7 Best James Patterson Books: Where to Start (2024)

7 Best James Patterson Books: Where to Start (1)

James Patterson is one of the world’s most successful authors, having sold more than 350 million books worldwide. He has written in a wide range of genres, from suspense to horror to romance and even children’s books, but his greatest success comes from his crime and mystery novels. So whether you’re a long-time fan or new to his work, if you’re looking for some great reads by James Patterson, look no further! Here are seven must-read books by James Patterson that will surely entertain and intrigue readers everywhere and keep readers hooked until the very end. So grab your copies now and get ready for a fantastic journey!

But first, who is James Patterson?

James Patterson was born in 1947 in Newburgh, New York, and attended Manhattan College before graduating from Vanderbilt University. After college, he worked as an advertising executive but quit his job to focus on writing full-time. His first book, The Thomas Berryman Number, was published in 1976 and won the Edgar Award for best novel of the year. It began a string of best-selling novels that have kept readers coming back for decades.

Why is James Patterson so popular?

James Patterson is one of the most popular authors in the world because of his gripping stories and page-turning suspense. His books are filled with unexpected twists and turns, engaging characters, and plenty of mystery. His writing style is easy to read and draws readers in quickly as they become immersed in the world he creates. He also knows how to captivate his audience, so many of his novels have been adapted into films and TV series.

Did James Patterson use ghostwriters?

James Patterson works with a team of co-writers and ghostwriters, which helps him to produce his numerous works. While this does not diminish the quality of his books, it does mean that James Patterson himself is not always the one literally writing them. However, I’ve read that Patterson conceives, outlines, and provides exhaustive notes, is involved in every aspect of the creative process, and is heavily involved in the writing process.

For James Patterson newbies, these seven must-reads James Patterson books are great starting points plus that will keep you entertained for hours:

  • The Murder House
  • Along Came a Spider
  • The Postcard Killers
  • 1st to Die
  • Confessions of a Murder Suspect
  • Filthy Rich
  • Zoo
7 Best James Patterson Books: Where to Start (2)

If you are new to James Patterson, we recommend starting with The Murder House. This is a standalone James Patterson book about the multi-million dollar beachfront mansion in the Hamptons that holds a dark secret. The neighborhood may seem perfect, but then a series of mysterious deaths start to pile up. Now it’s up to Detective Jenna Murphy must get to the bottom of this dark secret before it’s too late. The Murder Houseis a chilling, page-turning story of murder, money, and revenge.

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7 Best James Patterson Books: Where to Start (3)

Along Came a Spider is James Patterson’s classic thriller. The book follows Detective Alex Cross in his pursuit to track down a criminal mastermind who has kidnapped two children from an exclusive private school in Washington, D.C., and taken them to Baltimore. It’s a thrilling, suspenseful journey with plenty of twists and turns. This book was also made into a movie in 2001 starring Morgan Freeman as Cross.

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7 Best James Patterson Books: Where to Start (4)

The Postcard Killers is James Patterson’s exciting collaboration with Swedish author Liza Marklund. It’s a heart-pounding mystery novel about two detectives who must work together to catch a killer who sends postcards to the newspapers after each murder. This book is an intense psychological thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end. This book was also made into a movie in 2020.

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7 Best James Patterson Books: Where to Start (5)

1st to Die is James Patterson’s first novel in the Women’s Murder Club series, which has gone on to become one of his most successful book franchises. It follows four women – a cop, an assistant district attorney, a medical examiner, and a reporter. They form a powerful alliance to catch San Francisco’s deadliest killer and end the slaughter of newlywed couples. This is a thrilling page-turning mystery novel full of unexpected twists and turns.

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7 Best James Patterson Books: Where to Start (6)

Confessions of a Murder Suspect is James Patterson’s edge-of-your-seat young adult mystery novel about a mysterious murder that rocks an affluent family. The children of the Angel family wake up to their parents dead in their bed. The kids are all suspects, but one of the daughters, Tandy, is determined to figure out who did it. She must battle her demons to solve the crime and prove her innocence. This book is full of suspense, intrigue, and twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the end. Confessions of a Murder Suspect is the first book in a four-book series, and throughout the series, Tandy Angel solves a variety of different mysteries.

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7 Best James Patterson Books: Where to Start (7)

Filthy Rich is James Patterson’s explosive true crime novel about Jeffrey Epstein, the powerful financier and convicted sex offender who died in prison in 2019. This book is co-written by Tim Malloy and John Connolly and features interviews with some of Epstein’s victims, as well as legal experts, law enforcement officials, and those close to him. It’s an eye-opening and riveting exploration of power, money, corruption, and the hidden secrets that lurk in the shadows.

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7 Best James Patterson Books: Where to Start (8)

Zoo is James Patterson’s chilling science fiction and adventure novel. The book follows a small group of scientists and animal behaviorists who must figure out how to stop the mysterious wave of violent attacks on humans by animals all over the world. This fast-paced, action-packed science fiction thriller is full of twists and turns as they battle against nature and time to save humanity from destruction.

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Have you read any James Patterson books? Are any of these books or his other works on your TBR? What James Patterson books are your favorite? What James Patterson books would you add to this list? Let us know in the comments below.

MORE READING:

  • 7 Must-Read John Grisham Books + Where to Begin Reading
  • 8 Must-Read Stephen King Books: The Ultimate List
7 Best James Patterson Books: Where to Start (9)
7 Best James Patterson Books: Where to Start (2024)

FAQs

What is a good James Patterson book to start with? ›

by James Patterson. Along Came a Spider is the first book in Patterson's most popular series, Alex Cross—in which every book is downright addictive. Compelling and twisty, this is a quintessential thriller and the perfect place to start with his work.

In what order should I read James Patterson books? ›

James Patterson Books In Order
  1. Along Came a Spider (1992)
  2. Kiss the Girls (1995)
  3. Jack & Jill (1996)
  4. Cat & Mouse (1997)
  5. Pop Goes the Weasel (1999)
  6. Roses Are Red (2000)
  7. Violets Are Blue (2001)
  8. Four Blind Mice (2002)
Jul 29, 2024

Is #1 Lawyer a stand-alone book? ›

Bestselling author James Patterson and attorney Nancy Allen coauthored this gripping legal drama and standalone thriller.

Who is James Patterson's favorite author? ›

After Patterson retired from advertising in 1996, he devoted his time to writing. Patterson later said that his greatest influence was probably Evan S. Connell's 1959 debut novel Mrs. Bridge.

What book should a beginner read first? ›

Simple Short Stories like chicken soup for the soul are a great, non-committal way to get into reading. Depending on the story, you'll spend up to half an hour to finish it, sometimes more. Being able to finish what you are reading gives your reading habits a great boost.

What is the highest rated James Patterson book? ›

With over 400,000 ratings, "Along Came a Spider" is the most popular James Patterson novel amongst Goodreads members. This is the first mystery novel in the "Alex Cross" series, which now has 28 novels (and another due to be published next month).

Which of James Patterson's books is not a series? ›

James Patterson's Stand-alone Novels
  • The Thomas Berryman Number. by Patterson, James. ...
  • Season of the Machete. by Patterson, James. ...
  • Black Friday. by Patterson, James. ...
  • The Midnight Club. by Patterson, James. ...
  • Sam's Letters to Jennifer. by Patterson, James. ...
  • Hide and Seek. by Patterson, James. ...
  • Cradle and All. ...
  • Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas.

Who writes like James Patterson? ›

Who To Read If You Like James Patterson?
  • Dani Pettrey. Bestselling author Dani Pettrey is first in the list of authors like James Patterson. ...
  • David Baldacci. ...
  • Frank Peretti. ...
  • James Scott Bell. ...
  • Janet Evanovich. ...
  • John Grisham. ...
  • 7. Lee Child. ...
  • Robert Ludlum.
Mar 15, 2024

What genre is James Patterson? ›

James Patterson (born March 22, 1947, Newburgh, New York, U.S.) is an American author, principally known for his thriller and suspense novels. His prolific output and business savvy made him a ubiquitous presence on best-seller lists in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

What is the most bought book in 2024? ›

Best-selling books in the U.S. 2024

The best-selling book in the United States as of the week ending February 10th, 2024 was "The Women" by Kristin Hannah with 121.03 thousand units sold. Sarah J.

Is James Patterson religious? ›

Patterson revealed that faith while faith was always a part of his childhood, now he wants to do something significant for the sake of truth. “I grew up in a small town in upstate New York. Upstate New York is very rural. When people think of New York, they don't think of upstate New York.

Does Patterson use ghostwriters? ›

Patterson has a team of dedicated co-authors who help bring his ideas and stories to life, allowing him to maintain a prolific output of books. Ghostwriters do not typically write James Patterson books on their own.

What is the best Alex Cross book to start with? ›

Along Came A Spider (1993)

The first book in James Patterson's most prolific detective series, Along Came A Spider introduces us to smart, tough homicide detective Alex Cross.

What kind of book should I write first? ›

Write What You Love

That's a good place to start. If you devour books of certain genre (or subgenre), then you'll be well acquainted with how the stories unfold in similar patterns. That familiarity might make writing one a natural process.

What grade level does James Patterson write at? ›

James Patterson, who is well known as an adult author, has turned out to be a prolific writer for young adults as well. You can find the reading information for his popular series below. This series features books at the 4th and 5th Grade reading levels.

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