Books On Board
series Reading Order

Bob Danforth Books in Order

7 Books
2004 – 2021 Published
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Reading order

The Recommended Reading Order

For the best reading experience, we highly recommend following the chronological order of the Danforth Saga. Although the books were not published in chronological sequence, starting with the timeline's beginning allows you to experience the Danforth family's growth, relationships, and history in the order they occurred.

  1. Evil Deeds (2011) – The chronological beginning. Set in 1971 Athens, Greece, this book introduces Bob and Liz Danforth and the terrifying kidnapping of their two-year-old son, Michael, which alters the course of their lives forever.
  2. Terror Cell (2004) – Set in the summer of 2004. Bob, now a CIA Special Operations Officer, is sent to Athens to hunt down a lethal terrorist group targeting the Olympic Games.
  3. The Nostradamus Secret (2011) – The Danforths face a wealthy antagonist who plans to use Nostradamus' lost quatrains to launch devastating terrorist attacks across the United States.
  4. The Lone Wolf Agenda (2013) – Bob is pulled out of retirement to stop lone-wolf attacks on America's oil infrastructure, teaming up with his adult son, Michael, who is now a DELTA Force officer.
  5. Death Ship (2015) – A high-stakes naval thriller where the Danforths must thwart a plot involving a hijacked supertanker turned into a weapon of mass destruction.
  6. Sins of the Fathers (2017) – The family deals with the deadly echoes of past missions as old enemies return to threaten their safety and legacy.
  7. The Carnevale Conspiracy (2021) – Vacationing in Venice during Carnevale, Bob and Liz become entangled with a secret assassin organization modeled after the medieval Hashashiyan.

Chronological vs. Publication Order

The main point of divergence in the Bob Danforth series is the relationship between the first two books. Joseph Badal published Terror Cell first in 2004, but later wrote Evil Deeds in 2011 to serve as the origin story. Reading in publication order starts you with a seasoned Bob Danforth in the CIA, whereas the chronological order builds the emotional stakes from the very beginning of his military career and family life in 1971.

What Makes the Danforth Saga Stand Out

While many espionage thrillers feature isolated, lone-wolf operatives, Joseph Badal places the Danforth family bond at the heart of the action. Liz Danforth serves as a resilient, active partner rather than a passive bystander, and Michael's transition from a kidnapped toddler in Evil Deeds to a DELTA Force operator in later books adds unique multi-generational depth. Badal's real-life military background in Vietnam and Greece grounds the series in authentic tactical detail and atmospheric settings, making it a great fit for fans of Tom Clancy and Vince Flynn.

Frequently Asked

QWhere should I start reading the Bob Danforth series?

We recommend starting with Evil Deeds. Although it was published in 2011 (after Terror Cell in 2004), it takes place in 1971 and provides the vital family origin story that sets up the rest of the series.

QWhat is the difference between publication and chronological order for this series?

The primary difference is the order of the first two books. Chronological order starts with Evil Deeds (set in 1971) followed by Terror Cell (set in 2004). Publication order reverses this, starting with Terror Cell.

QWho wrote the Bob Danforth series?

The series is written by Joseph Badal, a decorated former U.S. Army officer who drew upon his service in Greece and Vietnam to write authentic military and espionage thrillers.

QIs the Bob Danforth series complete?

As of 2026, the series consists of seven books ending with The Carnevale Conspiracy (2021). No additional entries have been announced by the author, and the current books form a satisfying story arc spanning four decades.

QAre there any crossovers between the Danforth Saga and Joseph Badal's other series?

No, there are no direct crossovers. Joseph Badal's other popular series, including the Curtis Chronicles and the Lassiter/Martinez Case Files, are separate standalone series featuring different protagonists.

QWas the kidnapping in Evil Deeds based on a true story?

Yes. Joseph Badal has stated that the core plot of Evil Deeds—the kidnapping of a two-year-old child in Greece—was inspired by a real-life incident in Greece when his own young son was briefly abducted.