Two children (from two families) of a high official and a famous movie star were kidnapped from a prestigious private school in Washington DC. The boy died of an over dose of a knock out drug. Ransom was paid but the girl was not returned.
The police had a break when an observant citizen gave them crucial information leading them to the kidnapper. The latter escaped but opened fire in Mc Donalds, killing some patrons. He was caught. The media circus started when the defense lawyer called Alex Cross in as a hostile witness. It was unthinkable but the accused was allowed to be placed under hypnosis in court. When the verdict returned, there was a collective sigh that it was life imprisonment for the suspect who could be suffering from a multiple-personality disorder.
From there much happened and it was found that the ransom was hijacked by three FBI agents. Later the girl was found in South America working in a farm. The impression was given in the book that it was easy for the prisoner to escape from prison and kill again. It was interesting that in real life this killer who successfully murdered many was mild as milk. Apparently, many sociopaths are seemingly softies who could not even discipline their own children.
This book reminded me of a local case of kidnapping: the youngest son of a rich family was kidnapped by the husband of an elder sister. This despicable brother-in-law killed the boy and threw the body in the river. This family had to deal with a double blow: besides the death of the youngest boy, they have to help their daughter bring up the son of a murderer!
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