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An email message from Mary Smith to Los Angeles Times entertainment columnist Arnold Griner opens a tale fashioned by The Storyteller, a vicious killer's self-appointed moniker. The message --- and the slashed body of a prominent Hollywood actress --- tears Agent Alex Cross away from his family vacation in Disneyland.
Poor Alex. He badly needed the time with his kids, not to mention a well-earned rest from his gruesome job with the Bureau. But his background as a gifted psychologist puts him in high demand for a quick profile of this baffling murderer. His boss says Alex's vacation can wait. Of course, the estranged mother of his youngest, Alex Jr., disagrees. She shows up two days before his visitation's scheduled end and whisks their son back to her home in Seattle. To make matters even worse, Alex's girlfriend leaves in a self-righteous huff. This is just what Alex needed --- a little extra stress in his life.
Now, further complicating things, LAPD detective Jeanne Galletta lands the lead on the Mary Smith case. Alex, finding himself technically "available," feels a little erotic magnetism sneaking up on him. Detective Galletta is, after all, certainly not unattractive. He doesn't let it get in the way of his professionalism, though. Or does he? A love life on the rocks coupled with an understanding shoulder to nuzzle can spell fair-sized trouble.
Detective Galletta's slight frame gives a false impression of someone easily pushed around. But she steps in and takes charge in a big way. Unfortunately, it's not swiftly enough to prevent another murder --- which is just about the time that Arnold Griner receives another email. And then another. Why Griner? And what's Mary Smith's motive for these rage-filled killings? After plenty of time spent sifting through clues, Alex finds a direction and runs with it. It dawns on him, with startling clarity, who The Storyteller is, but it might be too late to save the next victim --- or even Alex himself.
James Patterson, a brilliant storyteller, has created another uniquely horrifying villain, allowing his readers a glimpse inside the mind of a person gone far over the edge of sanity. As gripping as all of Patterson's stories, MARY, MARY takes its place alongside his best.
--- Reviewed by Kate Ayers
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