The Big Bad Wolf, by James Patterson

Saturday, November 06, 2004

The Italian mafia may be able to trace its origins to the functional, extra-familial, patron-client institution of ancient Rome. There a needy client might look to his patron for food, money, or a job, in exchange for his support, vote, and help. Except for the modern focus on crime, the patron-client relationship isn't terribly different from today's paternalistic mafia-style relationships. The Russian mafiya of James Patterson, in The Big Bad Wolf, is a different beast entirely. Its primary goal appears to be capitalism -- which is ironic in that the origins of the mafiya are communist Russia -- and family loyalties mean next to nothing. Indeed, a mafiya member might be persuaded to transport a relative out of the motherland, but probably only if he wants to sell his poor cousin into a life of prostitution. That cousin might consider herself lucky, though, since, according to Patterson, prostitution is among the top five vocational choices of Russian school girls. It's unlikely, however, that there is a drop of altruism motivating the Wolf, who runs a prostitution slave ring, which the feds have named the '"White Girl' case," since its victims are mostly wealthy, blonde, suburban housewives -- and a studly young college student or two.

The unknown, mysterious Wolf is the current head of the mafiya. He and some of his cronies meet in a high security Internet chat room where the primary topic of discussion is the six-figure purchase of slaves. One of the active participants keeps running through his purchases. It's this disgusting sadist who becomes the chink in the chatroom's security.

There are two people who should share the credit for breaking the case. One of them, for obvious reasons, abjures the spotlight. She is a fourteen-year-old hacker who was aware of how serious her own crime was, but still put her concern for her own freedom aside when faced with the need to turn in the murderous white slavers. The other is the lead character, Alex Cross, an African-American psychologist who has switched from the police force to the FBI. His messed up personal life fills the contrasting sub-plot.

While Cross is said to have one serious flaw -- the ability to see a good side in everyone -- Patterson doesn't seem to share this trait. None of the Internet crew or the Wolf has a redeeming gene. None, that is, except the slave owner who freed his prisoner and then, filled with remorse, suicided. In contrast, the psychologist-detective can do no wrong, except in his relationships -- both business and personal. There he can't find a way to do his job to the best of his ability and satisfy those around him.

With stark black and white contrasts, The Big Bad Wolf grabs and holds the reader's attention. There may be some minor hanging threads -- like why isn't the hacker in more trouble -- but author James Patterson has written what will undoubtedly be another best seller.


The Big Bad Wolf
by James Patterson
Publication Date: November 2003
Little, Brown
ISBN 0316602906
400 Pages

Saturday, November 06, 2004