Along Came a Spider by James Patterson was published in 1993. It introduces Alex Cross, a forensic psychologist with a PhD in psychology and a Deputy Chief of Detectives, in this first of twenty-eight novels through 2018.

Two kids from well-known and wealthy families were kidnapped from the Washington Day School in Georgetown.  For such an important case the best of the best are needed. Alex Cross, a black detective with a PhD in psychology, and Jezzie Flanagan, a fast-rising young beautiful and white Secret Service agent are brought into the case and their relationship is a story in this story.

The killer is identified but he seems to be suffering from a multiple-personality disorder. Gary Soneji was obsessed by the kidnapping of the Lindbergh baby back in 1932 and seems to be insane. The other half of this personality is Gary Murphy who in most ways is just a loser but seems like he is a good father and clearly sane man. Gary could switch from blood-crazed madness to clear-eyed sanity in an instant. He is either the helpless victim of a multiple-personality disorder – or a brilliant, cold-blooded manipulator?

The plot twists and turns. Gary isn’t the only challenge we face in an interesting cast of characters.  

If you have not read any Alex Cross novels or maybe just a few you will find this first story to be a valuable read.

Quotes

“What do you talk about to a murderer, and someone you loved, over a perfect dinner and cocktails? I wanted to know so many things, but I couldn't ask any of the real-questions pounding in my head. Instead, we talked of the coming vacation days, a "plan" for the 
here and now in the islands.” 

“Oh no, it’s tomorrow again.” 

“It’s all right to put the weight of the world on your shoulders sometimes, if you know how to take it off.”