James Patterson
Fast-paced, page-turning thrillers with short chapters and relentless plotting that have made him the world's best-selling living author.
Biography
James Patterson is an American author born in Newburgh, New York in 1947, and one of the best-selling writers in history with over 400 million books sold worldwide. A former advertising executive, he published his first novel in 1976 and rose to fame with the Alex Cross series beginning with Along Came a Spider. He is remarkably prolific, often publishing multiple titles per year through collaborations with co-authors across genres including thriller, mystery, romance, and children's fiction. He holds the Guinness World Record for the most #1 New York Times bestsellers.
Best Starting Book
Along Came a Spider
The book that launched a phenomenon — it introduces Alex Cross and perfectly demonstrates Patterson's addictively readable, fast-paced style that keeps you turning pages late into the night.
Reading Order
Along Came a Spider
The first Alex Cross novel — introduces Patterson's most iconic character and establishes his signature short-chapter, rapid-fire style.
Kiss the Girls
The second Alex Cross thriller that cemented the series as a cultural phenomenon with a gripping dual-kidnapping plot.
The Women's Murder Club: 1st to Die
Launches his second major series with a compelling ensemble cast and a fresh take on the crime thriller.
Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment
A sci-fi adventure that shows Patterson's range beyond adult thrillers and his ability to captivate younger readers.
The President Is Missing
A political thriller co-written with Bill Clinton that demonstrates Patterson's ambition at its boldest.
Books by James Patterson
The Coast-to-Coast Murders
James Patterson
Cross Country
James Patterson
14th Deadly Sin
James Patterson
8th Confession
James Patterson
Kiss the Girls
James Patterson
Cross Justice
James Patterson
Along Came a Spider
James Patterson
10th Anniversary
James Patterson
Death of the Black Widow
James Patterson
12th of Never
James Patterson
When the Wind Blows
James Patterson
Pop Goes the Weasel
James Patterson
The 6th Target
James Patterson
11th Hour
James Patterson, Maxine Paetro
Jack and Jill
James Patterson
Jack & Jill
James Patterson
Roses Are Red
James Patterson
The Murder House
James Patterson
Violets Are Blue
James Patterson
Tenth Anniversary
Tenth Anniversary
James Patterson, Maxine Paetro