Mary, Mary

FBI Agent Alex Cross's vacation in Los Angeles turns into a murder investigation when a Hollywood actress is found dead - shot and mutilated. The case gains national attention when the killer, who signs emails as "Mary Smith," sends detailed messages to a Los Angeles Times reporter about the murder. The investigation becomes more complex as Cross balances the high-profile case with personal challenges. His long-distance relationship with San Francisco detective Jamilla Hughes faces strain, while a custody battle for his son Ali adds another layer of pressure to his professional duties. Cross must find the killer dubbed "Mary Smith" while navigating a web of Hollywood connections, email evidence, and possible links to other victims. The FBI's involvement stems from the murdered actress's connection to the First Lady, putting additional pressure on Cross to solve the case. The novel explores themes of identity, justice, and the cost of pursuing criminals while maintaining personal relationships. It examines how public and private lives intersect in the world of law enforcement, particularly for those who hunt serial killers.

Readers praise Patterson's fast pacing and short chapters in this Alex Cross installment, with many noting they finished it in one or two sittings. The Hollywood murder plot and email-based killer caught readers' attention, and fans appreciated seeing more of Cross's personal life and family dynamics. Common criticisms focus on predictable plot twists, with multiple readers saying they identified the killer early on. Some found the relationship drama between Cross and his girlfriend Jamilla repetitive. Several reviewers noted the case itself wasn't as compelling as previous Cross novels. Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (98,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (1,200+ ratings) Barnes & Noble: 4.4/5 (250+ ratings) Sample reader comments: "Perfect airplane read - quick and entertaining" - Goodreads "The personal storylines overshadow the actual mystery" - Amazon "Not his best Cross book but still kept me reading" - Barnes & Noble

The Bone Collector by Jeffery Deaver A quadriplegic forensics expert and a detective hunt a serial killer who leaves staged crime scenes with cryptic clues throughout New York City.

The Surgeon by Tess Gerritsen A Boston detective tracks a methodical killer who recreates past crimes with surgical precision on new victims.

The Face of Death by Cody McFadyen An FBI agent specializing in serial killer cases pursues a murderer who targets families and forces mothers to choose which of their children will die.

Dead Simple by Peter James A detective superintendent investigates when a groom vanishes after a bachelor party prank, leading to revelations of calculated murders.

The Killing Hour by Lisa Gardner An FBI academy trainee connects the dots between current abductions and past murder cases where the killer leaves geographical clues to find victims.

🔍 "Mary, Mary" is Patterson's 11th novel in the Alex Cross series, which has sold over 100 million copies worldwide. 💫 The book's Hollywood setting was inspired by Patterson's own experiences in Los Angeles during his early career in advertising. 🎬 The novel explores real issues facing the entertainment industry, including the dark side of fame and celebrity stalking - problems that have affected numerous Hollywood stars. 👥 Alex Cross's character was partially inspired by Patterson's grandfather, who was a principal and educator, sharing Cross's dedication to both his profession and family. 📊 The book spent 9 weeks on the New York Times Best Seller list after its release in 2005, selling over 2 million copies in its first year.