*Along Came a Spider* introduces Alex Cross, a detective and psychologist in Washington, D.C. He investigates the kidnapping of two children from a wealthy family, linked to the criminal mastermind Gary Soneji. As Alex unravels the case, he discovers Soneji’s twisted plan for fame and infamy. The novel explores themes of grief, obsession, and the psychology of crime, with Alex’s personal loss adding emotional depth to the fast-paced, suspenseful plot.