Where to start
Alex Cross
2 versions · originally a book, 1993
The Alex Cross saga centers on a brilliant, obsessive homicide detective navigating high-stakes conspiracies and personal tragedies while protecting his family.
✦ Most fans start here
Alex Cross (1993)
The original novel
✦ Start hereAlex Cross
James Patterson · Book · 1993
The 1993 book Alex Cross establishes the foundational tension of the series, detailing a complex political conspiracy that forces the detective to work against deep-seated institutional corruption and sabotage.
2024 series
Cross
Ben Watkins · Series · 2024
The 2024 TV series Cross provides a modern character study, focusing on the protagonist's internal contradictions as a doting father struggling with the enduring trauma of his wife's unsolved murder.
Common questions
What order should I read or watch Alex Cross in?
The Alex Cross series began with the publication of the book Alex Cross in 1993. If you are exploring the franchise, you can start by reading the original 1993 book or by viewing the 2024 television series titled Cross to experience the character through different media formats.
Is the 2024 Cross television series based on the 1993 book Alex Cross?
The 2024 television series titled Cross is an adaptation based on the character featured in the book series that started with the 1993 novel Alex Cross. Both titles center on the same protagonist, though they exist as distinct entries within the broader literary and television franchise.
How long has the Alex Cross franchise been around?
The Alex Cross franchise originated with the release of the book Alex Cross in 1993. This established the character's long-running presence in literature, which has continued through various sequels and recently expanded into the 2024 television series titled Cross.
Should I read the book Alex Cross before watching the Cross television series?
Reading the 1993 book Alex Cross provides the foundational introduction to the character. While the 2024 television series Cross functions as its own adaptation, starting with the original book allows you to understand the source material that established the franchise over three decades ago.