A retired university professor is diagnosed with a rare degenerative disease that will lead him to lose his memory and die within a few years. On his way home from the doctor's office, he witnesses a pretty young girl being kidnapped right off the street. As the police drag their heels, he realizes that if he doesn't act the girl may never be found alive.
Jennifer Riggins, the kidnapped girl, is being held prisoner by a perverted couple who run an exclusive Web site called "What Comes Next," on which viewers can watch, in real time, the horrors inflicted on their victims. Given the moniker "Number Four," Jennifer is at the mercy of the depraved pair, with thousands tuning in for every episode of her ongoing nightmare.
"What Comes Next" is a bold and timely thriller about what lurks within the depths of society's most depraved minds, and how the only hope for a girl whose life is just beginning is a man whose life is nearing its end.
Praise for "What Comes Next"
"This is an exceptional novel -- and a most troubling one." -"Washington Post"
"Katzenbach reinvents the formula several times over in this absolutely gripping novel." -"Booklist" (starred review)
"Katzenbach has crafted a suspenseful cat-and-mouse thriller, a perfect literary mash-up of The Truman Show and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. Already an international best seller, this will be widely popular with psychological thriller devotees." -"Library Journal"
"I raced through this book, not even pausing to involuntarily shout "Gosh darn it!" "Shoot!" and words to that effect. I read a ton of novels in this genre and thought I had the ending figured out within the first fourth of the book or so. Wrong. Even if you are a better guesser than I am, you will be entranced with "What Comes Next." Don't miss it."-"BookReporter"
"Reading "What Comes Next" is an experience akin to riding the scariest roller coaster ride: You gulp with the rush of both trepidation and excitement--and you sigh with relief when it's over." -"The New York Journal of Books"
