"The man is the master of this genre. We fans will have one wish for him: write even faster’

--USA Today

"Will have readers eagerly turning the pages to follow the wily twists and turns of Patterson’s fast-paced and menacing new novel...an enrapturing thriller’

--Bookpage

You are about to read James Patterson’s sixth No. 1 bestseller in a row, and perhaps his best.

Around noon, I got a call on my cell phone. ’Just checking in,’ the Mastermind said. ’How is San Francisco, Alex? Lovely city. Will you leave your heart there? Do you think it’s a good place to die?’

The Mastermind of ROSES ARE RED is back - and he’s hot on Alex Cross’s trail. His cold, taunting threats leave Alex angry and deeply concerned for his family’s safety.

Meanwhile, Alex is drawn into his most bizarre investigation yet. Two San Francisco joggers are found dead - bitten and hung by their feet to drain the blood, further murders in California, and then on the East Coast as well, completely baffle Alex and the FBI. Is this the work of a cult, of role players, or even of modern-day vampires? Desperate to stop the deaths, Alex teams up with Jamilla Hughes, a savvy woman detective, and the FBI’s Kyle Craig. But Alex has never been closer to defeat, or in greater danger.

In a shocking conclusion, he must survive a deadly confrontation - only to learn at last the awful secret of the Mastermind.

Prologue

Without Any Warning

Part One

The California Murders

Part Two

Blood Lust

Part Three

Murder In The South

Part Four

Hunt

Part Five

Violets Are Blue