It seems that every time I complete a James Patterson thriller, there is always a new one waiting for me, the title of which I can find at the top of any bestseller list. Step on a Crack is the most recent addition to the Patterson legacy and it, like all the books that predate it, will leave readers unable to place the book on their nightstand until the very last page.

This novel begins with the death of the former first lady as she dines on a celebratory meal with her husband. The list of funeral attendees rivals any red carpet as celebrities clamor to pay their final respects at the highly-publicized event held at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in the center of Manhattan. As the funeral moves forward, so, too, does a ruthless plot to take over the church and hold the A-list (and some B-list) stars hostage. Within minutes, the publicity intended for high-profile funeral transforms into a media frenzy covering the unfolding of a sinister plot to extort millions of dollars from some of the country’s most high-profile citizens.

As professionals gather to assess the gravity of the situation, it comes as no surprise that top-notch detective Michael Bennett is called upon to defuse the situation. Although Bennett is consumed with caring for his ten adopted children during the holiday season as his wife is confined to the hospital to continue her courageous cancer battle, he knows that he is the city’s best chance of resolving the situation with as few causalities as possible.

In Step on a Crack, both the hostage situation and Bennett’s personal life unfold simultaneously. This dynamic results in a perfect balance between suspense and drama that will satisfy all Patterson fans who are thankful for the storytelling gift which he continues to generously share.