The book Pop Goes The Weasel by James Patterson is set in Washington, D. during the late twentieth century, in both the suburbs and downtown Washington. The setting is good because it is set in a place with many people, many dangers, and many suspects.
Characters-.
Like in all the "Alex Cross books-, there are many characters, but I feel the three main characters are, Alex Cross, John Sampson, and Geoffrey Shafer. Alex is an African-American detective with two beautiful children, a pretty fiancée, and an all-around nice life. Cross has dealt with many terrible cases and has a distinguished reputation for getting the job done. Cross's partner is John Sampson. Sampson is a "large black man- and also lives in Alex's neighborhood. He has known Alex for as long as they can remember and have worked together for years. Finally Geoffrey Shafer is British diplomat and is totally insane. He believes that he is part of a sadistic game and goes by the name DEATH. He commits a series of murders and as Cross begins to catch on to him he drag Alex's fiancée into his little game. Shafer has a brilliant mind and proves to be a worthy opponent for Alex Cross and John Sampson.
Theme-.
Sometimes the good can lose to the bad. This story exhibits this when Alex can not find his fiancée and Geoffrey lives to kill again. This theme is a rare one to find in Patterson's books but it is well thought out and explained. Another theme is never let your guard down. This is a common theme in these books because as soon as Alex gets off a case and is ready to relax another killer pops up.
Plot-.
This story starts with a description of the killer and one of his kills, then takes the reader into Alex Cross' life and how he gets involved. Alex had just finished the "Mr. Smith- case (Cat & Mouse) and was ready to rest at home with his family and his new fiancée, when another killer strikes. After a series of murders Alex and John begin to realize that the criminal they are dealing with has some sort of connection with the government and finally they suspect Geoffrey Shafer.