Along Came a Spider

James Patterson

Book 1 in the series:Alex Cross

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'Along Came a Spider' by James Patterson is the first novel in the Alex Cross series, introducing readers to the brilliant homicide detective and forensic psychologist, Alex Cross. The plot revolves around Cross investigating the kidnapping of two children from high-profile families by a psychotic school teacher, Gary Soneji. The book is a psychological thriller that delves into the mind of the deranged killer, while also exploring themes of class, authority, and psychology. The writing style is fast-paced and suspenseful, keeping readers guessing and engaged throughout the story.

The narrative unfolds as Cross, along with a female supervisor of the Secret Service, Jezzie Flanagan, is pitted against Soneji in a suspenseful triangle. The story is filled with unexpected twists and turns, leading to a thrilling and action-packed read. The book showcases Cross's complex character, his flaws, and his humanity, making him a compelling protagonist in the crime thriller genre.

Characters:

Characters like Alex Cross exhibit depth and complexity, while supporting characters may feel less developed, leading to some predictability in dynamics.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is simplistic with short, choppy sentences, ensuring easy reading through brief chapters, though it may lack depth in dialogue and character realism.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot captivates with its diverse vocabulary and a suspenseful unfolding centered on a kidnapping linked to a murder investigation, interwoven with themes of class and racial dynamics.

Setting:

The story is set in Washington, D.C., showcasing socio-economic disparities and racial tensions through its various locations.

Pacing:

The pacing is generally fast, with short chapters to keep readers engaged, though some critique unevenness, particularly in character development.

EARLY ON THE MORNING of December 21, 1992, I was the picture of contentment on the sun porch of our house on 5th Street in Washington, D.C. The small, narrow room was cluttered with mildewing winter c...

Notes:

The novel 'Along Came a Spider' is the first book in the Alex Cross series, which began in 1993.

James Patterson is known for his diverse vocabulary and intriguing linguistic expressions.

Alex Cross, the protagonist, is a homicide detective and a psychologist, adding depth to his character.

The story involves a kidnapper named Gary Soneji who connects murders and kidnappings.

Readers appreciate the fast pace of the book, largely due to its short chapters.

The book explores themes of racial prejudice, especially in the context of how murders in low-income neighborhoods are treated compared to high-profile kidnapping cases.

Cross's character shows vulnerability, as he is not always portrayed as a flawless detective, adding realism to the narrative.

Patterson's writing style features occasional humor, though responses to it vary among readers.

The character Jezzie Flanagan, a Secret Service agent, is deemed both appealing and suspect among readers, leading to discussions about her role in the story.

The novel incorporates psychological elements that intrigue readers, particularly in the portrayal of Soneji's character and his motivations.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book features content warnings related to violence, kidnapping, and themes of mental illness which may be unsettling to some readers.

Has Romance?

There is a noticeable romantic subplot between Alex Cross and Jezzie Flanagan, suggesting a medium level of romance.

From The Publisher:

'No one gets this big without amazing natural storytelling talent - which is what Jim has, in spades. The Alex Cross series proves it.' LEE CHILD, international bestselling author of the Jack Reacher series

The legendary thriller that launched the international Alex Cross phenomenon

Two children have been kidnapped from an elite Washington D.C. private school. Detective Alex Cross must find them.

The kidnapper's identity is quickly determined: Gary Soneji, a maths teacher at the school. But identifying him and capturing him are two very different things, and as Cross's pursuit of the sinister kidnapper escalates, it becomes increasingly clear that Soneji is no get-rich-quick opportunist.

He's something far more dangerous, and the missing children are pawns in Soneji's deadly game. Cross soon realises that the crime goes far deeper than just two children - and begins to uncover connections to the most notorious unsolved kidnapping in history…

Adapted as a major Hollywood movie starring Morgan Freeman

Ratings (54)

Incredible (4)
Loved It (25)
Liked It (15)
It Was OK (8)
Did Not Like (1)
Hated It (1)

Reader Stats (76):

Read It (61)
Want To Read (13)
Not Interested (2)

1 comment(s)

Maggie Elisabeth Casteen

Loved It

2 years

Along came a spider is one of the few books by James Patterson I enjoyed reading. It had plenty of action as Dectective Alec Cross plays a dangerous game of cat-and-mouse with a psychopath. What really made the book so great was that I never saw the ending coming. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys mysteries or thrillers.

What can you read after
Along Came a Spider?

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About the Author:

JAMES PATTERSON is one of the best-known and biggest-selling writers of all time. His books have sold in excess of 400 million copies worldwide. He is the author of some of the most popular series of the past two decades - the Alex Cross, Women's Murder Club, Detective Michael Bennett and Private novels - and he has written many other number one bestsellers including stand-alone thrillers and non-fiction. James is passionate about encouraging children to read. Inspired by his own son who was a reluctant reader, he also writes a range of books for young readers including the Middle School, Dog Diaries, Treasure Hunters and Max Einstein series. James has donated millions in grants to independent bookshops and has been the most borrowed author in UK libraries for the past thirteen years in a row. He lives in Florida with his family.

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