Kiss the Girls (1997)

Kiss the Girls (1997), an American neo-noir psychological thriller film directed by Gary Fleder and based on James Patterson’s best-selling 1995 novel of the same name, follows the story of Alex Cross, a well-known detective and forensic psychologist in Washington, D.C. Recently, Alex learns that his niece Naomi, who lives in Durham, has been missing for four days. Despite trying to reassure his family, he can’t shake off his own concerns. He makes the decision to travel to Durham and investigate her disappearance himself. Even though his cousin Sampson warns him that it’s out of his jurisdiction, Alex remains determined to find Naomi. After arriving in Durham, he waits for over two hours before meeting with the officers involved in the case. It is then that he learns there are at least ten other girls who have gone missing.

Alex is taken aback by the realization that the authorities have yet to uncover any information about the abductor. He joins forces with Detective Nick Ruskin and Detective Sikes, who are leading the investigation. Together, they venture into the woods where a third victim has been found. Tied up against a tree with her hands bound and a portion of her hair cut off, Alex can see that this crime scene is far more gruesome than he had imagined. His concern for his niece intensifies. In a meeting with Chief Hatfield, he is reminded that this falls under his jurisdiction and any interference from Alex will not be tolerated. However, Chief Hatfield shows compassion for Alex’s predicament, recognizing that his own loved ones could also be in danger. As a result, he offers assistance and even includes him in the case.