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"Along Came a Spider"

By James Patterson | Published: February 1, 1993

AMAC'S ANALYSIS

Alex Cross is a homicide detective with a PhD in psychology. When some deranged killer begins murdering and mutilating victims in the projects, Alex Cross and his partner are keen to find the killers. But when a couple of high-profile students are kidnapped from a school, Alex and his partner, Sampson, are taken off the project murders and put on the kidnapping case. Initially, Cross is unhappy about this, because no one ever cares about victims in the projects. But Cross soon learns that there is a close link between these two cases. While investigating the kidnappings, Cross finds himself at the heart of the situation. And a romantic interest proves to be more interesting than Cross could ever imagine.

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MEET THE AUTHOR

James Patterson

James Patterson is the most popular storyteller of our time. He is the creator of unforgettable characters and series, including Alex Cross, the Women’s Murder Club, Jane Smith, and Maximum Ride, and of breathtaking true stories about the Kennedys, John Lennon, and Tiger Woods, as well as our military heroes, police officers, and ER nurses. Patterson has co-authored #1 bestselling novels with Bill Clinton and Dolly Parton, and collaborated most recently with Michael Crichton on the blockbuster Eruption. He has told the story of his own life in James Patterson by James Patterson and received an Edgar Award, ten Emmy Awards, the Literarian Award from the National Book Foundation, and the National Humanities Medal.

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DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
  • 1. Along Came a Spider is the title of this book. How does the title relate to the story? In your opinion, who is the “spider”?
  • 2. Alex Cross is a unique hero with what some may say is a big chip on his shoulder. Why do you think Patterson chose a black hero to play this role given the story’s time period? Why give him the added distinction of having a PhD in Psychology?
  • 3. Jezzie is the supervisor of the Secret Service – a white woman with issues of her own. Why do you think Patterson chose to pair her up with Alex Cross in a taboo love affair given the time period? What were your initial thoughts on her and their relationship? Do you believe either of them really fell in love?
  • 4. How are the kidnapping of the Lindbergh baby and Maggie Rose & Michael similar? How are they connected?
  • 5. Why did Soneji aka Mr. Chips choose Maggie Rose and Michael Goldman as his victims? Which child do you believe was the true target? Why?
  • 6. Did you suspect Jezzie of having any part in the kidnapping? What do you think motivated her to carry it out – was it just the money? Or something more? Why didn’t she just release Maggie Rose after they got the ransom? Did you ever have any sympathy for her?
  • 7. In the end, Gary lives to possibly escape again in the future while Jezzie and her secret service lover are put to death. In your opinion, was justice served? Jezzie requests Alex view her being put to death. Why did she need him there? Why did he attend?
  • 8. Considering everything, who is worse – Soneji or Jezzie? Who’s the bigger master manipulator? Why?
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Barbara Wooten
Barbara Wooten
1 year ago

Will read! Highly recommend the Andrew Klavan mysteries. New one in November 2024

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Stephanie
Stephanie
1 year ago

I read all those books in order, as they came out. I’d have to read a synopsis or something to remember but I know it was good. I’m waiting not so patiently for the new Alex Cross to come out in November

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Iris
Iris
1 year ago

I read this many years ago. Loved the Alex Cross series

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donald iarussi
donald iarussi
1 year ago

how much to subscribe?

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