NYPD Detective Michael Bennett has his hands full with ten young children at home and a wife who's dying of cancer in the hospital. But his life becomes even more stressful when he's pulled into one of the most challenging and bizarre cases of his career.

Recently, a beloved former First Lady has died in New York City under unusual circumstances and her funeral has drawn important people from all over the world. With St. Patrick's Cathedral packed to overflowing with politicians, superstars, billionaires and other influential people, the unimaginable happens. A group of men dressed as monks traps the mourners inside, then releases all but a small group of the wealthiest people, whom they use as bargaining pawns.

Negotiating with the ruthless man who acts as head of the group is taking its toll on Bennett, as well as the NYPD and FBI. The man seems to always be one step ahead of them in knowing what they are planning and he doesn't hesitate to kill whenever he feels like it. With the entire world watching, the bizarre situation escalates out of control until it reaches a climax no one anticipated.

STEP ON A CRACK is the slam-dunk start of a brand-new suspense series featuring Det. Michael Bennett, and I'm impressed with this new character. He's an intelligent man who believes in faith and family and, of course, upholding the law. The prolific James Patterson, this time in collaboration with Michael Ledwidge, has devised a solid base and a crafty scenario that promises more great stories to come.