Publisher details

Author: James Patterson
Publisher: Penguin
Genre: Fiction

Alex Cross #33: Return of the Spider

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Synopsis

Alex Cross thought serial killer Gary Soneji was dead and buried.

But when a hidden cabin reveals a stash of gruesome trophies and diaries, Cross realises the Spider's evil influence has spread wider than he ever thought possible.

The chilling truth soon becomes clear: Cross imprisoned the wrong man.

As he studies the clues, Cross becomes enmeshed in a web of evil designed to ensnare him all along.

Now he must retrace the steps of a long-ago investigation and face…the Return of the Spider.

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Utterly Compelling: Read an Extract from Return of the Spider by James Patterson

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Review | Extract

14 October 2025

Utterly Compelling: Read an Extract from Return of the Spider by James Patterson

About the author

James Patterson

James Patterson is one of the best-known and biggest-selling writers of all time. His books have sold in excess of 385 million copies worldwide. He is the author of some of the most popular series of the past two decades – the Alex Cross, Women’s Murder Club, Detective Michael Bennett and Private novels – and he has written many other number one bestsellers including romance novels and stand-alone thrillers.James is passionate about encouraging children to read. Inspired by his own son who was a reluctant reader, he also writes a range of books for young readers including the Middle School, I Funny, Treasure Hunters, Dog Diaries and Max Einstein series. James has donated millions in grants to independent bookshops and has been the most borrowed author of adult fiction in UK libraries for the past eleven years in a row. He lives in Florida with his wife and son.