The NYPD Red series by James Patterson is a gripping set of novels about an elite New York Police Department unit led by Detective Zach Jordan and his partner, Kylie MacDonald. The series begins with “NYPD Red,” where the duo tackles crimes involving high-profile figures against the backdrop of a film festival. As the series progresses through “NYPD Red 2,” “NYPD Red 3,” and subsequent books, Jordan and MacDonald confront a range of complex cases, from tracking a vigilante killer to unraveling a dangerous conspiracy.
Each book, including “NYPD Red 4,” “Red Alert,” and “NYPD Red 6,” immerses readers in a blend of high-stakes crime and personal drama, set against the vibrant and challenging landscape of Manhattan. The series culminates with “NYPD Red 7: The Murder Sorority,” where the detectives face their most challenging case involving a network of assassins.
See also: Michael Bennett Series in Order.
James Patterson NYPD Red Series in Order
- NYPD Red (2012)
- NYPD Red 2 (2014)
- NYPD Red 3 (2015)
- NYPD Red 4 (2016)
- Red Alert (2018)
- NYPD Red 6 (2020)
- NYPD Red 7: The Murder Sorority (2022)
Similar Authors
- “The Poet” by Michael Connelly: This novel follows crime reporter Jack McEvoy, who investigates the suspicious suicide of his brother, a homicide detective. His quest for the truth leads him to a serial killer known as ‘The Poet,’ who has been murdering police officers across the country.
- “1st to Die” by James Patterson: This book introduces the Women’s Murder Club, led by San Francisco homicide inspector Lindsay Boxer. Along with a medical examiner, a reporter, and an assistant district attorney, Lindsay tries to solve a series of gruesome murders where newlywed couples are the targets. The team uses their professional expertise and personal insights to catch a killer who is always one step ahead.
- “Killer Instinct” by Joseph Finder: Jason Steadman, a corporate executive, befriends an ex-Special Forces operative, Kurt Semko, who helps him advance his career using unorthodox and dangerous methods. As Jason rises in the corporate ranks, he realizes that Kurt’s assistance comes with a high moral and legal cost.
See also: Robert Crais Books in Order.
Most Recommended Books
- NYPD Red 7: The Murder Sorority (4.50 Goodreads Score)
- NYPD Red 6 (4.19 Goodreads Score)
- NYPD Red 2 (4.13 Goodreads Score)
Awards
James Patterson has been honored with multiple awards, including the Literarian Award from the National Book Foundation in both 2015 and 2022, the National Humanities Medal in 2019, and other notable distinctions such as the Edgar Award, Thriller of the Year, and the Children’s Choice Book Award for Author of the Year.
Upcoming Releases
Upcoming releases from James Patterson include “Cross Out” on November 20, 2023, and “What Really Happens in Vegas” on December 4, 2023. In 2024, two books, “Holmes, Miss Marple, and Poe Investigations” and “Middle School: Million Dollar Mess,” will be released on January 8, followed by “Tiger, Tiger” on February 12. These new books are expected to be engaging additions to Patterson’s body of work.
Book Summaries
NYPD Red
"NYPD Red" follows Detective Zach Jordan as he joins the elite team in New York's police department. Their mission is to handle high-profile cases involving the city's most famous individuals. However, Zach's dream job turns into a nightmare when a maniac starts a brutal killing spree targeting Hollywood's biggest stars during a major film festival. To stop this homicidal psychopath and save New York City, Zach is partnered with his ex-girlfriend, Detective Kylie MacDonald, and they must put their history aside to work together effectively.
NYPD Red 2
"NYPD Red 2" follows the NYPD Red task force as they track down a vigilante serial killer who is targeting individuals who have escaped punishment for their crimes. As the body count rises, Detective Zach Jordan and his partner Kylie MacDonald are assigned to the case. However, they soon discover that there are political and personal secrets at stake, and Kylie's mysterious behavior could jeopardize their investigation. Will they be able to solve the case before it's too late?
NYPD Red 3
In "NYPD Red 3" a thrilling conspiracy puts the lives of New York's top detectives, Zach Jordan and Kylie MacDonald, in grave danger. Hunter Alden Jr., a wealthy man with a perfect life, faces a terrifying situation when his son goes missing and his chauffeur is found dead. As the detectives investigate, they uncover a shocking secret that has the potential to change the world. With each step closer to the truth, Zach and Kylie find themselves in increasing peril.
NYPD Red 4
"NYPD Red 4" follows the elite task force, NYPD Red, as they investigate a jewel heist and a murdered actress. Detectives Zach Jordan and Kylie MacDonald are determined to catch the criminal, even if it means going against powerful individuals they are supposed to assist. As they navigate the glamorous world of celebrities and the dangerous criminal underworld of Manhattan, they must find the ruthless killer before he strikes again.
Red Alert
Detectives Zach Jordan and Kylie MacDonald of the elite NYPD Red task force are providing security at a charity event in New York City. However, the night takes a terrifying turn when a deadly explosion occurs, causing them to question if it was an act of terrorism or a murder. As the attacks continue and a prominent female filmmaker is killed, Zach and Kylie suspect that the culprits may be among the high-profile individuals they were meant to safeguard.
NYPD Red 6
"NYPD Red 6" is a crime novel set in New York City. At the wedding of the century, the bride mysteriously disappears, leaving behind a blood-stained wedding dress. Detective Kylie MacDonald and her partner, Detective Zach Jordan, are called in to investigate. With a long list of A-list celebrities as potential suspects, they must uncover the truth before it's too late.
NYPD Red 7: The Murder Sorority
The NYPD Red team is faced with their most difficult case yet. A network of highly skilled assassins is on the loose in New York City, and it's up to detectives Kylie MacDonald and Zach Jordan to track them down. These assassins, trained by the US military, are experts at evading capture and taking lives. As the Red team faces their biggest challenge, both Kylie and Zach's personal lives will be forever changed.
