One of the toughest things for a writer to do is to come up with original stories. Even more difficult is developing an original character that readers will love.

James Patterson’s Alex Cross is one of the best loved characters today. All of Patterson’s novels featuring Cross have gone to No. 1 on the national New York Times Bestseller’s list.

A new novel titled “Roses are Red” will be available Nov. 20, and a movie translation of “Along Came a Spider” is scheduled to be in theaters Feb. 9, 2001.

To understand all that is Alex Cross, one must become acquainted with the whole story.

Patterson has written five novels and has one movie made featuring Alex Cross. Later this year, the sixth book will be released, and early next year a second movie is coming.

The Cross phenomenon began in 1992. Alex Cross is a psychiatrist working as a police detective. He deals with some of the worst criminal minds in the world.

“Along Came a Spider” finds Cross dealing with the most heinous criminal mind ever, Gary Soneji. This kidnapper and murderer has taken a high-ranking government official’s children for ransom. However, this is all part of a bigger game for him.

The elaborate suspense story gets thrown for a loop when it is revealed that someone is helping Soneji — someone who is very close to the investigation. Soneji is a frightening character who now has a personal vendetta against Cross.

Returning in 1995’s “Kiss the Girls,” Cross is drawn into an abduction case in North Carolina when his niece becomes one of the victims. Cross soon learns that the kidnapper, a self proclaimed Casanova, is taking girls to be part of a collection.

The first major break in the case arrives with the escape of one of the hostages. Captive Kate McTiernan’s escape leads to the development of a suspect. However, to check out this latest lead, Cross must fly to Los Angeles.

There, the terrifying truth is soon discovered — there are two kidnappers. They have been in constant contact with each other trying to outdo the other. With Cross hot on their trails, the game suddenly changes.

“Kiss the Girls” was the first Alex Cross novel to be made into a movie. Released in 1997, Morgan Freeman played Alex Cross while Ashley Judd was Kate McTiernan. As in most cases, the movie is not as good as the book. The story line is not as well developed, and the ending is slightly different. However, this movie does stay very true to the book.

“Jack and Jill” hit the bookstores in 1996. Alex Cross finds himself matched against another killing team. This team has an agenda — it wants to kill a powerful government official. This man and woman team has given itself the code names Jack and Jill.

Along the way, Cross must wade through set ups and impostors to find the real killers. However, he faces the ultimate challenge that could put the president of the United States in danger. But could the cops and Cross be wrong about the intended target?

Gary Soneji, the most diabolical criminal ever to challenge Cross, is back in 1997’s “Cat and Mouse.” This time Soneji made it personal. A new player in the story, Mr. Smith, works over in England under the guidance of Soneji.

When Mr. Smith comes to the United States, he starts a war against Alex Cross. This new contender presses the detective to his limits. With Cross busy trying to catch Mr. Smith, Soneji is free to attack Cross while his defenses are down. Soneji goes straight for Alex Cross’ family.

The latest entry in the Cross series is 1999’s “Pop Goes the Weasel.” This most resent entry may be the best book so far. Cross must face a killer that believes he is “Death.” Again, he must try to defend the innocent and protect his family.

James Patterson has done an amazing job with the Alex Cross series. Each book is better than the one before. Patterson has a style of writing that makes reading enjoyable. His use of imagery is so clear that it is just like watching a movie.