Step on a Crack

THE FIRST BOOK IN JAMES PATTERSON'S #1 BESTSELLING MICHAEL BENNETT SERIES!

During a state funeral for a beloved former First Lady in New York City's largest cathedral, the unthinkable occurs. Armed men disguised as monks seize the church and seal themselves inside, along with more than one hundred of the most powerful people in America. The captives include world leaders, actors, TV stars, athletes, and politicians, and the kidnappers are armed with enough C4 explosives to blow a crater in the middle of Manhattan.
NYPD officer Michael Bennett is pulled into the standoff as lead negotiator. Despite the escalating danger, Michael faces an even more terrifying crisis at home. His wife has been diagnosed with a devastating disease, and Michael faces the prospect of losing the love of his life and having to raise their ten children alone. With his own life teetering and the lives of thousands suddenly his responsibility, Michael struggles to diffuse the tense situation fast. Yet the kidnappers' moves are impossible to predict, and they block every attempt to break into the cathedralmost as if they are privy to their deliberations.

The world’s most powerful people have gathered in St Patrick’s Cathedral, New York , to mourn the unexpected death of a former first lady. Then suddenly they find themselves trapped within one man’s brilliant and ruthless scheme.

 

Detective Michael Bennett – father of ten – is pulled in to the fray. But as the danger escalates, Michael is hit with devastating news – his beloved wife has lost her battle against cancer. Grief-stricken, he has no choice but to carry on and try to save the 34 hostages – and raise his ten children.

With the entire world watching and the tension boiling to a searing heat, Bennett must face the most ruthless man he has ever dealt with – or face for the greatest debacle in history.