Best Alex Cross Books to Read in 2025: Top 15 List

Explore thrilling mysteries with our top alex cross books. They guarantee suspense, laughs, and tears as Alex tackles crime.

Along Came a Spider coverKiss the Girls coverJack & Jill cover

Get ready to uncover the mysteries and excitement found in the top 15 Alex Cross books. We’ve sifted through gripping plots, unforgettable characters, and heart-pounding action to hand-pick our favorites. Whether you’re a mystery newbie or a seasoned thriller enthusiast, there’s something for everyone in the world of Alex Cross books. We focus on suspense that keeps us on the edge of our seats and storytelling that sticks in our minds long after we’ve turned the last page. Stay tuned as we explore these captivating tales that have enthralled readers time and again.

On this list:

15 Along Came a Spider by James Patterson

Along Came a Spider cover

  • Genre: Thriller, Mystery
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1993
  • Pages: 435

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The first of the Alex Cross books, it’s a captivating introduction to our hero, full of suspense and unexpected twists.

14 Kiss the Girls by James Patterson

Kiss the Girls cover

  • Genre: Thriller, Mystery
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1995
  • Pages: 464

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Cross hunts down two serial killers at once in this gripping sequel. It’s a nail-biter from start to finish.

13 Jack & Jill by James Patterson

Jack & Jill cover

  • Genre: Thriller, Mystery
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1996
  • Pages: 480

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In this book, we see Cross dealing with threats both international and local. The drama keeps you hooked.

12 Cat & Mouse by James Patterson

Cat & Mouse cover

  • Genre: Thriller, Mystery
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1997
  • Pages: 432

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Two of Cross’s arch-nemeses are back at it, making this one of the most intense Alex Cross books.

11 Pop Goes the Weasel by James Patterson

Pop Goes the Weasel cover

  • Genre: Thriller, Mystery
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1999
  • Pages: 496

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Cross faces a cunning and international villain, making this one a globetrotting thriller worth your time.

10 Roses are Red by James Patterson

Roses are Red cover

  • Genre: Thriller, Mystery
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2000
  • Pages: 432

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Cross tackles a daring bank robber in this heart-pounding addition to the series. Expect the unexpected.

9 Violets are Blue by James Patterson

Violets are Blue cover

  • Genre: Thriller, Mystery
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2001
  • Pages: 400

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The suspense continues as Cross deals with the aftermath of his last case. The cliffhangers keep you engaged.

8 Four Blind Mice by James Patterson

Four Blind Mice cover

  • Genre: Thriller, Mystery
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2002
  • Pages: 400

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Cross investigates military crimes with a personal twist, making this both an emotional and thrilling read.

7 The Big Bad Wolf by James Patterson

The Big Bad Wolf cover

  • Genre: Thriller, Mystery
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2003
  • Pages: 416

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In this thrilling installment, Cross faces the ‘Wolf’, a notorious villain. The cat-and-mouse game is intense.

6 London Bridges by James Patterson

London Bridges cover

  • Genre: Thriller, Mystery
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2004
  • Pages: 400

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Cross faces a global crisis involving terrorists, adding international intrigue to the usual thrilling formula.

5 Mary, Mary by James Patterson

Mary, Mary cover

  • Genre: Thriller, Mystery
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2005
  • Pages: 416

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Cross is on the hunt for a Hollywood killer. The blend of glamour and danger elevates this book.

4 Cross by James Patterson

Cross cover

  • Genre: Thriller, Mystery
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2006
  • Pages: 393

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A personal vendetta drives this story, revealing more about Cross’s past. It’s a personal and riveting read.

3 Double Cross by James Patterson

Double Cross cover

  • Genre: Thriller, Mystery
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2007
  • Pages: 400

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Cross squares off against a publicity-crazed killer. The high stakes and mind games are mesmerizing.

2 Cross Country by James Patterson

Cross Country cover

  • Genre: Thriller, Mystery
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2008
  • Pages: 400

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Cross chases a dangerous organization across continents, offering a thrilling, high-speed plot.

1 Alex Cross’s Trial by James Patterson

  • Genre: Historical, Thriller
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2009
  • Pages: 384

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This book is the best in the Alex Cross series because it goes beyond the usual narrative. It takes us into new terrain, both literally and figuratively. The novel sets its thrilling scenes in the early 1900s, weaving in historical and societal issues with the typical suspense. The blend of historical context with the familiar pace of an Alex Cross thriller makes it a standout. Plus, the storytelling is top-notch. We see a different kind of tension and emotion, adding depth to the Alex Cross books. In short, this is not just another chase; it’s a reflection on justice, history, and human nature, while still keeping us on the edge of our seats.

Steve Peterson Cartoonified
Steve Peterson

Hi there! I'm Steve Peterson, a passionate reading enthusiast who loves nothing more than getting lost in a good book. My love for literature spans across genres, from thrilling mysteries and gripping fantasy to thought-provoking non-fiction.

I hope my reviews help you find the perfect next book to dive into!