How to read James Patterson’s Alex Cross books in order

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After over thirty years of solving crimes and keeping readers on the edge of their seats, Alex Cross has become a beloved and lasting figure in the world of suspense novels.

James Patterson has written many books and series, but the Alex Cross series continues to be particularly popular with readers.

No matter if you’re new to James Patterson’s books, a longtime fan, or just want a quick read from one of his series, this guide has all the information you need.

Here’s how you read the Alex Cross books in order.

How to read the Alex Cross books in order

  1. Along Came a Spider (1993)
  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)
  9. The Big Bad Wolf (2003)
  10. London Bridges (2004)
  11. Mary, Mary (2005)
  12. Cross (2006)
  13. Double Cross (2007)
  14. Cross Country (2008)
  15. Alex Cross’s Trial (2009)
  16. I, Alex Cross (2009)
  17. Cross Fire (2010)
  18. Kill Alex Cross (2011)
  19. Merry Christmas, Alex Cross (2012)
  20. Alex Cross, Run (2013)
  21. Cross My Heart (2013)
  22. Hope to Die (2014)
  23. Cross Justice (2015)
  24. Cross the Line (2016)
  25. The People vs. Alex Cross (2017)
  26. Target: Alex Cross (2018)
  27. Criss Cross (2019)
  28. Deadly Cross (2020)
  29. Fear No Evil (2021)
  30. Triple Cross (2022)
  31. Cross Down (2023)
  32. Alex Cross Must Die (2023)
  33. The House of Cross (2024)
  34. Return of the Spider (2025)

What’s the appeal of the Alex Cross series?

Alex Cross is a detective in Washington D.C. who used to be a forensic psychologist. He’s a father raising his children alone, and he’s known for his determination to solve even the most difficult crimes – all while dealing with personal loss. Readers have been captivated by his cases-filled with shocking murders and cunning criminals-since his first appearance in a novel in 1993.

James Patterson’s fast-moving stories and focus on themes like family, morality, and revenge have turned Alex Cross into a legendary character in the thriller genre. A key element throughout the series, especially in the earlier books, is the mystery surrounding the death of his first wife, Maria.

What happens in Along Came a Spider by James Patterson?

Published in 1993, *Along Came a Spider* is the first novel in James Patterson’s popular Alex Cross series. It’s where readers meet Alex Cross, a detective and psychologist based in Washington D.C., who becomes the central character in over 30 thrilling books.

Detective Alex Cross’s first case begins when he’s taken off a local murder investigation and assigned to a kidnapping. Two children from a prestigious private school have been abducted by Gary Soneji, a math teacher who believes he’s destined to become infamous and make history with a grand crime.

Detective Cross partners with Secret Service agent Jezzie Flannagan to find the kidnapped children, but the investigation quickly unravels, revealing a disturbing web of kidnapping, murder, betrayal, and mind games.

This first book introduces the Alex Cross series and sets the stage for everything to come: fast-paced chapters, intense suspense, and the constant challenges Cross faces balancing his work, his sense of justice, and his family. It’s particularly notable for delving into the minds of both the hero and a disturbingly unpredictable villain.

When is Return of the Spider coming out?

Return of the Spider, coming out on October 9th, 2025, revisits the original Gary Soneji case first seen in Along Came a Spider.

Short break: Alex Cross spin-offs and novellas

Novellas and Spin-offs

If you’re looking for a quick Alex Cross adventure, James Patterson has also written several shorter stories and novellas. These are fast-paced thrillers, great for enjoying between his full-length novels, or when you want a shorter commitment.

  • Cross Kill (2016) is part of Patterson’s BookShots series. This novella pits Alex against an old enemy thought to be long dead, blurring the line between past and present dangers.
  • Detective Cross (2017) is another BookShots instalment where Cross investigates a deadly explosion in Washington, D.C., racing against time to prevent more attacks.

Ali Cross series

These books feature Ali Cross, the son of detective Alex Cross. Like his father, Ali has a knack for solving mysteries, but he approaches them as a teenager. Written for readers ages 9-14, these stories are fast-paced and explore themes of friendship, family, and what it’s like to live up to a famous parent.

There are currently four books in the series:

  1. Ali Cross (2019) follows Ali as he gets caught up in a case when one of his friends goes missing.
  2. Ali Cross: Like Father, Like Son (2021) is a mystery that forces Ali to balance school life with living up to his dad’s legacy.
  3. Ali Cross: The Secret Detective (2022) sees Ali take on a case involving a school field trip and missing items.
  4. Ali Cross: The Murder Club (2024), where Ali and his friends form their own detective group to solve a deadly new case.

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2025-09-29 12:35