Another stellar effort - not that I'm surprised, mind you. Washington, D.C., police detective Dr. Alex Cross has long been my favorite of the author's catalog of series characters. Also unexpected, given the title, is the way this one begins: with Cross's upcoming jury trial. The prosecution claims he murdered unarmed cronies of former archenemy Gary Soneji. Alex, of course, insists that they had guns and he shot in self-defense. While awaiting trial, Alex is on suspension and not supposed to have contact with his department - including his former partner John Sampson, who has been recovering from a gunshot would to the head just returned to active duty with a new partner.
Needless to say, Alex doesn't get much time to wallow in self-doubt or worry about whether or not the juries will find him not guilty; early on, a young blonde girl is kidnapped from a school yard - right in front of Alex and his wife Bree's son's eyes. As it turns out, it may not be an isolated incident; horrifying videos begin to appear on the Dark Web that suggest a pattern of similar kidnappings and quite possibly murder. Alex soon hears from his old partner, who needs under-the-table help with the case.
Also meantime, Alex decides to hang out his psychotherapist shingle once again, mostly to keep his mind off the trial. He asks for, and gets, referrals from some of his old cronies. One, an old friend, presents a special challenge; others, however, may not be on the up-and-up. Back at home, the indefatigable (and lovable) Nana Mama holds down the fort as the kids continue to demonstrate their considerable potential.
All in all, a thoroughly enjoyable experience that opens up new possibilities for Alex and the rest of the family.
The People vs. Alex Cross by James Patterson (Little, Brown and Co., November 2017); 413 pp.
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