Are you an avid reader of James Patterson and eagerly awaiting his next thriller? Or perhaps you’ve just finished his latest book and are searching for your next adrenaline-pumping read. If you love the fast-paced, suspenseful style of James Patterson, you’re in luck! We’ve compiled a list of authors who deliver similar thrills and captivating stories. Dive into these authors and their recommended books to keep the suspense going.
Explore Authors Like James Patterson
1. Jeffery Deaver
Jeffery Deaver is a master of suspense, often compared to James Patterson for his intricate plots and thrilling narratives. Readers who enjoy James Patterson’s twisty thrillers will find themselves equally captivated by Deaver’s novels. His stories are known for their clever plot twists, memorable characters, menacing atmospheres, and psychological depth, often leading to nightmarish scenarios.
Recommendation: The Bone Collector. Follow Lincoln Rhyme, a quadriplegic forensic criminalist, as he and his partner Amelia Sachs hunt a serial killer. This gripping thriller is available in book and eBook formats.
2. Jonathan Kellerman
For fans who appreciate the gritty and suspenseful crime series that James Patterson is known for, Jonathan Kellerman is a perfect choice. Kellerman, like Patterson, expertly combines psychological insights into criminal minds with detailed police procedures. His vividly drawn characters, page-turning pacing, and cinematic storylines create compelling and twisted crime stories filled with both suspense and realism.
Recommendation: When the Bough Breaks. Meet Dr. Alex Delaware, a child psychologist, who gets drawn into a disturbing case involving a young girl and a brutal crime. This thrilling novel is available as a book, eBook, audiobook CD, and downloadable audiobook.
3. Nicholas Sparks
While James Patterson is primarily known for his suspense and mystery novels, he has also ventured into heartwarming love stories. If you enjoy the more romantic side of Patterson’s writing, or simply appreciate emotionally resonant storytelling, Nicholas Sparks is an author to explore. Sparks is renowned for his touching love stories that explore themes of love, loss, and hope.
Recommendation: The Notebook. A classic tale of enduring love, this novel tells the story of Noah and Allie’s passionate relationship across different eras. Experience this heartwarming story in book and audiobook CD formats.
4. Bill O’Reilly
James Patterson and Bill O’Reilly share a common trait: they are both consistently bestselling authors across various genres and for diverse audiences. Whether writing for adults or young readers, both authors have a knack for creating books that resonate with a wide readership. While Patterson often collaborates with co-writers, and O’Reilly is known for his non-fiction adaptations, their books share a broad appeal and often dominate bestseller lists. They have even collaborated on a bestselling children’s picture book.
Recommendation: Killing Lincoln. Delve into this historical non-fiction thriller that recounts the dramatic assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. Available as a book, large print book, and downloadable audiobook.
Bonus Recommendation: Give Please A Chance. Explore the collaborative picture book by Patterson and O’Reilly, teaching children the importance of good manners. Available as a book and eBook.
5. Ridley Pearson
For readers who appreciate the darker and more psychologically intense aspects of James Patterson’s thrillers, Ridley Pearson offers a similar reading experience with a slightly denser and more reflective style. Like Patterson, Pearson’s novels often feature serial killers, recurring detective characters, bleak atmospheres, graphic violence, and complex psychological themes.
Recommendation: Disney After Dark. A thrilling mystery that takes place in the magical world of Disney, but with a dark twist. Explore this novel in book and eBook formats.
6. John Sandford
John Sandford, much like James Patterson, is known for writing hard-edged, suspenseful detective novels that are sure to keep you on the edge of your seat. Sandford’s stories are characterized by their fast pace, bleak narratives, and menacing atmospheres, mirroring some of the key elements found in Patterson’s thrillers. Psychological details often play a crucial role in solving the case, and the stories unfold with strong language and graphically portrayed violence, appealing to readers who enjoy intense and realistic crime fiction.
Recommendation: Rules of Prey. Meet Lucas Davenport in the first book of the popular “Prey” series, as he hunts a cunning serial killer in Minneapolis. This gripping thriller is available as a book, eBook, and downloadable audiobook.
7. Greg Iles
Greg Iles is another author who delivers complex and gritty suspense stories, comparable to James Patterson, but with a more elegant writing style. Iles’s novels are rich with plot twists, often set in contemporary times (though he also writes historical thrillers), and utilize alternating points of view to build suspense. Readers who appreciate graphic violence and intricate plots similar to Patterson will find Iles’s work highly engaging.
Recommendation: The Quiet Game. A lawyer returns to his Mississippi hometown and becomes entangled in a web of secrets and danger. This suspenseful novel is available as a book, eBook, and downloadable audiobook.
8. Mary Higgins Clark
If you enjoy the suspenseful, plot-driven, and fast-paced nature of James Patterson’s books, Mary Higgins Clark is an author you should definitely explore. Both authors are masters of keeping readers engaged with quickly unfolding plots and suspenseful scenarios, making them perfect for readers who love a page-turning thriller.
Recommendation: I’ve Got You Under My Skin. A television news reporter becomes deeply involved in a cold case that might be connected to her own family. This suspenseful mystery is available as a book, eBook, audiobook CD, and downloadable audiobook. It’s also available as a book in Chinese.
If you loved these recommendations, you can discover even more authors tailored to your reading preferences using NoveList Plus, a fantastic online resource that helps you find authors, titles, and series based on your favorite reads.
