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Along Came a Spider (25th Anniversary Edition): 25th Anniversary Edition Audiobook
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Publisher Description
Discover the classic thriller that launched the #1 detective series of the past twenty-five years, now one of PBS's "100 Great American Reads" Alex Cross is a homicide detective with a Ph.D. in psychology. He works and lives in the ghettos of D. C. and looks like Muhammad Ali in his prime. He's a tough guy from a tough part of town who wears Harris Tweed jackets and likes to relax by banging out Gershwin tunes on his baby grand piano. But he also has two adorable kids of his own, and they are his own special vulnerabilities. Jezzie Flanagan is the first woman ever to hold the highly sensitive job as supervisor of the Secret Service in Washington. Blond, mysterious, seductive, she's got an outer shell that's as tough as it is beautiful. She rides her black BMW motorcycle at speeds of no less than 100 mph. What is she running from? What is her secret? Alex Cross and Jezzie Flanagan are about to have a forbidden love affair-at the worst possible time for both of them. Because Gary Soneji, who wants to commit the "crime of the century," is playing at the top of his game. Soneji has outsmarted the FBI, the Secret Service, and the police. Who will be his next victim? Gary Soneji is every parent's worst nightmare. He has become Alex Cross's nightmare. And now, reader, he's about to become yours.
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"Although it wasn't the most unique story line, a detective having to find kidnapped children who are in danger. It stepped outside the box on many other levels. I connected immediately to the character Alex Cross and I wanted to know more about him. I finally read this book after my Mum persuaded me enough times and I ended up enjoying it! It was very entertaining. I haven't seen the movie but if the book is anything to go by then I would say that it is definitely worth seeing. I like Patterson's writing style. His sentence structure and choice of words are interesting to me and I feel like I could learn a lot from his work."
— Stephanie (4 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
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“Brilliantly terrifying! So exciting that I had to stay up all night to finish it! Packed with white-knuckle twists.”
— Daily Mail (London) -
“Patterson’s storytelling talent is in top form in this grisly escapist yarn.”
— Library Journal -
“This book was first published in 1992, but Diggs keeps the dialogue fresh and the characters well-defined in this new recording that will please Patterson fans as well as draw in new ones…The kindness of Cross and Sampson, who are close friends as well as partners, is apparent as voiced by Diggs. He effectively ricochets between the kindly, gentle tones of teacher Gary Murphy and the sarcastic, taunting energy of a personality who refers to himself as Soneji.”
— Booklist (audio review) -
“Narrator Taye Diggs’s steady delivery of Alex Cross’s most haunting case enthralls listeners…Diggs portrays Soneji using singsong tones and Murphy as calm and harmless sounding, personas that easily fool investigators, except for Cross, who sees behind the mask. Cross sounds exactly like the thoughtful detective-psychologist he is…Diggs shifts his pacing to suit the action, which unfolds in fits and starts.”
— AudioFile -
Patterson's storytelling talent is in top form in this grisly escapist yarn.
— Library Journal -
Brilliantly terrifying! So exciting that I had to stay up all night to finish it! Packed with white-knuckle twists.
— Daily Mail -
An incredibly suspenseful read with a one-of-a-kind villain who is as terrifying as he is intriguing.
— Clive Cussler -
Terror and suspense that grab the reader and won't let go. Just try running away from this one.
— Ed McBain
Awards
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A PBS Great American Read selection
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New York Times bestseller
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A 2020 Audie Award Finalist for Best Mystery Narration
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A USA Today bestseller
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A New York Public Library Staff Pick of Favorite Books of the Last 125 Years
Along Came a Spider (25th Anniversary Edition) Listener Reviews
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Terrie Griffith, 2/6/2023
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Craig, 10/23/2020
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" I read to other Alex Cross before i realized it was a series . So I got this to start from the beginning. This book is great it makes you not want stop listening you start to think one the and you find your idea was wrong. There's a little love in it so you think and a lot of mystery his partner is really cool to. Alex makes all the others involved look like fools. Its a must read and then you will want more. "
— janet lee, 7/29/2017 -
" Very happy with my first James Patterson! This was a great thriller, quick to read, with twists I did not guess! Loved the different points-of-view, especially by the serial killer himself. "
— Amy, 2/20/2014 -
" Granted it was the first in the series, but I found the writing to be really poor. The story was really the only reason I finished this one. Apparently Alex Cross is all hype. Skip it. "
— Andy, 2/17/2014 -
" Meh....I've always wanted to read a James Patterson novel. He's so prolific, he's written a ton of best sellers, he's been on Castle...how could I go wrong reading the first book of the Alex Cross series? Well, I have to say I was disappointed. I mean, it was an OK book but I didn't really find it compelling or all that exciting. Better luck next time Mr. Patterson... "
— Chris, 2/8/2014 -
" exciting right til the end "
— Steve, 2/6/2014 -
" I'd read some later Alex Cross books but this was the best. "
— Jenni, 2/5/2014 -
" Finished this book...IT WAS WAAAY different than the movie. I almost think they just used the name of the main character and that is it. It was a good book though. Kept me interested. I have to agree with some of the other reviewers that it is kind of off the wall what Cross does to "catch" the people. I don't think you would really do that in "real" police work. BUT it is a book and the author has to keep it interesting. I will read the next book in the series, so I gave it 4 stars. "
— Justin, 2/4/2014 -
" Loved this book. I started reading James Patterson "Alex Cross along time ago, cant remember the 1st one I read but it was great! So i wanted to start from the very 1st Alex Cross book & read all of them. This one was good, but not as good as the very 1st "Alex Cross" i read (which i cant remember which 1 it was) i went to the book store & the lady pulled up all of the Alex Cross books in order of written by James Patterson-well she wrote it all down wrong. I was reading Cat& Mouse right now & thats the 4th one...omg! so now im gonna have to stop reading it & start with "Kiss the Girls" "
— Tonia, 1/31/2014 -
" Incredibly suspensful but creepy and way too graphic and violent for me. "
— Kathleen, 1/31/2014 -
" a whippy easy read 9 except for the kindle technical difficulties. "
— Cheryl, 1/30/2014 -
" Enjoyed reading all Patterson books more then the movies. "
— Suzanne, 1/29/2014 -
" Good story line. Writing leaves a lot to be desired. Characters are not well developed. "
— Honora, 1/27/2014 -
" Loved it!! Great intro to cross. - "
— Dee, 1/23/2014 -
" Great book...ridiculous ending! About a psycho kidnapper/killer named Gary Murphy/Sonjei. Detective/psychiatrist Alex Cross who I think is in several of Patterson's mysteries. "
— Marsha, 1/19/2014 -
" OK, but wasn't as compelling as my top tier series. I didn't think that the dialogue was especially sharp and the macho/ghetto posturing was unappealing. I love the concept of a psychologist detective so I'll try another couple to see if the series improves. "
— Herzog, 1/17/2014 -
" This is a good book. I was able to fallow it good, and sometimes I got lost to what was going on, but eventually I was able to understand the book a bit better. The one thing that nagged me thought the book was the actual narrator'a voice and his inflections. "
— Chris, 1/17/2014 -
" Just when you think the case is finally getting solved, your feet are swept out from under you and you end up confused and extremely curious again. It's just excellent, in story, the way it's written, the way it somehow makes you visualize every detail. "
— Kaylol, 1/16/2014 -
" I REALLY LOVED James Patterson way of writing, yes I know many people didn't liked the ending of the book because it was very impossible , it was out of reallity but is one of he books that the day I finished it, the day I ordered the next book in the serie (Alex Cross Series) I love the small chapters 2 or 3 pages long so you can stop whenever you want. Read it!!! is amazing "
— Fernando, 1/15/2014 -
" Alex must find a missing girl who is kidnapped by her teacher. "
— Cami, 1/8/2014 -
" Great book...ridiculous ending! About a psycho kidnapper/killer named Gary Murphy/Sonjei. Detective/psychiatrist Alex Cross who I think is in several of Patterson's mysteries. "
— Marsha, 12/22/2013 -
" A great twist and turn book by Patterson "
— Melissa, 12/13/2013 -
" I found this book very enjoyable and the short chapters made it very easy to read as you can fit one in any time you have 5 mins! I could see the twist coming a mile off, but this did not spoil the enjoyment of book. "
— Kingfan30, 12/5/2013 -
" Violent and disturbing. Found myself not reading for a week or so b/c I didn't want to read this. Gave it up. "
— Jen, 12/4/2013 -
" After Maximum Ride, now this... I think i'm already bored with James P. this book makes me sleepy.. Im sorry "
— Lian, 12/2/2013 -
" I had already read this one probably 10years ago. It was good the second time around as well. "
— Kathy, 11/26/2013 -
" Not bad. Started off a bit slow. The dialogue was strange to me but I did enjoy the book "
— Zack, 11/26/2013 -
" Pure entertainment as far as serial killers go "
— Adam, 10/24/2013 -
" DID NOT see that ending coming! "
— Cory, 10/11/2013 -
" good really like these kind of books "
— Mandy, 9/20/2013 -
" This book was very gripping and fast-paced, with an ending somewhat reminiscent of Ian Fleming's Casino Royale. Cross is a compelling character, as is Soneji. "
— Stephen, 9/17/2013 -
" Good book, though there were times it didn't keep my attention. "
— Donna, 9/12/2013 -
" Yet another fantastic Patterson book "
— Lindsay, 7/31/2013 -
" Darker and more interesting than the the movie. "
— Jon, 6/21/2013 -
" This was a good book, had a little slower of a start than I am used to with James Patterson, but it got really good, and unpredictable ending!! "
— Steven, 5/31/2013 -
" I read this book a long time ago. Soneji was one of the smartest and genius criminal in Alex Cross's trilogy. This book was "written" by Alex Cross himself detailing about Soneji's life. "
— Qiling, 5/21/2013 -
" This book would begin my love of James Patterson books. I read this in the early 80's and instantly became intrigued. "
— Doreen, 4/24/2013 -
" Love anything and everything Alex Cross! "
— Ashley, 4/20/2013 -
" This started my addiction to Alex Cross novels and I still wait for the next in the series. Good plot twists kept me reading every second until I finished (in a few hours). "
— Maryags, 2/14/2013 -
" Excellent page-turner. "
— Terry, 1/4/2013 -
" Mindless thriller novel. Not much of a mystery though. "
— Tienyin, 12/14/2012 -
" Definately a hard book to get into and keep going with. I am glad I stayed with it as the book did get much better. I am looking forward to the next one. "
— Kelly, 12/5/2012 -
" Like the twists and turns in JP's stories. This was no exception. "
— Gale, 10/8/2012 -
" great book! Really enjoyed this James Patterson. It kept you thinking. I'm glad I started reading this series and recommned it to anyone who enjoys mysteries. "
— C, 10/1/2012 -
" Along Came A Spider is the first book in the Alex Cross series by James Patterson. It is a well written murder mystery that introduces you to the detective Alex Cross and his partner, Sampson. A lot of twists and great suspense - thriller. I recommend it - great book. "
— Lori, 8/1/2012 -
" I thought that opening the book with the rescue of one girl very catching. I was immediately drawn into the story. I love Alex and would want this person on my side. "
— Deniece, 6/27/2012 -
" A1 Bravo!! James Patterson never fails, and if you saw the movie, you know the book is always 100 times better! "
— Joanie, 6/15/2012 -
" This is the first Alex Cross so it was interesting seeing how the character has developed over the years. "
— Cindy, 4/26/2012 -
" I read pattersons books in about a day and a half...cheap thrill for me... Use this review for all of them....too many to start writing about.....besides If I wanted to write I would write a book... "
— Dawn, 2/14/2012 -
" An awesome read!!! "
— Rutik, 2/14/2012 -
" This is the first book in the Alex Cross series. Two very wealthy children are kidnapped and Alex travels across the country to find them. I really liked this book because it has elements of romance, mystery, and edge of your seat. I would recomend this book to any one who enjoys mystery. "
— Kevin, 2/11/2012 -
" Didn't finish this as it could not hold my interest for even a page at a time. "
— Bethany, 1/14/2012 -
" I have to say that I love James Patterson..This the start of the 3rd series I am reading that her wrote....I like this Alex Cross her writes about and can't wait to reading on..... "
— Kristine, 12/14/2011 -
" first mystery "
— Monique, 11/17/2011 -
" The characters aren't very like able, but they shouldn't be. The twists and turns he throws in we're very surprising. I finished this in a day because I got hooked. "
— Macjest, 10/25/2011 -
" Oh I loved the series of books with Alex Cross. This one gave me the creeps but I couldn't put it down. "
— Blsd_BkWm, 8/23/2011 -
" This is a great read. Not one of Patterson's best but, good enough. "
— Mary, 7/13/2011 -
" This was one of my favorite James Patterson books. I started reading it on my Kindle while waiting for someone in a Starbucks and could not stop. Great "
— Chrisa, 6/11/2011 -
" An amazing book, which was really interesting to read. "
— Caitlin, 5/24/2011 -
" James Patterson is a great author, read the book - its so much better than the movie.... "
— Maggie, 5/20/2011 -
" James Patterson is a great author, read the book - its so much better than the movie.... "
— Maggie, 5/20/2011 -
" This honestly, kept me on the edge of my seat. I loved this book, it follows Alex Cross through his work in th DCPD, as he tries to track down a kidnapper of two prep school kids. The plot was good, the chapters in the one to two pages. "
— Jojo, 5/19/2011 -
" This honestly, kept me on the edge of my seat. I loved this book, it follows Alex Cross through his work in th DCPD, as he tries to track down a kidnapper of two prep school kids. The plot was good, the chapters in the one to two pages. "
— Jojo, 5/19/2011 -
" I liked it, the characters, a city that I know, personalities that I understand, a surprise ending that saddened me. If you haven't read any of James Patterson's Alex Cross books, this is a great one to try. "
— Elaine, 5/17/2011 -
" I liked it, the characters, a city that I know, personalities that I understand, a surprise ending that saddened me. If you haven't read any of James Patterson's Alex Cross books, this is a great one to try. "
— Elaine, 5/17/2011 -
" This was a good book, but it made me so mad because he killed Alex's wife in the book. I threw the book across the room when he did that. James is always doing that and I can't stand it! But if you can get past it, this is a really good book! "
— Kimberly, 5/9/2011 -
" This was a good book, but it made me so mad because he killed Alex's wife in the book. I threw the book across the room when he did that. James is always doing that and I can't stand it! But if you can get past it, this is a really good book! "
— Kimberly, 5/9/2011 -
" My boyfriend surprised me with a random novel one day and it was this one! Thank God for Alex Cross! I'm hooked! "
— Emily, 5/7/2011 -
" My boyfriend surprised me with a random novel one day and it was this one! Thank God for Alex Cross! I'm hooked! "
— Emily, 5/7/2011 -
" A good read, a little slow to start but finished strong. Excitied to read the rest of the series "
— Berta, 4/25/2011 -
" This was a strange book, took me a while to get through it. I thought the first half was fantastic. The second half just dragged on and on. I did like the Alex Cross character, so maybe I'll give another one of his books a chance. Still a good read. "
— Ryan, 4/25/2011 -
" This was a strange book, took me a while to get through it. I thought the first half was fantastic. The second half just dragged on and on. I did like the Alex Cross character, so maybe I'll give another one of his books a chance. Still a good read. "
— Ryan, 4/25/2011 -
" A good read, a little slow to start but finished strong. Excitied to read the rest of the series "
— Berta, 4/25/2011 -
" Scary, kept me on the edge of my seat as usual with JP "
— Pam, 4/22/2011 -
" Scary, kept me on the edge of my seat as usual with JP "
— Pam, 4/22/2011 -
" I'm not sure what the big whoop is about James Patterson! I'm not even sure I can force another Alex Cross "thriller" into my system! AAARRRGH! "
— Edward, 4/20/2011 -
" I'm not sure what the big whoop is about James Patterson! I'm not even sure I can force another Alex Cross "thriller" into my system! AAARRRGH! "
— Edward, 4/20/2011 -
" I will reread this one and restart the series.... "
— Bridgette, 4/15/2011 -
" I will reread this one and restart the series.... "
— Bridgette, 4/15/2011
About James Patterson
James Patterson is the most popular storyteller of our time. He is the creator of unforgettable characters and series, including Alex Cross, the Women’s Murder Club, Jane Effing Smith, and Maximum Ride, and of breathtaking true stories about the Kennedys, John Lennon, and Princess Diana, as well as our military heroes, police officers, and ER nurses. He has coauthored #1 bestselling novels with Bill Clinton and Dolly Parton, told the story of his own life in James Patterson by James Patterson, and received an Edgar Award, nine Emmy Awards, the Literarian Award from the National Book Foundation, and the National Humanities Medal.
About Taye Diggs
Taye Diggs is an actor whose credits include motion pictures (How Stella Got Her Groove Back and Chicago), stage (Rent, Wicked), and television (Private Practice). He lives in Los Angeles and New York City with his wife, the actress Idina Menzel, and their son.