[newbie1758]

Originally Posted by 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.

I agree. Excellent reads!

[Stu from NYC]

Originally Posted by Polar Bear

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]

Originally Posted by 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?

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]

Originally Posted by 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?

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

James Patterson's Alex Cross Series - Books in Order | Hachette Book Group

[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]

Originally Posted by 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!!

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

[Stu from NYC]

Originally Posted by 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.

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.