BookPath
Along Came A Spider
James Patterson

Along Came A Spider

Quick Answer

Start with "Along Came A Spider" to begin the Alex Cross Series. It is the essential series starter and provides the necessary foundation for the rest of the books.

Quick Verdict

✅ Safe to read now (Series Entry Point)

❓ Can I skip this book?
❌ No — Required

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

Verdict Insight: This is the essential series starter that introduces the James Patterson's core world and character arcs. It is required reading for all new fans.

Is this helpful?
2003464 ppSeries Starter
Discover the classic thriller that launched the #1 detective series of the past twenty-five year, one of PBS's "100 Great American Reads," and watch the Cross series coming soon to Amazon!<br/><br/>Alex Cross is a homicide detective with a Ph.D. in psychology. He works and lives in the ghettos of D. C. and looks like Muhammad Ali in his prime. He's a tough guy from a tough part of town who wears Harris Tweed jackets and likes to relax by banging out Gershwin tunes on his baby grand piano. But he also has two adorable kids of his own, and they are his own special vulnerabilities.<br/><br/>Jezzie Flanagan is the first woman ever to hold the highly sensitive job as supervisor of the Secret Service in Washington. Blond, mysterious, seductive, she's got an outer shell that's as tough as it is beautiful. She rides her black BMW motorcycle at speeds of no less than 100 mph. What is she running from? What is her secret?<br/><br/>Alex Cross and Jezzie Flanagan are about to have a forbidden love affair-at the worst possible time for both of them. Because Gary Soneji, who wants to commit the "crime of the century," is playing at the top of his game. Soneji has outsmarted the FBI, the Secret Service, and the police. Who will be his next victim?<br/><br/>Gary Soneji is every parent's worst nightmare. He has become Alex Cross's nightmare. And now, reader, he's about to become yours.
Next Recommended Book

Kiss The Girls

Book #2 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 Along Came A Spider?

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

Can I read Along Came A Spider before other books in the series?

Yes, Along Came A Spider is the first book in the series and is the ideal starting point for new readers.

Is Along Came A Spider 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 Along Came A Spider in the reading order?

The next recommended book after Along Came A Spider is Kiss The Girls (Book #2).