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Alex Cross #1
Along Came a Spider
The classic thriller that launched the Alex Cross series, the #1 detective series of the past twenty-five years!
A missing little girl named Maggie Rose . . . a family of three brutally murdered in the projects of Washington, D.C. . . . the thrill-killing of a beautiful elementary school teacher . . . a psychopathic serial kidnapper/murderer who is so terrifying that the FBI, the Secret Service, and the police cannot outsmart him - even after he's been captured.
Gary Soneji wants to commit the crime of the century. Alex Cross is the brilliant homicide detective pitted against him. Jezzie Flanagan is the first female supervisor of the Secret Service who completes one of the most unusual suspense triangles in any thriller you have ever read.
Alex Cross and Jezzie Flanagan are about to have a forbidden love affair--at the worst possible time for both of them. Because Gary Soneji is playing at the top of his game. The latest of the unspeakable crimes happens in Alex Cross's precinct. It happens under the noses of Jezzie Flanagan's men. Now Alex Cross must face the ultimate test: How do you outmaneuver a brilliant psychopath?
A missing little girl named Maggie Rose . . . a family of three brutally murdered in the projects of Washington, D.C. . . . the thrill-killing of a beautiful elementary school teacher . . . a psychopathic serial kidnapper/murderer who is so terrifying that the FBI, the Secret Service, and the police cannot outsmart him - even after he's been captured.
Gary Soneji wants to commit the crime of the century. Alex Cross is the brilliant homicide detective pitted against him. Jezzie Flanagan is the first female supervisor of the Secret Service who completes one of the most unusual suspense triangles in any thriller you have ever read.
Alex Cross and Jezzie Flanagan are about to have a forbidden love affair--at the worst possible time for both of them. Because Gary Soneji is playing at the top of his game. The latest of the unspeakable crimes happens in Alex Cross's precinct. It happens under the noses of Jezzie Flanagan's men. Now Alex Cross must face the ultimate test: How do you outmaneuver a brilliant psychopath?
502 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 1, 1993
15760 people are currently reading
182940 people want to read
About the author
James Patterson
958 books356k followersOfficial US Site
Official UK Site
JIMMY Patterson Books
ReadKiddoRead
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.
Official UK Site
JIMMY Patterson Books
ReadKiddoRead
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 8,230 reviews
September 18, 2014
James Patterson. The man writes a book and you read it. It's plain and simple. He knows how to write a mother-fucking story. This wasn't the first book I read but damn. The dude keeps makin' a brother come back for more. It gets even better when you're reading a book about the REAL OG: Alex Cross.
Short attention span? James Patterson's books come automatically equipped with small chapters.
Enjoy reading before bed? Forget about it. You're laying down in bed, right? HAIL NO. This shit has you on the edge of your seat. Your brain may be tricked into thinking that you are laying down but the reality of it is that you are actually sitting up in a tricked out leather chair by the fireplace smoking a pipe.
Don't smoke a pipe? Doesn't matter. You will be. This book is off the chain. You'll be speaking nothing but eloquence when you're done reading a James Patterson book. What comes after eloquence? Smoking a pipe. You're doomed.
Like to see someone get bu-bu-busted big time? Alright Pauly-D. These bitches ain't shit but hoes and tricks. You know what that means? That means someone's getting jacked the fuck up.
If you like reading, getting smacked in the face with plot twists and actually relating to characters in a book, check out my dog James Patterson. This book is a great intro to his writing.
Short attention span? James Patterson's books come automatically equipped with small chapters.
Enjoy reading before bed? Forget about it. You're laying down in bed, right? HAIL NO. This shit has you on the edge of your seat. Your brain may be tricked into thinking that you are laying down but the reality of it is that you are actually sitting up in a tricked out leather chair by the fireplace smoking a pipe.
Don't smoke a pipe? Doesn't matter. You will be. This book is off the chain. You'll be speaking nothing but eloquence when you're done reading a James Patterson book. What comes after eloquence? Smoking a pipe. You're doomed.
Like to see someone get bu-bu-busted big time? Alright Pauly-D. These bitches ain't shit but hoes and tricks. You know what that means? That means someone's getting jacked the fuck up.
If you like reading, getting smacked in the face with plot twists and actually relating to characters in a book, check out my dog James Patterson. This book is a great intro to his writing.
July 25, 2021
This book was so bad. But not bad in an angry-making way where you want to throw it in a fire, bad in a Nic Cage movie way where it's just so unapologetically terrible that it's both unintentionally hilarious and entertaining in a strangely endearing way. Like, you have to finish it even though you're like "what am I doing with my life right now, I only have a limited time of being alive and yet I can't stop reading this".
If you pay any attention whatsoever to the plot, you will have lots of questions by the end of it, like wait why do they think he might have a split personality if his actual full-time job was a teacher at a private school but he's telling his family he's a salesman? That seems pretty deliberate. or what the fuck happened to the ten million dollars though? or, maybe my favourite absolute stand-alone insane moment: who the fuck erected a burning crucifix on the cabin property, and why is it literally NEVER ADDRESSED AGAIN?
This book is chronicles of ridic. And the main detective, Alex Cross, is supposed to be a psychology genius, and his nemesis, Gary Soneji, is also supposed to be a genius, but neither of them do or say ANYTHING that warrants this description. They're both everyday average normal guys.
Oh yeah, and James Patterson is super cute because he's a white dude trying so hard to write a Black detective, and it's not even offensive it's just like, you can tell he's trying so hard and doing his best but it's just kind of a bumbling effort, like bro just relax about it it's okay you don't have to remind your audience 800 times that Det Cross is a Black dude we get it, it's totally fine.
And I can't really hate on Patterson even IF this was a rage-inducing shit book because he promotes reading so hard for young people and has written several books for children and just seems like a really enthusiastic dude who is super into literacy.
Anyhow if you want the mystery/crime/thriller novel equivalent to a bad Nic Cage movie, read this shit.
If you pay any attention whatsoever to the plot, you will have lots of questions by the end of it, like wait why do they think he might have a split personality if his actual full-time job was a teacher at a private school but he's telling his family he's a salesman? That seems pretty deliberate. or what the fuck happened to the ten million dollars though? or, maybe my favourite absolute stand-alone insane moment: who the fuck erected a burning crucifix on the cabin property, and why is it literally NEVER ADDRESSED AGAIN?
This book is chronicles of ridic. And the main detective, Alex Cross, is supposed to be a psychology genius, and his nemesis, Gary Soneji, is also supposed to be a genius, but neither of them do or say ANYTHING that warrants this description. They're both everyday average normal guys.
Oh yeah, and James Patterson is super cute because he's a white dude trying so hard to write a Black detective, and it's not even offensive it's just like, you can tell he's trying so hard and doing his best but it's just kind of a bumbling effort, like bro just relax about it it's okay you don't have to remind your audience 800 times that Det Cross is a Black dude we get it, it's totally fine.
And I can't really hate on Patterson even IF this was a rage-inducing shit book because he promotes reading so hard for young people and has written several books for children and just seems like a really enthusiastic dude who is super into literacy.
Anyhow if you want the mystery/crime/thriller novel equivalent to a bad Nic Cage movie, read this shit.
March 1, 2017
I am honestly speechless after reading that. Everything that a thriller should be. I am embarrassed to say that this is the first James Patterson book I have read (excluding his book shot series).
Although I was unfamiliar with his work- I think everyone who likes fiction has heard of Alex Cross.
He was one of many standout characters in this novel. Alex Cross, detective, doctor of psychology, hypnotiser, friends of the poor people when he helps out at a food shelter, respected by the black people for never leaving the 'hood following his glittering career, great family man and a bit of genius who cannot give up a case. Although hard and rough when he needs to be, practical as they come - the crimes he sees sometimes upset him - such as deaths of young children.
Enter our villain:
Gary Murphy/ Soneji. Actor. Manipulator. Tortured past. Horrid present.
Other important characters include Alex's best friend and partner, sunglasses wielding 6'6+ copper Sampson & FBI agent Jezzie Flannagan who is part of Alex's team of experts to hopefully solve the world's most infamous case.
The story commences with a kidnapping of two children from a $10,000 a term school by a Maths Teacher! One was the son of the Secretary of State. One was the daughter of this fictional world's equivalent of Angelina Jolie.
There are also a few brutal murders that have been lurking around the suburbs that are a bit too grim to describe here. The book talks a lot about cruelty to children - and we have seen both sides... people who have received this agony and viewpoints of it being given. Macabre!
How does this all fit together? When I thought I knew where this book was going... Patterson would kick sand into my eyes and it would take a crazy direction. I thought I had been metaphorically blindfolded by the author, kidnapped, dropped off in the woods 70 miles away with Patterson laughing at me grotesquely; saying - here are a few clues - figure this out! Hahaha!
Friends and colleagues might not be that transparent. Is the villain a psychopath or a sufferer from multiple-personality disorder? Will the families pay the ransom? Do the children survive? Are the kidnappings related to the murders? Is there an accomplice? Is it even deeper than that? How many deaths can one person cause? Who can we trust?
I won't mention the specific twists or plot too much as that is what makes this book special. It was brilliantly written. Mixing up pacing here and there. Slow scenes with Alex and Family. The middle-paced romance scenes with Alex and a special someone and also blood-racing turn-the-page 700 miles an hour sections.
This was brilliant. I wish I had more of his Alex Cross novels. I might watch the film but I have heard it isn't very good.
That was a thrill. Detective Inspector James x
Although I was unfamiliar with his work- I think everyone who likes fiction has heard of Alex Cross.
He was one of many standout characters in this novel. Alex Cross, detective, doctor of psychology, hypnotiser, friends of the poor people when he helps out at a food shelter, respected by the black people for never leaving the 'hood following his glittering career, great family man and a bit of genius who cannot give up a case. Although hard and rough when he needs to be, practical as they come - the crimes he sees sometimes upset him - such as deaths of young children.
Enter our villain:
Gary Murphy/ Soneji. Actor. Manipulator. Tortured past. Horrid present.
Other important characters include Alex's best friend and partner, sunglasses wielding 6'6+ copper Sampson & FBI agent Jezzie Flannagan who is part of Alex's team of experts to hopefully solve the world's most infamous case.
The story commences with a kidnapping of two children from a $10,000 a term school by a Maths Teacher! One was the son of the Secretary of State. One was the daughter of this fictional world's equivalent of Angelina Jolie.
There are also a few brutal murders that have been lurking around the suburbs that are a bit too grim to describe here. The book talks a lot about cruelty to children - and we have seen both sides... people who have received this agony and viewpoints of it being given. Macabre!
How does this all fit together? When I thought I knew where this book was going... Patterson would kick sand into my eyes and it would take a crazy direction. I thought I had been metaphorically blindfolded by the author, kidnapped, dropped off in the woods 70 miles away with Patterson laughing at me grotesquely; saying - here are a few clues - figure this out! Hahaha!
Friends and colleagues might not be that transparent. Is the villain a psychopath or a sufferer from multiple-personality disorder? Will the families pay the ransom? Do the children survive? Are the kidnappings related to the murders? Is there an accomplice? Is it even deeper than that? How many deaths can one person cause? Who can we trust?
I won't mention the specific twists or plot too much as that is what makes this book special. It was brilliantly written. Mixing up pacing here and there. Slow scenes with Alex and Family. The middle-paced romance scenes with Alex and a special someone and also blood-racing turn-the-page 700 miles an hour sections.
This was brilliant. I wish I had more of his Alex Cross novels. I might watch the film but I have heard it isn't very good.
That was a thrill. Detective Inspector James x
November 9, 2010
Wow, where do I begin? This book inspired me to write a literary review for English class discussing why a a book like this should NEVER have made it onto the bestsellers list.
IF YOU ENJOYED THIS BOOK OR THE ALEX CROSS SERIES, PLEASE DON'T CONTINUE!!
Some major points include:
* Alex Cross is an incredibly boring, cliché, slightly-racist, unrealistic character
* The italicization of random words without regards to taste or context
* Incredible off-putting love scenes
* Boring, repetitive text, and dull, awkward dialog
* So many 90's references and dialog, even Kevin Costner from Bodyguard finds it painful to read
* Plot holes you could drive a truck through
I bought the entire Alex Cross series at a book sale for about 13 dollars. I wish I hadn't, and instead, I wish I had bought something actually entertaining, like silly putty.
IF YOU ENJOYED THIS BOOK OR THE ALEX CROSS SERIES, PLEASE DON'T CONTINUE!!
Some major points include:
* Alex Cross is an incredibly boring, cliché, slightly-racist, unrealistic character
* The italicization of random words without regards to taste or context
* Incredible off-putting love scenes
* Boring, repetitive text, and dull, awkward dialog
* So many 90's references and dialog, even Kevin Costner from Bodyguard finds it painful to read
* Plot holes you could drive a truck through
I bought the entire Alex Cross series at a book sale for about 13 dollars. I wish I hadn't, and instead, I wish I had bought something actually entertaining, like silly putty.
December 15, 2016
ALONG CAME a SPIDER (Alex Cross, #1) is the classic thriller that launched the Alex Cross series, the #1 detective series of the past twenty-five years! Excellent book. full of action and a ending I never saw coming! This novel is a game of cat-and-mouse between Detective Alex Cross and psychopathic villain,Gary Soneji, and will have you flipping the pages to see what will happen next.
February 9, 2026
3,5 ⭐
This book is one of those crime thrillers that you read quickly and easily, but leave you with mixed feelings after the last page. James Patterson undoubtedly knows how to maintain pace – short chapters, constant twists, and the sense that there’s always “just a little more” until the truth is revealed. The book runs like a well-oiled machine, and it’s hard to put down, even when you start to notice that some elements slightly stretch the bounds of plausibility.
The central mystery is strong enough on its own – a kidnapping, a psychological game between the criminal and the investigator, tension that tries to be not just physical, but intellectual as well. Alex Cross is an interesting character because he’s not just a cop, but a person who thinks like a psychologist. This adds depth and makes the clash between him and the antagonist more personal and intense.
However, here comes my main problem with the book. The part about split personality and hypnosis felt a bit out of place. Not because these themes don’t work in thrillers in general, but because here they seem more like a convenient trick than an organic part of the story. Instead of deepening the characters and their motives, they mostly serve as a ready-made explanation for things that would otherwise require subtler psychological logic.
Hypnosis, in particular, is presented almost magically – as a universal key that justifies actions, decisions, and plot twists. This slightly pulls you out of the story, because up to that point the novel tries to stay grounded in realism. Once this element comes in, the balance is disrupted, and everything starts to feel a bit too neatly arranged.
Still, the book has its strong points. The atmosphere is tense, the stakes are high, and Patterson knows exactly how to hit the right beats to keep the reader engaged. The dialogues are effective, and the structure of the novel is such that even its weaknesses don’t completely spoil the reading experience.
I will definitely read another book from the series, though I don’t know yet whether it continues with the same characters or is completely different. I hope to find out in the near future.
Pre_read:
After all this thriller, I hope he doesn’t turn out to be a psychopath in the end.
This book is one of those crime thrillers that you read quickly and easily, but leave you with mixed feelings after the last page. James Patterson undoubtedly knows how to maintain pace – short chapters, constant twists, and the sense that there’s always “just a little more” until the truth is revealed. The book runs like a well-oiled machine, and it’s hard to put down, even when you start to notice that some elements slightly stretch the bounds of plausibility.
The central mystery is strong enough on its own – a kidnapping, a psychological game between the criminal and the investigator, tension that tries to be not just physical, but intellectual as well. Alex Cross is an interesting character because he’s not just a cop, but a person who thinks like a psychologist. This adds depth and makes the clash between him and the antagonist more personal and intense.
However, here comes my main problem with the book. The part about split personality and hypnosis felt a bit out of place. Not because these themes don’t work in thrillers in general, but because here they seem more like a convenient trick than an organic part of the story. Instead of deepening the characters and their motives, they mostly serve as a ready-made explanation for things that would otherwise require subtler psychological logic.
Hypnosis, in particular, is presented almost magically – as a universal key that justifies actions, decisions, and plot twists. This slightly pulls you out of the story, because up to that point the novel tries to stay grounded in realism. Once this element comes in, the balance is disrupted, and everything starts to feel a bit too neatly arranged.
Still, the book has its strong points. The atmosphere is tense, the stakes are high, and Patterson knows exactly how to hit the right beats to keep the reader engaged. The dialogues are effective, and the structure of the novel is such that even its weaknesses don’t completely spoil the reading experience.
I will definitely read another book from the series, though I don’t know yet whether it continues with the same characters or is completely different. I hope to find out in the near future.
Pre_read:
After all this thriller, I hope he doesn’t turn out to be a psychopath in the end.
February 7, 2017
This is the first book I've read in the Alex Cross series and it won't certainly be the last. James Patterson is a fabulous author as I'm sure many would agree and when it comes to writing a page turner he sure knows how to keep the reader turning the pages at a fast pace.
Along Came A Spider is a book with the lot, mystery, crime, suspense, oh and did I mention it's a cracking thriller. I can't wait to get my hands on the next book in this series. If you haven't read this book then do yourself a favor and please go and read it. I'm very sure you won't be disappointed.
Along Came A Spider is a book with the lot, mystery, crime, suspense, oh and did I mention it's a cracking thriller. I can't wait to get my hands on the next book in this series. If you haven't read this book then do yourself a favor and please go and read it. I'm very sure you won't be disappointed.
April 2, 2016
I have been recommending this book for years. Yes, the movie adaptation was terrible…yes, some of the later Alex Cross entries were somewhat weak (I’m looking at you, “Violets Are Blue”). But the first book of the Alex Cross series is still an amazing read. What really made this book work for me was the antagonist, Gary Soneji. He’s chilling and creepy, yet he’s still utterly fascinating. The game of cat-and-mouse between Alex Cross and Gary Soneji is gripping and exciting.
However, the book is not perfect…I did have to deduct a star, as I really didn’t enjoy the portrayal of Secret Service agent Jezzie Flanagan…I found her to be a grating character, and wished the time Patterson spent on her could have been used for any of the other more-interesting characters. Still, it may not be perfect, but “Along Came a Spider” is still a great suspense novel.
However, the book is not perfect…I did have to deduct a star, as I really didn’t enjoy the portrayal of Secret Service agent Jezzie Flanagan…I found her to be a grating character, and wished the time Patterson spent on her could have been used for any of the other more-interesting characters. Still, it may not be perfect, but “Along Came a Spider” is still a great suspense novel.
September 3, 2024
It was a few years back that I read Along Came The Spider. I found the plot is predictable just like those typical Hollywood thriller movies. I could not find the book much engrossing, and was rather disappointed by the climax which was a cliched twist, and ruins whatever was, if any, good in the plot before. It was only the psychopathic villain, Gary Soneji, that appealed to me. Whereas Alex Cross, the detective, was very boring. All in all, it was a below average read which I would not recommend.
February 16, 2019
Along came a spider popped my James Patterson cherry. I struggle to sway from my usual favorite authors, and I am working on venturing out and getting some new favs. As a writer, I also feel this is the only way to check out other styles and grow by other author's genius. I have never seen the movie to this book, but I felt like I was watching an action movie the whole time. There were parts that bothered me a bit that I feel could have been left out, but I also understand the authors need to move the book forward and give the reader the information they need to understand the story. There were times that I felt the writing was a little wordy, but I am also used to authors that have a cleaner cut style. I liked his style, and all in all I will read some more of his books and learn from his writing as well. I will now watch the movie! The ONE thing that this book could have done without and the reason it has 4 stars is all of the puns and corny cliché lines. I could see giving just one character this personality, but many of his characters had a cliché lines over and over again in the book, including the children. His children characters were the age of 13, but it took me a while into the book to realize it as he made them sound at first like they were 5. Each time I heard one of the lines I could not help but roll my eyes, because the book would have been much better without the corny lines. But well done otherwise!
June 20, 2018
James Patterson started his best-selling Alex Cross series in 1993 with Along Came a Spider. There are now 25 books in the series. PBS included the Alex Cross mysteries on its list of 100 books and series for The Great American Read. This prompted me to check out an audiobook of the first Alex Cross book and take a listen. Wow....I'm sorry it took me 25 years to try this series. I loved the character and the book!
Alex Cross is a metro detective in Washington, D.C. He's raising his two kids with the help of his grandmother who he affectionately calls Nana Mama. She raised him after he lost both his parents as a child. Things are dicey in D.C. A poor black family is murdered in their home. Two children from an expensive day school are kidnapped. A teacher from the school is murdered. The crazed murderer and kidnapper keeps adding more crimes to his list, including shooting up a McDonalds restaurant. Cross wants to find the kids and capture the suspect. As he investigates he finds that this case involves a lot of politics and a plot that goes much further than a psycho math teacher.
Alex Cross is such a strong main character. He has his flaws, but he is dedicated to his job. He loves his Nana Mama and his kids. I enjoyed seeing the character develop throughout this thriller. He deals with prejudice, Washington politics and bureaucracy. I like the fact that he is a psychiatrist on top of being a detective. He's able to get into the heads of his suspects, and his background aided in the investigation of the kidnapping.
I'm definitely going to read more of this series! Once I started listening to this book, I couldn't stop. We are in the middle of painting our house, and Alex Cross kept me company while I worked a lot of hours outdoors. It made the time pass so quickly! Totally mesmerizing story! I did not see several twists coming. I love it when a thriller novel surprises me!
Along Came a Spider is the 10th book I have read from the 100 books listed for The Great American Read. I'm glad this series was included. I can see why it's been a best-selling series for decades. Very gritty and suspenseful!
This is the first book by James Patterson that I've read. I'm a bit late on the scene....but I'm definitely going to read more of this series, and other books by Patterson. Along Came a Spider was exciting, realisitic and quite enjoyable.
Alex Cross is a metro detective in Washington, D.C. He's raising his two kids with the help of his grandmother who he affectionately calls Nana Mama. She raised him after he lost both his parents as a child. Things are dicey in D.C. A poor black family is murdered in their home. Two children from an expensive day school are kidnapped. A teacher from the school is murdered. The crazed murderer and kidnapper keeps adding more crimes to his list, including shooting up a McDonalds restaurant. Cross wants to find the kids and capture the suspect. As he investigates he finds that this case involves a lot of politics and a plot that goes much further than a psycho math teacher.
Alex Cross is such a strong main character. He has his flaws, but he is dedicated to his job. He loves his Nana Mama and his kids. I enjoyed seeing the character develop throughout this thriller. He deals with prejudice, Washington politics and bureaucracy. I like the fact that he is a psychiatrist on top of being a detective. He's able to get into the heads of his suspects, and his background aided in the investigation of the kidnapping.
I'm definitely going to read more of this series! Once I started listening to this book, I couldn't stop. We are in the middle of painting our house, and Alex Cross kept me company while I worked a lot of hours outdoors. It made the time pass so quickly! Totally mesmerizing story! I did not see several twists coming. I love it when a thriller novel surprises me!
Along Came a Spider is the 10th book I have read from the 100 books listed for The Great American Read. I'm glad this series was included. I can see why it's been a best-selling series for decades. Very gritty and suspenseful!
This is the first book by James Patterson that I've read. I'm a bit late on the scene....but I'm definitely going to read more of this series, and other books by Patterson. Along Came a Spider was exciting, realisitic and quite enjoyable.
July 27, 2019
3 stars
I went through a whole James Patterson phase when I was in high school. His original work, where it’s just him writing without another author, is great. There’s a reason he became such a success over the years. Along Came a Spider was never my favorite by him, Kiss the Girls and 1st to Die are his best works in my opinion. But when doing a reread, one wants to start at the beginning.
This book follows the kidnapping of two children, both with very influential parents. Alex Cross of the Washington DC police is among the team working to find them. You don’t need to know much more plot than that. For being written in the early 90’s, I am impressed that Patterson chose a strong, intelligent and educated black man to be the hero of his series. He addressed the prejudice Cross faced, along with his challenges that Cross has worked to overcome.
I remembered 3 key plot points, but had forgotten much else so it was almost like reading a new book again. I also became extremely nostalgic when reading this book because my grandmother loved James Patterson, and when I was a teen and a college student we would talk about his books. Reading this book made me miss her very much.
Newer mystery lovers might not love this style, it is definitely very different from modern mystery storytelling.
I went through a whole James Patterson phase when I was in high school. His original work, where it’s just him writing without another author, is great. There’s a reason he became such a success over the years. Along Came a Spider was never my favorite by him, Kiss the Girls and 1st to Die are his best works in my opinion. But when doing a reread, one wants to start at the beginning.
This book follows the kidnapping of two children, both with very influential parents. Alex Cross of the Washington DC police is among the team working to find them. You don’t need to know much more plot than that. For being written in the early 90’s, I am impressed that Patterson chose a strong, intelligent and educated black man to be the hero of his series. He addressed the prejudice Cross faced, along with his challenges that Cross has worked to overcome.
I remembered 3 key plot points, but had forgotten much else so it was almost like reading a new book again. I also became extremely nostalgic when reading this book because my grandmother loved James Patterson, and when I was a teen and a college student we would talk about his books. Reading this book made me miss her very much.
Newer mystery lovers might not love this style, it is definitely very different from modern mystery storytelling.
October 27, 2016
I was going to say that it started of well, but then I realised that it was only because I thought the beginning sucked the least. I mean, if you want to read a story with unbelievably cringe-worthy romance lines, pointless and unnecessary racism and a script that only added to the unrealisticness of the characters, then by all means, throw your money away on this book.
The beginning kept me going for a while because I thought it had a pretty decent storyline (probably the only good point about this book), but then came the middle, where almost nothing even remotely interesting or necessary happened. If you ask me, Patterson should stick to writing crime and leave all elements of romance out of it; half the book was filled with it. If he knew how to write romance, let alone crime, then I really wouldn't mind as much. But the lines... Oh god, the lines! I couldn't believe the cheesiness and laughablity of them. His romance writing is like the equivalent of a parent trying to "get down with the kids", he's just embarrassing himself and really shouldn't do it.
Even if all the romance was taken out, the racism would have marked this down anyway. I mean sure, I wasn't around in '92 but even I know that it wasn't this bad. Probably in every other chapter with Alex Cross, you'll find some sort of racist remark or observation that really didn't need to be there. Alex talks about how the world will never accept an interracial couple blah blah and how they're all discriminative towards black people, but I think it's really him who actually comes across as racist. At the beginning, you can't help but notice how bluntly he points out the colour of his friends and other characters. Patterson should really go back to school and pass his history lessons.
Next. The unrealistic characters. Everyone, in one way or another, just didn't feel real and I think that was definitely due to the script. Yet again I'll point out Alex. Absolutely NOTHING he says would apply to the real world. Not one time in this did I think that someone in real life could really relate to him.
My expectations of Patterson have really gone down because of this. So I'm really not expecting much as I go on to read 1st To Die, because I bought it at the same time as Along Came A Spider. If I could give this half a star, I would. How this managed to become a number one bestseller is probably the biggest mystery of the book.
The beginning kept me going for a while because I thought it had a pretty decent storyline (probably the only good point about this book), but then came the middle, where almost nothing even remotely interesting or necessary happened. If you ask me, Patterson should stick to writing crime and leave all elements of romance out of it; half the book was filled with it. If he knew how to write romance, let alone crime, then I really wouldn't mind as much. But the lines... Oh god, the lines! I couldn't believe the cheesiness and laughablity of them. His romance writing is like the equivalent of a parent trying to "get down with the kids", he's just embarrassing himself and really shouldn't do it.
Even if all the romance was taken out, the racism would have marked this down anyway. I mean sure, I wasn't around in '92 but even I know that it wasn't this bad. Probably in every other chapter with Alex Cross, you'll find some sort of racist remark or observation that really didn't need to be there. Alex talks about how the world will never accept an interracial couple blah blah and how they're all discriminative towards black people, but I think it's really him who actually comes across as racist. At the beginning, you can't help but notice how bluntly he points out the colour of his friends and other characters. Patterson should really go back to school and pass his history lessons.
Next. The unrealistic characters. Everyone, in one way or another, just didn't feel real and I think that was definitely due to the script. Yet again I'll point out Alex. Absolutely NOTHING he says would apply to the real world. Not one time in this did I think that someone in real life could really relate to him.
My expectations of Patterson have really gone down because of this. So I'm really not expecting much as I go on to read 1st To Die, because I bought it at the same time as Along Came A Spider. If I could give this half a star, I would. How this managed to become a number one bestseller is probably the biggest mystery of the book.
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June 14, 2022James Patterson is being added to my list of authors that I refuse to support. Why did he have to make racist comments while “supporting” a white man who sexually molested his adopted daughter?? It’s messed up on so many levels. He should’ve just stayed quiet instead of saying problematic stuff.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/entert...
(Also, there’s no rating on this review so this won’t effect the rating of this book so that goodreads won’t take this down ✌🏻)
https://www.usatoday.com/story/entert...
(Also, there’s no rating on this review so this won’t effect the rating of this book so that goodreads won’t take this down ✌🏻)
August 6, 2025
Fast paced…
Colorful characters…
Suspense to the end… I loved it!
Colorful characters…
Suspense to the end… I loved it!
March 15, 2022
This book was very boring, I couldn't care less about what's going on. The way we continuously changed perspectives made me just want to finish. I don't think I'll be trying Patterson's other books in this genre.
February 26, 2019
This is a re-read for me from 2 years ago. I had forgotten that I already read it, but either way I am so glad that I am finally to get to the Alex Cross series. I enjoyed this one probably even more than the first time I read it. This is the first book to the series. I have had several of the books for awhile now. I have read plenty by James Patterson and have enjoyed just about all of it, so I expected this book to be just as good, and it really was.
The plot to this one was very fast paced, it really kept the story flowing well and kept me engaged from page one. I found nothing that was draggy or slow with the story. There were also some pretty unexpected events that took shape in this one. I loved the action and excitement that came along with this first book and I look forward to much more of that in upcoming books of the series.
I really enjoyed Alex Cross as a character right from the start. He has a good head on his shoulder, but he does have some issues which makes him flawed, and I love a good flawed character. I look forward to his development throughout the series. I also enjoyed a few of the other characters as well, such as Nana Mama, who is Cross's grandmother, and I also enjoy Sampson who is Cross's partner in crime. Both of them together really make this an enjoyable series.
I recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of Patterson and has not yet read this series. I also recommend this to those who just love mystery in general. There is plenty to keep anyone interested and turning the pages.
The plot to this one was very fast paced, it really kept the story flowing well and kept me engaged from page one. I found nothing that was draggy or slow with the story. There were also some pretty unexpected events that took shape in this one. I loved the action and excitement that came along with this first book and I look forward to much more of that in upcoming books of the series.
I really enjoyed Alex Cross as a character right from the start. He has a good head on his shoulder, but he does have some issues which makes him flawed, and I love a good flawed character. I look forward to his development throughout the series. I also enjoyed a few of the other characters as well, such as Nana Mama, who is Cross's grandmother, and I also enjoy Sampson who is Cross's partner in crime. Both of them together really make this an enjoyable series.
I recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of Patterson and has not yet read this series. I also recommend this to those who just love mystery in general. There is plenty to keep anyone interested and turning the pages.
April 1, 2012
This book had a very interesting plot and a decent cover.
That's about it. What a major disappointment this was. I guess it goes to show you just how good an actor Morgan Freeman is. Hell, he drove Ms. Daisy around for two hours and made it seem fun, and he made the movie version of this very watchable. Sadly, he was not around to act out the novel for me.
By the way, the cover isn't really that cool, I was just being polite.
That's about it. What a major disappointment this was. I guess it goes to show you just how good an actor Morgan Freeman is. Hell, he drove Ms. Daisy around for two hours and made it seem fun, and he made the movie version of this very watchable. Sadly, he was not around to act out the novel for me.
By the way, the cover isn't really that cool, I was just being polite.
May 28, 2025
Along Came a Spider by James Patterson is the first Alex Cross novel. It was engaging, action oriented with a lot of mystery. I really enjoyed this fast moving murder, police mystery.
June 12, 2025
3.5/5 stars.
I couldn’t sleep until I finished the book - then the last third of the book I found myself bored and at times wanting the book to end skimming the pages.
There were a few plot twists that I didn’t see coming but as the book continued I saw exactly where the book was going.
I wished I loved it as much as I had when I first started. Unfortunately I lowered it a star because it dragged on and i grew bored.
I couldn’t sleep until I finished the book - then the last third of the book I found myself bored and at times wanting the book to end skimming the pages.
There were a few plot twists that I didn’t see coming but as the book continued I saw exactly where the book was going.
I wished I loved it as much as I had when I first started. Unfortunately I lowered it a star because it dragged on and i grew bored.
May 15, 2022
Serial Maniac
I've read this two, maybe three, times over the years. It's a gripping tale and a fantastic start to the series.
UPDATED 5/2022:
It's time to try audio for this book. I own the book but wanted to try something different as I catch up with the series from the beginning.
I forgot how unsettling the beginning is. Being a parent now probably has something to do with that. Ok, it has a lot to do with it. My perceptions and what I observe over time have shifted.
Honestly, there is a lot that I've forgotten about this book as a LONG time has passed since I last read it. As it came back to me, I really was impressed by the story as it unraveled. The lies, the truths, and everything in between.
The story touches on so many things that are true still. Southeast DC and crimes that occur there are still looked down upon and given a lesser priority. Wealth matters when resources are assigned. Skin color frequently plays a role in perceptions. Women still have to constantly prove themselves when they reach for a "man's" job.
I borrowed a copy of the audio book from my local library. The narrator is Charles Turner. Charles does a good job but he just doesn't sound like the Alex Cross in my head. Admittedly, the one in my head might sound a bit like Morgan Freeman. Hmm... I wonder why. 🎞 📽 🎬
Story: 4.5 stars
Narration: 4 stars
I've read this two, maybe three, times over the years. It's a gripping tale and a fantastic start to the series.
UPDATED 5/2022:
It's time to try audio for this book. I own the book but wanted to try something different as I catch up with the series from the beginning.
I forgot how unsettling the beginning is. Being a parent now probably has something to do with that. Ok, it has a lot to do with it. My perceptions and what I observe over time have shifted.
Honestly, there is a lot that I've forgotten about this book as a LONG time has passed since I last read it. As it came back to me, I really was impressed by the story as it unraveled. The lies, the truths, and everything in between.
The story touches on so many things that are true still. Southeast DC and crimes that occur there are still looked down upon and given a lesser priority. Wealth matters when resources are assigned. Skin color frequently plays a role in perceptions. Women still have to constantly prove themselves when they reach for a "man's" job.
I borrowed a copy of the audio book from my local library. The narrator is Charles Turner. Charles does a good job but he just doesn't sound like the Alex Cross in my head. Admittedly, the one in my head might sound a bit like Morgan Freeman. Hmm... I wonder why. 🎞 📽 🎬
Story: 4.5 stars
Narration: 4 stars
April 15, 2014
I have read a few Alex Cross books now and decided it was time I read the very first one to see how it all began. I am very glad I did because I found this to be an excellent book. It has a fast paced and exciting story which has the reader guessing from the first page and then it ends with quite a remarkable twist which I did not see coming. I sat up very late finishing it because I just could not put it down! Altogether a really good read.
January 21, 2018
So interesting! I haven't seen the movie so this whole plot and the characters were new to me. I found it very entertaining with some great twists! Now that I am done the Women's Murder Club I am trying to decide between Patterson's other series to read now. Really thinking this is the one I will read first!
My quick and simple overall: psychology and criminal justice is so it for me! My two majors in undergrad and graduate school!
My quick and simple overall: psychology and criminal justice is so it for me! My two majors in undergrad and graduate school!
March 18, 2016
It was time to take the plunge and read a Patterson. I work in a pubic library and his books fly off the shelves and rack-up the digital downloads.
My expectations were low and those expectations were met.
My expectations were low and those expectations were met.
October 27, 2024
La hora de la araña
Un thriller entretenido con un malo malísimo y un bueno super preparado pero que no le vale para que se la metan doblada buena parte de la novela.
Un montón de efectos peliculeros perfectamente diseminados en los cortos capítulos para mayor "efecto" y enganchar al lector.
Un malo escurridizo con un montón de alternativas que se hace difícil de creer. Esto es lo peor para mí, que empiezas a no creer/no dejarte llevar por la acción y eso se va acumulando viendo que siguen apareciendo cosas dudosas de aceptar.
Si consigues pasar de estas cosas, la novela es muy entretenida, con gran ritmo, para pasar un rato.
Los personajes no son gran cosa, el malo no es creíble y el protagonista está superado la mayor parte de la historia hasta que el autor decide que ya está bien, ¡hombre!
Con todo, esta es la primera de una serie de casi veinte novelas, no sé cómo serán las siguientes pero el autor ha debido tener éxito con este personaje para estar tanto tiempo publicando lo que se llaman best sellers.
Un thriller entretenido con un malo malísimo y un bueno super preparado pero que no le vale para que se la metan doblada buena parte de la novela.
Un montón de efectos peliculeros perfectamente diseminados en los cortos capítulos para mayor "efecto" y enganchar al lector.
Un malo escurridizo con un montón de alternativas que se hace difícil de creer. Esto es lo peor para mí, que empiezas a no creer/no dejarte llevar por la acción y eso se va acumulando viendo que siguen apareciendo cosas dudosas de aceptar.
Si consigues pasar de estas cosas, la novela es muy entretenida, con gran ritmo, para pasar un rato.
Los personajes no son gran cosa, el malo no es creíble y el protagonista está superado la mayor parte de la historia hasta que el autor decide que ya está bien, ¡hombre!
Con todo, esta es la primera de una serie de casi veinte novelas, no sé cómo serán las siguientes pero el autor ha debido tener éxito con este personaje para estar tanto tiempo publicando lo que se llaman best sellers.
November 27, 2020
4.5 Stars
The first book in the Alex Cross series and it’s a beauty! I have read a few books by James Patterson but I was really looking forward to starting this series because I have heard so many good things about it. Well I didn’t regret this one.
This has everything you want in a thriller a creepy murderous psychopath, quick intense chapters, a brilliant detective, plenty of twists and turns and a killer plot! This book kept me guessing throughout and I loved it!
The character description in this book was a massive win for me! Alex Cross is a modern day hero and I’m just in LOVE with him – he is an all-round good guy! I am so glad this is a series because I want to know more about Alex and I can’t wait to see him develop! Gary was a stunner of a character I mean he is absolutely HORRIBLE and perfect.
“They come in all shapes and sizes, all races and creeds and genders. That's the scariest thing of all”
“What do you talk about to a murderer, and someone you loved, over a perfect dinner and cocktails? I wanted to know so many things, but I couldn't ask any of the real-questions pounding in my head. Instead, we talked of the coming vacation days, a "plan" for the here and now in the islands.”
“It’s all right to put the weight of the world on your shoulders sometimes, if you know how to take it off.”
I don’t think this book is for the light-hearted there are a few murders in this book that really pack a punch and no description is too vulgar! I think the only reason I didn’t go for a 5 star rating is because of the romance – I mean I just wasn’t feeling it and I have found this with a few James Patterson books maybe he should stick with the gore and guts and not the romance.
I found myself asking how do all these murders link with each other throughout this book and I wasn’t disappointed with the conclusion.
I rate this book so highly because I just couldn’t stop flipping those pages I just needed to know what was happening next!
On to the next!
The first book in the Alex Cross series and it’s a beauty! I have read a few books by James Patterson but I was really looking forward to starting this series because I have heard so many good things about it. Well I didn’t regret this one.
This has everything you want in a thriller a creepy murderous psychopath, quick intense chapters, a brilliant detective, plenty of twists and turns and a killer plot! This book kept me guessing throughout and I loved it!
The character description in this book was a massive win for me! Alex Cross is a modern day hero and I’m just in LOVE with him – he is an all-round good guy! I am so glad this is a series because I want to know more about Alex and I can’t wait to see him develop! Gary was a stunner of a character I mean he is absolutely HORRIBLE and perfect.
“They come in all shapes and sizes, all races and creeds and genders. That's the scariest thing of all”
“What do you talk about to a murderer, and someone you loved, over a perfect dinner and cocktails? I wanted to know so many things, but I couldn't ask any of the real-questions pounding in my head. Instead, we talked of the coming vacation days, a "plan" for the here and now in the islands.”
“It’s all right to put the weight of the world on your shoulders sometimes, if you know how to take it off.”
I don’t think this book is for the light-hearted there are a few murders in this book that really pack a punch and no description is too vulgar! I think the only reason I didn’t go for a 5 star rating is because of the romance – I mean I just wasn’t feeling it and I have found this with a few James Patterson books maybe he should stick with the gore and guts and not the romance.
I found myself asking how do all these murders link with each other throughout this book and I wasn’t disappointed with the conclusion.
I rate this book so highly because I just couldn’t stop flipping those pages I just needed to know what was happening next!
On to the next!
July 7, 2012
Ok so I watched the movie starring Morgan Freeman before reading this book which sort of ruined it for me but trust me I learned my lesson. The only thing the movie got right was the name of the characters, and the main theme/plot of the book which was the kidnapping. I could not believe how off the movie was compared to the book, but enough about that. This was probably the most I was engaged into a mystery/thriller/suspense book since I read A Cold Day In Paradise by Steve Hamilton which got me into the genre. I finished this book in about 2 days with maybe 4 hours of reading combined and it kept me interested the whole way. I like how Patterson does small 3-4 page chapters and does more than one point of view to give you an idea of what is going on through the heads of everyone involved. The twist sadly didn't work on me because I saw the movie about 2 weeks before I picked up the book but it still kept me interested the whole way by making me juggle between characters. Im looking forward to reading more from Patterson with this being my first from him and I honestly give this book 4.5/5 stars but you cant give additional half star ratings. Good book, recommend it to anyone who is a fan of the crime/mystery/thriller genre.
January 22, 2022
5 Stars. I couldn't stop reading. It's that good. What a debut. Dr. Alex Cross, a black psychologist and police detective, and his life-long friend, John Sampson, also a detective, are investigating another brutal homicide in the projects in Washington DC, when word comes that two young students have been kidnapped from an up-scale private school. Why should they leave their pressing case and join forces with the FBI and the Secret Service? It's not fair, but one of the fathers is US Secretary of the Treasury and Alex reluctantly gets drawn in. And later, just as unfairly pushed aside. This is the first time we meet Cross, one of the great fictional personalities introduced in the mystery - thriller field in recent years. It's a page turner, perhaps because author James Patterson also brings us one of the most vile criminals ever encountered, Gary Soneji. Then there's Secret Service Supervising Agent Jezzie Flanagan. She's not just eye candy, but in that department, her relationship with Cross steams. There's even a reference to the Lindbergh baby kidnapping in 1932, which remains controversial to this day. Can you read 500 pages in one sitting? I needed a long-weekend. (November 2017)
August 7, 2019
Das war eines der am schlechtesten geschriebenen Bücher, die ich je gelesen habe. Und damit meine ich nicht den Plot. Der war so, wie man ihn von vielen anderen Thrillern kennt: Psychopath entführt Kinder, Polizei jagt und nach diversen unrealistischen Plottwists ist nicht mehr klar, wer gut und böse. Wem‘s gefällt. Ich fand es abstrus, mäßig spannend und für meinen Geschmack zu viele Ungereimtheiten.
Was wirklich schlecht ist, ist die Sprache. Patterson schreibt für Leser, die die Bedeutung eines Verbs im Satz für überwertet halten. Kurze Sätze in kurzen Kapiteln. Oft sind es nur hingeworfene Begriffe, wie wenn er 1992 schon gewusst hatte, wie man twittert. Das ist für Leser, die es langweilig finden, wenn eine Person ausführlich in die Geschichte eingeführt wird. Für Leute, die eine rasante Handlung wollen und die diesen abgehakten Sprachstil als flüssig und dynamisch empfinden. Das ist geschrieben wie ein Artikel in der Yellow Press mit klischeehaften Dialoge von wenig ausgearbeiteten Charakteren. Ich lese gerade parallel einen Stephen King. Größer könnte der Unterschied ja in Fertigkeit des Erzählens kaum sein. Und so eine Romanproduziermaschine wie Patterson führt die Bestsellerlisten an. Das muss doch für talentierte Autoren frustrierend sein.
Was wirklich schlecht ist, ist die Sprache. Patterson schreibt für Leser, die die Bedeutung eines Verbs im Satz für überwertet halten. Kurze Sätze in kurzen Kapiteln. Oft sind es nur hingeworfene Begriffe, wie wenn er 1992 schon gewusst hatte, wie man twittert. Das ist für Leser, die es langweilig finden, wenn eine Person ausführlich in die Geschichte eingeführt wird. Für Leute, die eine rasante Handlung wollen und die diesen abgehakten Sprachstil als flüssig und dynamisch empfinden. Das ist geschrieben wie ein Artikel in der Yellow Press mit klischeehaften Dialoge von wenig ausgearbeiteten Charakteren. Ich lese gerade parallel einen Stephen King. Größer könnte der Unterschied ja in Fertigkeit des Erzählens kaum sein. Und so eine Romanproduziermaschine wie Patterson führt die Bestsellerlisten an. Das muss doch für talentierte Autoren frustrierend sein.
February 6, 2020
Along Came a Spider - the debut of Alex Cross... Patterson's insightful series that met the socio-political changes of the 80s, or maybe was part of that movement?
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A really great homicide detective and great father with a close knit family and a very good up and coming female Secret Service agent. Project killings that may not necessarily be gang related. Just some of the ingredients that made this series such a best seller.
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Not the greatest case in the world, but Patterson easy reading storytelling and composition style easily makes up for that, as does his protagonists' characters and how he treats them.
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A really great homicide detective and great father with a close knit family and a very good up and coming female Secret Service agent. Project killings that may not necessarily be gang related. Just some of the ingredients that made this series such a best seller.
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Not the greatest case in the world, but Patterson easy reading storytelling and composition style easily makes up for that, as does his protagonists' characters and how he treats them.
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