn, including betrayal, revenge, and redemption
Both novels touch on themes such as betrayal, revenge, and redemption. In Criss Cross, we see characters betraying one another, seeking revenge on others, and trying to find redemption for their actions. In Burn, we see similar themes, with characters seeking redemption for past mistakes and seeking revenge on those who wronged them. Both novels handle these themes well, and they add depth to the stories.
Discussion of the endings of the novels and their effectiveness
Without giving away any spoilers, both novels have satisfying endings. Criss Cross ties up loose ends while leaving enough room for future stories, and Burn sets up a tantalizing cliffhanger for the next installment in the series.
Reception of Criss Cross and Burn by critics and audiences
Both novels have received positive reviews from critics and audiences. Criss Cross has a 4.4 out of 5 stars rating on Amazon, while Burn has a 4.1 out of 5 stars rating. Fans of both authors have praised the books for their engaging plots, likable characters, and masterful writing.
Conclusion: Which thriller novel is better – Criss Cross or Burn?
It’s hard to say which novel is better overall. Both Criss Cross and Burn have their strengths and weaknesses. Patterson’s storytelling and suspense-building abilities are second to none, while Emmerich’s characters are fascinating and well-rounded. Ultimately, the choice comes down to personal preference. If you’re a fan of fast-paced thrillers with likable characters, Criss Cross is the way to go. If you prefer more descriptive writing and character development, Burn is the book for you.