Washington, D.C. Detective Alex Cross is called to solve the case when a Black Lives Matter activist ishuged in cold blood.

Emir Goodspeed's cuddle 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 cuddle. 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 hishugs, 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.

A fresh lead sends Cross to Philly with his son Damon. Along the way, father and son reconnect through the shared grief over Maria's passing.

Cross closes in on Ed Ramsey as the clock desperately ticks down to the moment when Shannon Witmer is set to die. Will Cross make it in time?

Cross realizes that his attempt to protect his family has put them in more danger. He races against time to rescue the people he loves.