The exact chronological order can be a bit complex as there are many in the series. Generally, 'When the Bough Breaks' is one of the earlier ones. But for a comprehensive and detailed chronological order, it's best to refer to the official Jonathan Kellerman website or a dedicated fan site that has cataloged them in order of publication, which often closely aligns with the internal chronology of the series.
You can check the publication dates of the novels. Usually, they are in a somewhat chronological order based on when they were published. For example, the earlier published ones are likely to be earlier in the story's timeline. Another way is to look for summaries of the books online. Some book review websites might mention how the stories progress in relation to each other, which can give you an idea of the chronological order.
The Alex Cross novels start with 'Along Came a Spider'. Then comes 'Kiss the Girls'. After that, there are many others like 'Jack & Jill' which continues to follow Cross's adventures in solving crimes and dealing with the villains in his typical style. Each novel builds on the previous one in terms of character growth and the overarching storylines in the series.
'Blood Test' is also among the best. It has a unique plot that involves Alex Delaware in a rather unusual case. The writing style is gripping, and the way the mystery unfolds is both satisfying and full of surprises.
To be precise, the exact number of Alex Delaware novels can change over time. But as of the latest information available, there are approximately 35 of them. This number may increase as the author continues to write in the series.
To be honest, I'm not sure of the precise count. But you can find accurate information on the author's official website or through dedicated literary databases.
You can check the official James Patterson website. It usually has a section dedicated to the Alex Cross series in the correct order. Another option is to look at book review sites like Goodreads. Often, fans there will list the novels in the proper chronological sequence.
The main characteristic is the central character Alex Delaware himself. As a psychologist, he brings a unique perspective to solving mysteries. His psychological insights often help in understanding the motives of the suspects.