James Patterson is an American author from Newburgh, New York. He has sold over 380 million books worldwide in genres of Literature & Fiction,Mystery & Thriller, and Young Adult. Best known for his thriller and suspense novels, he currently holds the Guinness World Record for the most #1 New York Times bestsellers — so you know you can count on his stories to be worth a read. If you’re looking for which James Patterson book to read next, take a look at our list below of some of his best work!
1. Along Came a Spider (Alex Cross, #1)
A young girl named Maggie Rose goes missing, an elementary school teacher is found dead, and a family of three is murdered in the projects of Washington D.C. The brilliant Homicide detective Alex Cross is put on the case, but Gary Soneji is a psychopathic serial kidnapper/murdererwho puts even Cross’ skills to the test.
Along Came a Spider is the first novel in the popular Alex Cross series. It has a 4.11 rating on Goodreads and is a #1 bestseller. If you love a good murder mystery paired with a forbidden love affair, then this is your next Patterson read.
2. 1st to Die (Women’s Murder Club, #1)
Inspector Lindsay Boxer heads up the double homicide case of a couple murdered on their wedding night — just when she found out she is battling an often-fatal blood disease. Lindsay teams up with three other women, an assistant D.A., a journalist, and a medical examiner, to investigate what becomes a series of murders in an attempt to stop the killer before the next attack.
One of 13 novels in the Women’s Murder Club series, 1st to Die features a series of unique murders and a team of women joining forces to solve the case. If you love murder mysteries, multiple character storylines, subplots, and short chapters with plenty of suspense, this book is for you.
3. NYPD Red (NYPD Red, #1)
Special task force NYPD Red is on active watch as celebrities flood NYC for the beginning of Hollywood on the Hudson. When a world-renowned producer dies of poisoning, Detective Zach Jordan of NYPD Red is assigned to the case, along with his ex-girlfriend Detective Kylie Macdonald. The two work to find this psychopathic murderer before his next brutal attack.
This is the first novel in the NYPD Red series, and it follows Detective Zach Jordan as he navigates investigating a high-profile case alongside an old flame. If you enjoy an action-packed murder mystery with a touch of romance, this book is for you.
4.The Murder House
The Hamptons may be full of endless money and power, but it is also home to what locals refer to as the Murder House, where countless deaths have taken place over the years. This abandoned home is said to be cursed, and is now the spot of the latest mystery, when a wealthy broker and his mistress are found dead inside. Detective Jenna Murphy was once a local to the area but has avoided her past and distanced herself from the Hamptons until taking on this case. The Murder House proves to hold even more dark stories than Murphy originally thought, as she dives into this mysterious case and begins to uncover more deaths along the way.
Goodreads calls this stand-alone book, “a chilling, page-turning story of murder, money, and revenge.” If this sounds like your kind of story, be sure to put it on your list of next Patterson books to read.
5. Step on a Crack (Michael Bennett, #1) with Michael Ledwidge
The funeral of a former First Lady turns into a hostage situation, and NYPD Detective Michael Bennett is sent to negotiate for the hostages’ lives. Hundreds have been taken, including many celebrities and politicians, and the captor wants millions of dollars for their safe return. This crisis comes while Bennett’s life is turned upside due to his wife’s battle with cancer, but as the captor starts killing hostages, Bennett must focus on saving the remaining lives before it’s too late.
Step on a Crack is the first in Patterson’s popular Michael Bennett Series. If you’re looking for a suspenseful page-turner with a likable, heroic character, then it’s time to dive into the beginning of this series.
6. The President is Missing by James Patterson and Bill Clinton
A huge attack is threatened against the US and the president is a potential suspect… then he goes missing. President Jonathan Duncan’s motives for disappearing are questioned as the search for him begins. He was still mourning the loss of his wife, and his disappearance could be seen a reckless goodbye. Then again, it could be much more than that.
The President is Missing is co-written by former president Bill Clinton, and it takes on a realistic approach to this fictional crisis in Washington. This novel is set in real time over the course of three days, providing the reader with minute-by-minute suspense in each page.If you’re looking for a political thriller from an authentic vantage point, this is your next read.
7. The Angel Experiment (Maximum Ride, #1)
The Angel Experiment tells the story of six unique kids who are uncovering secrets about themselves and the school they are imprisoned in. They have special powers, but they don’t know what to do with them. All they know is they need to work together to escape their situation before it’s too late.
Though most-known for his adult thrillers, Patterson has a number of highly-rated YA books for younger audiences including The Angel Experiment. If you’re looking for a YA fantasy fiction, this is the perfect Patterson book to pick up next.
8. The First Lady
President Tucker finds himself in the middle of a scandalous affair that could cost him his reelection. He needs the support of his wife if he wants to stand a chance in the next election. After many lies and deception from her husband, it appears the First Lady has put her foot down and escaped the city. But was this truly done out of spite for her husband, or is there another reason for her disappearance? Agent Sally Grisson is put on the case of the disappearance of the First Lady in an attempt to locate her and keep her safe.
This stand-alone thriller is fast-paced and full of scandal and mystery that is sure to keep you from putting the book down.
Want More James Patterson Books?
This list includes some of the top books written by James Patterson; but keep in mind, he has written more than 47 books total! This means we only scratched the surface of the exciting Patterson thrillers left to read. After you make your way through this list, be sure to explore more of his work to find which books/series you enjoy the most!
