Double Cross (novel)
| Industry | Publishing |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | United States |
| Products | Books |
Double Cross represents the thirteenth installment in the Alex Cross series authored by James Patterson, centered on Detective Alex Cross. The book was published on November 13, 2007, and achieved the top position on The New York Times bestseller list by December 2, 2007.
Plot
Four years prior, Kyle Craig was incarcerated for offenses detailed in Roses Are Red and Violets Are Blue, swearing vengeance against Detective Alex Cross, who apprehended him. In the present timeline, Alex, now practicing as a psychologist, is pulled back into law enforcement following the murder of crime author Tess Olsen in Washington, D.C. A video capturing her death carries a chilling message: "In your honor." Working alongside officers Brianna 'Bree' Stone and John Sampson, Alex uncovers the killer’s modus operandi—uploading videos online and assuming various identities for each homicide—leading to the moniker "DCAK" (DC Audience Killer).
Simultaneously, Kyle Craig escapes custody by using a lifelike mask supplied by his attorney Mason Wainwright, who sacrifices himself in Craig’s stead. Craig continues his killing spree, including the murders of his own mother and an unsuspecting woman in Iowa. Balancing his psychological practice, Alex re-engages with the DC Metropolitan Police Department to pursue the growing string of murders.
FBI agent Brian 'Kitz' Kitzmiller becomes involved as a copycat emulating DCAK emerges, escalating the danger. The killer’s digital footprint expands through multiple websites featuring horrific material. Personal challenges arise when Alex’s son Damon runs away after missing an opportunity to attend Cushing Academy; their relationship is eventually mended.
The murderer taunts Alex with cryptic messages and orchestrated killings, such as that of a pregnant woman at the National Air and Space Museum. After a copycat is discovered deceased, Bree survives an assault. Suspicion centers on Tyler Bell, sibling of a previous killer whom Alex had eliminated.
Kyle Craig reappears in Paris before returning to Washington to assassinate Judge Nina Wolff, who sentenced him. Sandy Quinlan, one of Alex's patients, discloses connections to the case before departing town.
Alex and Bree identify DCAK’s true identity as Anthony Demao, who also masqueraded as reporter Neil Stephens. The woman impersonating Sandy is unveiled as Anthony’s sister Sarah Dennison. During a confrontation, Bree fatally shoots Sarah; Anthony escapes but sustains injuries inflicted by Alex. Kyle Craig surfaces again, nearly killing Alex until Bree intervenes; Craig flees after deliberately missing a shot aimed at Bree.
The story concludes with Alex sending Damon off to Cushing Academy and receiving news of another murder in Georgetown, setting the stage for the following novel, Cross Country.
Release details
- 2007, USA, Little Brown, November 13, 2007, Hardback, ISBN 0-316-01505-9