I wanted to read this book because I absolutely enjoyed the first seven books in the series. This book is a whole story with a beginning and an ending. However, there is a lot of reference to past villains and past characters in the first couple of books in the series. So, I would recommend reading them first. This series is stressing me out so much.  

This book still follows Alex Cross, who is getting ready to hand in his notice with the Washington Police Department. He is doing one last case for his partner and best friend John Sampson. One of John Sampson’s oldest friend and army buddy has been arrested for murder. Now he is the subject to the iron hand of the United States Army. The evidence against him is strong enough to get him put on death row, but Sampson is certain that his friend has been framed. It's up to Alex and John to get through the grey wall of the army to try and get to the truth.  

My favourite chapters are the ones where Alex defeats the bad guy and usually whilst he is kicking ass. I love how he takes them down and the fact that his emotional state is also depicted in those chapters – like he could die right now, and he is thinking if Nana Mama is making her famous dinner when he gets back and if he can schedule a date with his latest fling. This book also ends with more questions that I would like answers to – especially around the FBI and Kyle Craig. I love the different points of view throughout the book, it made the book interesting and getting to know the victims and the killers and why they picked those people. I love Sampson and I'm so glad he’s back and that he had more of a role within this book. I was worried, he was going to survive this book and I'm so glad he did. I swear anything happens to him or his family, Imma riot. I also didn’t appreciate the Nana Mama health – you don’t scare me like that.  

The only thing that I would say is a weakness for me personally is the short chapters. I just prefer bigger chapters. However, as always, it works well with this style of books and writing.  

I enjoyed this book and managed to finish it pretty quickly. I cannot wait to read the next book and see who Alex is hunting for next and if he manages to leave the Washington Police Department. I gave this book four stars and would recommend it to anyone who is a fan of Chris Carter and tv shows like Law and Order and Criminal Minds.