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Article  •  12 May 2016

 

Get the goss' on Alex Cross

All you need to know about James Patterson’s coolest detective.

Looking to immerse yourself in James Patterson’s latest Alex Cross thriller? Maybe you’re new to the series and want to get a feel for the lay of the land? Before you take the plunge into the latest case, brush up on all things Alex Cross via this quick look into the history of the man and his career.

Personal Life

  • Both his parents had passed away by the time he was ten.
  • Of three brothers, all who were raised separately to him, only one remains.
  • His first wife, Maria, was tragically killed in a drive-by shooting.
  • Cross has three children, Damon and Janelle from his first marriage and Ali (Alex Jr) from another long-term relationship.
  • He is now married to Brianna (Bree) Stone, the rising star detective at the MPD.
  • His hobbies include playing piano, in particular Gershwin and classical music, reading and he enjoys boxing lessons with his children.
  • His favourite food is white bean soup and his least favourite is grape jelly omelette. Cross also enjoys fine wine and beer.
  • His favourite holiday spot is the Caribbean.

Career

  • Cross has a PhD in psychology with a special concentration in the fields of abnormal psychology and forensic psychology.
  • He went into private practice in D.C., and he struggled financially for three years before giving it up.
  • He joined the Washington, D.C., Police Department as a psychologist, working in Homicide and Major Crimes as a criminal profiler.
  • He worked with VICAP (Violent Criminal Apprehension Program) as a liaison between the FBI and D.C. police.
  • After his stint as an FBI Senior Agent, Cross returned to private psychology practice and continued to consult for the MPD and the FBI as needed.
  • Cross now works for the MPD as a special consultant to the Major Case Squad.

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