Along Came a Spider

by James Patterson
Along Came a Spider cover
Good Books rating 3.5
Crime, Mystery, Thriller/Suspense
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Paperback • £9.99
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Technical
  • ID: 8893
  • Added: 2025-12-22
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9780006476153
  • Publisher: HarperCollins UK
  • Published: 1993-01-01
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 3

Along Came a Spider introduces readers to a one-of-a-kind killer who is as terrifying as he is intriguing. This novel is a masterclass in suspense, with a villain that is both complex and menacing. The story delves into the mind of a criminal mastermind, exploring the psychological depth and intricacy of his actions. /n/n The book is renowned for its intense and gripping narrative, which has captivated readers and critics alike. It's a must-read for fans of thrillers and suspense, offering a unique blend of horror and psychological intrigue that sets it apart from other works in the genre.

Reviews
Lancer Spirit Online · 2024-06-06
mediocre 2.50

The main character is found to be boring, focusing too much on his job and not enough on his personal life.

The reviewer from Lancer Spirit Online found the main character in 'Along Came a Spider' to be simply boring. They felt that the character's focus on his job, rather than his personal life, made him uninteresting. Despite this, the book's fast-paced narrative and suspenseful plot kept the reviewer engaged. The reviewer appreciated the book's ability to maintain a high level of suspense throughout, but they wished for more depth in the main character. The book's short chapters contribute to a quick and engaging read, but the lack of character development is a notable drawback.

Quick quotes

    I found the main character in this book to be simply boring.

    He is a lonely man, whose wife died, who spends all his time focusing on his job.

    The book's fast-paced narrative and suspenseful plot kept the reviewer engaged.

Milam's Musings · Brett Milam · 2023-12-02
good 3.50

The book is quickly devoured due to its fast-paced narrative, but it has some fair criticisms regarding character development.

Brett Milam from Milam's Musings found 'Along Came a Spider' to be a quick and engaging read. The fast-paced narrative kept him hooked, making it difficult to put down. However, he noted some criticisms regarding character development, particularly the main character, who he found to be somewhat boring. Despite this, the book's suspenseful plot and relentless pacing make it a thrilling read. Brett appreciated the book's ability to keep readers on the edge of their seats, but he wished for more depth in the characters.

Quick quotes

    I have some what I think are fair criticisms of this first Alex Cross book, but there's no doubting how quickly I devoured it.

    The book's suspenseful plot and relentless pacing make it a thrilling read.

    The main character is somewhat boring.

Luke Harkness · Luke Harkness · 2021-11-01
excellent 4.50

The plot is engaging and easy to follow, with enough twists to keep readers interested. The pacing is well-balanced, making it a gripping read.

Luke Harkness found the plot of 'Along Came a Spider' to be genuinely interesting and well-paced. The twists and turns are well-placed, making it a gripping read. The characters are well-developed, and the suspense is maintained throughout. The book's short chapters contribute to a fast-paced narrative that keeps readers engaged from start to finish. Luke particularly enjoyed the balance between action and mystery, making it a thrilling experience.

Quick quotes

    I loved the plot of this book – I thought it was easy to follow, genuinely interesting and featured just enough twists, turns and interesting

    The pacing is well-balanced, making it a gripping read.

    The characters are well-developed, and the suspense is maintained throughout.

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