![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzGFECaTKIaqDMz1iLMBFSa3Gd_olnO-p74ZhJEuU8eITbggqalZQg_nYgAb6L0NAnjK5mDA77GzjtVhhXVC4oPCqIW569Z8nCBGv-ZnZXWv4Q16pbmzJWFjFR355IIAm_6mx4TQ2ogA/s320/sharmat.gif)
One title on his list:
Nate the Great by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat (Delacorte, $14).Read about all six books on Patterson's list.
Nate understands that you have to solve a few minor-league cases before you can move on to Sam Spade–style crime-stopping. Great stories and snappy, clear writing. Attentive readers can help Nate pick up clues along the way.
--Marshal Zeringue