Kiss the Girls (Alex Cross, #2)

Title: Kiss the Girls (Alex Cross, #2)

Author: James Patterson

Published in: 1995

Date read: 7th August 2004

Score: 5/5

Genre: Crime, Detective, Thriller

Plot: (Warning, may contain spoilers):
"Kiss the Girls" by James Patterson is the second novel in the Alex Cross series, published in 1995. It's a gripping and deeply personal thriller for forensic psychologist Alex Cross, as he finds himself pursuing not one, but two cunning and sadistic serial killers who operate across the United States.

The story opens with devastating news for Alex Cross: his intelligent and beloved niece, Naomi Cross, a law student at Duke University in North Carolina, has gone missing. Her disappearance is part of a disturbing pattern, as several other young, talented, and beautiful women have also vanished or been found brutally murdered in the Carolinas. The elusive killer leaves behind cryptic notes, calling himself "Casanova."

Driven by a desperate need to find Naomi, Alex travels from Washington D.C. to North Carolina, inserting himself into the local police investigation alongside detectives Nick Ruskin and Davey Sikes, and FBI agents. The initial leads are scarce, and the trail is cold, heightening Alex's fears for his niece's safety.

Adding another layer of horror, simultaneously, on the other side of the country in Los Angeles, a second serial killer known as "The Gentleman Caller" is abducting and murdering young women. These two killers appear to be operating independently but share a twisted fascination with their victims and a macabre interest in each other's exploits. They're playing a deadly game, "collecting" women and communicating through chilling messages.

The turning point in the investigation comes when Dr. Kate McTiernan, a strong-willed doctor and kickboxing enthusiast, manages to escape from Casanova's secluded "house of horrors" in the woods. Her harrowing ordeal and incredible escape provide Alex with crucial information about Casanova's methods and the layout of his lair, though she never saw his face. Kate, having survived the unspeakable, becomes an invaluable, albeit traumatised, ally to Alex in his relentless pursuit.

As Alex and Kate work together, their investigation leads them to uncover the terrifying connection between Casanova and The Gentleman Caller. They realize these are two distinct individuals, but they are "twinning," cooperating and even competing in their horrific crimes across the continent. This realisation amplifies the danger, as they are now hunting not one, but two highly intelligent and depraved predators.

The hunt takes Alex and Kate from North Carolina to Los Angeles, navigating police politics, misdirection, and constant peril. They follow leads that take them into the dark underbelly of both cities, constantly racing against time to save the remaining captives, including Naomi.

The climax involves separate, intense confrontations with both Casanova and The Gentleman Caller. Alex Cross, using his sharp psychological insights and incredible courage, faces his most personal and dangerous villains yet, leading to shocking revelations about their identities and the twisted bond they share. "Kiss the Girls" is known for its intricate plot, relentless suspense, and its exploration of the darkest corners of criminal psychology.

Comments:
This book had lots to live up to after Along Came a Spider and it did not fail to amaze. If you have not read these, please go from the start.

Books that we've read by James Patterson (32):
Along Came a Spider (Alex Cross, #1) (1993), Kiss the Girls (Alex Cross, #2) (1995), Jack & Jill (Alex Cross, #3) (1996), Cat & Mouse (Alex Cross, #4) (1997), Pop Goes the Weasel (Alex Cross, #5) (1999), Roses Are Red (Alex Cross, #6) (2000), 1st to Die (Women's Murder Club, #1) (2001), Violets Are Blue (Alex Cross, #7) (2001), 2nd Chance (Women's Murder Club, #2) (2002), Four Blind Mice (Alex Cross, #8) (2002), The Big Bad Wolf (Alex Cross, #9) (2003), The Jester (2003), 3rd Degree (Women's Murder Club, #3) (2004), London Bridges (Alex Cross, #10) (2004), 4th of July (Women's Murder Club, #4) (2005), Mary, Mary (Alex Cross, #11) (2005), 5th Horseman (Women's Murder Club, #5) (2006), Cross (Alex Cross, #12) (2006), The 6th Target (Women's Murder Club, #6) (2007), Double Cross (Alex Cross, #13) (2007), 7th Heaven (Women's Murder Club, #7) (2008), Cross Country (Alex Cross, #14) (2008), 8th Confession (Women's Murder Club, #8) (2009), Alex Cross's Trial (Alex Cross, #15) (2009), I, Alex Cross (Alex Cross, #16) (2009), The 9th Judgment (Women's Murder Club, #9) (2010), Cross Fire (Alex Cross, #17) (2010), 10th Anniversary (Women's Murder Club, #10) (2011), Kill Alex Cross (Alex Cross, #18) (2011), 11th Hour (Women's Murder Club, #11) (2012), Merry Christmas, Alex Cross (Alex Cross, #19) (2012), Alex Cross, Run (Alex Cross, #20) (2013)