Every version of Along Came a Spider — the books & films, compared across media.
Alex Cross is a forensic psychologist drawn into Washington D.C.'s most disturbing cases. Along Came a Spider exists in two forms: James Patterson's 1993 novel introduced Cross and a psychopathic serial kidnapper whose crimes span murder and abduction, while the 2001 film finds a guilt-ridden Cross coaxed out of retirement when a brilliant criminal kidnaps a senator's young daughter.
Yes. Along Came a Spider (2001) is based on James Patterson's 1993 novel of the same name, which introduced forensic psychologist Alex Cross and a case involving a missing girl and a psychopathic kidnapper.
Two versions are covered here: James Patterson's 1993 novel and the 2001 film adaptation, both centred on detective Alex Cross.
The 1993 novel Along Came a Spider is where the character of Alex Cross was introduced. The 2001 film is a self-contained adaptation for those who prefer to begin on screen.