Patterson, James, 1947- Alex Cross series

"The suspense classic Along Came a Spider introduced an unsurpassed rivalry: Detective Alex Cross, the 'human superhero' (New York Times) versus Gary Soneji, the 'most deliciously wicked character since Hannibal Lecter' (Lexington Herald-Leader). But that wasn't their first meeting. Police discover that Soneji kept a murder book, Profiles in Homicidal Genius, detailing his transformation from substitute teacher to hardened serial killer--including clues that imply missteps that Alex Cross may have made a rookie homicide detective. Now Alex must retrace the steps of that long-ago investigation and face the return of the spider"--

Detective Alex Cross is pitted once again against serial killer Gary Soneji. A newly discovered "murder book," Profiles in Homicidal Genius, reveals Soneji's evolution from teacher to killer and hints at mistakes Cross may have made early in his career. Forced to revisit the original case, Cross must confront his past and a renewed threat in the Return of the Spider