Read this for my James Patterson book club at work and I surprisingly didn’t hate it. Gotta give props to Dolly Parton who probably made this book enjoyable to read with her input. The friendship/relationship between AnnieLee and Ruthanna was a highlight for me.

The book was okay. I felt like it was written specifically for the purpose of turning it into a movie, and trying to capitalize on the success of A Star Is Born. Entertaining but not groundbreaking.

Dolly Parton

James Patterson

Need I say more?

I don't but I will-

While I'm not sure what I was expecting with this duo this is a charmingly perfect collab-

Annielee Keyes; she's stubborn, head strong, but whatever you do DONT call her little. She shows up in Nashville with her backpack and a big dream. Like everyone else in Nashville she wants to be on stage with her name in lights.

Being a star on the rise and on the run comes with its challenges.

Are the glittering lights of Nashville enough to keep her dark past from catching up to this firecracker?

Really enjoyed this book. This was a very easy read, but I would not categorize this as a thriller at all. The thrill was definitely lacking and the story was slow at some points.

I grew up, listening to and loving @dollyparton . When I ran across the book, Run Rose Run written by her and @jamespattersonbooks , I knew it would be a must read. A novel that glitters with suspense, a character who loves sequins, and a young girl (AnnieLee Keyes) who comes from nowhere, rises to the top, with support and love of a newfound friend and famous singer (Ruthanna Ryder). With flawed characters, hidden secrets, determination, and a little romance, this book was well written, and a quick read. Run Rose Run has suspenseful turns, a few surprises, and an ending that leaves possibilities open: will there be a sequel? If you enjoy Dolly Parton and enjoy her latest album Run Rose Run that this novel is based on, then I highly recommend the read. You will laugh, cry, and have joy and excitement, as well as suspense and frustration. Just like every day life, AnnieLee allows us to feel her every emotion as she goes from a nobody to a somebody so quickly. Follow me on Facebook and Instagram at booksbrewsbotanicals

** spoiler alert ** Dolly Parton's part in this audiobook was truly the highlight of the story, her character was interesting and charismatic just like she is, but every other character was fairly one-dimensional. It was very hard to get attached to the main character, and the ending twist where you find out her dark story was very fast and felt almost thrown away. It felt like watching a made for TV movie. Entertaining enough, but very forgettable.

I tell you what, if you don’t just love Dolly Parton, there might be something wrong with you. This book was instantly appealing because she was a co-author. To be fair, I would have read it anyway because I also love James Patterson, but Dolly’s involvement made it that much more exciting. Is there anything that woman can’t do? This book revolves around the country music industry, so Dolly’s voice shines brightly through every page. (Is it just me, or did anybody else imagine Reba McEntire as Ruthanne?) Everything about this story was just a fun read, even the darker areas of the story. This novel is not the thorough, in-depth mystery and drama we have come to love from James Patterson. Instead, we get a lighter story of perseverance, romance, and personal success. There really could have been much more digging into this entire story, and I would have really enjoyed that, but it’s good just the way it is. I would have enjoyed more of the story around Ruthanne and Jack, but since they were not the main focus of the story as a whole, I’ll just be satisfied with the way it ended. I also with we got more of Annielee’s (Rose’s?) backstory, and what exactly happened to her. All of that seemed to be sort of rushed and not very developed. I also had a really hard time wrapping my head around the idea of a girl trying desperately to run away from someone into a situation that would make her face show up all over the damn place. That didn’t make a whole lot of sense to me. Seems like she turned herself into a shiny beacon directing all of the world’s attention her way, which is the opposite of trying to hide from somebody dangerous. Those are the reasons this one fell short of that coveted fifth star, but otherwise it’s a great book. I wish I could say more, but I really don’t want to give any of the story away. It is a bit of a mystery. So, I’ll cut myself off and recommend you pick this one up.

Interesting and fast read

3 Stars ⭐️

While tracking down a murderer targeting high profile DC elite, Alex partners with the FBI. His new partner is not who Alex thinks he is and his whole world comes crumbling. I would have given this a much higher rating except for the over abundance of adult and graphic language. Completely unnecessary. It also seemed like everyone from Alex’s past was thrown in the book. Trigger warning: violence and strong language.

While tracking down a murderer targeting high profile DC elite, Alex partners with the FBI. His new partner is not who Alex thinks he is and his whole world comes crumbling. I would have given this a much higher rating except for the over abundance of adult and graphic language. Completely unnecessary. Trigger warning: violence and strong language.

AnnieLee Keyes shows up in Nashville with nothing but a backpack and a dream. She’s sleeping in the park at night and working the bars at night just signing for food. When a band member of Nashville’s daughter “discovers” her and takes her to the music star. Doors star opening up for AnnieLee. But as these doors open, her dark past catches up with her. The audible was well narrated and I enjoyed the parts where Dolly narrated. I think she brought a little of the Nashville music scene in the book. It was written well enough where the suspense of AnnieLee’s past keep you intrigued. I appreciate that this book did not have the language, graphic violence and sexual content. There is reference to sex trafficking and domestic abuse but it’s not detailed and graphic.

Reading about the life of an upcoming country music star is very different for me. However I thought the thriller aspect of this paired with her life story and upcoming was amazingly done. The twist wasn’t that shocking but I still enjoyed it. I didn’t really like the songs that go along with it so I kinda just played old taylor swift songs and let my imagination run free. I had a really good experience reading this! Super short chapters as well

I might be a bit bias, but Dolly Parton is one of my idols so i blasted through this book. 5 stars, all around. I didn't know what I was expecting to read with this collab, but the story was pure, charming and absolutely everything I wanted from Dolly.

Didn't vibe with it. Some parts were good tho.

Alex Cross investigates another set of gruesome murders...

The sublime Alex Cross and co is back! I love this series so much. There is no dumbing down of plot to play to the masses. It's buckle up and prepare to be bamboozled at every turn. Just when you think you have the plot sussed...blammo you get hit in the grey matter by another twist! Alex and his family attend the funeral of the late present who had died from a brain tumour. But as the Big Wigs and political piranha settle in with the new President, Alex has some new patients to deal with. But Alex is still on retainer to the FBI and they need Alex to profile the assassin of a senator. But in a slight conflict of interest, Bree is the Chief of Detectives who are also investigating the death. But as one assassin is uncovered, two more pop up. Then there are assassins taking out assassins, closing dead ends in an effort to head off the investigations into more high profile assassinations. Add in cryptocurrency plots, political backstabbing and the Cross family are once again front and centre in the action. There was a nice sub plot involving the budding romance of Alex's son. The other subplot involving Alex new patient is a doozy and again you're left reeling and trying to grasp the "WTF" moments! Its fast paced, tumultuous, terrifically twisty and just all around brilliant writing!

Alex Cross travels to be a witness at the execution of a killer that he and a former partner convicted. However, before the death certificate is even dry another killer strikes, one with alarming similarities to that of the recently deceased killer. Are they looking at a copycat? Did they get the right guy first time around? The Edgerton family are wealthy beyond belief and they vow to ruin Alex and prove that he fromaed Michael. Can Alex prove the conviction was safe before the killer takes someone close to home? This a great book and Mr ptterson has long been the master of the Craft but I do feel that the series is starting to log slightly. There are only so many times the Cross family can be in peril and survive. Still a tightly crafted story, just wondering if it's time for Alex to retire and a new leading man emerge?

Quick read.. and of course very familiar

Ali Cross is the son of famous detective Alex Cross. Alex is currently on suspension from the police force due to an incident in which Alex is accused of pushing the father of a suspect down a set of stairs putting him in a coma. Adding to the stress of the investigation is a friend of Ali's that has gone missing. Ali is frustrated with the pace of the search for his friend, so he uses some of the skills that he has learned from his father to begin his own inquiry. The book, Ali Cross, successfully begins this new middle grade mystery series. Several twists and turns as well as the introduction of suspects and clues move this story along at a nice pace. Throughout the book, we get both Ali's perspective as well as that of Alex. The dual perspectives add interest as both investigations proceed though the book. Unfortunately, the characters in this story come off as a little flat. The character of Alex isn't developed as it should be since most middle grade readers won't be familiar with Alex Cross. Overall, the Ali Cross series shows promise and this book is a good introduction.

I really liked this book (I mean, I like pretty much all of his books!). I like the way he had Kyle Craig act. It made the book even creepier!!!

Alex Cross is a character that I've been spending time with for about 11-12 years. So when I saw on Goodreads that there was a book that was all about his youngest son, Ali, I knew I had to pick it up and immediately put it on hold at my local library. My favorite part about this was that the book happens concurrently with the last Alex Cross book I read (The People vs. Alex Cross). I enjoyed seeing that story from the perspective of Ali, since we don't usually read from his perspective in the adult novels. Ali's personality didn't change from the adult novels to this one (middle grade), so I'm glad to see the consistency in Patterson's writing across age / reader levels. Ali takes detective work into his own hands when his friend disappears. Does he cross the line in what he should be doing? Yes absolutely. Is this in line with the Ali we all know and love? Yes absolutely. Overall, this was so much fun! Obviously, a middle grade mystery is not going to be the same experience as an adult mystery. However, it was still a ton of fun and exactly what I enjoy in a mystery book. Trigger warnings: burglary; kidnapping.