The Mastermind is a deadly criminal who orchestrates a series of bank robberies that are notable for their precise demands - and their explosive violence when the demands are not met exactly. Detective Alex Cross takes on the case, promptly getting under The Mastermind's skin, who makes it his personal goal to take revenge on Cross and his entire team. The team, which includes an attractive FBI agent named Betsy Cavalierre, faces pressure on every front right up to the shocking and explosive climax.