When a mysterious serial killer known as M launches a deranged investigation Alex Cross and his partner must unearth longforgotten secrets to survive or risk getting buried themselves. In a Virginia penitentiary Alex Cross and his partner John Sampson witness the execution of a killer they helped convict. Hours later they are called to the scene of a copycat crime. A note signed M rests on the corpse. You messed up big time Dr. Cross. Was an innocent man just put to death Alex soon realizes he may have much to answer for as M lures the detective out of the capital to the sites of multiple homicides all marked with distressingly familiar details details that conjure up decadesold cases. Details that conjure up Cross family secrets. Details that make clear that M is after a prize so dear that were the killer to attain it Alexs heart would no longer have reason to beat. show more