One person you don't want to meet is "The Butcher"! If you saw him in a crowd, he would probably fit in just like one of the others but he is not your normal person. The Butcher is Michael Sullivan who was a hit man for the mob. Now the tables have turned.

Something happened one day that changed the life of Alex Cross. Due to several unscheduled meetings and mounting paperwork, Alex was late picking up his wife, Maria. He parked his car and started to walk toward her office. Suddenly, he saw her coming out the front door loaded down with folders and paperwork. As Maria tucked her face into his shoulders, Alex heard gunshots. Maria had been shot. By the time Alex got her to the hospital, it was too late to save her. To make matters worse, Maria was pregnant. Why would someone want to kill Maria?

Maria's killer was never found and the case turned cold. Alex is now working as a psychologist. His former partner, John Sampson, asks for help in tracking a serial rapist. Alex could not refuse when it is discovered that there is a connection between the rapist and the killer of Maria.

Is Alex Cross successful at finding the killer of Maria?

James Patterson has always done a masterful job with his characters. This book is no exception. The Butcher, even though he is evil, appears to be very smart. It is interesting to see how he can be so smug and confident in getting away with all the things he did over the years. However, he has met his match with Alex Cross. James Patterson makes it a game between the two to see who will win! There are many Alex Cross books out there and they are all thrillers. They never get boring. Be sure to add this one to your reading list.

REVIEWED BY NANCY EATON

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