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Chris Bronson Books in Order

7 Books
2008 – 2017 Published
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Reading order

Where to Start with the Chris Bronson Series

For the best experience, you should begin your journey with The First Apostle (2008). This debut novel sets the stage for the entire series, introducing Detective Sergeant Chris Bronson and his ex-wife, British Museum ceramics expert Angela Lewis. When Bronson is sent to Italy to investigate a suspicious death in a ruined villa, he uncovers a mysterious Latin inscription that points to an ancient secret. Starting here allows you to fully appreciate the evolution of Chris and Angela's complex, banter-filled relationship as they travel the world together.

Chris Bronson Books in Order of Publication

The series is straightforward to follow because the chronological events align perfectly with how the books were originally published. Follow this sequence to track their adventures from the beginning:

  1. The First Apostle (2008) – Chris and Angela's first investigation leads them to a conspiracy that threatens the foundations of Christianity.
  2. The Moses Stone (2009) – A clay tablet found in Morocco draws the duo into a deadly hunt across the Middle East.
  3. The Messiah Secret (2010) – The search for a lost first-century scroll leads to dangerous revelations in Jerusalem.
  4. The Nosferatu Scroll (2011) – The pair head to Venice to decode an ancient manuscript, blending historical mystery with darker lore.
  5. Echo of the Reich (2012) – A modern conspiracy rooted in the secrets of World War II takes center stage.
  6. The Lost Testament (2013) – A race against time to recover an ancient relic before it falls into the wrong hands.
  7. The Templar Heresy (2017) – A discovery in Iraq pulls the sleuths into a perilous encounter with Templar secrets.
  8. The Last Secret of the Ark (2020) – Bronson and Lewis embark on an epic quest spanning Ethiopia and France to locate the Ark of the Covenant.

Chronological Order vs. Publication Order

Since the publication order matches the chronological timeline, there is no need to jump around the list. While each novel functions as a standalone adventure resolving its own central mystery, reading them in order is highly recommended. The character growth, recurring side characters, and the shifting dynamics between Chris and Angela are best experienced sequentially.

Related Series to Read Next

If you love the blend of history, archaeology, and relentless pacing in the Chris Bronson series, you should explore the author's other works. Under the same James Becker pseudonym, he wrote the Lost Treasure of the Templars trilogy (also known as the Hounds of God series). This series follows antiquarian bookseller Robin Jessop and encryption expert David Mallory as they decipher ancient codes and dodge secret societies. The trilogy consists of:

  • The Lost Treasure of the Templars (2015)
  • The Templar Archive (2016)
  • The Templar Brotherhood (2017)

Frequently Asked

QWhat is the best starting book for the Chris Bronson series?

You should start with the first novel, The First Apostle (2008), to properly introduce yourself to the characters and their ongoing partnership.

QIs the chronological order of the series different from the publication order?

No, the chronological order is identical to the publication order, making the series simple to read from start to finish.

QHow many Chris Bronson books are there in total?

There are currently eight books in the series, concluding with The Last Secret of the Ark published in 2020.

QAre the Chris Bronson books standalones?

Yes, each book features a self-contained mystery that is resolved by the end of the novel, meaning you won't face unresolved cliffhangers.

QWho is the author behind the series?

The series is written by James Becker, which is a pen name for Peter Stuart Smith, a former Royal Navy helicopter pilot who also writes action thrillers as James Barrington.

QWhat other series are similar to Chris Bronson?

Fans of Chris Bronson will enjoy Becker's Lost Treasure of the Templars trilogy, featuring Robin Jessop and David Mallory deciphering ancient secrets.