Along Came a Spider

Alex Cross still lives in the neighborhood where he grew up—Washington Southeast. Why does he choose to live here? What does this reveal about Alex, as both a resident and police detective?

When Alex and his partner, John, investigate Gary Soneji’s apartment, they find posters hanging around the bathroom mirror along with a sign that reads “I want to be somebody.” What is the significance of these posters? How do they help Alex profile Gary?

Gary Soneji/Murphy kidnaps Michael Goldberg and Maggie Rose Dunne, and it is initially believed Michael was the target. Is this true? What argument could be made for Maggie being the target?

When the ransom demand is made, the note specifically asks for Alex to deliver the ransom. Why does Alex become obsessed with finding out why he was chosen for the drop-off?

Nina Cerisier comes forward months after the Sanders murders to give eyewitness testimony. What does this say about the relationship between the Washington Southeast residents and the police? Why does Jezzie dismiss Nina’s testimony? Does this dismissal affect the relationship between Alex and Jezzie?

Gary Soneji/Murphy claims to have dissociative identity disorder (DID) once arrested. What is this disorder? Why does Alex struggle in determining whether Gary is faking DID or not?

Jerrold Goldberg and Thomas Dunne turn on Alex after the ransom is lost. Why? Do the fathers have reason to blame the police, and Alex in particular? How does press coverage impact the case and Alex’s career?

Alex determines Gary was under surveillance before the Sanders murders and learns from Gary that Secret Service agents were watching him. How did this surveillance change both the Sanders case and the kidnapping case? How does this information notify Alex of Jezzie’s involvement in the kidnapping?