Several high-profile writers have emphasised the significance of reading as a means to enhance their writing skills. Renowned authors like Stephen King and Margaret Atwood have stressed the importance of writers being avid readers themselves.
George RR Martin, the mastermind behind the Game Of Thrones series, once aptly said: “A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies. The man who never reads lives only one.”
James Patterson, one of the best-selling authors of all time, is also a passionate reader. With estimated book sales of around 400 million copies and a net worth of approximately $800m, Patterson has penned classics such as Along Came a Spider, Kiss the Girls, and Murder House.
Born on March 22, 1947, in Newburgh, New York, Patterson has achieved success on the New York Times bestseller list an impressive 114 times. And as one of the world’s most celebrated authors, Patterson has often been asked about his favourite books. We’ve compiled a list of 20 books he has named as his all-time favourites. How many have you read?
James Patterson’s 20 favorite reads: numbers 20 to 15
It’s hardly surprising that Patterson’s list of favourite books is dominated by thrillers and mysteries, beginning with New York Times bestseller The Force by Don Winslow.
Following this is John Sandford’s Dark of the Moon, which introduced readers to the character Virgil Flowers. James Dickey’s Deliverance, a book published over half a century ago and perhaps more famous for its 1972 film adaptation starring Burt Reynolds, ranks 18th on Patterson’s list.
Preceding it is another police classic, The Black Book, co-authored by Patterson and David Ellis. This novel introduces Billy Harney, a Chicago officer embroiled in a crime where he himself is the prime suspect.
In 16th place is Stuart Woods’ Chiefs, introducing yet another new character. Set during a harsh winter in 1920, it narrates the story of Will Henry Lee, a newly appointed police chief hoping for better luck than his failed cotton farm venture.
Following this is Michael Connelly’s The Poet. The narrative follows reporter Jack McEvoy as he tracks a killer who ultimately claims the life of his own brother. Patterson appears to have a preference for novels that introduce characters, possibly more so than any subsequent appearances by these main characters, as none of them feature again on his list.
James Patterson’s top 20 favourite reads: numbers 14 to 10
In this segment, Patterson focuses on more contemporary authors, including the renowned JK Rowling of Harry Potter acclaim, who earns a spot under her pseudonym, Robert Galbraith. Other prominent authors in this section include Lee Child and George P Pelecanos.
Pelecanos’ Hell to Pay follows two investigators tracking a 14-year-old runaway, hindered by an obstructive pimp. James Lee Burke’s novel The Neon Rain tells the story of Vietnam veteran police detective Dave Robicheaux.
Next up is Galbraith with Lethal White, a stark contrast to Rowling’s Harry Potter series. The highly-rated book features London private detective Cormoran Strike assisting a young lad.
Elmore Leonard’s flamingo-adorned novel LaBrava centres around the protagonist, photographer Joe LaBrava, seeking beauty amidst Miami’s harsh streets.
Following that is Lee Child’s Killing Floor, the book that introduced Jack Reacher to the world, spawning several films in its wake.
James Patterson’s top 20 favourite reads: numbers 9 to 5
A recurring theme emerges as Patterson returns to recommending books that introduce fresh characters in similar genres.
Gregory McDonald’s iconic Fletch series introduces the eponymous train wreck of an investigative journalist as he dives into a whirlwind of new endeavours.
Next in line, Walter Mosley’s enthralling Devil in a Blue Dress unfolds the tale of Easy Rawlins, an African American war veteran drawn into a search for the enigmatic, jazz club-loving Miss Daphne Monet.
Who can forget Dustin Hoffman being asked, “Is it safe?” in the classic film of the same name? Marathon Man by William Goldman was brought to life by English film-maker John Schlesinger.
Frederick Forsyth’s masterpiece, The Day of the Jackal, holds readers spellbound and has seen multiple cinematic adaptations, including the 1997 film with Bruce Willis taking on the lead role in a modified storyline.
In Scott Phillips’ The Ice Harvest, we meet Charlie Arglist, a scheming lawyer plotting his escape with a suitcase full of cash, all while a slew of adversaries from his dubious past close in on him.
James Patterson’s top 20 favourite reads: numbers 4 to 1
Kent Anderson’s Night Dogs features a Vietnam vet turned police officer battling internal demons while chasing leads on the streets.
Next up is ‘he Digger’s Game, a tale of an ex-con who finds himself in too deep and under threat from the mob. The author, George V Higgins, leans heavily on dialogue in the novel, but according to top-rated reviews, he successfully pulls it off.
Lush Life by Richard Price explores privilege against the backdrop of societal disparity, focusing on a brash young hipster who is shot dead by a street kid from the wrong side of the tracks.
And lastly, Cutter and Bone by Newton Thornburg follows two friends as they attempt to unravel a murder mystery that leads them into the Ozarks.