Mary, Mary (novel)
Mary, Mary represents the 11th installment in James Patterson's series featuring Alex Cross, a former Washington, D.C. homicide detective and forensic psychiatrist who now serves as an FBI agent. Released on November 14, 2005, this novel blends elements of crime, suspense, and thriller genres.
Plot
While vacationing in Los Angeles with his family and girlfriend Jamilla Hughes, FBI Agent Alex Cross becomes involved in a high-profile case after a Hollywood actress is found murdered—shot and with her face mutilated. An email signed by "Mary Smith," which reveals insights into the killer’s psychology and motives, is sent to Arnold Grinner, a reporter at the Los Angeles Times. Given the victim’s connection to the President's wife, FBI Director Ron Burns assigns Cross to lead the investigation despite objections from his family.
Amidst the case, Cross faces personal challenges as Christine gains custody of their son Ali during a custody hearing, restricting Alex to only 40 days of visitation annually. Concurrently, Jamilla discloses that she has been involved with another man while Cross has been occupied with the investigation, leading them to part ways amicably. Throughout the case, Cross shuttles frequently between Los Angeles and Washington, assisted by LAPD officer Jeanne Galleta in unraveling the mystery surrounding "Mary Smith."
As additional victims emerge—including a film producer and a television news anchor—Arnold Grinner himself is murdered. Investigators focus on a blue Chevrolet Suburban spotted near multiple crime scenes. The vehicle’s registered owner, Mary Wagner, becomes a prime suspect. Wagner has a history of mental illness and is believed to have killed her three children two decades earlier before escaping from institutional care.
Supporting evidence includes crime scene markers bearing her children’s initials and her employment as a housekeeper at one of the victim’s residences. However, further investigation uncovers that Michael Bell, who calls himself "the Storyteller," is actually responsible for the murders and has framed Wagner. After a confrontation, Cross fatally shoots Bell. Subsequently, Mary Wagner dies by suicide while in custody.
In the aftermath, Christine relinquishes full custody of Ali back to Cross. Reflecting on recent events and encouraged by his grandmother’s counsel, Alex declines an offer from his friend John Sampson to return to the DC Police Department and begins considering new directions for his career within the FBI.
Sequel
The following novel, Cross, continues Alex's story as he departs from the FBI after the incidents in Mary, Mary and resumes therapy. Having ended his relationship with Jamilla Hughes, he starts dating Kayla Coles—a character introduced in Four Blind Mice. The sequel explores their evolving relationship while Alex confronts a new adversary named Michael "The Butcher" Sullivan, who may have ties to the murder of his late wife.