James Patterson is an author who needs no introduction. His crime novels are so prolific that he recently passed the milestone of 100 million copies sold. While he is best known for the popular Alex Cross, Women’s Murder Club and Private series, Patterson has written a host of standalone thrillers, too – each containing his signature suspense, drama, and never-saw-that-coming plot twists.
Patterson’s literary draw stretches far beyond crime, spanning non-fiction, romance, and bestselling children’s literature, although he’s best-known for his thrillers. With such a vast oeuvre – Patterson has written over 200 books since 1976, including a record-breaking 67 #1 New York Times bestsellers – it can be hard to know where to begin. That’s why we’ve chosen a handful of James Patterson’s best books to begin with.
What is the best James Patterson book to read first?
The best James Patterson books to read next
1st to Die (2001)
1st to Die is the first in the Women’s Murder Club, one of Patterson’s most popular and prolific series. In this novel, we meet four women – a San Francisco cop, a medical examiner, a journalist, and an assistant district attorney – brought together when a chilling pattern emerges: newlywed couples are being brutally murdered on their honeymoon. Detective Lindsay Boxer leads the investigation, but as the bodies stack up and clues remain scarce, the four women band together, pooling their different skills and insights to crack the case.
With Patterson's renowned fast‑paced, suspenseful writing and charismatic characters, this best-seller delivers a thriller that’s as much about camaraderie and resilience as it is about solving a crime.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need to read James Patterson's books in order?
No, you can read James Patterson books out of order. While some of Patterson’s series – like Alex Cross or the Women’s Murder Club – do have overarching plotlines, most of his novels are designed to be standalone. Patterson often includes enough backstory to make each book enjoyable on its own, especially later additions to long-running series.
What are the best James Patterson standalone books?
Patterson has written dozens of standalone thrillers. Some of the most popular include The Thomas Berryman Number, Don’t Blink and The President is Missing. Each book is a great place to start if you’re not ready to dive into a full series.
Which James Patterson books are part of a series?
Many of James Patterson’s most famous titles are part of long-running series, including:
Along Came a Spider (Alex Cross series)
1st to Die (Women’s Murder Club series)
Private (Private series)
NYPD Red (NYPD Red series)
For crime lovers, Alex Cross is the most iconic and, many say, the best series to start with. However, if you prefer stories driven by female leads, begin with the Women’s Murder Club, or for action-packed global mysteries, try the Private series.
