Step on a Crack
Step on a Crack marks the inaugural installment in the Michael Bennett series authored by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge, centering on Detective Michael Bennett and his family of ten children. The book was published on February 6, 2007.
Plot summary
Following the death of a former First Lady, a grand memorial service is held at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City, attracting a host of prominent figures from politics and entertainment. During the ceremony, armed assailants lock down the cathedral, taking all attendees hostage and demanding ransom payments from the affluent captives. As negotiations unfold, the kidnappers begin executing hostages, including the city's mayor.
Leading the response, NYPD Detective Michael Bennett manages communication efforts alongside the FBI. A failed tactical operation results in losses among law enforcement personnel. Concurrently, Bennett receives devastating news that his wife Maeve’s cancer has reached a terminal stage.
Once the ransom is paid, the gunmen request a convoy of identical sedans to facilitate their escape. The NYPD arranges for snipers to intervene as hostages exit; however, all individuals emerge indistinguishable, clad in matching robes and hoods. The vehicles depart in two convoys but both crash into the Hudson and East Rivers respectively. Utilizing SCUBA equipment pre-positioned underwater, the criminals evade capture while hostages are freed.
One of the sedans is commandeered by hostages who crash it into a car dealership, killing one gunman inside. Due to severely damaged fingerprints, Bennett suspects that the perpetrators have succeeded in their plan. He returns home to be with his family.
On Christmas Eve, Bennett visits Maeve in the hospital with their ten adopted children. As midnight arrives on Christmas Day, Maeve shares her final words of love before passing away. The family grieves deeply and later holds her funeral.
A week later, forensic analysis identifies the deceased gunman as a corrections officer from Sing Sing prison—an important lead for investigators. During a visit to Sing Sing with fellow officers, the principal assailant reveals himself and attacks Bennett. The confrontation ends when an inmate retaliates against the guard for previous mistreatment. Bennett intervenes to save the prisoner and ensures he is returned to New York City to face justice.
With all suspects apprehended, Bennett spends New Year's Eve with his children as they continue processing Maeve’s passing and look toward healing.
Film adaptation
In an interview with Vanity Fair, Patterson disclosed that plans for a cinematic version of Step on a Crack are currently in progress.
Release details
- 2007, US, Little Brown, February 6, 2007, Hardcover