In this legal thriller, serial killer Gary Soneji kidnaps two children, Maggie Rose Dunne (the daughter of a famous actress) and Michael Goldberg (the son of the Secretary of Treasury). Psychologist-turned-detective, Alex Cross, and his partner, John Sampson, try to rescue the children in a dangerous game of cat-and-mouse that will leave the reader in unbearable suspense. The novel is laced with adrenaline-inducing scenes, tearful chapters, and occasional comic relief, thanks to the likable Sampson. If I had any criticism of the book, it would be these things: 1. The book contains very explicit and excessive descriptions of sex. In-fact, the sexual aspect of the book somewhat took away from the story, and it didn't compliment the crime/thriller genre at all. I could have done without the romance entirely. 2. The dialogue was somewhat lacking and unoriginal. I would have liked a few more engaging conversations. 3. I would have liked to have seen some stronger character development in some of the minor characters; however, I will admit that Patterson's beautiful invention of the admirable Detective Cross compensates for it, as he is a really strong and inspiring character. It is no surprise to me that he has been featured in dozens of other novels, as he makes the whole book worth the read. I also really appreciated the surprising twists and turns; just when things started getting predictable, there was a shocking twist that really kept me engaged in the story, and that is nothing short of brilliance on Patterson's work. Overall, Along Came a Spider is a suspenseful crime thriller, drenched with mystery, clever twists, and an exciting story, that will leave your eyes glued to the pages.

Amazing book these Alex Cross books have gotten a younger adult into reading like never before!

James Patterson knows how to masterfully construct people, places and situations.

Really kept me going! Loved take my eyes off the pages! Had to keep going!

This story has a great plot and quite an ending. The movie was just as good. But as usual, the book is better. Because you get the full picture of the author’s intent; not a movie director’s interpretation.

I wasn’t big into reading until I came across JP on the book shelves. I thought he was just one of those authors that wrote nine hundred page books and only had thirty chapters but I still bought it anyway. And I was hooked like a Fish! The man has class and knows how to drive a book and it’s characters to the brink! Will definitely read again.

Excellent story. Good character development, and I look forward to the following stories with Detective Cross. Only complaint is that the gratuitous sex was unnecessary; cheapened the story in my opinion.

This Book is just like all the other Books James Patterson has written about the character Alex Cross was very nice to read and it had so many twists and turns it kept you guessing. I love all of his books

Well told suspense novel. Unfortunately I figured it out early. Still I liked the books plot and characters were well described.

James Patterson is one of the best at creating these fascinating demons and showing you what’s going on in their head. I always find them to be Intriguing and haunting creatures.