James Patterson
James Patterson
Author • Editor • Forewordb. 22 March 1947 · From United States- Books
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About
James Brendan Patterson (born March 22, 1947) is an American author. Among his works are the Alex Cross, Michael Bennett, Women's Murder Club, Maximum Ride, Daniel X, NYPD Red, Witch & Wizard, Private and Middle School series, as well as many stand-alone thrillers, non-fiction, and romance novels.
His books have sold more than 425 million copies, and he was the first person to sell 1 million e-books. In 2016, Patterson topped Forbes's list of highest-paid authors for the third consecutive year, with an income of $95 million. His total income over a decade is estimated at $700 million.
In November 2015, Patterson received the Literarian Award from the National Book Foundation. Patterson has donated millions of dollars in grants and scholarship to various universities, teachers' colleges, independent bookstores, school libraries, and college students to promote literacy.
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Thriller Fiction Mystery Crime Suspense
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Frequently asked questions
James Patterson is widely recognized for his prolific output, particularly his Alex Cross series, which features a forensic psychologist and detective. He is also known for his distinctive writing style, often employing short chapters and co-authorship.
Several of James Patterson's works have been adapted for the screen. The Alex Cross series has inspired films like "Kiss the Girls" and "Along Came a Spider," while his Women's Murder Club series was adapted into a television show.
New readers often begin with the Alex Cross series, starting with "Along Came a Spider," as it introduces one of his most iconic characters. Alternatively, the Women's Murder Club series, beginning with "1st to Die," offers another popular entry point into his work.
James Patterson frequently collaborates with co-authors on many of his books across various series and standalone titles. While he primarily publishes under his own name, these collaborations are a hallmark of his writing process.
Patterson has been recognised for his body of work and for his advocacy of reading rather than for any single book. He received the National Book Foundation's Literarian Award for Outstanding Service to the American Literary Community in 2015, and the National Endowment for the Humanities awarded him the National Humanities Medal in 2019. Earlier in his career he won the Mystery Writers of America's Edgar Award in 1977 for his first novel, The Thomas Berryman Number.