Ali Cross The graphic novel

Ali Cross, the son of bestselling author Patterson's Detective Alex Cross, finds new life in graphic novel format. Ali's friend Gabe Qualls has disappeared; several days later, someone breaks into the Cross home. Plus, Ali's father, under investigation for assault charges, is being hounded by the press. Could it all be linked? Ali's friends--all people of color--are sure that the media would be covering the disappearance if Gabe were white; they and Ali's family support him in his search. Alex helps Ali hone his deductive skills, while Ali's grandmother reminds him that he's capable of great accomplishments that were once out of reach for Black kids like him. Though the book includes a few brief fight scenes, this is largely a story of investigation and faith. Ali often prays for Gabe's safe return, and several scenes take place in church. When Ali realizes that the key to the mystery may lie in a popular video game, he begins investigating--and uncovering Gabe's secrets. While the original story was a solidly written mystery, this adaptation falls a bit flat. Settings include many featureless rooms, even in the video game; dialogue and narration dominate, while the visuals are relatively drab and static. Nevertheless, Ali's a compelling protagonist, and hopefully future installments will find him in more thrilling environments than bedrooms or the passenger seat of cars. Lackluster visuals hamper this adaptation, though readers will still root for its kid detective protagonist. (Graphic fiction. 10-14) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.