J.D. Robb discussion
This topic is about
Along Came a Spider
Monthly Book Discussion Library
>
Along Came A Spider (Alex Cross #1) by James Patterson - March 2022 -Spoiler Zone
date
newest »
newest »
Mod
Me too, Sandra. I'm hoping to read with everyone.
Like you, Sandra, I've had this series on my list forever...I'm in!
Mod
Oh Charlene...I feel a series read coming on!!! LOL
Mod
Mod
I finished. I loved it too. I read it so long ago that I didn't remember very much.
Mod
Susan wrote: "Did I totally miss something in this book? [spoilers removed] or am I totally missing the whole point"I believe this series started with a nursery rhyme title. I thought Gary Soneji was the spider who sat beside Megan Rose (Little Miss Muffett).
Mod
One of my questions addresses the title. I'll post them tomorrow when we can openly discuss.
Mod
Discussion questions posted below.
Mod
Discussion Questions
1. Along Came A Spider is the title of this book. How does the title relate to the story? In your opinion, who is the “spider�?
2. Alex Cross is a unique hero with what some may say is a big chip on his shoulder. Why do you think Patterson chose a black hero to play this role given the story’s time period? Why give him the added distinction of having a PHD in Psychology?
3. How does the time period and the setting play into this story? Would the story work as well in a different setting or period in history?
4. Jezzie is the supervisor of the Secret Service � a white woman with issues of her own. Why do you think Patterson chose to pair her up with Alex Cross in a taboo love affair given the time period? What were your initial thoughts on her and their relationship? Do you believe either of them really fell in love?
5. The Prologue introduces us to twelve year old Gary Soneji/Murphy. What are your initial thoughts? Why does he describe himself as the Son of Lindbergh?
6. How are the kidnapping of the Lindbergh baby and Maggie Rose & Michael similar? How are they connected?
7. Why did Soneji aka Mr. Chips choose Maggie Rose and Michael Goldman as his victims? Which child do you believe was the true target? Why?
8. Emmet Everett is a black porter who has one scene in the book. Why is it important?
9. Nana Mama is Alex’s grandmother. Other than caring for his two children, what does she bring to the story? What if anything does it reveal about Alex?
10. Did you ever suspect the two secret service agents assigned to protect the kids of being involved before the reveal? Why or why not?
11. Did you suspect Jezzie of having any part in the kidnapping? What do you think motivated her to carry it out � was it just the money? Or something more? Why didn’t she just release Maggie Rose after they got the ransom? Did you ever have any sympathy for her?
12. Gary Soniji/Murphy was a master manipulator. Do you believe he had a split personality? Or was it all a game?
13. In the end, Gary lives to possibly escape again in the future while Jezzie and her secret service lover are put to death. In your opinion, was justice served? Jezzie requests Alex view her being put to death. Why did she need him there? Why did he attend?
14. Considering everything, who is worse � Soneji or Jezzie? Who’s the bigger master manipulator? Why?
1. Along Came A Spider is the title of this book. How does the title relate to the story? In your opinion, who is the “spider�?I posted my answer earlier.
I thought Gary Soneji was the spider who sat beside Megan Rose (Little Miss Muffett). It was interesting to me that this series started with references to nursery rhymes then later the titles all reference Cross.
2. Alex Cross is a unique hero with what some may say is a big chip on his shoulder. Why do you think Patterson chose a black hero to play this role given the story’s time period? Why give him the added distinction of having a PHD in Psychology?
I always thought it was a political statement. The story is an interesting perspective on the limited number of black cops at the time even in areas like DC where the population is predominantly black. Patterson shows that crime in the black community is too often second to crime against the white community. Seeing the case through Cross' eyes gives the injustice a more realistic feel.
Cross is a smart man with a Ph.D., but couldn't make a living as a psychologist so he uses his knowledge to fight crime. Honestly, it was a shock to me that Cross couldn't have a career in his chosen profession and support a family.
3. How does the time period and the setting play into this story? Would the story work as well in a different setting or period in history?Sadly, I believe we still struggle with some of these issues today. This story could play out in many major cities around the world successfully.
DC setting is a good choice as It highlights the duplicity of politicians. They talk a good game but rarely practice what they preach.
What have we got? A missing little girl named Maggie Rose . . . a family of three brutally murdered in the projects of Washington, D.C. . . . the thrill-killing of a beautiful elementary school teacher . . . a psychopathic serial kidnapper/murderer who is so terrifying that the FBI, the Secret Service, and the police cannot outsmart him - even after he's been captured.
Gary Soneji wants to commit the crime of the century. Alex Cross is the brilliant homicide detective pitted against him. Jezzie Flanagan is the first female supervisor of the Secret Service. They complete one of the most unusual suspense triangles in any thriller you have ever read.
Alex and Jezzie are about to have a forbidden love affair—at the worst possible time for both of them. Because Gary Soneji is playing at the top of his game. The latest of the unspeakable crimes happens in Alex Cross's precinct and it happens under the nose of Jezzie and her men.
Alex faces the ultimate test: how do you outmaneuver a brilliant psychopath?
Discussion Questions
(view spoiler)[1. Along Came A Spider is the title of this book. How does the title relate to the story? In your opinion, who is the “spider�?
2. Alex Cross is a unique hero with what some may say is a big chip on his shoulder. Why do you think Patterson chose a black hero to play this role given the story’s time period? Why give him the added distinction of having a PHD in Psychology?
3. How does the time period and the setting play into this story? Would the story work as well in a different setting or period in history?
3. Jezzie is the supervisor of the Secret Service � a white woman with issues of her own. Why do you think Patterson chose to pair her up with Alex Cross in a taboo love affair given the time period? What were your initial thoughts on her and their relationship? Do you believe either of them really fell in love?
4. The Prologue introduces us to twelve year old Gary Soneji/Murphy. What are your initial thoughts? Why does he describe himself as the Son of Lindbergh?
5. How are the kidnapping of the Lindbergh baby and Maggie Rose & Michael similar? How are they connected?
6. Why did Soneji aka Mr. Chips choose Maggie Rose and Michael Goldman as his victims? Which child do you believe was the true target? Why?
7. Emmet Everett is a black porter who has one scene in the book. Why is it important?
8. Nana Mama is Alex’s grandmother. Other than caring for his two children, what does she bring to the story? What if anything does it reveal about Alex?
9. Did you ever suspect the two secret service agents assigned to protect the kids of being involved before the reveal? Why or why not?
10. Did you suspect Jezzie of having any part in the kidnapping? What do you think motivated her to carry it out � was it just the money? Or something more? Why didn’t she just release Maggie Rose after they got the ransom? Did you ever have any sympathy for her?
11. Gary Soniji/Murphy was a master manipulator. Do you believe he had a split personality? Or was it all a game?
12. In the end, Gary lives to possibly escape again in the future while Jezzie and her secret service lover are put to death. In your opinion, was justice served? Jezzie requests Alex view her being put to death. Why did she need him there? Why did he attend?
13. Considering everything, who is worse � Soneji or Jezzie? Who’s the bigger master manipulator? Why? (hide spoiler)]