Ali knows about being a respected detective s dad is the famous Alex Cross. So when Ali's friend Gabe goes missing, he fears the worst. A string of burglaries look like a child-size accomplice may be involved, so Ali wonders if Gabe is being forced to participate. When Ali makes contact with Gabe, he's warned to stop searching for his own good. Patterson may have forgotten his audience, as some chapters are narrated by Alex Cross character most readers are not going to recognize. These chapters exist as a somewhat clumsy device to help Ali "discover" things no young detective could realistically discover on his own (surveillance from street cameras, anyone?). However, there are highlights in Ali's first case, such as creatively using an immersive video game environment the preteens are addicted to as a way to communicate with Gabe. Ali is a flawed detective, often rushing into danger without thinking, which makes him more likable. If young readers can get past the dad chapters, they'll find much to like in this first installment. HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: Patterson's banking on the runaway success of his Alex Cross series to spill over into this middle-grade series starter, and with a hefty marketing campaign, he just might be right.

Gr 5 Up-Ali Cross is the son of celebrated Washington, D.C. detective Alex Cross, and his dream is to follow in his dad's footsteps and become a great detective. When his friend Gabe goes missing, Ali sees it as his chance to help the police solve a real mystery. But tensions are high in his community after his dad is accused of hurting a suspect's family member, and Ali has to deal with bullies, reporters, and his own father's protectiveness in his quest to rescue his friend. Told in the alternating perspectives of Ali and Alex, this is a fresh look at the world of James Patterson's most famous protagonist through a middle grade lens. Though the message of police violence is simplistic compared to other offerings for the age group, this entry-level police procedural will be an exciting read. Patterson drops frequent references to other children's detective novels throughout, leaving a breadcrumb trail of recommendations. VERDICT Patterson blends the fun of James Ponti's "T.O.A.S.T." mysteries and Stuart Gibbs's "Spy School" with a bit of commentary about the complications of policing in the modern era. A good buy for any collection serving young Patterson fans and middle grade action/thriller audiences. Madison Bishop, Plymouth Public Library, MA