6 Neo4j Books That Propel Your Graph Expertise

Kirk Borne, Principal Data Scientist at Booz Allen, and Adam Gabriel, AI Engineer at IBM Watson, recommend these definitive Neo4j books to deepen your graph database skills.

Kirk Borne
Adam Gabriel Top Influencer
Updated on June 28, 2025
We may earn commissions for purchases made via this page

What if I told you that mastering Neo4j could unveil hidden insights in your data you've never imagined? Neo4j's graph database technology is reshaping how to analyze complex relationships, from social networks to fraud detection. The surge in graph analytics means now is the perfect moment to deepen your understanding with the right resources.

Kirk Borne, Principal Data Scientist at Booz Allen, discovered the value of hands-on graph algorithms showcased in "Graph Algorithms" by Needham and Hodler, praising its accessible examples that bridge theory and practice. Meanwhile, Adam Gabriel, an AI Engineer at IBM Watson, highlights this same book for its clarity in applying graph theory to AI challenges. Their endorsements underscore the power of these works to accelerate your expertise.

While these expert-curated books provide proven frameworks, readers seeking content tailored to their specific experience level, goals, or industry applications might consider creating a personalized Neo4j book that builds on these insights.

Best for graph analytics practitioners
Kirk Borne, Principal Data Scientist at Booz Allen and a respected voice in data science, praises this book for its clear demonstration of graph algorithms in Apache Spark and Neo4j. His endorsement highlights how the book bridges practical examples with deep technical insight, making complex graph concepts accessible. This endorsement alone signals the book's value if you're navigating graph analytics. Also, Adam Gabriel Top Influencer, an AI and Machine Learning Engineer at IBM Watson, echoes this enthusiasm, reinforcing the book’s relevance for those working at the cutting edge of data science and AI.
KB

Recommended by Kirk Borne

Principal Data Scientist at Booz Allen

Great book: "Graph Algorithms: Practical Examples in Apache Spark and Neo4j" by Amy Hodler & Mark Needham, with the Foreword by me. (from X)

Mark Needham and Amy E. Hodler, both deeply entrenched in graph analytics through their roles at Neo4j, crafted this book to illuminate the practical use of graph algorithms in real-world applications. You’ll explore how these algorithms uncover hidden patterns in complex networks, improve machine learning models, and solve problems like detecting communities or bottlenecks. The authors walk you through more than 20 hands-on examples using Apache Spark and Neo4j, complete with sample datasets and code, making the concepts tangible. Whether you're a developer or data scientist aiming to harness graph analytics for predictive insights, this book equips you with actionable techniques and a solid understanding of when and how to deploy various algorithms.

View on Amazon
Best for advanced Neo4j data scientists
Estelle Scifo possesses over seven years of experience as a data scientist, holding a PhD from the Laboratoire de l'Accélérateur Linéaire, Orsay, affiliated with CERN. As a Neo4j certified professional, she leverages graph databases daily to develop efficient machine learning models. Her dual role as a practitioner and mentor equips her to present complex graph data science concepts in an accessible manner, making this book a valuable resource for those ready to deepen their Neo4j expertise.
2023·288 pages·Graph Databases, Neo4j, Graphs, Graph Algorithms, Machine Learning

Estelle Scifo draws on her extensive experience as a data scientist and Neo4j certified professional to guide you through the latest Neo4j 5 and its Graph Data Science library. You’ll learn how to query graph databases with Cypher, build graph datasets, and integrate graph algorithms into Python machine learning pipelines using the new GDSL driver. The book goes beyond basics, exploring link prediction and predictive embedding models to enhance your data science projects. If you’re comfortable with Neo4j fundamentals and Python’s data science stack, this book helps you take your skills into advanced graph analytics territory.

View on Amazon
Best for tailored learning paths
This AI-created book on Neo4j Mastery is crafted specifically for you based on your experience and learning goals. By sharing what Neo4j topics interest you most and your current skill level, you receive a book that focuses precisely on what you need to grasp. This personalized approach makes complex graph database concepts easier to understand and more relevant to your projects, offering a unique learning journey tailored to your development in Neo4j.
2025·50-300 pages·Neo4j, Graph Databases, Neo4j Basics, Cypher Querying, Graph Modeling

This tailored Neo4j Mastery Blueprint explores the essentials of graph databases with a focus on your unique background and objectives. It covers core Neo4j concepts such as graph modeling, Cypher querying, and graph algorithms, weaving these topics together in a way that matches your interests and skill level. By engaging deeply with the material, you'll uncover how to apply Neo4j to real-world problems like recommendation systems and network analysis, all within a learning pathway that feels relevant and manageable. The book’s personalized approach reveals connections between foundational theories and practical applications, making complex graph database concepts accessible and meaningful. This careful alignment with your goals helps turn knowledge into actionable understanding, providing a focused and rewarding Neo4j learning experience.

Tailored Book
Graph Expertise
3,000+ Books Created
Best for foundational graph modelers
Ajit Singh brings over 25 years of computer science teaching experience and multiple certifications, including Neo4j and Microsoft's MCSE, to this book. His background as an IEEE Brand Ambassador and member of international literacy and peace organizations underscores his broad expertise and dedication to education. This combination of credentials and experience positions him uniquely to guide you through graph database modeling fundamentals, making complex concepts accessible and applicable to real-world Neo4j development.
2022·135 pages·Neo4j, Graph Databases, Data Modeling, Cypher Query, Recommendation Systems

Ajit Singh, with his extensive 25-year teaching career and certifications including Neo4j and Microsoft's MCSE, offers a clear and approachable introduction to graph database modeling. You learn foundational graph theory concepts alongside practical techniques to model data using Neo4j's Cypher query language, with plenty of example scenarios like recommendation systems and shortest path calculations. The book walks you through data modeling strategies and the nuances of maintaining graph structures, making it a solid starting point if you want to understand how Neo4j handles connected data. If you're looking for an advanced deep dive or cutting-edge use cases, this may not fully satisfy, but it equips you well for fundamental graph database projects.

View on Amazon
Best for practical Neo4j beginners
Ajit Singh brings over 25 years of teaching experience and multiple certifications, including Neo4j Certified Professional, to this concise exploration of graph databases. His academic background and industry certifications underpin the book’s clear explanations, aimed at helping you understand Neo4j’s structure and capabilities. Singh’s role as an IEEE Brand Ambassador and educator adds authority, making this a trustworthy resource for those new to graph databases or looking to solidify foundational knowledge.
Neo4j Graph Database: 2nd Edition book cover

by Ajit Singh, Dr Sheela Hundekari··You?

2022·101 pages·Graph Databases, Neo4j, NoSQL, Cypher Query, Data Modeling

Ajit Singh's extensive career in computer science education and certifications led him to craft this focused guide on Neo4j graph databases. Here, you dive into graph theory basics and practical applications of Neo4j, learning how to model data as connected nodes and relationships. The book walks you through Cypher query language essentials and real-world use cases like recommendation systems and route calculations, making it ideal if you want to grasp both theory and hands-on skills. If you're aiming to understand graph databases beyond surface-level concepts, this book provides the structured knowledge to build meaningful graph-based solutions, though those seeking advanced Neo4j internals might look elsewhere.

View on Amazon
Best for Python-integrated graph projects
Timothy Eastridge, founder of Eastridge Analytics and a seasoned expert in graph data science, brings his deep experience working with major financial institutions and government agencies to this guide. His background in fraud detection and private equity deal-sourcing informs the practical approaches presented here, focusing on actionable insights through Python and Neo4j integration. This book reflects his commitment to honest, effective data strategies and is tailored for those serious about advancing their skills in graph analytics.
2024·191 pages·Data Science, Graph Databases, Neo4j, Graphs, Python Integration

What started as Timothy Eastridge's extensive work with financial fraud detection evolved into a clear and focused guide for integrating Python with Neo4j to harness graph data science. This book offers practical skills, like importing data into Neo4j, crafting Cypher queries, and building recommendation engines enhanced by Large Language Models such as ChatGPT. You’ll also learn to apply graph algorithms for tasks like fraud detection, making it ideal for those aiming to visualize and analyze complex networks. If you want hands-on projects and a direct path to leveraging graph databases in enterprise contexts, this book delivers a solid foundation without overcomplicating the topic.

View on Amazon
Best for rapid Neo4j launch
This AI-created book on Neo4j implementation is tailored to your skill level and specific goals. By sharing your experience and interests, you receive a customized guide focused on the fastest path to launching your Neo4j project. Unlike generic manuals, this book zeroes in on what matters most to you, helping you navigate complex topics with clear, personalized steps.
2025·50-300 pages·Neo4j, Graph Databases, Neo4j Fundamentals, Cypher Queries, Data Modeling

This tailored book explores a focused, step-by-step approach to launching Neo4j projects efficiently and effectively. It covers essential stages from initial setup through to actionable queries and graph data visualization, emphasizing rapid progress without sacrificing understanding. By concentrating on your specific background and goals, the book offers a personalized pathway that matches your current knowledge and desired pace. Readers benefit from a tailored experience that bridges foundational Neo4j concepts with fast implementation tactics. This approach ensures each chapter addresses your unique interests, guiding you through practical tasks and challenges designed to produce measurable results within 30 days. It reveals how to navigate Neo4j’s ecosystem with confidence and agility, accelerating your graph database success.

Tailored Guide
Rapid Deployment
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for Neo4j certification candidates
Cristian Scutaru is a Snowflake “Data Superhero” and Certified Solutions Architect across AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud with decades of software design experience. A former Microsoft employee and university assistant professor, he brings authoritative expertise to this practical guide for Neo4j certification. His deep understanding of cloud architectures and software implementation informs the detailed practice tests in this book, designed to help you navigate the nuances of the official exam and improve your score with clear explanations and targeted feedback.
2020·266 pages·Neo4j, Certification, Exam Preparation, Cypher Querying, Data Modeling

The breakthrough moment came when Cristian Scutaru leveraged his extensive experience as a cloud solutions architect and former Microsoft employee to create this focused preparation tool for the Neo4j Certified Professional exam. You’ll engage with two full-length practice tests, each containing 80 questions carefully modeled on the actual exam’s structure, complete with detailed explanations and external references to deepen your understanding. This book doesn’t just quiz you; it highlights precisely where you went wrong, allowing you to refine your grasp of Cypher queries, data modeling, and developer concepts within Neo4j. If you’re aiming to pass or improve your certification score efficiently, this resource is tailored to sharpen your exam readiness without wasting time on irrelevant content.

View on Amazon

Get Your Personal Neo4j Strategy in 10 Minutes

Stop following generic advice—receive tailored Neo4j learning plans without reading dozens of books.

Customized learning paths
Targeted graph solutions
Accelerated skill growth

Trusted by Neo4j professionals and data scientists worldwide

Neo4j Mastery Blueprint
30-Day Neo4j Launch Plan
Neo4j Trends Revealed
Insider Neo4j Secrets

Conclusion

These 6 Neo4j books collectively illuminate the spectrum of graph database learning—from foundational modeling with Ajit Singh to advanced data science applications with Estelle Scifo and Python integration by Timothy Eastridge. If you're tackling graph data modeling for the first time, start with "Graph Database Modeling With Neo4j" and "Neo4j Graph Database" for a solid grounding.

For those aiming to leverage Neo4j's full analytic power, combining "Graph Algorithms" and "Graph Data Science with Neo4j" delivers practical techniques and advanced strategies. Certification candidates should focus on "Neo4j Certified Professional" to refine exam skills efficiently.

Alternatively, you can create a personalized Neo4j book to bridge the gap between general principles and your specific situation. These books can help you accelerate your learning journey, making complex graph concepts approachable and actionable.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which Neo4j book should I start with?

Start with "Graph Database Modeling With Neo4j" for foundational concepts, then move to "Graph Algorithms" to see practical applications. This sequence builds your understanding logically from basics to advanced techniques.

Are these books too advanced if I'm new to Neo4j?

Not necessarily. Books like "Neo4j Graph Database" are designed for beginners, while others such as "Graph Data Science with Neo4j" suit those with some experience. Choose based on your comfort level.

How do I know if a book is worth my time?

Look for endorsements from respected professionals like Kirk Borne and Adam Gabriel. Their recommendations highlight books that offer clear, actionable knowledge relevant to real-world Neo4j projects.

Which books focus more on theory versus practical application?

"Graph Database Modeling With Neo4j" emphasizes theory and foundational modeling, while "Graph Algorithms" and "Graph Data Science with Python and Neo4j" focus on hands-on, practical applications with code examples.

Are any of these books outdated given Neo4j's fast evolution?

These selections include recent editions and cover Neo4j 5 features, ensuring up-to-date content. For the latest developments, newer books like "Graph Data Science with Neo4j" are especially current.

Can I get Neo4j learning content tailored to my specific goals?

Yes! While expert books provide valuable frameworks, personalized Neo4j books can tailor content to your experience, goals, and industry. Consider creating a personalized Neo4j book to complement expert insights with customized guidance.

📚 Love this book list?

Help fellow book lovers discover great books, share this curated list with others!