Detective and psychologist Alex Cross, still grieving his wife's murder, investigates activist Emir Goodspeed's suspicious death. As evidence points to suicide and foul play, Cross navigates a divided D.C. uncovering threats against his children.

Emir Goodspeed's murder spreads like wildfire through D.C., catching others in its burn, while D.C.-powerbroker Ed Ramsey seduces his next victim: an art aficionado named Shannon Witmer.

Cross raids a home connected to Emir's murder. The suspect escapes, but leaves behind a piece of evidence so unique, it limits the list of suspects to an elite D.C. few.

With Cross hot on his heels, Ed Ramsey sets up a new locale to perform his kills, as the Cross family continues to be tormented by a mysterious someone connected to Deirdre Nolan.

Cross and Elle dine at Ed Ramsey's house for his annual birthday soiree. But the night's twists take a dark turn, when Cross realizes that Ramsey's next victim is in the house.

As Ed Ramsey finalizes materials for his next ritual killing, Alex Cross tracks a key witness who could stop him. On a road trip with his son Damon, Alex reconnects and reflects on Maria's death, until an unexpected turn disrupts the case.

Ed Ramsey targets Shannon Witmer, but Alex Cross pieces together the time and place of the attack. Reaching her may not stop Ramsey's backup plan, and as Cross closes in, a stalker seizes the moment to strike his family.

Cross races to save his family; he recruits Sampson's help, and the two set out to rescue their crew. After the fight is over, Cross turns his attention to bringing closure to the Goodspeed family...