May We Suggest...James Patterson

James Patterson was described by Time magazine as, "The Man Who Can't Miss". According to Bookscan, he has sold more books than any other author in the past three years. He is the first author to have #1 titles simultaneously on the New York Times adult and children's lists and is the only author to have five new hardcover novels debut #1 on the list in one year every year since 2005. Patterson has had nineteen consecutive #1 New York Times bestselling novels and holds the New York Times record for the most Hardcover Fiction bestselling titles by a single author, which is also a Guinness World Record.

Patterson writes several series, including those about characters Alex Cross, Michael Bennet, the four founding ladies of the Women's Murder Club, Max and her flock in Maximum Ride, Daniel X, and Wisty and Whit Allgood in Witch & Wizard. He also has several stand-alone novels that range from a children's holiday picture book to a sizzling summer read.

Two of his novels have been made into movies: Kiss the Girls and Along Came a Spider both starring Morgan Freeman as Alex Cross. The ABC network ran a 13-episode season of the Women's Murder Club, starring Angie Harmon.

Read-alikes

John Sanford writes a similar suspense, hard-edged series (Prey series) that also have a police detective as their hero. Try the first, Rules of Prey, or the single title Night Crew.

If you like plot twists or alternating points of view, try Greg Iles. He writes more elegantly than Patterson, but tells just as complex stories. Try his novel, The Devil's Punchbowl.

Reading Jeffrey Deaver is like reading Patterson only with a nightmare quality. Try his novel, Devil's Teardrop. In it you will get a glimpse of his series character, Lincoln Rhyme.

If what you like about Patterson is the pace, that once-you-start-reading-you-can't-put-the-book-down feeling, you may like these authors:

Tell No One by Harlen Coben

The Big Picture by Douglas Kennedy

Verticle Run by Joseph Garber

Watch-a-Likes

Seven starring Morgan Freeman and Brad Pitt

High Crimes starring Morgan Freeman and Ashley Judd

Bone Collector starring Denzel Washington as Lincoln Rhyme and Angelie Jolie

Silence of the Lambs starring Anthony Hopkins and Jodie Foster

Or try any of the seasons of the hit television shows:

Criminal Minds

CSI: Crime Scene Investigation

Profiler

Fans

Are you a fan of JP? His website houses many groups you can join, including character- and series-driven clubs to young writers that want help with their stories. You can also become a fan of his Facebook page.

by Tysha Shay, Reference Manager, The Library Station