Where-to-Start-With-James-Patterson_Hero-desktop_Penguin

Reading lists

Where to start reading James Patterson

The Picasso Heist

Prepare to be hooked by James Patterson's newest thriller in which an art student must orchestrate the heist of a lifetime to save her father... 
 
'Patterson is in a class by himself' Guardian 
 
_________________________________ 
 
A rare masterpiece by Picasso is about to go to auction, and the whole world is watching. 
 
But bright art student Halston Graham sees an opportunity. One that could secure millions for her future – and freedom for her wrongly imprisoned father… 
 
To pull off the crime of the century, she must assemble an unlikely crack team: an expert in forgery, a ruthless mob boss, and an eccentric fashion designer. 
 
In a game where trust is a luxury and failure is not an option, will Halston’s brilliance be enough to outsmart her enemies? 
 
_________________________________ 
 
PRAISE FOR JAMES PATTERSON 
 
'It's no mystery why James Patterson is the world's most popular thriller writer ... Simply put: nobody does it better.' JEFFERY DEAVER 
 
'No one gets this big without amazing natural storytelling talent - which is what Jim has, in spades.' LEE CHILD 
 
'Patterson boils a scene down to the single, telling detail, the element that defines a character or moves a plot along. It's what fires off the movie projector in the reader's mind.' MICHAEL CONNELLY 
 
'James Patterson is The Boss. End of.' IAN RANKIN 
 
'Patterson knows where our deepest fears are buried ... there's no stopping his imagination' NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW 
 
'Patterson is in a class by himself' GUARDIAN 
 
'The master storyteller of our times' HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON 
 
'One of the greatest storytellers of all time' PATRICIA CORNWELL

JAMES PATTERSON is one of the best-known and biggest-selling writers of all time. Among his creations are some of the world's most popular series including Alex Cross, the Women's Murder Club, Michael Bennett and the Private novels. He has written many other number one bestsellers including collaborations with President Bill Clinton and Dolly Parton, stand-alone thrillers and non-fiction. James has donated millions in grants to independent bookshops and has been the most borrowed adult author in UK libraries for the past fourteen years in a row. He lives in Florida with his family.

A rare masterpiece by Picasso is about to go to auction, and the whole world is watching. 
 
But bright art student Halston Graham sees an opportunity. One that could secure millions for her future – and freedom for her wrongly imprisoned father… 
 
To pull off the crime of the century, she must assemble an unlikely crack team: an expert in forgery, a ruthless mob boss, and an eccentric fashion designer. 
 
In a game where trust is a luxury and failure is not an option, will Halston’s brilliance be enough to outsmart her enemies? 
 
 
_________________________________ 
 
PRAISE FOR JAMES PATTERSON 
 
'It's no mystery why James Patterson is the world's most popular thriller writer ... Simply put: nobody does it better.' JEFFERY DEAVER 
 
'No one gets this big without amazing natural storytelling talent - which is what Jim has, in spades.' LEE CHILD 
 
'Patterson boils a scene down to the single, telling detail, the element that defines a character or moves a plot along. It's what fires off the movie projector in the reader's mind.' MICHAEL CONNELLY 
 
'James Patterson is The Boss. End of.' IAN RANKIN 
 
'Patterson knows where our deepest fears are buried ... there's no stopping his imagination' NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW 
 
'Patterson is in a class by himself' GUARDIAN 
 
'The master storyteller of our times' HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON 
 
'One of the greatest storytellers of all time' PATRICIA CORNWELL

The President’s Shadow

In this gripping dystopian thriller inspired by the beloved DC comics, hero Lamont Cranston and his young protégé seek vigilante justice in New York City. 
 
For over 150 years, Lamont Cranston has been The Shadow. 
 
Possessed with an array of mental and physical powers, Cranston—a New York society-man turned crusader—uses his abilities in pursuit of justice. 
 
When a series of deadly natural disasters strike the planet, The Shadow immediately sets out to identify the human threat… 
 
A disgruntled graduate student? The power-hungry President of the Americas? Or could it be Shiwan Khan, The Shadow’s fiercest enemy? 
 
Standing with The Shadow and his crime-fighting associates are his long love, Margo Lane, and his great-great granddaughter, Maddy. 
 
Will they triumph or perish? Whether they rise or fall, they'll do it together. 
 
___________________________________________ 
 
PRAISE FOR JAMES PATTERSON 
 
'It's no mystery why James Patterson is the world's most popular thriller writer ... Simply put: nobody does it better.' JEFFERY DEAVER 
 
'No one gets this big without amazing natural storytelling talent - which is what Jim has, in spades.' LEE CHILD 
 
'Patterson boils a scene down to the single, telling detail, the element that defines a character or moves a plot along. It's what fires off the movie projector in the reader's mind.' MICHAEL CONNELLY 
 
'James Patterson is The Boss. End of.' IAN RANKIN 
 
'The master storyteller of our times' HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON 
 
'One of the greatest storytellers of all time' PATRICIA CORNWELL 
 
___________________________________________ 
 
Readers LOVE The Shadow... 
 
***** 'I LOVED THIS BOOK! A cross between an old movie, an apocalyptic story, and superhero powers that made for an action-packed tale that I DID NOT WANT to end! Loved loved loved it!' 
***** 'I loved it! I can't wait to read the next one! So much fun!' 
***** 'Loved it! Such a fun ride!' 
***** 'I am a huge fan of the radio program The Shadow from the 1930s and I couldn't help but be excited over this book! And let me tell you, it didn't disappoint!'

For over 150 years, Lamont Cranston has been The Shadow. 
 
Possessed with an array of mental and physical powers, Cranston—a New York society-man turned crusader—uses his abilities in pursuit of justice. 
 
When a series of deadly natural disasters strike the planet, The Shadow immediately sets out to identify the human threat… 
 
A disgruntled graduate student? The power-hungry President of the Americas? Or could it be Shiwan Khan, The Shadow’s fiercest enemy? 
 
Standing with The Shadow and his crime-fighting associates are his long love, Margo Lane, and his great-great granddaughter, Maddy. 
 
Will they triumph or perish? Whether they rise or fall, they'll do it together. 
 
___________________________________________ 
 
PRAISE FOR JAMES PATTERSON 
 
'It's no mystery why James Patterson is the world's most popular thriller writer ... Simply put: nobody does it better.' JEFFERY DEAVER 
 
'No one gets this big without amazing natural storytelling talent - which is what Jim has, in spades.' LEE CHILD 
 
'Patterson boils a scene down to the single, telling detail, the element that defines a character or moves a plot along. It's what fires off the movie projector in the reader's mind.' MICHAEL CONNELLY 
 
'James Patterson is The Boss. End of.' IAN RANKIN 
 
'The master storyteller of our times' HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON 
 
'One of the greatest storytellers of all time' PATRICIA CORNWELL

(Holmes, Margaret and Poe 2)

Holmes Is Missing

From the author of Sunday Times bestseller Holmes, Margaret and Poe... 
 
_____________________________ 
 
It’s their toughest case yet. And their best detective is missing. 
 
Holmes, Margaret and Poe’s Brooklyn-based detective agency solves the crimes no one else can. Or they did – until Holmes decided to leave the business. 
 
There is no time to waste as the team are called to a fresh NYPD crime scene – and tasked with looking into the disappearance of six children. 
 
Time is ticking as they work to unravel the mystery. 
 
But they need Holmes. 
 
If they're going to solve the crime of the century, first they must save their friend. 
_____________________________ 
 
Praise for Holmes, Margaret and Poe . . . 
 
'A classic, witty and wonderful mystery from the king of crime. Fast-paced and fun, clever and exciting. I loved it' CHRIS WHITAKER 
 
'I loved every criminally delicious moment of Holmes, Margaret and Poe. What a wild ride! Hooked from the first page - and not just by the edge of my seat crime stories but also the depth and complexity of the characters. Rock on Book 2! DREDA SAY MITCHELL 
 
____________________________________ 
 
‘Nobody does it better' JEFFERY DEAVER 
 
'The master storyteller of our times' HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON 
 
'No one gets this big without amazing natural storytelling talent - which is what Jim has, in spades' LEE CHILD 
 
'Patterson boils a scene down to the single, telling detail, the element that defines a character or moves a plot along. It's what fires off the movie projector in the reader's mind' MICHAEL CONNELLY 
 
'James Patterson is The Boss' IAN RANKIN 
 
'One of the greatest storytellers of all time' PATRICIA CORNWELL 
 
____________________________________ 
 
Readers love Holmes is Missing... 
 
***** 'I just love these characters... a crime lovers' idea of heaven.' 
***** 'Explosive! Literally and metaphorically!' 
***** 'This book is a high-octane thrill ride' 
***** 'James Patterson and Brian Sitts are a force to be reckoned with and this is my favourite series' 
***** 'A thrilling 5-star mystery!' 
 
Holmes, Margaret and Poe, Sunday Times bestseller, January 2024

Praise for Holmes, Margaret and Poe . . . 
 
'A classic, witty and wonderful mystery from the king of crime. Fast-paced and fun, clever and exciting. I loved it' Chris Whitaker 
 
I loved every criminally delicious moment of Holmes, Margaret and Poe. What a wild ride! Hooked from the first page - and not just by the edge of my seat crime stories but also the depth and complexity of the characters. Rock on Book 2! - Dreda Say Mitchell 
 
_____________________________ 
 
It’s their toughest case yet. And their best detective is missing. 
 
Holmes, Margaret and Poe’s Brooklyn-based detective agency solves the crimes no one else can. Or they did – until Holmes decided to leave the business. 
 
There is no time to waste as the team are called to a fresh NYPD crime scene – and tasked with looking into the disappearance of six children. 
 
Time is ticking as they work to unravel the mystery. 
 
But they need Holmes. 
 
If they're going to solve the crime of the century, first they must save their friend. 
 
_____________________________ 
 
PRAISE FOR JAMES PATTERSON 
 
‘Nobody does it better' JEFFERY DEAVER 
 
'No one gets this big without amazing natural storytelling talent - which is what Jim has, in spades' LEE CHILD 
 
'Patterson boils a scene down to the single, telling detail, the element that defines a character or moves a plot along. It's what fires off the movie projector in the reader's mind' MICHAEL CONNELLY 
 
'James Patterson is The Boss' IAN RANKIN 
 
'The master storyteller of our times' HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON 
 
'One of the greatest storytellers of all time' PATRICIA CORNWELL

Uncovering the Tragedy that Shocked the World

The Idaho Murders

Based on extensive research and first-hand interviews, this true crime novel offers unprecedented insight into the 2022 Idaho murders and the subsequent trial. 
 
On 13th November 2022 in the small quiet town of Moscow, Idaho, the unthinkable happened. 
 
Four innocent college students were murdered in their home. 
 
In the ensuing investigation, the local police and FBI did a lot right. But what did they get wrong? 
 
We’ve learned about the four heartbroken families – the Mogens, Goncalves, Kernodles, and Chapins. 
 
We have the backstory for Bryan Kohberger, brilliant graduate student, loner, apparent incel. 
 
Now, after over 300 exclusive interviews and in-depth reporting, James Patterson and prize-winning journalist Vicky Ward finally have some answers. 
 
_________________________________ 
 
PRAISE FOR JAMES PATTERSON 
 
'Nobody does it better.' JEFFERY DEAVER 
 
'No one gets this big without amazing natural storytelling talent - which is what Jim has, in spades.' LEE CHILD 
 
'James Patterson is The Boss. End of.' IAN RANKIN 
 
‘Patterson is in a class by himself’ GUARDIAN

PRAISE FOR JAMES PATTERSON 
 
 ‘Nobody does it better' JEFFERY DEAVER 
 
 'No one gets this big without amazing natural storytelling talent - which is what Jim has, in spades' LEE CHILD 
 
 'Patterson boils a scene down to the single, telling detail, the element that defines a character or moves a plot along. It's what fires off the movie projector in the reader's mind' MICHAEL CONNELLY 
 
 'James Patterson is The Boss' IAN RANKIN 
 
 
 
'James Patterson is the gold standard by which all others are judged' STEVE BERRY 
 
 
‘Patterson is in a class by himself’ GUARDIAN 
 
‘One of the greatest storytellers of our time’ DAILY MAIL

On 13th November 2022 in the small quiet town of Moscow, Idaho, the unthinkable happened. 
 
Four innocent college students were murdered in their home. 
 
In the ensuing investigation, the local police and FBI did a lot right. But what did they get wrong? 
 
We’ve learned about the four heartbroken families – the Mogens, Goncalves, Kernodles, and Chapins. 
 
We have the backstory for Bryan Kohberger, brilliant graduate student, loner, apparent incel. 
 
Now, after over 300 exclusive interviews and in-depth reporting, James Patterson and prize-winning journalist Vicky Ward finally have some answers. 
 
_________________________________ 
 
PRAISE FOR JAMES PATTERSON 
 
'Nobody does it better.' JEFFERY DEAVER 
 
'No one gets this big without amazing natural storytelling talent - which is what Jim has, in spades.' LEE CHILD 
 
'James Patterson is The Boss. End of.' IAN RANKIN 
 
‘Patterson is in a class by himself’ GUARDIAN

A Jane Smith Thriller

Never Say Die

In this latest thriller from the Sunday Times bestselling author, defence attorney Jane Smith is back in the courtroom defending a notorious client, but her time is running out... 
 
Since taking on a famous celebrity client, defence attorney Jane Smith has been chased down, shot at, and threatened with contempt of court. She’s a survivor. For now. 
 
Jane Smith represents a Hamptons real estate mogul with more enemies than clients. 
 
When Jane’s own life is threatened, mounting a legal defence turns into self-defence. 
 
Knowing every day in court could be her last, she’s armed and ready: with brilliant arguments, hard evidence - and two Glocks. 
 
Until she hears the words “not guilty,” Jane Smith will Never Say Die. 
 
___________________________________ 
 
PRAISE FOR THE JANE SMITH THRILLERS 
 
'The phenomenal Patterson, one of the great storytellers of our time, does not often produce a new character, but he does here to stunning effect' Daily Mail 
 
'A gutsy heroine. A ticking clock. A breathless pace. Wow! This one had me reeling' JANE CORRY 
 
'Compelling' Crime Monthly 
___________________________________ 
 
 
PRAISE FOR JAMES PATTERSON 
 
'It's no mystery why James Patterson is the world's most popular thriller writer ... Simply put: nobody does it better.' JEFFERY DEAVER 
 
'No one gets this big without amazing natural storytelling talent - which is what Jim has, in spades.' LEE CHILD 
 
'Patterson boils a scene down to the single, telling detail, the element that defines a character or moves a plot along. It's what fires off the movie projector in the reader's mind.' MICHAEL CONNELLY 
 
'James Patterson is The Boss. End of.' IAN RANKIN 
 
'The master storyteller of our times' HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON 
 
'One of the greatest storytellers of all time' PATRICIA CORNWELL 
 
'James Patterson is the gold standard by which all others are judged.' STEVE BERRY 
 
'Patterson knows where our deepest fears are buried . . . there's no stopping his imagination' NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW 
 
'Patterson is in a class by himself' GUARDIAN 
 
___________________________________ 
 
 
Readers LOVE Jane Smith... 
 
***** 'You are going to love Jane Smith! A tough, determined, stubborn and funny criminal defence lawyer in New York [...] she is a fantastic new character from one of my favourite authors.' 
 
***** 'This is undoubtedly one of the best legal thrillers that I have ever read.' 
 
***** 'Jane is a character that I quickly grew to love. She's a smart, takes no crap, and is just the right amount of sarcastic for me.' 
 
***** 'If I needed a criminal defence attorney, I would definitely want Jane on my side.'

James Patterson is one of the best-known and biggest-selling writers of all time. Among his creations are some of the world's most popular series, including Alex Cross, the Women's Murder Club, Michael Bennett and the Private novels. He has written many other number one bestsellers including collaborations with President Bill Clinton, Dolly Parton and Michael Crichton, stand-alone thrillers and non-fiction. James has donated millions in grants to independent bookshops and has been the most borrowed adult author in UK libraries for the past fourteen years in a row. He lives in Florida with his family.

Since taking on a famous celebrity client, defence attorney Jane Smith has been chased down, shot at, and threatened with contempt of court. She’s a survivor. For now. 
 
Jane Smith represents a Hamptons real estate mogul with more enemies than clients. 
 
When Jane’s own life is threatened, mounting a legal defence turns into self-defence. 
 
Knowing every day in court could be her last, she’s armed and ready: with brilliant arguments, hard evidence - and two Glocks. 
 
Until she hears the words “not guilty,” Jane Smith will Never Say Die. 
 
___________________________________ 
 
PRAISE FOR THE JANE SMITH THRILLERS 
 
'The phenomenal Patterson, one of the great storytellers of our time, does not often produce a new character, but he does here to stunning effect' Daily Mail 
 
'A gutsy heroine. A ticking clock. A breathless pace. Wow! This one had me reeling' JANE CORRY 
 
'Compelling' Crime Monthly 
___________________________________ 
 
 
PRAISE FOR JAMES PATTERSON 
 
'It's no mystery why James Patterson is the world's most popular thriller writer ... Simply put: nobody does it better.' JEFFERY DEAVER 
 
'No one gets this big without amazing natural storytelling talent - which is what Jim has, in spades.' LEE CHILD 
 
'Patterson boils a scene down to the single, telling detail, the element that defines a character or moves a plot along. It's what fires off the movie projector in the reader's mind.' MICHAEL CONNELLY 
 
'James Patterson is The Boss. End of.' IAN RANKIN 
 
'The master storyteller of our times' HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON 
 
'One of the greatest storytellers of all time' PATRICIA CORNWELL 
 
'James Patterson is the gold standard by which all others are judged.' STEVE BERRY 
 
'Patterson knows where our deepest fears are buried . . . there's no stopping his imagination' NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW 
 
'Patterson is in a class by himself' GUARDIAN

(Alex Cross 32)

The House of Cross

The thirty-second instalment in James Patterson's globally bestselling Alex Cross series - the inspiration for the original series 'CROSS' on prime video. 
 
_____________________________________________ 
 
It’s time to put the guns down, Detective Cross. Even if you knew the way out of this place, we would catch you. 
 
A serial killer is taking out America’s finest legals minds, and Alex Cross is called to investigate their brutal murders. 
 
But during a dangerous mission to track down the killer, his wife, Bree, and best friend, John Sampson, go missing. 
 
To save the people he loves most, Cross has only three goals. 
 
Number one: Find Bree and John. 
Number two: Escape. 
Number three: Survive. 
 
If he fails, there will be no one left in the House of Cross. 
 
___________________________________________ 
 
PRAISE FOR THE ALEX CROSS SERIES 
 
'Patterson never, and I mean never, disappoints' USA Today 
 
'Behind all the noise and the numbers, we shouldn't forget that no one gets this big without amazing natural storytelling talent - which is what Jim has, in spades. The Alex Cross series proves it' Lee Child 
 
'Alex Cross is a legend' Harlan Coben 
 
'Alex Cross ... only gets better and better' Lisa Scottoline 
 
'I wrote, "Along Came a Spider is the best thriller I've come across in many a year. It deserves to be this season's no. 1 bestseller and should instantly make James Patterson a household name." A household name, indeed' Nelson DeMille 
 
'[Alex Cross] has become one of the greatest fictional detectives of all time, a character for the ages' Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child

The thirty-second instalment in James Patterson's globally bestselling Alex Cross series. 
 
_____________________________________________ 
 
It’s time to put the guns down, Detective Cross. Even if you knew the way out of this place, we would catch you. 
 
A serial killer is taking out America’s finest legals minds, and Alex Cross is called to investigate their brutal murders. 
 
But during a dangerous mission to track down the killer, his wife, Bree, and best friend, John Sampson, go missing. 
 
To save the people he loves most, Cross has only three goals. 
 
Number one: Find Bree and John. 
Number two: Escape. 
Number three: Survive. 
 
If he fails, there will be no one left in the House of Cross. 
 
___________________________________________ 
 
PRAISE FOR THE ALEX CROSS SERIES 
 
'Patterson never, and I mean never, disappoints' USA Today 
 
'Behind all the noise and the numbers, we shouldn't forget that no one gets this big without amazing natural storytelling talent - which is what Jim has, in spades. The Alex Cross series proves it' Lee Child 
 
'Alex Cross is a legend' Harlan Coben 
 
'Alex Cross ... only gets better and better' Lisa Scottoline 
 
'I wrote, "Along Came a Spider is the best thriller I've come across in many a year. It deserves to be this season's no. 1 bestseller and should instantly make James Patterson a household name." A household name, indeed' Nelson DeMille 
 
'[Alex Cross] has become one of the greatest fictional detectives of all time, a character for the ages' Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child

James Patterson

(Women’s Murder Club 25)

Sergeant Lindsay Boxer's friend and former partner is brutally murdered in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park. 
 
SFPD homicide detective Lindsay Boxer knows her way around a crime scene. 
 
But nothing can prepare her for the shock of recognition: the victim is Warren Jacobi, Lindsay's former partner who rose to chief of police. 
 
A top detective until the end, Jacobi managed to leave Lindsay a clue. 
 
Following a trail of evidence along the west coast, the Women's Murder Club pledges to avenge Jacobi's death before the killer can take another one of their own. 
 
______________________________________________________ 
 
PRAISE FOR THE WOMEN'S MURDER CLUB 
 
'Packed with action... a compelling read with great set pieces and, most of all, that charismatic cast of characters' SUN 
 
'I couldn't turn the pages quick enough. Great plot, fantastic storytelling and characters that spring off the page - all the right ingredients for a thriller!' HEIDI PERKS 
 
'Fast-moving, intricately plotted... Boxer steals the show as the tough cop with a good heart.' MIRROR 
 
'Terrific, high-octane, really pacy... every scene is a film, every character real, and every plot point leaves us breathless.' JO SPAIN

James Patterson

Books by James Patterson

Series by James Patterson

A Black Book Thriller4 Books

A Jon Roscoe Thriller3 Books

A Michael Bennett Thriller2 Books

A Mitchum Thriller2 Books

A Private Thriller2 Books

A Women’s Murder Club Thriller2 Books

Articles featuring James Patterson

Where to start reading James Patterson

Videos

Bill Clinton and James Patterson on The President Is Missing

In the press

Sign up to the James Patterson newsletter

Follow penguin

Follow ladybird

Follow puffin

Sign up to the Penguin newsletter