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James Patterson

Violets Are Blue

Quick Answer

Read "Violets Are Blue" as the 7th book in the Alex Cross Series sequence. This follows the recommended publication order to preserve character development.

Sequence Warning

⚠️ Do NOT read before "Four Blind Mice" (Book 6)

❓ Can I skip this book?
❌ No — Required

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

Verdict Insight: As the 7th installment, this volume is critical for following the central narrative progression and plot development.

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2001
Detective Alex Cross returns to Washington, D.C., to investigate a string of brutal murders of young women. The killer leaves a single violet flower at each crime scene, leading Cross into a twisted cat‑and‑mouse game that forces him to confront his own past while racing against time to stop the murderer.
Next Recommended Book

Four Blind Mice

Book #8 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

Medium 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 Violets Are Blue?

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

Can I read Violets Are Blue before Four Blind Mice?

No. We recommend reading Four Blind Mice first. Violets Are Blue is the 7th book in the series and follows the core narrative established in earlier volumes.

Is Violets Are Blue 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 Violets Are Blue in the reading order?

The next recommended book after Violets Are Blue is Four Blind Mice (Book #8).