The Thomas Berryman Number

The Hitman with No Face and Too Many Names

The Thomas Berryman Number marks the explosive debut of global bestseller James Patterson—a gripping, cerebral thriller that introduces readers to the mind games and high-stakes world of contract killing. When a prominent Southern politician is gunned down in broad daylight, the search begins for the mysterious assassin known only as Thomas Berryman.

One Reporter, One Killer, Too Many Lies

Reporter Ochs Jones is determined to uncover the truth behind the murder. But the deeper he digs, the more tangled the web becomes—drawing him into a world of political corruption, racial tension, and calculated deception. As he chases shadows and whispers, Berryman stays one step ahead, his motives as elusive as his identity.

A Chilling Puzzle from the Master of Suspense

Taut, intelligent, and relentlessly paced, The Thomas Berryman Number showcases Patterson’s early brilliance and storytelling power. Winner of the Edgar Award for Best First Novel, it’s a must-read for fans of classic crime fiction, investigative thrillers, and twist-filled narratives that keep you guessing until the very end.

Published: 2015, Arrow Books