A missing little girl named Maggie Rose.
A family of three brutally murdered in the projects of Washington, D.C.
The thrill-killing of a beautiful elementary school teacher.
A psychopathic serial kidnapper/murderer who calls himself the Son of Lindbergh. He is so terrifying that the FBI, the Secret Service, and the police cannot outsmart him — even after he’s been captured.
Gary Soneji is a … been captured.
Gary Soneji is a mild-mannered mathematics teacher at a Washington, D.C., private school for the children of the political and social elite. He’s so popular that the kids all call him “Mr. Chips.” And he’s very, very smart. Growing up, he always knew he was smarter than the rest of them — he knew that the Great Ones always fooled everybody. He kidnaps Maggie Rose, the golden-haired daughter of a famous movie actress, and her best friend, Shrimpie Goldberg, the son of the secretary of the treasury, right out from under the noses of their two Secret Service agents. But Gary Soneji is not surprised at his skill. He’s done it before. Hundreds of times before.
Alex Cross is a homicide detective with a Ph.D. in psychology. He looks like Muhammad Ali in his prime. Cross works and lives in the ghettos of D.C. He’s a tough guy from a tough part of town who wears Harris Tweed jackets and likes to relax by banging out Gershwin tunes on his baby grand piano. He has two adorable kids of his own. They are his own special vulnerabilities.
Jezzie Flanaganis the first woman ever to hold the highly sensitive job as supervisor of the Secret Service in Washington. Blond, mysterious, seductive, she’s got an outer shell that’s as tough s it is beautiful. She rides her black BMW motorcycle at speeds of no less than 100 mph. What is she running from? What is her secret?
Alex Cross and Jezzie Flanagan are about to have a forbidden love affair-at the worst possible time for both of them. Because Gary Soneji, who wants to commit the “crime of the century,” is playing at the top of his game. The latest of the unspeakable crimes happened in Alex Cross’s precinct. They happened under the protection of Jezzie Flanagan’s men. Now Soneji is at large again, still wreaking havoc.
Alex Cross must face the ultimate test as a psychologist: how do you outmaneuver a brilliant psychopath? Especially one who appears to have a split personality — one who won’t let the other half remember those horrific acts?
Soneji has outsmarted the FBI, the Secret Service, and the police. Who will be his next victim?
Gary Soneji is every parent’s worst nightmare. He has become Alex Cross’s nightmare. And now, reader, he’s about to become yours.
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this is the first book in a series of books staring Alex Cross. Paterson does an amazing job of building his hero and whatever villain Alex must face. His plots also keep you on the edge of your seat. I highly reccomend any book with Alax Cross as the hero, not so much James Paterson’s other books.
James Patterson at his page-turning best. I didn’t just read this to keep myself entertained, but to learn from the master.
This was my introduction to Mr. Patterson, and I must admit it left an amazing first impression, so much so, he is now on my auto-buy list!! Love his writing!!
This is the beginning of the Alex cross series. Must read. Once you start this series, you won’t stop till you’ve read everything Patterson has written. His imagination is limitless.
I love James Patterson. His books are always edge of your seat thrill rides. This one was true to form. Suspenseful to the end.
You don’t see it comming.If you think it’s a typical murder who done it, then you are in for a surprise. No wonder they made a movie about it. Kidnappings,sexual overtones, murder what makes you tick it’s all there.
This is the first James Patterson book I read. It got me hooked and I’ve now read all his books. These early ones that he wrote solo are my favorite. Great book.
I know I liked it, because I like James Patterson. However I don’t remember it, as I read it years ago.
The book was fast paced and the characters were life like. I would and have shared this book with others. Thanks k
This is the book I read that started myself to read.
A great intro to a memorable character and his world, but suffers from some lame stereotypes.
My first foray into Patterson’s work, I can say this book kept me intrigued.
I will get this part out of the way though, as it’s not really reflective of the book itself; I am not a fan of 1st person narrative. Never really have been. All of Alex …
Love the Alex Cross character and series!
All of James Patterson cross books are great. I’ve luckily got the entire series and read it at least once a year.
This was the first James Patterson book I ever read. I was instantly hooked.
Truly enjoyed it, every page!
James Paterson is everywhere. So it was about time i checked out his first book. From the first page to the last, i had to keep going to see what was going to happen next. No wonder he’s so successful!!
this book gave me chills and made me fall completely in love with the writings of James Patterson.
Fantastic book, a must read
Classic James Patterson superb story telling. If you’ve read any of his more recent factory produced junk writing go back and read one that show cases what his talent once was.
A page turner. Enjoy!