10 Best James Patterson Books to Read in 2024! — His & Hers Book Club (2024)

Begin your journey in the best James Patterson books where it all started: Along Came a Spider. This book introduces us to Alex Cross, a detective with a heart as fierce as his intellect. When a famous actress and a prominent businessman's son get kidnapped, Cross is pulled into a chilling case that promises to be more than a routine investigation. This novel is not only a great introduction to Patterson's style but also sets the stage for a beloved series.

• • Introduces Alex Cross

  • Engaging and fast-paced

• • Complex plot

  • May be intense for new readers

Continuing with Alex Cross, Kiss the Girls makes for a gripping read as Cross hunts down two serial kidnappers who are collaborating yet competing. This chilling sequel not only explores the depths of evil but also tests the limits of Cross’s resolve and wit. It’s a heart-pounding race against time that Patterson fans should not miss.

• • Deepens the Alex Cross storyline

  • Intense action and psychological depth

• • Might require familiarity with the first book

  • Contains dark and intense themes, which might be too much for some readers

Taking a break from the thrillers, Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas will touch your heart with its emotional depth. This standalone novel is one of the best James Patterson books you can read this year, as it reveals a softer side of the author, focusing on love and loss through the intimate passages of a diary left behind for the next woman in a beloved man’s life. It's a poignant read, perfect for those who need a mix of romance with their suspense.

• • Emotional and heartwarming

  • Strong character development

• • Different from Patterson's usual thrillers

  • Might be too sentimental for some

Dive into 1st to Die, which launches the Women's Murder Club series - one of the best James Patterson books series. This book features a powerful female lead, a homicide inspector battling a deadly illness while trying to solve a series of murders with her three close friends. The blend of personal drama and professional peril makes it a compelling read and a fresh take on the crime thriller genre.

• • Features strong female protagonists

  • Combines personal and professional drama

• • Starts a series, committing to more books

  • Some plot points may feel over the top

Another non-thriller, Sam’s Letters to Jennifer combines mystery with a touching love story. Patterson crafts a narrative about discovering a series of letters that reveal family secrets and a hidden love, providing a softer narrative thread that contrasts yet complements his more intense thrillers.

• • Blends mystery with romance

  • Emotional storytelling

• • Less focus on thriller elements

  • May require a taste for melodrama

A tale of corruption, murder, and the quest for justice, The Beach House is a riveting read that showcases Patterson’s ability to weave social issues into compelling narratives. This book will pull you into a powerful family drama and a young man’s crusade against wealth and privilege.

• • Stand-alone thriller

  • Engages with social justice themes

• • Can be predictable for seasoned readers

  • Heavy on legal and procedural details

• • High stakes and intense action

  • Psychological depth enhances the thriller

• • Complex narrative may confuse new readers

  • Darker than previous entries

Judge & Jury plunges into the dangerous dynamics of the mob and the justice system. Follow an FBI agent and a single mother as they navigate the trial of a notorious mob boss, only to find themselves the targets of his deadly influence. This novel combines Patterson's knack for suspense with a critical look at morality and law, making it a worthy addition to the list of best James Patterson books to read in 2024!

• • Exciting mix of legal and action-packed thriller

  • Engaging character dynamics

• • Some twists may stretch believability

  • Requires interest in legal drama

Jump deeper into the Women's Murder Club series with The 5th Horseman. This installment explores the dark side of the medical industry when patients start dying mysteriously in a hospital. It’s a perfect blend of medical drama and crime solving that Patterson fans will devour.

• • Unique blend of medical and crime thriller

  • Engaging and fast-paced

• • Part of a series, which might require context

  • Some medical details may be inaccurately portrayed

Finally, Cross—one of the most intense entries in the Alex Cross series—provides deeper insight into the personal life of Alex Cross as he confronts an unsolved case tied deeply to his past. This story not only thrills but also adds layers to Cross’s character, making it a must-read for those invested in the series.

• • Rich character exploration

  • Emotional and compelling narrative

• • Best appreciated with background from earlier books

  • Complex plot threads from previous books continue