James Patterson on Alex Cross, ‘Along Came a Spider,’ and the new Prime Video show, ‘Cross’
Cross, the new adaptation of James Patterson’s iconic detective, is nearly here on Prime Video, and, as major fans of the books, we can’t wait. Alex Cross is a devoted family man, a skilled psychologist, and a relentless detective—not to mention, as wily as the killers he goes up against. We looked to his creator to get an idea of what to expect of this new series, and his take on which books we should re-read to get ready for this exciting new iteration, and why.
Patterson told us, “Ben Watkins, director of the new Cross series on Prime, had and has my blessing to create all-new Alex Cross stories. We die-hard Alex fans of course know all the old ones from the books so it’s exciting to have fresh new thrills—where we truly have no idea of the ending.
That said, actor Aldis Hodge’s amazing on-screen Alex would not be who he is if he hadn’t experienced what he’s been through in the books.
As we get ready for Christmas, following are the 12 titles in the series that I think are the most cinematic, powerful, and revealing about detective, doctor, father, grandson, widower Alex Cross. “ —James Patterson
The one that started it all. —James Patterson
A return to Alex’s wife’s murder. —James Patterson
Alex is in Hollywood and on the trail of one of the craziest killers he’s ever encountered. —James Patterson
This time it’s personal. (You’d think killers by now would know not to mess with Alex’s family.) —James Patterson
Alex’s niece—not far from the scene of Kiss the Girls—is murdered. A favorite. —James Patterson
Alex serves justice but, in this one, the tables are turned. —James Patterson
It’s been a long time, but Alex is engaged to be married—and the killer in the book is planning a special reception. —James Patterson
Of all the sociopaths Alex has been up against, the one named M has got to be among the most brilliantly evil. This one mark’s M’s debut. —James Patterson
Perhaps the most action-packed of all Alex’s thrillers. And one where John Sampson has a star-turn himself. —James Patterson
Alex is down and John Sampson is on his own. A confession—these days when I close my eyes and think of Sampson, I see [actor] Isaiah Mustafa. —James Patterson
A fan favorite—and it couldn’t be more seasonally appropriate, could it? Merry Cross-mas to you one and all. —James Patterson
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