The wilds of Montana is where most of this book takes place and there is hardly a moment to breathe with everything Alex and Sampson are facing. Overall, this was one of the better Alex Cross novels, moving the “M” storyline forward to a hopeful conclusion in the next book which will be his 30th outing.

The setting is a little different to the usual (country Montana for the last part), and Bree is running her own business (suspend belief on that aspect of the plot), but that is about where it ends on the novelty front.This longstanding series has evolved over the years into action packed fast paced reads with some being a tad better than others (although I've not read a dud one yet). Alex and his DC police partner, John Sampson, are ready to leave on their man-trip to in the deep Bob Marshall Wilderness of Montana and enjoy horseback riding and rafting.

The sub-plots involving the exploits of Bree Stone—Cross’s wife and former Metro PD detective—on her mission to Paris to nab a rotten, embezzling billionaire, and Ali Cross’s skills of detection, are engaging, too. Cross is his usual go-getter self, swooping in to help as best he can, while also rescuing his wife from danger as she investigates something over in Europe. However, their Metro DC Police Commissioner demands that they attend the crime scene where the body was left. Alex Cross enters the final battle with the all-knowing genius who has stalked him and his family for years. Alex Cross and Detective John Sampson venture into the rugged Montana wilderness--where they will be the prey.

I picked this one up and realized how much I enjoy this series and will go back to read the ones I have missed. Say what you will about James Patterson, his short chapters and ability to compel readers to see what happens next has not declined over the years. I am somewhat intrigued by the ending and even if this one isn’t high up on my series favorites, I’ll still be eagerly awaiting the next.