Ali Cross isn’t where he should be. He told his nanamama (Great Grandmother) he was doing his school project at his mates’ house but he’s actually at a music festival with his friends and a girl he likes. Zoey’s mum is an up and coming artist in the Washington DC music scene.

Zoey says she is going to catch up with her mum backstage and she’s not gone long when they hear a loud bang. Ali is the son of Detective Alex Cross and a big fan of the TV Show Law and Order. He knows that sound was a gunshot.

Suddenly people are running at them from that direction, but he only has thoughts of Zoey. Ali and his friends find her with a bullet wound to her wrist. Ali applies first aid, ensuring Zoey doesn’t lose too much blood. She’s woozy with shock and pain, but acts weird when Ali asks her about the person he saw her with. Is she hiding something?

Ali is in trouble with his nanamama and his dad for lying about where he was, but not before he’s labelled a hero by Zoey’s famous (in Washington DC) singer mum. After Zooey’s strange behaviour both at the shooting and afterwards in hospital, Ali has decided to dig deeper into the shooting. With his friends he is soon on the hunt for possible suspects and clues.

In his investigation he follows Zoey to a homeless camp where he learns her father lives. They, like Ali’s classmates, are angry that more isn’t being done to combat the constant shootings of Black Americans. Ali experiences racism and prejudice first hand when he tries to help a homeless woman being treated badly by police.

Digging deeper and refusing to give up, Ali finally discovers the truth about why Zoey won’t reveal the shooter.

No. 2 in this series, Like Father, Like Son is a quick read, and will appeal to reluctant readers with its  likeable characters, modern slang and clever raps. Ali learns more about police work and wider community, and pushes his boundaries even more than before –  if only for all the right reasons.

This story is a great starting line for discussions about race and prejudice in our communities, and empathy and understanding for others.

Fast-moving, topical, entertaining read.

Author – James Patterson

Age – 12+

Read a Review for the 1st book in this series (Click on the Cover)

(2021, Penguin Random House, Action, Crime, Family, Friendship, Mystery, Prejudice, Racism, School, Secret, Series, Police, Black Lives Matter, Homeless People, Music, Empathy)