James Patterson is a renowned author who has written an ample number of books and is the best-selling author of all time. He prefers a colloquial writing style for all his books.
If we talk about the list of books he has written throughout his life and is still writing, then we need a good amount of time to do the counting. In this article, we have listed a few James Patterson books in order. It is challenging to include all of his works, but we have tried to discuss the famous series and standalone books by James Patterson. Read on!
List of James Patterson Books
James is known for writing books in various genres, such as romance, crime thriller, science fiction, children’s books, etc. Below we have listed the order of a few of his book series and standalone novels. So let’s get started, shall we?
Order of the book series written by James Patterson
Let’s start by discussing a few of the book series written by James Patterson.
| Sr. No. | Title | Publication Date | Print Length | Publisher | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alex Cross Series | February 1, 1993 | 448 pages | Little Brown | |
| 2 | Women’s Murder Club | March 5, 2001 | 432 pages | Little, Brown and Company | |
| 3 | Michael Bennet Series | February 6, 2007 | 400 pages | Little, Brown and Company | |
| 4 | Private Series | June 28, 2010 | 464 pages | Little, Brown and Company | |
| 5 | Middle School Series | November 6, 2012 | 336 pages | jimmy patterson | |
| 6 | The Thomas Berryman Number | January 1, 1976 | 272 pages | Warner Books | |
| 7 | Black Friday | January 1, 2000 | 450 pages | Warner Books | |
| 8 | The Midnight Club | January 1, 1989 | 296 pages | Warner Books, Inc. | |
| 9 | Suzanne’s Diary of Nicholas | July 1, 2001 | 272 pages | Little Brown & Co @ | |
| 10 | The Murder House | September 28, 2015 | 608 pages | Little, Brown and Company |
Alex Cross Series
Alex Cross series by James Patterson is a popular crime-thriller series about a psychologist who turned into a homicide detective. The series is based in Washington, DC, where the detective, Alex, solves the crimes of the city and also fulfills the responsibility of keeping his family safe.
The first book of this series was published in 1993, following a long list of published books, and few are yet to be released.
The publication order of the books of this series:
- Along Came a Spider (1993)
- Kiss the Girls (1995)
- Jack & Jill (1996)
- Cat & Mouse (1997)
- Pop Goes the Weasel (1999)
- Roses Are Red (2000)
- Violets Are Blue (2001)
- Four Blind Mice (2002)
- The Big Bad Wolf (2003)
- London Bridges (2004)
- Mary, Mary (2005)
- Cross (2006)
- Double Cross (2007)
- Cross Country (2008)
- Alex Cross’s Trial (2009)
- I, Alex Cross (2009)
- Cross Fire (2010)
- Kill Alex Cross (2011)
- Merry Christmas, Alex Cross (2012)
- Alex Cross, Run (2013)
- Cross My Heart (2013)
- Hope to Die (2014)
- Cross Justice (2015)
- Cross the Line (2016)
- The People vs. Alex Cross (2017)
- Target: Alex Cross (2018)
- Criss Cross (2019)
- Deadly Cross (2020)
- Fear No Evil (2021)
- Cross Over (2022)
- Cross Down (2023)
Women’s Murder Club
Women’s Murder Club series is also one of the famous book series by James Patterson. In the story, a group of four women from different professional backgrounds solves crimes in the city of San Francisco.
- Lindsay Boxer: Homicide detective
- Cindy Thomas: Reporter
- Claire Washburn: Chief Medical Examiner
- Yuki Castellano: District Attorney
These four women are members of the Women’s Murder Club.
The publication order of the books of this series:
- 1st to Die (2001)
- 2nd Chance (2002)
- 3rd Degree (2004)
- 4th of July (2005)
- The 5th Horseman (2006)
- The 6th Target (2007)
- 7th Heaven (2008)
- The 8th Confession (2009)
- The 9th Judgement (2009)
- 10th Anniversary (2011)
- 11th Hour (2012)
- 12th of Never (2013)
- Unlucky 13 (2014)
- 14th Deadly Sin (2015)
- 15th Affair (2016)
- 16th Seduction (2017)
- 17th Suspect (2018)
- 18th Abduction (2019)
- 19th Christmas (2019)
- 20th Victim (2020)
- 21st Birthday (2021)
- 22 Seconds (2022)
- 23rd Midnight (2023)
Michael Bennet Series
Michael Bennet is another one of the great detective series by James Patterson. The detective, Michael, is an Irish American who lives in New York City. He solves the crime of the city and also takes care of his ten adopted children with the help of his partner and grandfather. This mystery, crime thriller series is also loved by many.
The publication order of the books of this series:
- Step on a Crack (2007)
- Run for Your Life (2009)
- Worst Case (2009)
- Tick Tock (2010)
- I, Michael Bennett (2012)
- Gone (2013)
- Burn (2014)
- Alert (2015)
- Bullseye (2016)
- Haunted (2017)
- Ambush (2018)
- Blindside (2019)
- The Russian (2021)
- Shattered (2022)
- Obsessed (Expected publication on July 2023)
Private Series
The series is about Jack Morgan and his detective agency called, Private. When the police and media can’t help, people come to this place for help. Jack Morgan was a former Marine Pilot who rebuilt the detective agency once owned by his father.
The story consists of all the cases solved by Jack Morgan.
The publication order of the books of this series:
- Private (2010)
- Private #1 Suspect (2012)
- Private L.A. (2014)
- Private Vegas (2015)
- Private Paris (2016)
- The Games: A Private Novel (2016)
Order of young adult book series by James Patterson
Maximum Ride Series
Maximum Ride is the first science-fiction series written by James Patterson. This young adult series follows a fourteen-year-old girl named Max and her family called Flock. They are 98% humans and 2% avians, making them somewhat normal human beings.
They were experimented on in a lab called School, where they turned into human-avian hybrids. The story revolves around their survival, revenge, and saving the world.
The series is inspired by the author’s “When the Wind Blows” series.
The publication order of the books of this series:
- The Angel Experiment (2005)
- School’s Out Forever (2006)
- Saving the World & Other Extreme Sports (2007)
- The Final Warning (2008)
- Max (2009)
- Fang (2010)
- Angel (2011)
- Nevermore (2012)
- Maximum Ride Forever (2015)
Daniel X Series
This is another popular science fiction series by James Patterson. It has also turned into a Manga. The story follows a boy named Daniel, whose parents were killed, and he has made his life’s purpose of being the “Defender of Earth.” A boy who saves the world from aliens and dangerous creatures.
The publication order of the books of this series:
- The Dangerous Days of Daniel X (2008)
- Watch the Skies (2009)
- Demons and Druids (2010)
- Game Over (2011)
- Armageddon (2012)
- Lights Out (2015)
Wicked and Wizard Series
This is a series about witchcraft and wizardry. In the story, the dystopian government takes control of the place, and suddenly kids start disappearing. The siblings Wisty and Whit discover their supernatural powers and are introduced to a new world. With secrets unfolding, things start to change.
The publication order of the books of this series:
Order of Children’s book series by James Patterson
Middle School Series
Middle School Series follows the story of Rafe Khatchadorian, a middle schooler. The boy is determined to break all the school rules to gain points. With this plan, he is set to start middle school.
The series revolves around this kid’s story and all his life incidents. Patterson wanted to write a story that children could relate to and enjoy while reading.
The publication order of the books of this series:
- Middle School, The Worst Years of My Life (2011)
- Get Me Out of Here! (2012)
- Big Fat Liar (2013)
- How I Survived Bullies, Broccoli, and Snake Hill (2013)
- Ultimate Showdown (2014)
- Save Rafe! (2014)
- Just My Rotten Luck! (2015)
- Dog’s Best Friend (2016)
- Escape to Australia (2017)
- From Hero to Zero (2017)
- Born to Rock (2019)
- Master of Disaster (2020)
- Field Trip Fiasco (2021)
- It’s a Zoo in Here (2022)
- Winter Blunderland (2022)
I Funny Series
This is another children’s series by James Patterson. It is the story of Jamie Grimm, a kid who wants to become the best stand-up comedian in the world. Losing his parents and being the only survivor of that car crash, he is determined to face the challenges and fears to achieve his dream.
The series revolves around a disabled child trying to balance his school, friends, and dreams, along with overcoming his own fears and grief. It also includes a lot of funny moments, making it an enjoyable read.
The publication order of the books of this series:
- I Funny (2012)
- I Even Funnier (2013)
- I Totally Funniest (2015)
- I Funny TV (2015)
- I Funny School of Laughs (2017)
- The Nerdiest Wimpiest Dorkiest I Funny Ever (2018)
Treasure Hunters Series
This is a children’s book series where a group of kids goes on an adventure to find their parents. They face a lot of challenges along the way, solving the treasure hunt puzzles to reach their destination.
The series is filled with adventures, fun, action, and much more.
The publication order of the books of this series:
- Treasure Hunters (2013)
- Danger Down the Nile (2014)
- Secret of the Forbidden City (2015)
- Peril at the Top of the World (2016)
- Quest for the City of Gold (2017)
- All-American Adventure (2019)
- The Plunder Down Under (2020)
- The Ultimate Quest (2022)
- The Greatest Treasure Hunt (2023)
Standalone books by James Patterson
Now, let’s start with some of the standalone books written by James Patterson.
The Thomas Berryman Number
This was the debut novel of James Patterson and was a big hit. It is a murder mystery novel that follows the murders of the South.
Jimmie Lee Horn ( The first black mayor of Nashville) is murdered, and a reporter investigates the case. Through the investigation, it is revealed that there might be something more to this murder case. The story talks about racism and prejudice and their impacts.
While investigating, he comes across an assassin named Thomas Berryman and discovers all his findings regarding the murder case might be wrong.
Black Friday
This New York Times Bestseller novel follows the story of a federal agent and a lawyer. They can only fight and save the city against the militia group’s threat to destroy Wall Street with multiple explosions. This superthriller novel takes the reader on an adventurous ride.
The Midnight Club
The Midnight Club is a group of all big criminals who are untouchable by the law. But one cop, John Stefanovitch, is determined to crash this club and its members.
Alexandre St. Germain, the powerful member of this club, attacks the cop with a shotgun blast. But wheelchair-bound, John, with the help of a journalist and another cop, plans to take the club down.
Suzanne’s Diary of Nicholas
This is a romance novel written by James Patterson. It follows Katie Wilkinson, who is upset about her breakup with her boyfriend, Matt. While reaching home, she receives a package inside which there is a diary called “Suzanne’s Diary of Nicholas.”
While reading, she discovers that Suzanne is Matt’s wife and Nicholas is Matt’s son. The whole diary reveals a lot of secrets about her boyfriends’ life. It is a heart-touching love story written by the author.
Beach Road
Tom Dunleavy is a lawyer who is hired to defend his friend, Dante Halleyville, who is accused of a triple murder in East Hampton. Tom knows this is the case of his lifetime, and winning it is his goal. Believing his friend is innocent, he hires attorney Kate Costello, his ex-girlfriend.
The fight against the billionaires and their retaliations becomes challenging for Tom. The murder case unfolds many dirty truths and secrets that will leave the readers in a shocking state.
The Postcard Killers
This novel follows the story of detective Jacob Kanon and his determination to find his daughter’s killers. Jacob’s daughter and her boyfriend were killed when they were on vacation in Rome.
Since then, many young couples have been murdered around the world, with no evidence left for the investigators except for a postcard to a local newspaper informing them about the new victims.
Kanon, with the help of his reporter friend, Dessie Larsson, starts on the journey to catch these killers. This novel is a thrilling ride for the readers.
The Murder House
The multi-million dollar estate located in the Hamptons is known as the Murder House because of its horrifying past. With a series of unsolved murders and rumors, it is a forbidden place for the locals.
Detective Jenna Murphy escaping from her troubled past, faces challenges when two bodies are found in the Murder House. Following more murders, the shut case of this house reopens, revealing shocking secrets. The novel is a chilling read with a lot of mysteries to uncover.
The President is Missing
This fantastic thriller novel is written by President Bill Clinton and author James Patterson. There is a threat of attack against America, and the whole nation is terrorized. In the meantime, it is discovered that there is a traitor among them.
The President becomes the suspect in the case but later disappears, which creates chaos. This is a dramatic thriller that readers can enjoy.
The Midwife Murders
This psychological thriller novel is about the kidnapping of patients and murders in a university hospital in Manhattan. Lucy Ryuan, the senior midwife, is all set to solve this mystery case with the help of a NYPD detective.
With the investigation, twisted truths are discovered that Lucy has never imagined.
The publication order of the standalone books:
- The Thomas Berryman Number (1976)
- Black Friday (1986)
- The Midnight Club (1988)
- Suzanne’s Diary of Nicholas (2001)
- Beach Road (2006)
- The Postcard Killers (2010)
- The Murder House (2015)
- The President is Missing (2018)
- The Midwife Murders (2020)
Conclusion
James Patterson is one the best authors of the time, with many books written in various genres. Counting the number of books he has released until now is difficult. He is a master of both series and standalone books.
We hope with this article, you got to know a few of the James Patterson books in order. Among the listed books, you can choose the one you are willing to read.
