Alex Cross Books in Order: The Complete Reading List for 2026 (33 Books and Counting)

James Patterson’s Alex Cross series is the longest-running, highest-selling, and arguably most addictive detective thriller franchise in modern publishing. Since 1993, Dr. Alex Cross (psychologist, widowed father, and Washington D.C. homicide detective) has chased over thirty serial killers, psychopaths, bombers, and masterminds while trying to keep his family alive.

As of November 2025, there are 33 main-series novels (plus a few spin-offs and novellas). New readers constantly ask the same question: “Where do I start, and in what order should I read them?”

Here is the definitive chronological list, with short non-spoiler descriptions and the key reason each book matters.

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The Complete Alex Cross Series in Publication Order

Along Came a Spider (1993) – The one that started it all. Cross’s first clash with Gary Soneji and the kidnapping that made him famous. Morgan Freeman played him in the movie.
Kiss the Girls (1995) – Casanova and The Gentleman Caller abduct women across the country. Introduces Cross’s niece Naomi (aka “Scoop”). Second movie with Morgan Freeman.
Jack & Jill (1996) – A killer targets celebrities and schoolchildren in D.C. while another murderer stalks the White House. First appearance of Secret Service agent (and future wife) Christine Johnson.
Cat & Mouse (1997) – Gary Soneji returns from the dead (or does he?) while a European killer named Mr. Smith starts leaving bodies on trains.
Pop Goes the Weasel (1999) – A British diplomat with diplomatic immunity turns D.C. into his personal murder playground.
Roses Are Red (2000) – The Mastermind orchestrates a string of deadly bank robberies. One of the biggest twist endings in the series.
Violets Are Blue (2001) – Direct sequel to Roses Are Red. Vampire cults, San Francisco, and the Mastermind reveal.
Four Blind Mice (2002) – Cross and John Sampson investigate framed Army veterans on death row. Introduces the villain “The Three Blind Mice.”
The Big Bad Wolf (2003) – Cross joins the FBI. Russian mobsters traffic women and sell them to the highest bidder. First appearance of new partner Ned Rust.
London Bridges (2004) – The Wolf and the Weasel team up for a global extortion plot that threatens multiple capital cities.
Mary, Mary (2005) – A Hollywood killer taunts Cross through emails while he’s on forced leave.
Cross / Alex Cross (2006) – Flashbacks to Cross’s early days on the force and his wife Maria’s murder. The Butcher of Sligo finally gets a name.
Double Cross (2007) – Kyle Craig (the Master Duper from earlier books) escapes prison and comes for revenge.
Cross Country (2008) – Cross travels to Nigeria chasing the brutal “Tiger” and his child-soldier army. Darkest book in the series.
Alex Cross’s Trial (2009) – Historical spin-off co-written with Richard DiLallo. Set in 1906, narrated by Cross about his ancestors. Can be skipped without missing main continuity.
I, Alex Cross (2009) – Someone is murdering high-class escorts and Cross’s own family gets dragged into the scandal.
Cross Fire (2010) – Two snipers terrorize D.C. while Kyle Craig returns (again).
Kill Alex Cross (2011) – The president’s children are kidnapped on the same day a terrorist poisons the water supply.
Merry Christmas, Alex Cross (2012) – Cross spends Christmas Eve stopping a hostage crisis and then chasing a terrorist on Christmas Day.
Alex Cross, Run (2013) – Three separate killers, one of whom is framing Cross for murder.
Cross My Heart (2014) – Someone kidnaps Cross’s entire family. Ends on one of the most brutal cliffhangers in thriller history.
Hope to Die (2014) – Direct sequel. The most intense, emotional, and rage-inducing book in the series.
Cross Justice (2015) – Cross returns to his North Carolina hometown and uncovers buried family secrets while clearing his cousin of murder.
Cross the Line (2016) – Vigilante killers start executing drug dealers and dirty cops. Bree becomes acting chief of police.
The People vs. Alex Cross (2017) – Cross is accused of murder and put on trial. First book told partly in courtroom format.
Target: Alex Cross (2018) – The President is assassinated. Cross must protect the new Commander-in-Chief.
Criss Cross (2019) – A copycat killer recreates the crimes of Kyle Craig’s old alias “M.”
Deadly Cross (2020) – The ex-wife of the Vice President and her lover are murdered. Ties back to a cold case from decades earlier.
Fear No Evil (2021) – Cross and Sampson go off-grid hunting a killer in the Montana wilderness while Bree faces a threat in D.C.
Triple Cross (2022) – A serial killer known as “The Family Man” works with a fashion designer to stage perfect murders.
Cross Down (2023) – Co-written with Brendan DuBois. John Sampson takes the lead while Cross is sidelined after an attempt on his life.
Alex Cross Must Die (2023) – A sniper targets Cross and his family at a funeral. Fastest-paced entry in years.
The House of Cross (November 2025) – Brand-new release this month. A scientific conspiracy threatens millions, and Cross teams up with an unlikely ally from his past. Already #1 on every bestseller list.

Quick-Start Guide for New Readers

Start at #1 (Along Came a Spider). The early books establish Cross’s family and core relationships.
Books 1–12 are the classic era.
Books 13–20 are the “FBI years.”
Books 21–22 (Cross My Heart + Hope to Die) are a single story split in two – do not read one without the other.
After #22 you can pretty much read in any order; Patterson keeps the recaps tight.

Bonus Spin-offs & Novellas (optional)

Cross Kill (2016)
Detective Cross (2017)
Cross Justice (short story, 2019)
The Alex Cross origin prequel series for younger readers (Ali Cross books)

Why the Series Still Dominates in 2026

Thirty-three books in, Patterson still sells millions of copies per release, the movies keep getting rebooted (Tyler Perry, Morgan Freeman, and now a new Amazon Prime series starring Aldis Hodge), and the fanbase spans teenagers to grandparents. The formula works because every book feels personal: Cross is never just chasing monsters; he’s protecting Nana Mama, Damon, Jannie, and Ali at the same time.

If you love fast-paced, twist-heavy thrillers with a hero you genuinely root for, this is the gold standard.

Which Alex Cross book is your favorite? Drop it in the comments and let the debate begin.

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