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 β 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 β 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.