Along Came a Spider question

James Patterson

Hello,

I run a couple of reading groups for retired people in London. One of the groups discusses crime writing, and I figure we should read a James Patterson novel, given that he's the biggest selling crime writer out there. I've read 'Along Came a Spider' and 'Double Cross' but I'm otherwise ignorant. Are there any James Patterson experts who can help out with picking a book or two? Of all the Alex Cross books, are there any that are particularly grisly or tame? Are there any where the storyline is a little quicker? A little slower? What I really want is for the group to begin on a book that is 'typical' of the series, then maybe read one that is a little different. Or are do they all pretty much adhere to a similar template? If so, are his other crimes series different in style? Would love and appreciate some help on this!