[1] Four years prior to the beginning of the story, Kyle Craig is sent to prison for his crimes in Roses Are Red and Violets Are Blue and swears revenge upon Detective Alex Cross, who was responsible for his capture.

In the present day, Alex Cross is on a date with police officer, Brianna 'Bree' Stone, when they are interrupted by the news of crime-writer author Tess Olsen's death.

The investigators find a Hallmark greeting card and a tape featuring the killer throwing Olsen from a balcony in her apartment.

At his psychology practice, Alex talks to Sandy Quinlan, a sex-crazed woman and meets another patient, Anthony Demao.

The killer sets up multiple websites featuring footage, pictures, and messages from him and his victims.

In a federal prison in Colorado, Kyle Craig receives a visit from his lawyer, Mason Wainwright.

Alex learns of Craig's escape and goes to Florence where he reviews footage of Olsen interviewing Kyle for her latest book.

Back in D.C., FBI agent, Brian 'Kitz' Kitzmiller is assigned to help Sampson, Bree, and Alex.

Alex learns the attempts to track the woman who had delivered the message, but she escapes in her car.

Alex then heads to Washington where a pregnant woman has been found murdered at the National Air and Space Museum.

Kyle arrives in Washington and murders Judge Nina Wolff, who had sentenced him to prison.

DCAK reveals himself to be the man Alex knew as Anthony in addition to Neil Stephens, the reporter.