Looking for a summer read that’ll keep you on your toes until the very last page? Call off the search! James Patterson’s latest thriller will grip you from the get-go.   

What’s the book about?  

When Supreme Court nominees start dying, Alex Cross is pulled into a deadly political game. But it turns personal when his wife and best friend vanish. Cross must track down his loved ones, unmask the mastermind and survive. Fast, fierce, and emotionally charged, this is Patterson at full throttle. 

Start by diving into a free extract, then grab your copy here!   

About the author

James Patterson is one of the world’s bestselling authors, known for hit series like Alex Cross, Women’s Murder Club, and Private. He’s also co-authored books with Bill Clinton and Dolly Parton. A major literacy advocate, he’s donated millions to bookshops and remains the UK’s most borrowed adult author.

Read on for James Patterson's Q&A!   

Reviews

'Patterson never, and I mean never, disappoints' - USA Today

'[Alex Cross] has become one of the greatest fictional detectives of all time, a character for the ages' - Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child 

'Alex Cross is a legend' - Harlan Coben 

'Behind all the noise and the numbers, we shouldn't forget that no one gets this big without amazing natural storytelling talent - which is what Jim has, in spades. The Alex Cross series proves it' - Lee Child

WIN with Penguin Books!  

Dreaming of lounging in the sun, lost in a great book? Thanks to our fantastic partnership with Penguin Books, one lucky reader will win a family Jet2holiday to one of six incredible destinations and a Penguin book bundle worth £200! Choose from Morocco, Croatia, Italy, Turkey, Greece or Majorca and take your brand-new holiday reads along for the ride. 

Want in? Enter here!   

A Q&A with James Patterson 

Tell us about your new book, The House of Cross. 

The House of Cross is the latest thriller in the Alex Cross series. This time, he’s called to investigate a serial killer taking out America’s finest legal minds, while also trying to save his family from danger.   

Where do you find your inspiration for your stories? 

Inspiration comes from lots of places. When writing a new series, I look everywhere – interesting geographical locations, things I see on the news, stories I hear from friends. I also keep a big folder labelled “Ideas” and I just keep adding to that! 

What has been your favourite moment to date as an author? 

I’ve loved collaborating with all sorts of different people, from Dolly Parton to Bill Clinton.  

Where do you go to recharge your batteries?  

Probably the golf course. I like to play early in the morning, before I really get into my writing for the day.  

In what ways do you research destinations for your books, especially places you haven't visited?  

I do a lot of research, especially when I’m writing non-fiction. I want my books to feel authentic.  

What role do you believe literature plays in encouraging people to explore new places?   

I think books are great for that, they’ve always helped people to open up their world and see things from a new perspective, or imagine a new place.  

Do you prefer to write about real locations or create entirely fictional settings?  

I’ve done both, but I prefer writing about real places and then focusing on the plot.  

Which 3 people would make up your dream travel companions and why? 

If I have my wife Susan and son Jack with me, I’m happy.  

Tell us something about yourself that we likely don’t know! The more obscure the better! 

I still prefer to write all my books with a pencil, rather than the computer!  

Which profession do you look at and think: “I’d love to be able to do that?” 

Before I became an author, I used to be the chairman of the advertising agency J Walter Thompson, so maybe I’d be doing that. Or playing golf professionally!  

Quick-fire round 

Beach holiday or city break?

 I like a mix of both.  

Hotel or villa?

 Hotel. 

What’s your favourite book, ever? 

That’s an impossible question!   

What are you reading right now? 

I recently went on Mel Robbins’ podcast, and her book The Let Them Theory is a game-changer.  

What are three words to describe yourself? 

Hungry, hardworking, creative.  

What is the one thing you always travel with?

 A pencil! 

Bookmark or dog-eared pages? 

Dog-eared pages.  

Kindle or paperback while outside?

Paperback.  

Do you like to write while away or is a holiday a holiday?

I write pretty much 365 days a year – even on holiday! 

Sample adventurous local food or stick to what you know?

I’m always up for giving the local cuisine a go.  

Window or aisle seat?

Window 

Sun lounger with your name on it or a fun-packed itinerary? 

I like to keep busy. 

Do you pack your books or bulk buy in the airport? 

I bring them with me. Often it includes a few of the books and outlines that I’m working on too.  

Solo trip or time with the family? 

Family for sure.  

What will be your Summer Read/s? 

I recently interviewed authors Kristin Hannah and Abby Jimenez, both of whom have written some great summer reads.