Q&A with James Patterson discussion

Cross Fire is the latest in Patterson's popular Alex Cross series. This is the thread to ask questions about the series and where it might be headed.

Where do you get your ideas for what to do with Alex Cross?

I was SO excited to see more Alex Cross novels getting published again. He's one of my favorite literary characters of all time and I was pretty sad to think his storyline had come to an end. How did his relationship with the Mastermind come about? Did you always intend for there to be the "supervillain" that Cross would have to battle while dealing with all his other cases? Is Alex Cross based on anyone in particular in your life or did he come purely from your imagination?

I'm only on the third book in the Alex Cross series, but I do plan on reading the rest of them, I have almost the whole collection excep Cross Fire and one or two more.

I am totally pumped to read this book. I am hoping there is no end in sight for the Alex Cross books. Do you intend to continue this series?

Hanul wrote: "Hi! I read the Maximum Ride series and I wanna try Alex Cross. But I dont know what it is about. So people, what is the summary of the book? Is it good?
please help, and answer the questions for m..."

Hanul, Alex Cross is an entire series of books, not just one. It's a good series! But I'd look up the titles to make sure you're starting at the beginning.

You could always look them up on GR

I have read all of the Alex Cross, Michael Bennet, and Lindsey Boxer novels, were you thinking of ever having a crossover novel? Maybe you can even title the book, Crossover.

That'd be awesome!

I read Along Came a Spider a few months ago, and since then it was like a scavenger hunt to find the rest of the Alex Cross series. I finally got them all. 2 days ago I finished I, Alex Cross, and I preordered Cross Fire. I am sitting here patiently waiting for the book to come. I am so excited. James Patterson definitely spun a web and has me entrapped! I feel like I know the Cross family :)

Elizabeth wrote: "I read Along Came a Spider a few months ago, and since then it was like a scavenger hunt to find the rest of the Alex Cross series. I finally got them all. 2 days ago I finished I, Alex Cross, an..."

You should look at the library, that is where I found a lot of the James Patterson Books.

Sometimes the library doesn't have all the books, especially if it's a long series. Or sometimes catalogers don't know that their a series so you might not find all of them if you don't know the title of the exact book. For example if you typed in Alex Cross #9, and didn't know the title was The Big Bad Wolf then something stupid like 9 Ways To Impress A Girl or Countdown From 9 On Babysitting Tips. The reason why I'm blabbing about this is my mom is the cataloger and she gets annoyed when she finds out I'm reading a series and it wasn't stated on the cover that it was a series and then she has to go back and change it and... yeah I'm typing really fast right now, :D

Kat so, Rawr wrote: "Sometimes the library doesn't have all the books, especially if it's a long series. Or sometimes catalogers don't know that their a series so you might not find all of them if you don't know the ti..."

Here is the complete list, start from the bottom up: http://jamespatterson.com/books_alex_...

If the Library does not have it then go to Amazon, they have just about every book ever.

What was confusing with me was that I had the entire series, based on the back of Cross Country, and I was told that I was missing the Alex Cross Trial. Amazon didn't have that on the list either.Sure enough I had to put a hold on the series, run out and get it, and continue reading. I refuse to read a book out of number... lol.

Hanul wrote: "Hi! I read the Maximum Ride series and I wanna try Alex Cross. But I dont know what it is about. So people, what is the summary of the book? Is it good?
please help, and answer the questions for m..."

It is so good, I think I have read them all. Alex is a psychologist that has helped the police department solve a crime or two and then joins the department. His wife was killed in front of him and he has chased her killer in several of the books. He is also a father of two very cute kids and his mother helps him raise them. These are the best characters I have read about except maybe Lindsey Boxer and her woman's murder club. Enjoy the books.

Well as they were written Alex Cross's trial comes after Cross Country and before I, Alex Cross. In reality Alex Cross's Trial does not fit chronologically with the story line, it is a story of post civil war Mississippi or Alabama and it is Nana's grandfather (?) struggle with poverty, racism, and the KKK. It does not actually involve Alex Cross, he is just the one telling the story.

About half way through the books I got the idea that Alex was a black man. I'm not sure if it ever came out and said it but did anyone else get that too? It doesn't matter except for the picture in my head I have of him changed at that point.

Hanul wrote: "Hi! I read the Maximum Ride series and I wanna try Alex Cross. But I dont know what it is about. So people, what is the summary of the book? Is it good?
please help, and answer the questions for m..."

If you would like to get a taste of Alex Cross's world before starting to read them you should look up two movies, Kiss the Girls and Along Came a Spider. These two movies are based on the first two Alex Cross books.

Elizabeth wrote: "What was confusing with me was that I had the entire series, based on the back of Cross Country, and I was told that I was missing the Alex Cross Trial. Amazon didn't have that on the list either...."

Elizabeth, I use Fantastic Fiction to make sure I have the correct series order. Here is the the James Patterson page - CLICK HERE

Scot wrote: "Hanul wrote: "Hi! I read the Maximum Ride series and I wanna try Alex Cross. But I dont know what it is about. So people, what is the summary of the book? Is it good?
please help, and answer the qu..."

The movies were good but I don't think the touched the book. Especially Kiss the Girls, the book was so intense and I didn't think the movie captured that heart pounding feeling. They were good but I would take the books over the movies in this case any day of the week.

Scot wrote: "I have read all of the Alex Cross, Michael Bennet, and Lindsey Boxer novels, were you thinking of ever having a crossover novel? Maybe you can even title the book, Crossover."

I was thinking about that too! I would get a kick to see Alex appear in a Michael Bennett novel as a psychological profiler or have Michael be a detective that Alex has to work with. I read the Lindsey Boxer series also but for some reason I lean more towards the male detective series. A cameo appearance would be a lot of fun, I think!

MJ wrote: "Scot wrote: "I have read all of the Alex Cross, Michael Bennet, and Lindsey Boxer novels, were you thinking of ever having a crossover novel? Maybe you can even title the book, Crossover."

I was..."

That would be awesome! I love crossovers. Having the two together would rock.

Michelle wrote: "About half way through the books I got the idea that Alex was a black man. I'm not sure if it ever came out and said it but did anyone else get that too? It doesn't matter except for the picture ..."
No, I kind of always imagined him white. A white, middleclass man living in the suburbs :)

Can't wait to read another Alex novel!

Sonam wrote: "Can't wait to read another Alex novel!"

Me, too! I've read most of the Alex Cross books in the series. I am sure this new one is something worth the wait. Aside from the exciting plots, the characters are so endearing (from Alex to old-but-tough Nana Mama). Alex is an epitome of the modern gentleman - hardworking, intelligent, family-loving.

I love the Alex Cross series; it is my favorite book series, and probably one of the most well-written. I frequently finished these books in a matter of 2-3 days, and couldn't wait to get my hands on the next one!

Ruth wrote: "Sonam wrote: "Can't wait to read another Alex novel!"

Me, too! I've read most of the Alex Cross books in the series. I am sure this new one is something worth the wait. Aside from the exciting pl..."

Exactly. I totally agree with you!

Michelle wrote: "About half way through the books I got the idea that Alex was a black man. I'm not sure if it ever came out and said it but did anyone else get that too? It doesn't matter except for the picture ..."

Yes I thought the same thing Michelle.

And "Crossover" would be a great idea!

Noelle wrote: "Michelle wrote: "About half way through the books I got the idea that Alex was a black man. I'm not sure if it ever came out and said it but did anyone else get that too? It doesn't matter except..."

Michelle wrote: "About half way through the books I got the idea that Alex was a black man. I'm not sure if it ever came out and said it but did anyone else get that too? It doesn't matter except for the picture ..."

I am not sure if it was ever really mentioned in the early books, but I think it may have been. either that or I just pictured Morgan Freeman whenever I read the Alex Cross books because I happened to work in a video rental store when Along Came a Spider came out, and knew he was the star! (though I did not watch the movie until years later, after reading the book)

That's right, Scot--Alex Cross's Trial sort of stands on its own. Alex learns the story of his great-uncle via Nana. It explores some pretty dark history about racism in our country and the Cross family's struggle to gain freedom.

Hmm... interesting idea! I have so many books in the air, that I haven't had time to entertain the thought. I can't give you a yes or no on "Crossover" yet.

Good to hear, Elizabeth. Glad you caught up so quickly.

Noelle wrote: "Michelle wrote: "About half way through the books I got the idea that Alex was a black man. I'm not sure if it ever came out and said it but did anyone else get that too? It doesn't matter except..."

I thought of Alex as a black man from about page 4 of the first book . . . . I'm not really certain why, though.

Jackie wrote: "I am totally pumped to read this book. I am hoping there is no end in sight for the Alex Cross books. Do you intend to continue this series?"

I totally agree with you Jackie, I hope that there is no end in sight for Alex Cross books. I love them and I can't wait to read them all and get them all.

Mr. Patterson, I have read all of the Alex Cross books including Cross Fire which I just finished in a little under six hours. Kyle Craig has been my favorite character that Alex Cross has had to face. With this being said, will Kyle Craig make another apperance later in the series? With the references throughout Cross Fire dealing with Kyle Craig's "followers" and willingness to die for him, does this set up the possiblilty that Max Siegel's body was in the ambulance already and the cop was a loyal follower? Thanks, Chad.

OYE, maybe we should be courteous to those who haven't read them all yet with a *spoiler alert* warning when giving away company secrets??

Hi James,

You are the reason I became a thriller writer. Alex Cross is the best character I have ever read, every book I read pulls me into his family, so much so that I'm sitting at the table when they eat NanaMama's meals etc. I agree Kyle Craig is the nastiest enemy you have come up with, although I did like your antagonist in 'The Big Bad Wolf'.

I just wondered how much input you have in the books you co-write with other authors and which of them is your favourite?
Keep writing.
Mel

Hi Mr. Pattterson

do you have any of Your books slated to be made into a movie at this time?

Chad wrote: "Mr. Patterson, I have read all of the Alex Cross books including Cross Fire which I just finished in a little under six hours. Kyle Craig has been my favorite character that Alex Cross has had to ..."

chad - he is definitely my favorite too. It would add a new twist for him to resurface.

Sure do. Right now we're working on getting CROSS made, and I think Idris Elba would make a great young Alex Cross. Check out the "movies" thread, where we're chatting about other projects in the works.

Shhh... we'll talk about this in a few months!

Well, everyone has already said what I wanted to say. So, I will just say that I love the Alex Cross series. I was 15 When I read Roses Are Red. Before that I didnt like to read much. After coming up to speed with the series I developed a love for reading. I would just get lost into reading for hours! I just want to say thank you and I love your work! :D

I am like so many a big fan of your work. My question is: Is your story plot complete in your mind, or does it develop as you write?

I am a huge Alex Cross fan. I just can't remember the book in which Kyle Craig first appeared. Can you refresh my memory please. Thanks D.

Ahhhhh, NanaMama....I just adore her!!!!

I just finisjed Cross Fire. When is the next Alex Cross coming out?

You're quick! Next Cross is next year, in November.

I have read all the Alex Cross and all the Max series I live for November to get the next one and now February to get the next Max! Please keep them comming!

I love your books and have read most of them. I just finished reading Dont Blink. And cant wait to read Cross Fire. Have you consider doing a follow up book based on Private?

My question has to do with Alex Cross. Was this character fabricated from one or more than one personality? Are there parts of him that are based off of a real homicide detective?