"Violets Are Blue" is a thriller novel by American author James Patterson, published in 2001. It is the seventh book in the Alex Cross series, which follows the investigations of detective and psychologist Alex Cross. In this installment, Cross is on the trail of a serial killer known as the Mastermind, who has been terrorizing Washington D.C. with a string of gruesome murders. The Mastermind is a ruthless and sadistic killer, and Cross finds himself in a race against time to stop him before he strikes again. Along the way, Cross must confront his own personal demons, including his troubled relationship with his girlfriend and his conflicted feelings about his career as a detective. The book is known for its fast-paced action, tense suspense, and gripping plot twists. It has been praised for its vivid descriptions and its ability to keep readers on the edge of their seats from beginning to end.