Review: Along Came a Spider by James Patterson

Title: Along Came a Spider (Alex Cross, #1)

Author: James Patterson

Format: Paperback, 449 pages

Published: 2003 by Grand Central Publishing (Originally published in 1992)

ISBN: 0-446-69263-8

Genre: Fiction, Mystery, Adult

Rating: 5 Stars

Read Count: 1

Synopsis:

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 is so terrifying that the FBI, the Secret Service, and the police cannot outsmart him - even after he's been captured.

Gary Soneji wants to commit the crime of the century. Alex Cross is the brilliant homicide detective pitted against him. Jezzie Flanagan is the first female supervisor of the Secret Service who completes one of the most unusual suspense triangles in any thriller you have ever read. 

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 is playing at the top of his game. The latest of the unspeakable crimes happens in Alex Cross's precinct. It happens under the noses of Jezzie Flanagan's men. Now Alex Cross must face the ultimate test: How do you outmaneuver a brilliant psychopath?

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 My Thoughts 

Along Came a Spider is the first adult book I've read by James Patterson. I've read part of the Maximum Ride series and a couple of the Daniel X books so this was a big change but I absolutely loved this book.

The story takes place in Washington, D.C. as Detective Alex Cross takes on psychopath Gary Soneji who in his own words "wants to be somebody" so he decides to get the attention he thinks he deserves by kidnapping two rich kids and murdering whoever gets in his way or strikes his fancy pretty much.

I will admit that I didn't realize how many characters Patterson kills in his books so I was a little disturbed by the murders and gore but it really does take you into Soneji's crazed mind. Alex is a nice character, he does a few things that made me want to smack him but for he has a good heart and wants to protect the innocents no matter what and his partner Sampson helps keep things light sometimes with a smart ass remark or joke.

There are twists and turns along the way and brilliant characters so if you love a good mystery and an interesting main character I definitely recommend Along Came a Spider.

 About the Author 

James Patterson has created numerous enduring characters in novels that showcase the intertwined power of plot and emotion. He is the world's most popular writer, with over 240 million copies of his books sold worldwide.

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