10 books for fans of 1st To Die
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Cross and Sampson
Alex Cross • Book 35
by James Patterson, Brian Sitts
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Detective partners Cross and Sampson split up to investigate a terrorist bombing in Washington and a campus murder in Chapel Hill. Patterson explores how the duo function when separated by distance and different cases.
★ 4.50 Goodreads (6.2K ratings) - 2
Cross Down
Alex Cross • Book 31
by James Patterson, Brendan DuBois
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For the first time, John Sampson works alone when military-style attacks sideline Alex Cross, forcing the methodical detective to solve cases without his brilliant partner.
★ 4.40 Goodreads (25.5K ratings) - 3
Escape
Billy Harney • Book 3
by James Patterson, David Ellis
Why this book?
Patterson and Ellis craft the same propulsive mystery-thriller momentum that made 1st To Die compelling, with a protagonist caught in an impossible situation that demands constant problem-solving. Edoardo Ballerini's narration delivers the same page-turning intensity as Suzanne Toren's performance, keeping listeners engaged through intricate twists and high personal stakes.
★ 4.33 Goodreads (16.2K ratings) - 4
The Black Book
Billy Harney • Book 1
by James Patterson, David Ellis
Why this book?
Patterson and Ellis deliver the same propulsive, page-turning mystery style that made *1st To Die* compelling, with intricate plots that demand your full attention during the audiobook experience. *The Black Book* maintains that rapid-fire narrative tension while exploring darker moral ambiguities, offering listeners the addictive quality of a detective-driven thriller with added psychological depth.
★ 4.28 Goodreads (43.4K ratings) - 5
Invisible
Invisible • Book 1
by James Patterson, David Ellis
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Patterson weaves together seemingly random crimes across America as obsessive FBI researcher Emmy discovers a serial killer whose victims share one terrifying connection she's only beginning to understand.
★ 4.15 Goodreads (49.2K ratings) - 6
Along Came a Spider
Alex Cross • Book 1
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Patterson launches his Alex Cross series with a kidnapper so methodical he operates like he's solving puzzles—except children's lives hang in the balance. Fast chapters and escalating stakes make this impossible to put down.
★ 4.13 Goodreads (491.9K ratings) - 7
Roses Are Red
Alex Cross • Book 6
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The Mastermind's bank heist spree isn't just about money—it's psychological warfare designed to break Cross piece by piece.
★ 4.10 Goodreads (76.8K ratings) - 8
Pop Goes the Weasel
Alex Cross • Book 5
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Cross faces his most chilling adversary yet: a diplomat who treats murder like a board game, complete with rules only he understands.
★ 4.05 Goodreads (76.9K ratings) - 9
Double Cross
Alex Cross • Book 13
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Two separate killers force Cross to juggle cases while each maniac escalates toward maximum carnage. Patterson strips away subplots for pure adrenaline-fueled police work.
★ 4.05 Goodreads (57.6K ratings) - 10
Cat & Mouse
Alex Cross • Book 4
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Dying AIDS patient Gary Soneji plots final revenge against Alex Cross while detective Thomas Pierce hunts the elusive killer Mr. Smith. Patterson's fourth Cross novel doubles the stakes with parallel revenge stories.
★ 4.04 Goodreads (83.1K ratings)