The Top 10 James Patterson’s Books You Never Read

James Patterson is a name that’s nearly synonymous with the term “bestseller.” You might wonder, does this guy ever sleep? Whether he’s crafting high-stakes thrillers or teaming up with some pretty impressive co-authors, Patterson has a catalogue that’s long enough to make even the most avid reader’s TBR (to-be-read) list groan under the weight. Love suspense? Action? A bit of romance? Or maybe a talking chimpanzee? Rest assured, Patterson’s got you covered – possibly even all in one book.

If you’re looking for a way to start (or continue) your journey into the adrenaline-fueled, twist-packed world of James Patterson, I’m here to help. Let’s dive into ten of his standout works, each one guaranteed to keep you awake at night, whether it’s from suspense or the realisation that you’ve just read through 400 pages and have work in the morning. Whoops.

Contents
Along Came a Spider (1993)

Let’s kick things off with Along Came a Spider. This is where we first meet Alex Cross, a psychologist and detective with a knack for solving puzzles that make Rubik’s cubes look like preschool toys. The book starts with a chilling kidnapping and a criminal mastermind that makes you wonder if it’s still safe to trust that friendly neighbour. Gary Soneji, the villain, is every bit the twisted genius you’d expect from a Patterson antagonist.

One thing about this book is clear: Patterson doesn’t pull any punches. It’s intense, suspenseful, and the kind of story where you end up saying, “Just one more chapter” – until you realise you’ve read the whole book.

1st to Die (2001)

From the Alex Cross series, we jump into 1st to Die, the first book of the Women’s Murder Club series. It’s the story of four women – a detective, a journalist, a medical examiner, and an assistant district attorney – teaming up to solve crimes. Think of it as “Charlie’s Angels” but with murder mysteries and a tad fewer disguises.

Lindsay Boxer, our leading lady, doesn’t just have to solve brutal crimes – she’s dealing with some serious personal challenges too. Patterson balances the professional and the personal in a way that makes Lindsay both relatable and an absolute force to be reckoned with. Get ready for dark secrets, killer twists, and female friendships that’ll have you cheering them on while simultaneously hoping you never, ever end up in their situations.

Kiss the Girls (1995)

Along Came a Spider was just the beginning for Alex Cross. In Kiss the Girls, Patterson really ups the ante. This time, Alex finds himself hunting not one, but two serial killers – one on each coast. It’s a classic Patterson move: take a character you love, throw them into a nightmare of a situation, and see if they can get out alive while keeping their sanity intact.

The villains – Casanova and The Gentleman Caller – are as creepy as their names suggest, which makes this book especially tough to put down. It’s like one of those true crime documentaries where you tell yourself you’re too scared to continue, but you just have to know what happens next.

Roses are Red (2000)

By Roses are Red, Alex Cross has seen it all – or so he thinks. Enter the Mastermind, one of Patterson’s most enigmatic villains yet. Bank robberies, hostage situations, and a villain who’s always one step ahead. It’s the kind of book that has you mentally shouting at Alex, warning him of what’s coming next. Spoiler alert: he can’t hear you.

The title might suggest a romance, but don’t let it fool you – this is Patterson, after all. Roses might be red, but the plot is dark, twisted, and full of surprises. And hey, isn’t that exactly what we’re here for?

The Murder House (2015)

Ah, The Murder House. This book is set in the Hamptons, where beachfront mansions aren’t just expensive – they’re hiding secrets. Lots of them. Detective Jenna Murphy is determined to get to the bottom of the mysteries surrounding the titular house, and the result is a chilling, page-turning thriller that’ll have you reconsidering any thoughts you had about purchasing a secluded summer home.

Patterson and co-author David Ellis create a story that’s part ghost story, part crime thriller, and entirely unputdownable. Just make sure you’re reading it somewhere well-lit – preferably with a few friendly neighbours in earshot.

The President is Missing (2018)

Here’s one for fans of political thrillers. Written in collaboration with former President Bill Clinton, The President is Missing is as close as it gets to having a front-row seat in the Oval Office. The plot revolves around – you guessed it – the President going missing, which is kind of a big deal. We follow a story of cyberterrorism, espionage, and the kind of high-stakes drama that keeps you on edge, wondering how much of it is fiction and how much is, well, experience.

Clinton’s inside knowledge gives the book an extra layer of intrigue, and Patterson’s knack for suspense makes it impossible to put down. Plus, it’s comforting to know that even the President can’t avoid a Patterson cliffhanger.

Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment (2005)

Patterson isn’t just about detectives and missing presidents – enter Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment. This is a different Patterson universe: a sci-fi young adult novel featuring a group of kids with wings. Yes, actual wings. The “flock,” as they’re called, is trying to escape from a lab where they were genetically engineered (why is it always the labs?). Maximum Ride, or Max, is the no-nonsense leader who’ll have you rooting for her and wishing you had wings too – at least until they start getting chased by Erasers, genetically modified wolf-humans.

The book has adventure, humour, and the kind of fast-paced action that makes it feel like you’re binge-watching an entire Netflix season in one sitting. Just don’t blame me if you start imagining a shadowy organisation behind every strange noise you hear.

Suzanne’s Diary for Nicholas (2001)

Time to switch gears – Patterson can write more than just thrillers and chase scenes. Suzanne’s Diary for Nicholas is a heartfelt love story that’ll have you shedding a tear or two. Or twenty. It’s the story of a woman named Katie, her lover Matt, and his late wife Suzanne, whose diary holds secrets and stories that will change Katie’s life forever.

It’s romantic, tragic, and proves that Patterson is capable of more than just keeping you up all night in fear – he can also keep you up all night sobbing into a pillow. It’s a good kind of emotional rollercoaster, though, and a testament to Patterson’s range as a storyteller.

Invisible (2014)

In Invisible, Patterson and co-author David Ellis introduce us to Emmy Dockery, an FBI research analyst with a lot to prove. Emmy’s convinced that a series of seemingly unconnected tragedies are actually linked, but nobody will believe her. Classic. So she takes it upon herself to investigate, and soon enough, she’s uncovering a serial killer so meticulous, they’re practically invisible.

This one’s a thriller with psychological twists galore. You’ll find yourself questioning everyone and everything, and just when you think you’ve got it figured out, Patterson pulls the rug out from under you. Again.

Zoo (2012)

Finally, Zoo. Ever wonder what would happen if animals decided they were tired of humans running the show? Patterson and Michael Ledwidge imagine exactly that in this eco-thriller. As animals across the globe start acting out aggressively, biologist Jackson Oz (yes, that’s his real name) races to understand why. It’s chaos, it’s suspenseful, and it’s a not-so-subtle reminder to maybe give nature a bit more respect.

Zoo reads like a disaster movie and makes you think twice about going on that safari you were planning. But in true Patterson fashion, it’s also packed with action and adventure, so you’ll be hooked from start to finish.

After all this excitement, suspense, and emotion, you might be ready for a bit of personal growth – and that’s where the Wizdom app comes in. The Wizdom app offers bite-sized summaries of the best self-help books, perfect for busy people who want to enrich their lives without committing to hours of reading. Imagine all the wisdom from books that could change your life, delivered in a way that’s easy, accessible, and perfect for someone always on the go.

Whether you’re in between Patterson thrillers or just need a moment to step away from a world where serial killers and genetically modified children roam free, Wizdom can provide that much-needed balance. It’s like having a coach in your pocket – no winged kids or presidential conspiracies, just some good old-fashioned life advice to help you be the best version of yourself.

So go ahead, dive into a James Patterson thriller, get your heart racing, and then wind down with some bite-sized self-improvement. Who says you can’t have it all?