The latest Cross novel begins with a woman named Hannah Willis running for her life. A mob thug named Johnny Tucci, aka Twitchy, is trying to deliver a grizzly package, but is intercepted before he can. And Vice President Tillman is ordering chief of staff Gabriel Reese to the Eisenhower Executive Office Building in the middle of the night, where Agent Dan Cormorant briefs him about missing persons, the code name Zeus and a deadly connection to the White House...

"I, Alex Cross," I began, "do solemnly promise—to all those present at this birthday party—to do my best to balance my life at home with my work life, and not to go over to the dark side ever again." - I, Alex Cross, published 2009

Alex makes a promise during a birthday celebration with family and girlfriend Bree. The celebration is interrupted by bad news, Caroline Cross, his late brother’s only daughter, is dead. Alex can’t believe such a beautiful, kind woman was murdered and run through a wood chipper. Barely enough left to get a fingerprint. Also in the grizzly bag are a few personal items, and at her apartment some clues.

And so the ride begins....

Wow, what a listen. The first chapters set up the storyline then it takes off, leaving the reader hanging on for dear life. After Alex discovers Caroline’s current job, and that others like her have also gone missing, he immerses himself in the case.  Alex is again pushed to the edge when something happens to Nana. Patterson has really outdone himself with the cliff-hangers and twists and turns. It’s an outstanding listen. Be sure to hang a ‘do not disturb’ sign before you hit play.