Return of the Spider

Alex Cross #34

by James Patterson

Return of the Spider is the stunning prequel to Along Came a Spider .

The suspense classic Along Came a Spider introduced an unsurpassed
Detective Alex the “human superhero” (New York Times) versus Gary the "most deliciously wicked character since Hannibal Lecter” (Lexington Herald-Leader).
But that wasn’t their first meeting...
At a desolate cabin in the woods, police discover a hidden journal titled “Profiles in Homicidal Genius.” Evidence points to it being a murder book kept by Soneji.
As Alex studies the clues, he’s enmeshed in a web of evil Soneji designed to ensnare him all along. Plunging into the past, Alex must now retrace the steps of a long-ago investigation and face…the Return of the Spider.

Now enter the world of the #1 bestselling detective series behind the #1 show Cross on Prime Video.

Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Fiction, Crime, Mystery Thriller, Suspense, Audiobook

416 pages, Hardcover

First published November 24, 2025

About the author

Official US Site
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JIMMY Patterson Books
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James Patterson is the most popular storyteller of our time and the creator of such unforgettable characters and series as Alex Cross, the Women’s Murder Club, Jane Smith, and Maximum Ride. He has coauthored #1 bestselling novels with Bill Clinton, Dolly Parton, and Michael Crichton, as well as collaborated on #1 bestselling nonfiction, including The Idaho Four, Walk in My Combat Boots, and Filthy Rich. Patterson has told the story of his own life in the #1 bestselling autobiography James Patterson by James Patterson. He is the recipient of an Edgar Award, ten Emmy Awards, the Literarian Award from the National Book Foundation, and the National Humanities Medal.

Reviews

[Linzie (suspenseisthrillingme) · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the thirty-fourth installment of the Alex Cross series, James Patterson has catapulted us back to the beginning with a prequel to Along Came a Spider. Not only taking us into the past but also giving us a closer look at Alex Cross himself, Return of the Spider was a fast-paced, twisty rollercoaster ride that kept me glued to the pages. Developing the main characters even more all while introducing a few new—or should I say old—characters into the mix, it was our old enemy, Gary Soneji, who chilled me to the bone once again with his villainous behavior. Between the two, there was an epic game of cat-and-mouse as well as a refreshing look back to Cross’s past when he was just a fresh-faced detective. Adding complexity and depth to his persona, I suggest reading the series a bit before diving in even though you could easily read it as a standalone novel. After all, you don’t want to miss getting to know Detective Alex Cross better.

All said and done, thanks to the short, cliffhanger chapters, action-packed scenes, and nostalgic time period, I had no trouble at all falling into this story. Did it have James Patterson’s somewhat formulaic feel? Well, yes… But then again, if it didn’t work so well, this series wouldn’t be as prolific as it is, now would it? Besides, Patterson always seems to deliver a plot that keeps me firmly in suspense. With dual timelines and multiple POVs, I loved all of the insight into the characters’ lives as the heart-pounding events exploded onto the page. Twisting and turning all while delivering that classic thriller tension on top of a deep-dive into the emotions driving the characters, it was a fantastic read even if it wasn’t my favorite by Patterson. That being said, I loved how Cross was forced to reexamine his past and the missteps he might’ve made while pursuing the Spider. In the end, I ate up every word as I raced through the pages in one very, very late night of reading. Rating of 4.5 stars.

SYNOPSIS:

The suspense classic Along Came a Spider introduced an unsurpassed Detective Alex Cross, the "human superhero" (New York Times), versus Gary Soneji, the "most deliciously wicked character since Hannibal Lecter" (Lexington Herald-Leader). But that wasn't their first meeting...

At a desolate cabin in the woods, police discover a hidden journal titled "Profiles in Homicidal Genius." Evidence points to it being a murder book kept by Soneji.

As Alex studies the clues, he's enmeshed in a web of evil Soneji designed to ensnare him all along. Plunging into the past, Alex must now retrace the steps of a long-ago investigation and face...the Return of the Spider.

Thank you to James Patterson and Little, Brown and Company for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

PUB DATE: November 17, 2025

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fan of some books series penned by James Patterson, I have always enjoyed the Alex Cross collection. I respect that Patterson has tried to tackle it on his own, a rarity in his ever-growing stardom. Detective Alex Cross versus Gary Soneji emerged in the opening novel of this series, creating one of the greatest cat and mouse clashes in crime thrillers. However, their connection precedes Patterson's Along Came a Spider in this prequel story that lays the groundwork for the entire Cross series. During a police sweep of an abandoned cabin in the woods, the Metro Police discover a hidden journal. The title, “Profiles in Homicidal Genius”, is penned by none other than Gary Soneji. His criminal mastermind seeps from every page and explores many of the crimes Soneji committed before his apparent death. While Detective Cross wants to keep the past locked away, Soneji's writing stirs up memories and leads to some worrying revelations. When Cross was a rookie detective, he actually crossed paths with a young and determined Gary Soneji, honing his craft and beginning to sample with various types of murder. This journal and these memories help to form a chilling sentiment for Cross, as he comes to terms with the return of the spider, his greatest enemy! Patterson delivers a strong story that impressed me more than I thought it might!

I have long had a love/hate relationship with James Patterson novels. This series has usually been able to push me into the contented column, as Patterson takes time to craft a decent piece. The story is electric from the opening pages, leaving series fans to wonder what's coming next. There is little time to rest, as the quick chapters with which Patterson is renowned provide the reader with something they can enjoy. Tapping into early Cross themes and ideas, the story's pace kicks up even more as the reader seeks to piece things together over a thirty-four novel arc. With some decent ideas, Patterson keeps Alex Cross fresh and intriguing, which has me wanting to see how long the calculating detective has left before hanging up his cuffs.

Characters work well to complement the story, mixing series regulars with new (old?) faces. Alex Cross remains a character that keeps impressing the reader, though I feel this book sought to add some backstory to someone whose development has reached its limits. The story adds some familiar characters whose backstories emerge at times, though many remain in the background, as the likes of John Sampson (Cross' longest friend and fellow cop) and Gary Soneji play strong roles. Even Cross' first wife, Maria, serves to flavour the story and injects some excitement into the protagonist's step.

Plot points help keep the surprise factor as the story progresses. While this was meant to be a quasi-prequel to the larger series, it straddles past and present to keep things surprising. I was not shocked by too much in the piece, but Patterson ensured that things were not too predictable for series fans. There were some decent twists and it helped enrich the reading experience, leaving me, once more, to wonder how much longer Alex Cross has left before he fades into the background.

Kudos, Mr. Patterson, for a nice addition to your well-established series.

Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/

[Mandy White (mandylovestoread) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am always so thrilled to be an early reviewer for one of my all time favourite authors, James Patterson, so a massive thank you to Little,Brown and Company for the opportunity.

I flew through this book, elate, once you start you won’t want to stop. As a longtime reader of the Alex Cross series, the thought of going back to where it all began was so exciting. Gary Soneji was such an evil, twisted psychopath and Alex’s nemesis. Years after his death, his cabin in the woods is discovered, along with his murder weapons, research and a murder book, a book that blows Alex’s world apart. Did he get it all wrong?

It was fascinating to see Alex Cross and John Sampson as young, green detectives at the start of their careers in law enforcement. They are still learning the job, but still have that same determination that we have been used to throughout the series. This is now book number 34, and this was a brilliant way to bring the worst killer they have ever faced back to life for a while. We see how Soneji started his killing spree, what was going through his mind, how he picked his victims and now he was going to kill them.

It was lovely to see Alex as the family man too. Back when his first love Maria was pregnant with their second child, Damon was a little boy and Nana Mama was a younger but still feisty woman.

I will never tire of reading about these characters, and getting more insight into their personalities and younger lives was brilliant. I could have kept reading this for days, but as always with James Patterson, I just had to keep reading. I think this may be one of my favourites in the series, a thrill ride from the past, full of tension and drama.

Published on November 17th, a must read for Alex Cross fans.

[Karen Chong · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.0 / 5.0

Disappointment is an understatement- because what the heck did I just read. Admittedly this book centres around the first book realised 22 years ago, which if I’m honest I haven’t read. This book feels like a literal scam because quite literally it’s a re-hash of what I’m assuming is in the first book but with more information. The hard work has already been laid out only for Patterson to use the same plot and go down memory lane. It’s disappointing because as good as the trip down memory lane is - it’s a very low quality book which probably took less than a week to write (because you’re using the events of the first book with added extra bits). It’s frustrating because after the last couple books with similar plots, dipping quality (weird Mastero mastermind plot), crazy plots and strange direction this book felt like the return of the psychological, thriller vibes the Alex Cross series were. It’s purely the reason why I was so keen to get my hands on this book because I thought finally it’s going to change. Finally we are going to get the old vibes back. But no, this feels like going back to your ex even though your friends have spent ages convincing you not too. I feel horribly gaslight reading this book because I thought I was in for a thrilling read!

I’m disappointed because in actually if you take the events in portions of the book, 90% is quite literally a rehash of the past with only 10% of current time. I don’t know whether this is Patterson why of indicating that the end is near for the Cross series but it’s disappointing when nothing really happens after the past is revealed. We see this moral questioning of Cross but it comes across too late in the book and before you know it the book ends quite literally 2 pages after this revelation. For me this just reads as a ploy for Patterson to spit out more Cross books and get more money. Not worth the investment, seriously questioning whether this series is even worth it or not.

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been reading James Patterson books for over twenty-five years. During that time, like most of his fans, my favorite character has always been Alex Cross. He was Patterson’s first detective series that helped lay the foundation for his kingdom of several bestselling series and stand-alone novels. For me, Alex has remained a fierce, intellectual knight of moral character and the proper use of action.

I still remember reading the Alex’s first adventure, “Along Came a Spider” and almost cried when Alex, then a widower, faced the loss of his new love in an ending twist I would never forget. In the thirty years following, there have been some good (and excellent) adventures and some less-than-stellar outings along the way, but I generally looked forward to the end of each year when another Alex Cross adventure was published.

Now, in late 2025, the 34th book in the series – “Return of the Spider” – has been published, and I have completed my coveted annual reading journey with Detective Cross.

*** Be forewarned that this is a different type of Alex Cross novel; a flashback story that serves as a prequel to both ”Along Came a Spider” and the Detective Cross series as a whole. ***

“Return of the Spider” begins in the current day with Cross and his partner, John Sampson, are called to a crime scene in a desolate area of New Jersey. The property is connected to none other than Gary Soneji, a serial killer that was one of Cross’s most deadly of nemesis years ago. The investigators have found buried bodies, weapons, murder kits, and journals written by Soneji that tell in detail how Soneji studied famous serial killers and transformed himself from into a killing monster. As Cross turns the pages of Soneji’s notebooks titled “Profiles in Homicidal Genius” he discovers that his past connection to Soneji started sooner than he thought and there are even more secrets that will cause the detective personal pain and self-doubt.

We then turn back to a time in the past when Gary Soneji was actually Gary Murphy, an unhappily married traveling salesman who had was starting a secret life as substitute school teacher, and Alex Cross was a rookie homicide detective trying to prove his worth with the Washington DC Metropolitan Police Department. Alex is being trained by his work partner, John Sampson, who is also his best and most trusted friend. At home, Alex lives with his first wife Maria, who is pregnant with their second child, and his son, Damon.

Before he knows it, Alex is involved in multiple investigations, involving murder and gang retribution. To make matters worse, he is starting to see a pattern that feels like a serial killer copycat is at work. Little does he realize that Gary Murphy is learning how to murder and cover his tracks. As he transitions into Gary Soneji, he has even bigger plans that involve leading Cross and Sampson to follow evidence that blame others for his crimes. Will Alex make the biggest mistake a rookie detective could make…

This book was a double-edged sword reading experience for me. Reading prequels can be hard because you already pretty much know the outcomes of the plotlines and the characters since you’ve already read what happens to them after this one. For example, you already know who will live and who may not, as well as where their development or arc ends so that it is in sync with the previously read first book in the series. It’s really tough for the writer to add anything new or surprising unless it impacts or changes something in the current timeframe, which is unlikely with at least 33 previous books that follow this one already revealing pretty much everything that you need to know. I think you get where I am going with this.

So, the question is, what could Patterson add to the Alex Cross mythology with a prequel involving a serial killer that Alex will hunt down multiple times in the future until Soneji finally faces his demise? Well, the answer is surprisingly a good one for the most part. Patterson found a way to be reflective with the past, provide some learning lessons that our hero Cross had to experience, and even a surprising twist that makes Cross only doubt himself, but peels the onion on his own morality and humanity. Even knowing where the storylines were going, having this view into Cross’s early career and family life, Patterson made the pages fly by at record speed. Maybe I am still feeling nostalgic from watching the end of “Stranger Things” during the holidays, but reflection and memories can be a good thing.

That is why I think that hardcore Alex Cross readers will like this definite change of pace story. Even with the flashback approach, Patterson was still able to include his usual thriller elements, fast-paced tempo, and enough dramatic twists and turns from beginning to end. It definitely packed a lot of punches, but what worked best for me was seeing and feeling Alex in the early stage of his career and his great love for Maria, an important part of his life that we just never got to enjoy enough. There were also several mystery plots that moved back and forth smoothly and effortlessly due to Patterson’s crisp, focused, and tight writing style. I really appreciated the family scenes shared between Alex and Maria, as well as Alex and Damon. Because of knowing how Damon and Jannie will grow and develop in later books and being a father and grandfather), those moments were golden for me.

Overall, I think “Return of the Spider” was interesting enough that I had no problems devouring it in two evenings. I even think it was one my more favorite Alex Cross books even though you could see the ending coming pretty easily in my humble opinion. Although prequels don’t always work well, this one added an additional layer or two to the legacy of Alex Cross.

3.5 to 4 out of 5-stars for me.

And to be honest, I greatly appreciated not having to read another book in which Cross spent all of his time running around, chasing his never-ending fight with “M” and Maestro vigilante group. That plotline has gone on too long, the shark has jumped, and it needs to be wrapped up, sooner rather than later.

[Bob · Rating 2 out of 5]

I ask that life long reader question, "Do authors ever read their books?" I'm directing this question to James Patterson because if he read his 1993 release Along Came a Spider (Which marked the debut of his Alex Cross series) then he never would've allowed this limp prequel, Return of the Spider, to be sent off to print. It isn't it'surprisingly dull pace, multi recyled plot, or even it's inane resolution, but it's time frame. You see this is the story revolves around the beginings of Gary Soneji's beginnings as the notorious serial killer known as the spider. Cross and his partner are rookies are investigating a series of copycat murders committed by Soneji while at the same time investigating the crimes of a Hatian gang of drug dealers. There are flashbacks of Cross' family life with late wife Maria and the origins of his relationships with the recurring characters in the series, but there's also an unexpected time warp. You see, part one is set twenty years ago which means the story flashes back to 2005 which means that all of the events of the first book where Cross is an established detective, forensic psycholgist, and ex-FBI agent either never happened or Patterson had come up with a new concept of time that even Neil deGrasse Tyson couldn't decipher. I used to devour the Cross series, but then I gave up after Patterson seemed like he gave up on quality in favor of quantity. I read Return of the Spider with the hope that Patterson would be inspired to produce a prequel that reminded me of the excitement and sheer terror I felt when I read, "Along" almost thirty years ago, but instead I was reminded why I stopped reading his books in the first place after he became a product instead of a writer.

[R L HERSKOWITZ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a walk down memory lane for Alex Cross, prior to Along Came A Spider, with current day realization.
It was nice to see old friends, more in-depth characteristics of Alex Cross and his thought process.
The book was well written by James Patterson (only).

I didn’t want to put this book down.
I thoroughly enjoyed Return Of The Spider!

[Cheryl Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of Patterson’s best Alex Cross books! I read it in one sitting!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very interesting review of the Cross/Sampson series, where it goes back to the very beginning of where the spider (Gary Soneji) gets his start. They are inexperienced detectives who made mistakes, and now have to atone for those. A good addition to the series.

[Bob · Rating 3 out of 5]

An Okay Read But Nothing Special!

After being a very loyal reader of James Patterson’s first ten Alex Cross books and some of his earlier books, I gave up on his books years ago when he decided to become a publishing industry unto himself. Having loved his Along Came A Spider, which I read as an ARC in 1993, I decided to lift my ban on his books and read Return Of The Spider. This book forces Cross to revisit his rookie-investigation years and face the possibility that he and his best friend and partner, Sampson, may have caused the wrong man to be convicted.

Bottom line is that it is just an okay read, making it mostly a letdown relative to my expectations. Here are some reasons why:
…While Cross and Gary Sonegi remain well drawn, richly developed characters, many of the supporting characters are just serviceable at best;
…With multiple timelines, flashbacks, revelations, supporting characters and shifting motives, the plot at times seemed overburdened and some plot threads are less developed that I wanted;
…Some of the thriller mechanics Patterson uses tread on well-worn ground, making the book at times seem more stale than fresh; and
…For a thriller, many of its intended thrills were often expected and not very thrilling.

All in all, I’m glad I read Return Of The Spider but it is not a book I’d recommend anyone but diehard Alex Cross fanatics rush out to read.

[Tim · Rating 2 out of 5]

Another average story for if you're bored.

[Skip · Rating 3 out of 5]

A return to Alex Cross's early days on the Washington DC detective squad, partnering with John Sampson. In the present, Alex and John are called to a remote cabin by their FBI contact where a hidden stash of journals and trophies belonging to Gary Soneji have been found, including his murder book, Profiles in Homicidal Genius. Soneji was a twisted maniac, studying the methods of famous serial killers, while masquerading as a family man and substitute teacher at elite prep schools. Questions are raised about conclusions reached by Alex and John, who are also working on a second case involving a separate gang war, an undercover cop, and wanton killings of DC youths. This seemed like ancient history to me, and a step back from some of the better books of late.

[Monnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow – this is the 34th book featuring detective and psychologist Alex Cross? Believe it or not, I’ve read almost all of the others. One of the most popular repeat characters in this series featured another noteworthy character – serial killer Gary Soneji – a nasty dude who (ahem) Crossed paths with Alex in a few books before finally getting his due.

Well, Soneji is long dead, but the author has found a creative way to bring him back to life in this installment; apparently, the killer’s debut in Along Came a Spider wasn’t the first time the two (ahem again) Crossed hairs previously. Now a homicide detective with the Washington, D.C., Metro Police, Alex and his department friend John Sampson are called by Alex’s old partner Ned Mahoney to a house that once belonged to Soneji (a.k.a. Gary Murphy). Among other things, they find a hidden notebook that clearly belonged to Soneji; as Alex begins to read it, he’s taken back to those long-ago cases.

And of course, he takes readers with him. For the most part, current wife Bree and his delightful Nana Mama are left behind except for an occasional chapter that returns to the present. Back in Soneji’s heyday, Alex was a rookie cop married to first love Maria, already the mother of a son and not far from delivering their second one. Readers follow the progression and conclusion of the detectives’ case back then as they learn how the facts impact a current one (with a few that take both the detectives and readers by surprise.

Did I love the book? You bet. Do I recommend it to all mystery/thriller readers? In that it stands alone well, sure; but I do think that while those who are not regular followers of the Cross series will enjoy the journey, those who are well-seasoned travelers are likely to get a few more miles to the gallon. In any event, I heartily thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for taking me on a great ride by way of a pre-release copy. Well done!

[Alan · Rating 4 out of 5]

When the diary of serial killer Gary Soneji is found, Alex Cross and john Sampson are called in. In reading it, Cross is taken back to his early days as a detective. Two of his first murder investigations involve young men killed with ties to criminal gangs, getting Cross and Sampson mixed in to the gang war. Meanwhile, Gary Soneji is beginning career as a serial killer, after having practice and fantasized about it for so long. When Cross catches one of the murder cases he has no idea what he's in for.
With the inability to bring back Soneji for another sequel, it was an interesting read to see his origins as well as Cross' early time with the Metro PD. Another entertaining entry in the Alex Cross series.

[Les Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story from JP showing Alex’s arch enemy from a different perspective.
A fantastic start to my reading journey n 2026

[LindaPf · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 34th (!!!!) installment in the Detective Alex Cross series, which began in 1993 with “Along Came a Spider.” I know I read the first one near when it was first published and I definitely finished all the ones with titles that mimicked children’s rhymes. In “Cross time,” only eighteen years have passed, but it’s long enough in the past for cellphones and GPS not to be universal technology. Only an expensive car phone the size of a brick seems to be the height of twenty year old tech in this flashback thriller.

An old journal is found in a secret room and we then get a backstory on Cross’s first deadly enemy, Gary Soneji, as well as the early tale of the Cross/Sampson partnership, when they were investigating multiple earlier murders by serial killer Soneji without knowing it. In the early Cross books, Alex’s wife Maria was always an off-screen memory, having already been killed in a drive-by shooting, but she’s a full fledged character here, pregnant with their daughter while Damon is a toddler. I did open up the original “Along Came a Spider” to try to reconcile the timeline, and I was mostly reminded why I loved the Alex Cross stories so long ago.

The flashback story gets a bit bogged down as Cross and Sampson juggle multiple other murders unrelated to the Spider, but it does show their development as young detectives, using their own dedication skills prior to the advent of DNA evidence and ubiquitous camera surveillance. Bringing back Cross’ greatest nemesis creates a suspenseful timeline — and you’ll be tempted (like me) to read “Along Came a Spider” if you never did so (warning: female characters wear leg warmers). 4.5 stars!

Literary Pet Peeve Checklist:
Green Eyes (only 2% of the real world, yet it seems like 90% of all fictional females): YES Soneji used green colored contacts as a disguise.
Horticultural Faux Pas (plants out of season or growing zones, like daffodils in autumn or bougainvillea in Alaska): NO Although kudzu is used as a green drapery to hide the suspect.

Thank you to Little, Brown, and Company and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy!

[Chevelle Medew · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my first James Patterson book, I didn't find this thriller.. Particularly thrilling but it was still a good read. I'd give it 3.5 stars. I just personally like more twists and turns and a touch of mystery.

[Carol Jones-Campbell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my favorite. Why dredge up the past, even with a prequel premise, when we’ve been through this already. Was really looking forward to this, but was let down big time. 3stars.

[quinnster · Rating 3 out of 5]

While it was sweet to get to experience Alex's life with Maria this felt like a reach. As if maybe Patterson has run out of ideas for Cross. It just felt like a waste, a filler.

[Steph Ingram · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a huge Alex Cross fan (like first thrillers I loved, kind of fan) this was so weak. Clearly I’m the minority but this fell so flat and took me an age to read!

[Ethan · Rating 4 out of 5]

There’s a certain sense of nostalgia I get every time I pick up a new Alex Cross book. I was first introduced to James Patterson’s bestselling series back in 2005 when my mom handed me a paperback copy of Mary, Mary. I devoured it in a single weekend and immediately began working my way backward, starting with the first book, Along Came a Spider. I’ve been a fan ever since. I’ve read all thirty-three novels, watched the various attempts at film adaptations, and recently enjoyed the latest effort to bring Patterson’s hero to life in the Amazon Prime TV series. Every time I return to the series, I’m greeted by the familiar blend of heart, suspense, and Patterson’s signature breakneck pace. The newest novel, Return of the Spider, feels especially nostalgic as it resurrects Gary Soneji—the villain who started it all in those early Cross stories. But would this long-awaited return mark a fresh new chapter for Alex Cross, or simply revisit old ground?

The novel is unique in that it serves as a kind of prequel to the series opener. In the present day, Alex Cross and his longtime partner John Sampson are called to a remote cabin in the woods, where the human remains buried around the property aren’t the most disturbing thing discovered on the scene. That honor belongs to a hidden journal titled Profiles in Human Genius. Strange enough on its own, but it’s the contents of the journal that truly bring Cross to his knees. Inside are detailed accounts of murders committed by none other than Gary Soneji.

The name catapults Alex back decades, to the days when Soneji terrorized the city with a string of abductions and murders. But as Alex reads, he comes to a chilling realization: his connection to Soneji began much earlier than he ever imagined. Back when he was a young detective with a chip on his shoulder and something to prove, the seeds of this nightmare were already being sown. As he reads on, Alex becomes ensnared in a web of evil Soneji seems to have spun just for him. Plunging into the past, he must retrace the steps of an old investigation and face the truth about the monster who’s been haunting him from the very start.

With Return of the Spider, James Patterson proves he’s far from done finding new ways to thrill readers with his Alex Cross series. The last book, The House of Cross, brought a long-running thread to its climax, leaving me wondering where Patterson could possibly take the story next. It turns out, he’s taken it all the way back to the beginning. Gary Soneji was one of the most terrifying and relentless foes Alex ever faced, so it was thrilling to see his origins finally revealed.

By taking the series back in time, Patterson adds new depth to both his hero and his villain, breathing fresh life into the world of Alex Cross while still honoring the familiar beats longtime readers have come to love. The ending jumps back to the present day, forcing Alex to face a moral reckoning—about his past, the truths he’s built his life upon, and what the future might hold. I, for one, can’t wait to see where Patterson takes him next. It proves that even after three decades, James Patterson still knows how to keep us turning the pages.

[Ben Arthur · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is what we needed in an Alex Cross novel. The story of Alex Cross has always been very linear and one can't help but realize that he should be coming to the end of his career as an active homicide investigator. This novel has taken us back into what made Alex Cross the detective that he was, and showed a very unique insight into the psychology of an intelligent killer. The plot, storytelling and climax were all spot on and the new character development was great. One could almost smell the musty "cat" smell and see the aura of Marty with his "macho" beard, cigar smoking, whisky drinking dapper appearance.

And finally, the ending. Alex has just enough self doubt and an abundance of self awareness now. Where does he go next? I can't wait to find out in November.

[Tom M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I sure did miss reading these James Patterson detective novels. This was fast paced and reminded me of how much I liked, Along Came a Spider.
Over a long career, at some point you may put the wrong guy in prison, and have to admit that you were outsmarted by the killer and must do all you can to help the victims rebuild what’s left of their lost lives.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so good. A page turner

[Kathie Hendrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can i say
I have never read an Alex Cross book thatbi did not love and this did not disappoint

[Gail Souter · Rating 2 out of 5]

Inconsistencies with dates

I cannot believe that James would make the mistake of saying that in the book's present day, Alex's son had an Ipad,went to see Hamilton and they watched Yellowstone! Ipads came out in 2010 , Hamilton the musical,2015 and Yellowstone in 2018! The books jumps back 20 years to 1985 so that implies it was 2005 and not 2025 in their present day! Ali is still a child so it CAN'T be 2025. But in 2005 none of the 3 above mentioned things existed!
Story was so so! I don't like when there are two other minor stories in the plot that have nothing to do with the main story! The one about the gangs and then the Irish hitman were all irrelevant and weakened the book. As for Gary Soneji, he has been done to death.

[Natalie M · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good prequel!

For the very long running Alex Cross series, Patterson (minus any dodgy co-authors) reminded me why I started reading him all those years ago.

This instalment gives readers an insight into Alex Cross in his early career before ‘Along Came A Spider’. He is a young father, still married to Maria and friends with Sampson.

If only Patterson wrote more of his own books! Don’t miss this one.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gary is a ghost that won’t go away and we love it! He’s formidable villain for a tenacious and perspective hero like Alex Cross.

This rewind in time is great for avid Cross fans looking for a peak behind the invincible man. We wince at every loss and cheer at every win because we just love Alex and that’s exciting. Fingers crossed we get to see some of this moments in the TV series!

Favorite chapter

Chapter 26 is so cute with lots of family vibes and it really humanizes this superhero of a character. I love how his family is always down to encourage him. It makes us feel like we are around the table too.

Favorite quote: "Use your imagination, but make sure it's imagination rooted in experience and reality. My mother taught me that was what being creative was — learning a skill well enough that you can use your imagination to improve it."


Thank you @Little, Brown and Co and @James Patterson for the advance reader copy.

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The backstory of Gary Soneji is revealed in this book that I would almost classify as a prequel to the other “spider” books featuring Alex Cross. In this novel, Gary is younger and hungrier to kill and make a name for himself as an accomplished serial killer. Revealing details about some of his first victims and how Gary metamorphosed from a copycat killer to a unique serial killer makes this book fascinating as well as horrifying at times. The book also gives the backstory about Alex and Maria and their early married years as well as their established relationship with Nana Mama. I especially liked how the story unraveled the clues methodically, with a few red herrings along the way as well as plenty of suspense and drama. The characters who were on the trail of the killer, including Alex and John Sampson, were realistically portrayed and relatable as they dove into their work and tackled it with an intensity that showed their dedication to the job. Having read all of the previous Alex Cross books, this one was like frosting on a well-made cake. It answered some questions and created a few more, but it also made my desire to read more about Alex and his career since this book gave him a definitive human and flawed side that I had not seen before. With the author’s signature short chapters and propensity to build the suspense so well that I was immersed in the story, this book is one of the best and a not-to-be-missed addition to the Alex Cross collection.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

[Adah Udechukwu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Return of the Spider is a beautiful read. Thriller is truly an awesome genre.