Criss Cross - James Patterson's Alex Cross Series Book

[Polar Bear]

My wife just brought this book home from the library. Should I read it? Or is that a mistake since I've not read any previous Alex Cross novels?

What do you think?

[Bjeanj]

Any of his Alex Cross books are great, however, my recommendation for these is always to start with his first one, so you can enjoy any references to his backstory.

[retiredguy123]

Why not start with "Along Came A Spider"? That was the first one and it was good. They also made a movie. The rest of the Alex Cross books just went downhill, in my opinion.

[Stu from NYC]

Very interesting and very fast to read but will understand the characters a lot more if you start from the beginning.

[Taltarzac725]

James Patterson's Alex Cross Series - Books in Order | Hachette Book Group (https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/landing-page/alex-cross-books-in-order/)

This might be helpful.

[mixsonci]

I've only read one of his books, one of the last ones I believe and I didn't have any trouble reading and understanding everything about the storyline and characters without having read the earlier ones. I did enjoy the book.

[Travelingal702]

My wife just brought this book home from the library. Should I read it? Or is that a mistake since I've not read any previous Alex Cross novels?

What do you think?
Oh, be brave and just jump in. Although, I agree to start with one of his first book. Therefore, when he's referencing from a previous book (which I hate him doing), you'll know what he's talking about. They are entertaining reads and I think you'll enjoy them.

[crash]

My wife just brought this book home from the library. Should I read it? Or is that a mistake since I've not read any previous Alex Cross novels?

What do you think?

By all means read it the Alex Cross books are not a serial book you do not have to read them in any order. Just the same main characters Think James Bond.

[2mnydogs]

These books are great but you should start from the first one since the characters evolve.

[Southgate]

My recommendation is any novel by Michael Connolly. He is a far superior writer than Patterson.

[Luckytwo]

I love James Patterson’s books. I would recommend to read them in order.

[Joe C.]

I haven't read him yet.
I just started with Vince Flynn and Lee Child.

I've always enjoyed Tom Clancy, W.E.B. Griffin, and James Michener (too bad that they are all passed away).

[Stu from NYC]

I haven't read him yet.
I just started with Vince Flynn and Lee Child.

I've always enjoyed Tom Clancy, W.E.B. Griffin, and James Michener (too bad that they are all passed away).

Love all of them but had no idea that WEB Griffin is gone. Always enjoyed his books and characters.

[Stu from NYC]

My recommendation is any novel by Michael Connolly. He is a far superior writer than Patterson.

Agreed. Have been watching the "Bosch" series on Prime Video. Outstanding, sorry we didnt start earlier,

Been watching 2 episodes a night for past month but only 8 more to go. Hoping it continues.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

When I read my first Patterson book I didn't know there was a series of Cross books. My first was I believe his third or fourth. The one I read next was another random one in the series. I've read a few of them and had no trouble "keeping up" with the character evolution. Patterson includes enough information in each book to "update" the reader on any significant changes in the cast of characters.

Each book can stand alone if you choose to read them independent of the others.

[newbie1758]

Any of his Alex Cross books are great, however, my recommendation for these is always to start with his first one, so you can enjoy any references to his backstory.

I agree. Excellent reads!
:coolsmiley:

[Stu from NYC]

Yeah...that’s the kind of reasonable response I expected when I ask such a simple question. Sheesh. And I didn’t say that I had started reading it. Maybe you should learn to read before you try to write.

Thanks everybody else for your helpful replies. :)

If possible would start from the beginning. Later books have references to bad guys from previous books and helpful to know the backstory.

Also interesting to see how Alex's life has evolved.

His grandmother is one awesome lady.

[mgkw1]

My wife just brought this book home from the library. Should I read it? Or is that a mistake since I've not read any previous Alex Cross novels?

What do you think?

Read it, you will get hooked and hunt out his others. I often read out of sequence. In one book someone is expecting and in the next that child is in high school.

[rphil11ort]

Good book either way

[Tsalla Apopka]

Have read all the Alex Cross series and enjoyed them all. They can get a bit gruesome but not too bad like some authors.

[beachman46]

All his books are enjoyable easy reads

[riley2011]

I love his books. I’ve read most. Along Came a Spider is great. Start reading.

[Two Bills]

Have you ever noticed that libraries never have the first or last books from series or trilogies.
I think the librarians remove them from the shelves. Just because!!

[sallybowron]

Read it in any order you want. He identifies every one in each book.

[fastboat]

My wife just brought this book home from the library. Should I read it? Or is that a mistake since I've not read any previous Alex Cross novels What do you think?

Here they are in order. Start with the first. They are addictive.

James Patterson's Alex Cross Series - Books in Order | Hachette Book Group (https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/landing-page/alex-cross-books-in-order/)

[BeauJangles]

Love th m all; some are better than ours, as with all authors.

[FredJacobs]

Read the Alex Cross novels in the order they were written. This way you will know all of the back stories and see the character develop. I stopped reading James Patterson when he took on a co-author. There was a very noticeable decline in the story telling. I heartily recommend that you read "Miracle on the 17th Green" by Patterson. Great story, heartwarming, seniors can relate.

[Taltarzac725]

Have you ever noticed that libraries never have the first or last books from series or trilogies.
I think the librarians remove them from the shelves. Just because!!

I resemble that remark. Actually, the writer's agents probably steal these. Just kidding.

[Stu from NYC]

Read the Alex Cross novels in the order they were written. This way you will know all of the back stories and see the character develop. I stopped reading James Patterson when he took on a co-author. There was a very noticeable decline in the story telling. I heartily recommend that you read "Miracle on the 17th Green" by Patterson. Great story, heartwarming, seniors can relate.

Not sure when Patterson started publishing about a dozen books a year. At best these days he comes up with an outline and than pays someone to do the writing.

Each chapter is a couple of pages with lots of empty space. Easy reading but the plots are kind of thin.