Along Came a Spider
Discover the classic thriller that launched the #1 detective series of the past twenty-five years, now one of PBS's "100 Great American Reads"
Alex Cross is a homicide detective with a Ph.D. in psychology. He works and lives in the ghettos of D. C. and looks like Muhammad Ali in his prime. 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. But he also has two adorable kids of his own, and they are his own special vulnerabilities.
Jezzie Flanagan is 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 as 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. 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.
Reviews
In this legal thriller, serial killer Gary Soneji kidnaps two children, Maggie Rose Dunne (the daughter of a famous actress) and Michael Goldberg (the son of the Secretary of Treasury). Psychologist-turned-detective, Alex Cross, and his partner, John Sampson, try to rescue the children in a dangerous game of cat-and-mouse that will leave the reader in unbearable suspense. The novel is laced with adrenaline-inducing scenes, tearful chapters, and occasional comic relief, thanks to the likable Sampson. If I had any criticism of the book, it would be these things: 1. The book contains very explicit and excessive descriptions of sex. In-fact, the sexual aspect of the book somewhat took away from the story, and it didn't compliment the crime/thriller genre at all. I could have done without the romance entirely. 2. The dialogue was somewhat lacking and unoriginal. I would have liked a few more engaging conversations. 3. I would have liked to have seen some stronger character development in some of the minor characters; however, I will admit that Patterson's beautiful invention of the admirable Detective Cross compensates for it, as he is a really strong and inspiring character. It is no surprise to me that he has been featured in dozens of other novels, as he makes the whole book worth the read. I also really appreciated the surprising twists and turns; just when things started getting predictable, there was a shocking twist that really kept me engaged in the story, and that is nothing short of brilliance on Patterson's work. Overall, Along Came a Spider is a suspenseful crime thriller, drenched with mystery, clever twists, and an exciting story, that will leave your eyes glued to the pages.
By BellaWolf13
Amazing book these Alex Cross books have gotten a younger adult into reading like never before!
By coreyhoro
James Patterson knows how to masterfully construct people, places and situations.
By Maryweather
Really kept me going! Loved take my eyes off the pages! Had to keep going!
By zolaspace
This story has a great plot and quite an ending. The movie was just as good. But as usual, the book is better. Because you get the full picture of the author’s intent; not a movie director’s interpretation.
By Omi-Oma