James Patterson, a beloved author, has made nearly all his books available as audiobooks. This article explores some of Patterson’s series and highlights his most acclaimed works.
With audiobooks becoming increasingly popular due to busy schedules and commutes, many people are turning to them for their reading needs. James Patterson, a prolific writer, offers a wide range of his books in audiobook format, making them easily accessible on platforms like Audible and Amazon.
About James Patterson
James Patterson is a renowned American author, having sold over 400 million copies of his books. He was the first to sell 1 million e-books and topped Forbes’s list of highest-paid authors in 2013, maintaining the title for three years. Patterson’s works span crime, mystery, non-fiction, and children’s books, with popular series such as Alex Cross, Michael Bennett, Women’s Murder Club, Maximum Ride, and Middle School.
Who is James Patterson?
Born on March 22, 1947, in New York, Patterson grew up in an Irish working-class family. He earned his undergraduate degree from Manhattan College and pursued graduate studies in English Literature at Vanderbilt. Patterson’s writing career began at the J. Walter Thompson advertising agency, where he eventually became CEO. His first book, The Thomas Berryman Number, was published in 1976. In 1996, he left his job to focus on writing full-time. He now lives in Lake Worth Beach, Florida, with his wife Sue and their son Jack.
Genre of Writing
Patterson’s works cover a variety of genres, including thriller, mystery, comedy, young adult fiction, romance, and science fiction. He has coauthored many titles with notable figures such as President Bill Clinton and Dolly Parton. Some of his coauthored series include The Invisible series, The Black Book series, and the NYPD Red series.
Awards and Achievements
Patterson has received numerous awards, including the Edgar Award, the BCA Mystery Guild’s Thriller of the Year, the International Thriller of the Year award, and the Children’s Choice Book Award for Author of the Year. In 2019, he was awarded the National Humanities Medal by President Trump. Patterson also founded the James Patterson PageTurner Awards and launched ReadKiddoRead.com to promote reading among children.
James Patterson’s Best Audiobooks According to Fans
With over 200 novels to his name, Patterson has captivated a large fan base. Here are the top three audiobook series, as recommended by fans:
Women’s Murder Club Series
The Women’s Murder Club series, coauthored with Maxine Paetro, is a thrilling crime series featuring four women in San Francisco who solve murders together while managing their personal lives. The first book, 1st to Die, was published in 2001, and the series currently has 22 novels, with the 23rd expected soon.
- Publication Details: The first book, 1st to Die, was published in 2001 by Little, Brown & Co.
- Synopsis: The series follows homicide detective Lindsay Boxer, reporter Cindy Thomas, Chief Medical Examiner Claire Washburn, and district attorney Yuki Castellano as they solve crimes and navigate personal challenges.
- Books in the Series: There are currently 22 books, with the 23rd on the way.
- Reading Order: Start with 1st to Die and follow the numbered titles in sequence.
- Overall Reviews: Most books in this series have at least 4-star ratings and thousands of positive reviews.
Alex Cross Series
The Alex Cross series, totaling 30 novels, is a popular mystery thriller following Detective Alex Cross of the Washington D.C. Metropolitan Police Department. The first book, Along Came a Spider, was published in 1993, with the latest, Cross Over, expected soon.
- Publication Details: The first book, Along Came a Spider, was published in 1993 by Little, Brown & Co.
- Synopsis: The series follows Detective Alex Cross as he tackles serial killers and crime investigations, balancing his dangerous job with family life.
- Books in the Series: There are 30 books, with Cross Over being the latest.
- Reading Order: Start with Along Came a Spider. Each book is a standalone story but may reference earlier characters and events.
- Overall Reviews: Most books have solid 4-star ratings and tens of thousands of positive reviews. Some books have been adapted into films.
Michael Bennett Series
Coauthored with Michael Ledwidge, the Michael Bennett series consists of 14 thrilling books about NYPD Detective Michael Bennett, who balances his career with raising 10 adopted children. The first book, Step on a Crack, was published in 2007.
- Publication Details: The first book, Step on a Crack, was published in 2007 by Little, Brown & Co.
- Synopsis: The series follows Detective Bennett as he handles everything from hostage negotiations to homicides while caring for his large family.
- Books in the Series: The 14th book, Shattered, was published in 2022.
- Reading Order: Start with Step on a Crack to follow the overarching story of Michael Bennett and his family.
- Overall Reviews: The series is highly rated, with thousands of positive reviews.
Conclusion
James Patterson’s extensive catalog offers something for every reader, especially in audiobook format. Whether you’re a fan of thrilling crime series or standalone novels, Patterson’s works are sure to keep you entertained and engaged.
FAQ
What makes James Patterson’s audiobooks so popular?
Patterson’s engaging storytelling, diverse genres, and well-developed characters make his audiobooks a favorite among listeners.
Where can I find James Patterson’s audiobooks?
You can find Patterson’s audiobooks on platforms like Audible and Amazon.
Which James Patterson series should I start with?
If you’re new to Patterson, consider starting with the Alex Cross series, beginning with Along Came a Spider.