The Best James Patterson and Andrew Gross Books: A Guide for Thriller Fans
James Patterson and Andrew Gross: A Dynamic Duo of Thriller Writers
If you are a fan of fast-paced, suspenseful, and action-packed thrillers, chances are you have read or heard of James Patterson and Andrew Gross. They are two of the most prolific and successful authors in the genre, with over 50 books written together or separately. But how did they meet? What makes their collaboration so effective? And what are some of their best works? In this article, we will explore the fascinating story behind this dynamic duo of thriller writers.
james patterson and andrew gross books
The Early Years of James Patterson and Andrew Gross
James Patterson was born in 1947 in Newburgh, New York. He graduated from Vanderbilt University with a degree in English literature and worked as an advertising executive for many years. He published his first novel, The Thomas Berryman Number, in 1976, which won the Edgar Award for Best First Novel. However, he did not achieve fame until he created his most famous character, Alex Cross, a forensic psychologist and detective who appears in over 20 novels.
Andrew Gross was born in 1952 in New York City. He graduated from Middlebury College with a degree in English literature and worked as a ski instructor, tennis coach, and businessman before becoming a writer. He met James Patterson at a party in 1998, when Patterson was looking for a co-writer for his new series, The Women's Murder Club. Gross impressed Patterson with his writing skills and enthusiasm, and they decided to work together.
The First Collaboration: The Jester
The first book they co-wrote was The Jester, published in 2003. It is a historical thriller set in the 11th century, during the First Crusade. It follows the adventures of Hugh de Luc, a French peasant who joins the crusade to escape his oppressive lord, but soon discovers a conspiracy involving a mysterious relic and a ruthless assassin. The Jester is a gripping and entertaining read, with a blend of history, romance, humor, and action. It showcases the versatility and creativity of Patterson and Gross as writers, as they explore a different time period and genre from their usual works.
The Women's Murder Club Series
The Women's Murder Club is a series of novels featuring four female friends who work together to solve crimes in San Francisco. They are Lindsay Boxer, a homicide detective; Claire Washburn, a medical examiner; Cindy Thomas, a reporter; and Yuki Castellano, a prosecutor. The series combines mystery, suspense, drama, and friendship, as the women face various challenges and dangers in their personal and professional lives.
2nd Chance
2nd Chance is the second book in the series, published in 2002. It follows the investigation of a series of murders that seem to be connected to a hate group called The August Spies. Lindsay Boxer has to deal with a new partner, her father's return, and a threat to her own life. Meanwhile, her friends also face their own problems, such as Claire's pregnancy, Cindy's relationship, and Yuki's mother's illness. 2nd Chance is a thrilling and emotional ride, with twists and turns that keep the reader hooked.
3rd Degree
3rd Degree is the third book in the series, published in 2004. It follows the hunt for a group of terrorists who call themselves The Family. They are responsible for a series of bombings and assassinations that target prominent figures in politics, business, and media. Lindsay Boxer has to work with Joe Molinari, a deputy director of Homeland Security, who also becomes her love interest. However, she also has to cope with a shocking loss that affects her and her friends deeply. 3rd Degree is a tense and explosive read, with high stakes and heartbreak.
4th of July
4th of July is the fourth book in the series, published in 2005. It follows the trial of Lindsay Boxer, who is accused of killing two teenagers in self-defense. She claims that they were part of a gang that attacked her and her partner, but the evidence is not in her favor. She decides to take a vacation in Half Moon Bay, where she meets her sister and her old friends. However, she soon discovers that a serial killer is on the loose in the town, and she can't resist getting involved. 4th of July is a gripping and surprising read, with twists and revelations that change everything.
The Lifeguard
The Lifeguard is a standalone thriller, published in 2005. It follows the story of Ned Kelly, a lifeguard and painter who lives in Palm Beach, Florida. He is hired by an elderly couple to drive them to their summer home in Connecticut. However, he soon finds himself in the middle of a deadly plot involving stolen art, murder, and betrayal. He has to rely on his wits and skills to survive and uncover the truth. The Lifeguard is a fast-paced and fun read, with colorful characters and exotic locations.
The Later Years of James Patterson and Andrew Gross
After writing several books together, Patterson and Gross decided to pursue their own projects and interests. They still maintained a friendly relationship and respect for each other's work. They also continued to collaborate on some occasions, such as writing short stories or novellas for anthologies or magazines. However, they also developed their own styles and voices as solo authors.
The Judge and Jury Series
The Judge and Jury series is a series of novels featuring Andie DeGrasse, an aspiring actress and single mother who becomes involved with Nick Pellisante, an FBI agent who specializes in organized crime. They team up to bring down Dominic Cavello, a notorious mob boss who is responsible for many crimes and deaths.
Judge & Jury
```html and witnesses. She survives thanks to Nick Pellisante, who rescues her and takes her under his protection. Together, they embark on a dangerous mission to bring Cavello to justice, while also developing feelings for each other. Judge & Jury is a thrilling and romantic read, with a compelling plot and characters.
Don't Look Twice
Don't Look Twice is the second book in the series, published in 2009. It follows Nick Pellisante as he becomes the target of a mysterious assassin who tries to kill him in a drive-by shooting. He survives, but his friend and colleague is killed instead. He suspects that the attack is related to his previous case involving Cavello, who is now in prison awaiting execution. However, he soon discovers that there is more to the story than he thought, and that he has to face a powerful enemy who will stop at nothing to get revenge. Don't Look Twice is a tense and exciting read, with twists and surprises that keep the reader guessing.
The Private Series
The Private series is a series of novels featuring Jack Morgan, the owner and leader of Private, a global detective agency that handles high-profile and sensitive cases. He works with a team of experts and specialists who use advanced technology and resources to solve crimes and protect their clients.
Private
Private is the first book in the series, published in 2010. It introduces Jack Morgan as he inherits Private from his father, who was a notorious criminal. He decides to turn Private into a reputable and successful business, but he also has to deal with his own personal demons and secrets. He takes on three challenging cases: a serial killer who targets schoolgirls, a gambling scandal that involves his best friend, and a murder that threatens his former lover. Private is a captivating and complex read, with multiple plots and perspectives that keep the reader engaged.
Private London
Private London is the second book in the series, published in 2011. It follows Dan Carter, the head of Private London, as he investigates two cases that are connected by a common thread: a mysterious ring of fire that appears at the crime scenes. The first case involves the kidnapping of Hannah Shapiro, the daughter of a wealthy American businessman and a former client of Private. The second case involves the murder of a journalist who was working on a story about a secret society that operates within the British elite. Private London is an intriguing and suspenseful read, with a mix of history, conspiracy, and action.
The Solo Works of James Patterson and Andrew Gross
After writing several books together, Patterson and Gross decided to pursue their own projects and interests. They still maintained a friendly relationship and respect for each other's work. They also continued to collaborate on some occasions, such as writing short stories or novellas for anthologies or magazines. However, they also developed their own styles and voices as solo authors.
James Patterson's Solo Works
James Patterson is one of the most prolific and popular authors in the world, with over 200 books published in various genres and formats. He has created many successful series and characters, such as Alex Cross, Michael Bennett, Maximum Ride, Women's Murder Club, NYPD Red, etc. He has also written standalone novels, such as The Postcard Killers, Zoo, The President Is Missing, etc. He has won many awards and honors for his work, such as the Guinness World Record for the most #1 New York Times bestsellers by a single author.
Andrew Gross's Solo Works
```html No Way Back, etc., which are based on his own experiences and observations. He has also written a memoir, The Spy Next Door, which tells the story of his father-in-law, who was a covert operative for the CIA. He has received praise and recognition for his work, such as being nominated for the Edgar Award and the International Thriller Writers Award.
Conclusion
James Patterson and Andrew Gross are two of the most talented and successful thriller writers in the world. They have written many books together and separately, in different genres and styles. They have entertained and thrilled millions of readers with their stories, characters, and plots. They have also inspired and influenced many other writers and artists. If you enjoy thrillers, you should definitely check out their works. You won't be disappointed.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about James Patterson and Andrew Gross:
Q: How do they write together?
A: They usually work on an outline together, then divide the chapters or sections among themselves. They also edit and revise each other's work until they are satisfied with the final product.
Q: How many books have they written together?
A: They have written over 20 books together, including The Jester, The Lifeguard, Judge & Jury, Don't Look Twice, Private, Private London, etc.
Q: What are their latest books?
A: James Patterson's latest book is The Noise, a sci-fi thriller co-written with J.D. Barker. Andrew Gross's latest book is The Last Brother, a historical thriller based on the true story of three brothers who fought the Nazis.
Q: Are their books adapted into movies or TV shows?
A: Some of their books have been adapted into movies or TV shows, such as Along Came a Spider, Kiss the Girls, Alex Cross, Women's Murder Club, Zoo, etc.
Q: Where can I find more information about them?
A: You can visit their official websites, jamespatterson.com and andrewgrossbooks.com, where you can find their biographies, book lists, news, events, etc.
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