Wiretap: James Patterson Chat Stories App released ahead of The People Vs Alex Cross

Century and James Patterson, the world’s bestselling thriller writer, have announced the imminent release of Wiretap: James Patterson Chat Stories, an innovative, free-to-access, custom-made messenger app that will deliver immersive and engaging stories told through a combination of text and picture messages.

The first story to be released on the app will be Cross Lines, available from 19^th October on iOS and Android devices. Told over seven days, readers will witness a brand new storyline develop as if looking over Cross’ shoulder. Set in the aftermath of the dramatic events in Cross Kill, Cross Lines will serve as a bridge to the latest in the bestselling Alex Cross series, The People Vs Alex Cross.

“With more of us spending hours on our phones, we felt that the Wiretap app was a great way to generate excitement around the continuing adventures of Alex Cross,” said James Patterson. “We’re delivering an industry-first from a mainstream publisher, giving many readers their first taste of real-time, high-profile fiction based around characters they already know and love. Using a form that taps into our increasing obsession with technology, the app delivers all the elements readers have come to expect from an Alex Cross story, with exciting twists and turns that lead directly into my new novel The People Vs Alex Cross.”

The app is part of a broader strategy that will see the Alex Cross brand heavily promoted throughout the Autumn. The ebooks of both Cross Kill and Detective Cross will be price promoted and include advertising for the Wiretap app, with further support coming from extensive social media advertising and the James Patterson newsletter. Alex Cross content will also be distributed across Penguin Random House’s crime community DeadGood and Penguin UK’s social channels.

Susan Sandon, MD at Cornerstone said: “James Patterson continues to lead the field, not only when it comes to creating thrillers you can’t put down, but also in terms of innovation. The technology behind the Wiretap app delivers one of the biggest authors in the world into readers’ hands in an immediate and engrossing way. We’re proud to work alongside him and innovate within the world of storytelling and we are sure fans everywhere will be excited to experience this brand new element of the Alex Cross universe.”

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