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Alex Cross, Run
James Patterson

Alex Cross, Run

Quick Answer

Read "Alex Cross, Run" as the 16th book in the Alex Cross Series sequence. This follows the recommended publication order to preserve character development.

Sequence Warning

⚠️ Do NOT read before "Merry Christmas, Alex Cross" (Book 15)

❓ Can I skip this book?
❌ No — Required

This book is essential to the core narrative and character development.

Verdict Insight: As the 16th installment, this volume is critical for following the central narrative progression and plot development.

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2013416 pp
Kill Alex Cross was "Patterson at the top of his game" (Washington Post). Alex Cross, Run is even better. DON'T LOOK, ALEX CROSS Top plastic surgeon Elijah Creem is renowned for his skills in the operating room, and for his wild, no-expense-spared "industry parties," bringing in underage exotic dancers and models for nights of drugs, champagne, and uninhibited sex. That is, until Detective Alex Cross busts one of Creem's lavish soirees and ruins his fun. Now Creem is willing to do anything to avoid going to jail. DON'T THINK, ALEX CROSS But Alex doesn't have time to dwell on that case. A beautiful woman has been found murdered in her car, a lock of her hair viciously ripped off. Then a second woman is found hanging from a sixth-floor window with a brutal scar slashed across her stomach. When a third mutilated body is discovered, rumors of three serial killers on the loose send Washington D.C. into an all-out frenzy. JUST RUN Alex is under so much pressure to solve these three grim cases that he hasn't noticed that someone else investigating him-someone so obsessed and so twisted that they'll do anything-ANYTHING- to get the vengeance they require. Alex Cross, Run is James Patterson's most unrelenting story yet-a white-hot, sensational thrill ride with the most extreme and gripping characters Patterson has ever brought to life.
Next Recommended Book

23 ½ Lies

Book #16.5 of 16 in Series

Complete Series Reading Order

Publication Order

Preserves character reveals and plot twists exactly as the author intended.

Chronological Order

May spoil surprises but improves timeline clarity for deep lore fans.

Order Confidence

high Confidence

Why this order?

Our team of curators analyzes publication history, author interviews, and internal narrative continuity to establish the definitive reading sequence. This ensures zero spoilers and maximum narrative impact.

Why This Order Is Confusing

Many reading lists for Alex Cross Series conflict because early publishers often labeled short story collections as standalone novels, or rearranged internal chronologies for marketing. This guide follows original author intent and narrative continuity to settle the debate for good.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I skip reading Alex Cross, Run?

This book is essential to the core narrative and character development.

Can I read Alex Cross, Run before Merry Christmas, Alex Cross?

No. We recommend reading Merry Christmas, Alex Cross first. Alex Cross, Run is the 16th book in the series and follows the core narrative established in earlier volumes.

Is Alex Cross, Run required reading for the Alex Cross Series?

Yes, it is a core installment in the series reading order and contains critical character development and plot progression.

What comes after Alex Cross, Run in the reading order?

The next recommended book after Alex Cross, Run is 23 ½ Lies (Book #16.5).