With over 50 titles selling more than 170 million copies that have spent more than 200 weeks on various national bestseller lists, and several motion picture/TV series treatments, Mr. Patterson and his several collaborators know how to write what the public wants.

This is another compelling mystery trying to be solved by Dr. Cross, Washington, DC's famous shrink/detective.

Unfortunately, Alex has lots of very intrusive family problems vying for his time.

The mystery is complex and well told. You will never guess the ending. There are lots of unanswered questions, though. Who are the enforcers who seem to be everywhere in the world, and how do Alex, his girlfriend Detective Brianna Stone and his faithful sidekick, Sampson avoid the brutality that catches up with everyone else.

Even if you are not familiar with D.C., the setting is clearly described. The hospital setting and dialogue is believable. There is just too much graphic violence for my taste. I don't need to have it all clearly explained. I understand what happens in a wood chipper.