Mary, Mary (Alex Cross, #11)

Title: Mary, Mary (Alex Cross, #11)

Author: James Patterson

Published in: 2005

Date read: 18th July 2013

Score: 4/5

Genre: Crime, Detective, Thriller

Plot: (Warning, may contain spoilers):
"Mary, Mary" by James Patterson is the 11th novel in the Alex Cross series, published in 2005. This instalment takes Alex Cross out of his usual Washington D.C. haunts and thrusts him into the glitzy, yet sinister, world of Hollywood.

The story begins with Alex Cross on a much-needed family vacation at Disneyland in California. However, his respite is abruptly cut short when he receives a call from the FBI Director: a prominent Hollywood actress has been brutally murdered outside her Beverly Hills home.

Shortly after the murder, a chilling email is sent to a well-known entertainment editor at the Los Angeles Times. The email describes the murder in graphic detail, providing the killer's perspective and motives, and is signed simply "Mary Smith."

Alex quickly realises that this is not an isolated incident. "Mary Smith" has apparently committed similar murders before and promises to kill again, making it clear that Hollywood's A-list is her target. The case immediately draws massive media attention and creates widespread panic among celebrities.

Despite being on vacation, Alex is asked to consult on the case, much to his family's dismay. He finds himself clashing with the local LAPD detectives, who are wary of the famous FBI agent's involvement. However, Alex's unique psychological insights prove invaluable as he navigates the superficial world of celebrity, gossip, and hidden secrets, searching for a pattern or motive behind the seemingly random yet highly personal attacks.

The killer, "Mary Smith," continues to send taunting emails after each murder, detailing the victim's perceived sins and the reasons for their demise. These messages are a key element of the book, providing a chilling window into the killer's disturbed mind. The identity of "Mary Smith" is a central mystery throughout the novel, keeping readers guessing whether the killer is male or female, or if "Mary Smith" is merely a pseudonym.

As Alex delves deeper, he uncovers a twisted motive that connects the seemingly disparate victims. He races against time to identify and apprehend "Mary Smith" before more lives are lost and before the killer can send another chilling update to the media. The investigation is fraught with false leads, red herrings, and the constant pressure of public scrutiny.

In addition to the high-stakes murder investigation, "Mary, Mary" also features subplots related to Alex Cross's personal life. He navigates a challenging long-distance relationship and continues to deal with a complex custody battle for his son, Ali, adding an emotional layer to the already intense professional demands.

The climax of the novel involves a thrilling pursuit and confrontation with "Mary Smith." The reveal of the killer's true identity and the full scope of their disturbed motives are designed to be shocking and unexpected, pushing Alex Cross to his limits once again in his relentless pursuit of justice. "Mary, Mary" is a fast-paced and suspenseful thriller that highlights the dark side of celebrity culture and the psychological complexities of a vengeful killer.

Comments:
I am struggling to remember much about this particular one but I did score it a "4" at the time.

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)