This is the 3rd installment in the Michael Bennett mystery series by Patterson. Bennett is the widower father of 10 adopted children.  He also is a NYC homicide detective who has an Irish live-in nanny who is deeply in love with him and the kids. Throw in Bennett's wise-cracking Catholic priest grandfather who talks with a thick Irish brogue and never has met a drink offer that he could refuse and there is the formula for a novel reeking in colorful characters.

 

This story is about a terminally-ill-serial-killer who kidnaps offspring of the Rich and Famous, but doesn't ask for any ransom. He has a game-plan that he rigidly follows and nothing will prevent him from reaching is final goal.

 

Bennett is partnered-up this time with a beautiful FBI profiler who specializes in youth hostage retrieval.  She is a 2-year removed divorcee with a 4-year old daughter.  Ironically, that is the only age child that Bennett isn't fathering. Tension and passions rise for both in and out of the squad car. Stir in to the mix that Bennett is suppose to be helping organize a special surprise birthday party for nanny, Mary Catherine, while trying to prevent another senseless murder and the race is on!

 

The dichotomy of Bennett's loving nature and brutal occupation makes this series special.