“Because what’s worse than knowing you want something, besides knowing you can never have it?”
James Patterson is one of the most prolific and bestselling authors in the world, renowned for his gripping thrillers, compelling characters, and fast-paced plots. Having written over 200 novels since 1976, Patterson has mastered the art of suspense, crime, and detective fiction. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer to his work, narrowing down his best books can be a challenge. Today at What We Reading, we’re compiling a list of the best James Patterson books that you won’t want to miss. From the iconic Alex Cross series to his standalone thrillers, these novels showcase the very best of his storytelling. Whether you’re in the mood for crime thrillers, or must-read bestsellers, Patterson’s books promise a gripping experience that guarantees to leave you on the edge of your seat. So, read on for our recommendations and discover which James Patterson books should be next on your TBR list!
Along Came A Spider (Alex Cross #1) (1993)
Kicking off our list of the best James Patterson books is his acclaimed bestseller, Along Came a Spider, the first novel in his wildly popular Alex Cross series. The story follows Dr. Alex Cross, a psychologist and detective with the Washington D.C. police, as he investigates a high-profile kidnapping case. The victims are two young children of a wealthy family, and the kidnapper, a ruthless and enigmatic criminal named Gary Soneji, has a twisted plan. He is obsessed with proving he can execute the perfect crime and avoid ever being captured.
As Cross delves deeper into the case, he faces not only the challenge of tracking down Soneji but also his own emotional struggles, including the recent loss of his wife. As the investigation hots up, Cross uncovers more than he bargained for, leading to a cat-and-mouse chase brimming with tension, twists, and unexpected. This fast-paced thriller introduces readers to Alex Cross, a character who will become one of Patterson’s most beloved and enduring protagonists.
1st To Die (Women’s Murder Club #1) (2001)
1st to Die is the first book in James Patterson’s Women’s Murder Club series, introducing a unique team of investigators who join forces to solve a series of shocking murders. The story follows Lindsay Boxer, a San Francisco detective, who is called to the scene of a brutal crime where a newlywed couple is found murdered. As the investigation gets underway, Lindsay is joined by three women – a medical examiner, a reporter, and a district attorney – who form the Women’s Murder Club. Together, they work to uncover the truth behind the killings.
The case soon grows more complex as another murder occurs, following a similar pattern, leading the group to believe they are dealing with a serial killer. As Lindsay’s personal life unravels, she becomes even more determined to solve the case. Yet, as the pressure intensifies, the killer always appears one step ahead. Packed with suspense, twists, and camaraderie, 1st to Die is a fast-paced thriller that introduces readers to a powerful female team dedicated to justice.
Step On A Crack (Michael Bennett #1) (2007)
Step on a Crack is the first book in James Patterson’s Michael Bennett series, featuring the tough, albeit compassionate New York detective, Michael Bennett. When a high-profile funeral is disrupted by a violent hostage situation, Bennett is parachuted in to lead the investigation. The hostages, among them a prominent public figure, are held by a group of well-organised criminals demanding a hefty ransom.
As Bennett navigates the tense situation, he is also dealing with personal challenges, including caring for his ten adopted children and managing the grief after the recent death of his wife. The stakes only grow higher as the criminals’ plans unfold, and Bennett’s sense of duty and moral compass are tested to their extremes. Written with Michael Ledwidge, Step on a Crack introduces Michael Bennett as a complex, relatable protagonist, blending family struggles with high-stakes crime-solving and setting the stage for more gripping adventures in the series.
Private (Private #1) (2010)
Private is the first novel in Patterson’s Private series, which introduces readers to one of the world’s most exclusive detective agencies. The story orbits around Jack Morgan, the founder and CEO of Private, a global investigation firm infamous for handling high-profile and complex cases. Morgan is a former Marine and a veteran detective who uses his intelligence, skills, and vast resources to solve cases that no one else is able to.
In this fast-paced thriller, Jack is summoned to investigate the murder of a young woman, only to uncover a shocking conspiracy involving powerful figures and hidden secrets. As the investigation deepens, Jack finds himself ensnared in a dangerous situation that not only threatens his agency’s future but also his personal life. Alongside his devout team, he must navigate deceit, corruption, and deadly criminals to uncover the truth in this exhilarating start to a series that immerses readers in the world of private investigators.
The President Is Missing (2018)
The President Is Missing is a high-stakes political thriller co-written by James Patterson and former US President Bill Clinton. The novel centres around the mysterious disappearance of the President of the United States, Matthew Keating, just days before a critical peace summit. As the nation wrestles with the possibility of a national security crisis, the President’s disappearance sparks a wave of panic, intrigue, and speculation.
The story is told from the perspective of Keating, who is not only a leader racing against a potential global disaster but also a man with his own personal demons. As he navigates dangerous enemies and covert conspiracies, the plot delves into the darkest corners of political power, corruption, and betrayal. Meanwhile, his inner circle and the FBI race against time to uncover the truth behind his vanishing. Jam-packed with suspense, twists, and insider details, The President Is Missing combines political drama with an adrenaline-pumping thriller, offering a gripping look at the pressures of leading the free world.
Kiss The Girls (Alex Cross #2) (1995)
Following on from the success of Along Came a Spider, Kiss the Girls is the second book in James Patterson’s Alex Cross series, following the detective and psychologist as he hunts down a cunning and elusive serial killer. The story opens with two young women being kidnapped in Washington D.C., by a man known as ‘Casanova’, a mysterious and terrifying criminal with a disturbing modus operandi. Casanova seduces his victims before locking them away in his private lair, where he controls and manipulates them in the most chilling ways.
As Cross is plunged deeper into the investigation, he discovers a terrifying pattern connecting the abductions, leading him to a high-stakes cat-and-mouse game with the killer. During the investigation, Cross’ personal life also nosedives, especially when his own niece is abducted. Desperate to save her and stop the killer before more lives are claimed, Cross is forced to push through his own emotional limits.
The Final Warning (Maximum Ride #4) (2008)
Patterson’s The Final Warning is the fourth entry in the Maximum Ride series, a thrilling blend of adventure, sci-fi, and heart-pounding action. The story centres around Max, a teenager who, along with her group of genetically modified friends dubbed the ‘Flock’, has the ability to fly. As they continue their journey to understand their origins and the experiments that created them, they are pulled into a dangerous battle against powerful forces.
In this James Patterson book, the Flock faces a terrifying threat: an organisation that wants to use their abilities for sinister purposes. When Max and the others are thrust into an intense battle to save themselves and the world from destruction, they must navigate through their personal struggles whilst being pursued by relentless enemies. As the stakes rise, Max is forced to confront her fears, leadership challenges, and the weight of responsibility that comes with her powers.
The Thomas Berryman Number (1976)
No list of the best James Patterson books would be complete without mentioning his debut novel, The Thomas Berryman Number, a gripping crime thriller that sets the tone for his signature fast-paced, suspenseful storytelling. The story follows the investigation of a high-profile political assassination in the Deep South. A notorious hitman named Thomas Berryman is hired to kill the beloved senator, and the narrative unfolds as the layers of the plot are unravelled.
The novel is delivered through the lens of a journalist named John, who is determined to uncover the truth behind the killing. As he digs deeper into the life of Thomas Berryman, he uncovers a chilling series of details about the hitman’s past, his connection, and the intricate web tying him to a web of conspiracy surrounding the senator’s murder. The book is filled with twists and turns, as the search for truth leads to a shocking and thought-provoking finale.
The Black Book (Billy Harney #1) (2017)
The Black Book is a thrilling mystery novel by James Patterson that revolves around detective Billy Harney, a member of the Chicago Police Department’s elite intelligence unit. When Harney is called in to investigate the brutal murder of a young woman, he happens upon a series of shocking secrets that lead him into a tangled web of corruption, deceit, and danger.
The investigation takes a darker turn when Harney discovers a mysterious black book, which contains the names of several influential people linked to the crime. As he digs deeper, Harney becomes entangled in a high-stakes game of cat and mouse with those determined to protect their secrets, no matter the cost. But, as the case unfolds, Harney finds that he is not only hunting down a killer but also facing his own personal demons. With an enigmatic MC and a chilling plot, this is one of the best new James Patterson novels that sprinkles more mystery into his high-octane thriller style.
The 5th Horseman (Women’s Murder Club #5) (2006)
The 5th Horseman is the fifth entry in the Women’s Murder Club series, continuing the thrilling journey of the four women who team up to solve the most perplexing and dangerous crimes. In this story, Detective Lindsay Boxer and her colleagues – medical examiner Claire, reporter Cindy, and district attorney Yuki – are pulled into a mysterious case involving a series of suspicious deaths at a local hospital.
The women discover a chilling pattern: patients who appear to be dying from natural causes are actually being murdered. As the investigation grows more intense, they all begin to realise that the hospital may be housing a dark secret, and the killer could be someone with access to the patients – possibly even a medical professional. Meanwhile, Lindsay’s personal life is growing increasingly complicated, with new challenges and emotional turmoil to contend with as she hunts down a killer who is closer than she ever imagined.
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Part-time reader, part-time rambler, and full-time Horror enthusiast, James has been writing for What We Reading since 2022. His earliest reading memories involved Historical Fiction, Fantasy and Horror tales, which he has continued to take with him to this day. James’ favourite books include The Last (Hanna Jameson), The Troop (Nick Cutter) and Chasing The Boogeyman (Richard Chizmar).
