10 Best James Patterson Books 2023

Which are the best books by James Patterson?

James Patterson is an American author, best known for his thriller and suspense novels…!

Patterson completed his graduation from Manhattan College with a degree in English and then went on to earn a master’s degree in English from Vanderbilt University. 

Patterson has written numerous bestselling books, including the “Alex Cross” series, the “Women’s Murder Club” series, and the “Michael Bennett” series. 

He has sold over 300 million copies of his books worldwide and has been recognized as the bestselling author of the past decade by numerous publications.

In addition to his work as an author, Patterson is also a philanthropist and has donated millions of dollars to support reading and education programs. He has also co-authored books with other writers, including former President Bill Clinton.

List of Books by James Patterson

I have made a list of the top 10 books by James Patterson for when you’re seeking an intriguing read.

1. Along Came A Spider (1993)

Along Came a Spider” is the first book in the Alex Cross series. The story follows Alex Cross, a detective and psychologist in Washington D.C., as he investigates the kidnapping of two children from a private school. 

The kidnapper, known as “Gary Soneji,” is a brilliant and ruthless criminal who is playing a deadly game with Cross.

Get the book here: Along Came a Spider

2. Kiss the Girls (1995)

Kiss the Girls” is the second book in the Alex Cross series, Cross is investigating a series of brutal murders committed by a serial killer known as “Casanova.” 

As the body count rises, Cross teams up with a young detective from North Carolina named Kate McTiernan to track down the killer before he strikes again. The story is fast-paced and suspenseful, with twists and turns that keep readers on the edge of their seats.

Get the book here: Kiss the Girls

3. 1st to Die (2001)

1st to Die,” the first book in the The Women’s Murder Club series follows a group of four female professionals in San Francisco who come together to solve a string of murders that are seemingly unrelated. 

The members of the Women’s Murder Club include a homicide detective, a medical examiner, a newspaper reporter, and an attorney. The women work together to solve a series of murders that appear to be the work of a serial killer. 

The book is a fast-paced thriller with plenty of twists and turns, and readers are sure to be hooked from the first page. 

Get the book here: 1st to Die

4. The Angel Experiment  (2005)

 The Maximum Ride series is a young adult series about a group of genetically enhanced children who have wings and the ability to fly. 

In “The Angel Experiment,” the first book in the series, the children are on the run from a group of scientists who created them and want to use them for their own purposes. 

As the children flee from their pursuers, they must also work to uncover the truth about their past and their origins. The book is action-packed and filled with suspense, making it a great read for fans of science fiction and fantasy.

Get the book here: The Angel Experiment

5. The Beach House (2002)

The Beach House” is a standalone novel. A family reunites at their beach house in North Carolina after a tragedy. The story is told from the perspectives of each family member, including the matriarch of the family, her daughter, and her granddaughter. 

As they come together, secrets are revealed and tensions rise, leading to a dramatic conclusion. The book is a compelling family drama with a hint of suspense, and readers are sure to be drawn in by the complex characters and the vivid setting.

Get the book here: The Beach House

6. Suzanne’s Diary for Nicholas (2001) 

Suzanne’s Diary for Nicholas” is a standalone novel by James Patterson. The book is a departure from Patterson’s typical genre of crime and thriller novels and is instead a heartwarming and emotional love story.

The novel is told from the perspective of Katie Wilkinson, a successful book editor in her thirties who falls in love with a charming and mysterious doctor named Matt Harrison. 

However, their relationship is put to the test when Katie discovers a diary written by Matt’s ex-girlfriend, Suzanne. As Katie reads the diary, she discovers a secret and tragic past that Matt has been keeping from her. 

Get the book here: Suzanne’s Diary for Nicholas

7. Red Alert (2018)

Red Alert” is a thriller novel written by James Patterson and Marshall Karp. The book follows NYPD detective Zach Jordan and his partner Kylie MacDonald as they investigate a series of attacks on the city’s wealthy elite.

The novel begins with a high-profile celebrity being attacked in her home, and the subsequent investigation leads Jordan and MacDonald to uncover a string of similar crimes. 

The victims all share a common link: they are members of an exclusive club called “The Guardians,” which was formed to protect the city’s wealthiest citizens.

Get the book here: Red Alert

8. Private Games (2012)

Private Games” is the third book in the Private series and was co-written by James Patterson and Mark Sullivan. 

The story is set in London during the 2012 Olympic Games and follows Private investigator Peter Knight as he works to solve a series of murders that seem to be connected to the games. 

With the help of his team at Private, Knight uncovers a plot that threatens the safety of the athletes and spectators. The novel is fast-paced and full of twists and turns, with Patterson and Sullivan expertly building tension and suspense.

Get the book here: Private Games

9. Gone (2013)

Gone” is the sixth book in the Michael Bennett series and was co-written by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge.

Detective Michael Bennett is faced with one of his most challenging cases yet when a group of vigilantes starts taking justice into their own hands and targeting accused criminals who have managed to escape prosecution. 

As the body count rises, Bennett must race against time to find the culprits before they can do more harm. The novel is a thrilling ride, with Patterson and Ledwidge expertly balancing action, suspense, and character development.

Get the book here: Gone

10. Invisible (2014)

Invisible” follows the story of Emmy Dockery, an FBI researcher who becomes obsessed with solving a series of seemingly unrelated murders. 

Emmy is convinced that there is a connection between the murders and begins to investigate on her own, even though her colleagues at the FBI do not believe her theories.

Emmy’s obsession with the case is fueled by personal experience, as her own sister was killed in a house fire that Emmy believes was not accidental. 

Get the book here: Invisible 

Summary

James Patterson is known for his fast-paced, suspenseful storytelling style that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. His books are filled with plot twists, memorable characters, and unexpected turns that make for a thrilling reading experience.

While James Patterson is primarily known for his thrillers and mysteries, he has also written romance novels, young adult fiction, and even children’s books. This means that there is likely a James Patterson book out there for readers of all ages and interests.

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FAQs

What type of books does James Patterson write?

James Patterson is known for writing thrillers, mysteries, and suspense novels. He has also written some romance novels and young adult fiction.

How many books has James Patterson written?

James Patterson has written over 200 books, including numerous bestsellers.

What is the most popular book series by James Patterson?

James Patterson’s most popular book series include the Alex Cross series, the Women’s Murder Club series, and the Michael Bennett series.

Does James Patterson co-write books with other authors?

Yes, James Patterson frequently co-writes books with other authors, including Maxine Paetro, Andrew Gross, and Bill Clinton.

What is the best James Patterson book to start with?

Some popular starting points include “Along Came a Spider” and “1st to Die.”

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