Step on a Crack: a novel by James patterson and Michael Ledwidge

Better than his usual pablum***

Another of James Patterson's ghostwritten books. This one continues the brand. But it has a little more sizzle and interest than some of his other recent "novels". The plot revolves around an audacious mass kidnapping as celebrities gather in St . Patrick's Cathedral in New York for the funeral of the First Lady who died at a restaurant there, suppposedly of an allergic reaction. Truth is, she was murdered to set the scene for the gathering of the wealthy and the mighty at St. Patick's. Thrust into the role of negotiator is Michael Bennett, a senior NYPD homicide detective. Michael has a wife dying of cancer and 10 adopted children (yes 10). Mike tries to reason with the lead kidnapper known as Jack but a couple of deaths later the cops know that Jack is not kidding around. Ultimately the ransom money is wired to an overseas account. But how will the kidnappers escape? The police find and block a tunnel the kidnappers had been planning to use. But Jack has a Plan B. It would spoil the story to reveal how they escape, but escape they do in a very imaginative fashion. But the best part comes when Mike pursues a lead and traps the kidnappers in their lair.