Here's another question about the Alex Cross books...My 14yo son needs something to read for AR points.  He tried to read Stephen King last semester because he likes that creepy, scary horror stuff.  But the book was just too long (1000 pages) and he couldn't finish it in time and wound up getting a D in English because he had 0 AR points.  Definitely NOT letting that happen again.  Plus I'm not crazy about him reading what I consider pretty hard core horror at that age.  So we are looking around in the suspense/thriller arena for something he can read.  Pretty much all of the James Patterson books are in the AR system.  Are the Alex Cross books appropriate for a 14yo boy?  I guess my real question is does Alex have a love interest?  I know in the Women's Murder Club books, the action between Lindsey and Joe is pretty mild comparatively and I wouldn't want anything stronger than that for him...and even that might be a little much.  Any suggestions of other Pattersons that might be more "thrilling" than others?

Hmmm...I'm not sure about 14 yrs.  To me, Alex Cross series seems a bit graphic and violent, maybe not.  I would suggest  the Robert Crais series - a smart ass private eye - that sounds like it would be right up a 14 year old boys alley!  I'm sure you will get more suggestions.....maybe Matt will check in and give his "for a teenage boy" suggestions.

I checked and the Robert Crais series is not on the AR reading list.

As I thought about it more, I'm wondering if the beginning of the series is less graphic.  I know that some of the later ones were really strong in gang violence, terrorism and situations like that.  But, if the series is on the AR list (approved reading, right?) then maybe I'm just being too cautious.  I am the mom that wouldn't let my son play all of the blood and guts video games for quite awhile!   He is 25 now - and he made up for missing them in jr high!

Perhaps your son might enjoy James Patterson's Maximum Ride series. This is a series of five young adult science fiction/fantasy books. Book six is expected to be released in March.

Or how about Anthony Horowitz's Alex Rider series regarding the adventures of a 14-year-old boy who becomes a spy? Here are the books in that series:

 

Alex Rider

• Stormbreaker (2000)
• Point Blanc (U.S. title: Point Blank) (2001)
• Skeleton Key (2002)
• Eagle Strike (2003)
• Alex Rider: Secret Weapon (short story, 2003)
• Scorpia (2004)
• Ark Angel (2005)
• Snakehead (2007)
• Crocodile Tears (2009)
• Yassen (forthcoming)
• Endurance Point (forthcoming)

Author Jon Scieszka even has a website about "guy lit"-- http://guysread.com/

If you are thinking about James Patterson  you might to look at these two series Daniel X series or The Maximum Ride series. If you are interested in the Maximum Ride series you should start with  When the Wind Blows and The Lake  House and then start the Maximum Ride series.Yes, Alex Cross does have love interests in that series.

My boyfriend is a book junkie just like me he suggests either  Michael Crichton  Or Ben Bova.

I hope this helps

Tammy

Is James Rollins on the approved reading list?  He has a book aimed at teens as well as adults  called Jake Ransom and the Skull King's Shadow,  but I think his other novels are filled with action/thrills but little graphic violence or adult situations.    Also  Matthew Reilly has several novels that are action thriller which would probably be appropriate for a teen.  The Jack West series is pretty good ( 7 Ancient Wonders and The 6 Sacred Stones, book #3 The Five Greatest Warriors being released this week),  and his first novel,  Contest was entertaining and a bit insane,  an intergalactic death match in the NYC Public Library.  Reilly wrote that book when he was 19,  it was a little rough technically,  but the story was pretty good.  You can find more about both authors at their websites,  www.jamesrollins.com and www.matthewreilly.com .  I hope your son finds something he enjoys reading. 

I have a 14 year old son too.  I don't think i would have him read the Alex Cross series.   Some of the killing is graphic and sexual.  And Alex does have some heated moments with the ladies. :)

I hope this is not too late.

James Patterson has a new book out that I thought after reading it would be perfect for the teen audience, it is ?Witch & Wizard?. He also has a series ?Maximum Ride? that I think is more in line with the teens (I?m 66).

Another recommendation for Patterson's Maximum Ride series.  Very enjoyable!