BookPath
American Cops
James Patterson

American Cops

Quick Answer

Read "American Cops" as the 23rd book in the Murder Bookshots (Standalone Novellas) sequence. This follows the recommended publication order to preserve character development.

Sequence Warning

⚠️ Do NOT read before "Dr. Zeus" (Book 22)

❓ Can I skip this book?
❌ No — Required

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

Verdict Insight: As the 23rd installment, this volume is critical for following the central narrative progression and plot development.

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2023352 pp
<p><b>For these men and women, it isn't just a job. It's a calling.</b><br> <b><br> PROTECT</b><br> They are our eyes. Our ears. Our protectors. Those who wear a badge, doing their best to help people.<br> <br> <b>SERVE</b><br> These cops serve their communities. They serve their country. They're in the business of saving lives-even at the risk of their own.<br> <br> <b>DEFEND</b><br> These patrol officers and K9 handlers, sheriffs and detectives reveal what it's really like to wear the uniform, to carry the weight of the responsibility they've been given.<br> <br> <b><i>American Cops</i> is the extraordinary first-person account of America's police force.<br> _____________________________<br> <br> Praise for James Patterson</b><br> <br> <b>'The master storyteller of our times'</b> Hillary Rodham Clinton<br> <b>'James Patterson is the gold standard by which all others are judged'</b> Steve Berry<br> <b>'No one gets this big without natural storytelling talent'</b> Lee Child<br> <b>'Nobody does it better'</b> Jeffrey Deaver<br> <b>'James Patterson is The Boss. End of.'</b> Ian Rankin</p>
Next Recommended Book

Idaho Four

Book #25 of 51 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 Murder Bookshots (Standalone Novellas) 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 American Cops?

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

Can I read American Cops before Dr. Zeus?

No. We recommend reading Dr. Zeus first. American Cops is the 23th book in the series and follows the core narrative established in earlier volumes.

Is American Cops required reading for the Murder Bookshots (Standalone Novellas)?

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

What comes after American Cops in the reading order?

The next recommended book after American Cops is Idaho Four (Book #25).