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series Reading Order

Cotton Malone Books in Order

29 Books
2 Reading orders
2006 – 2021 Published
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Reading order

Where to Start Reading Cotton Malone

For most readers, the best way to experience the world of Cotton Malone is in publication order. While Steve Berry structures each thriller to work as a standalone adventure, reading them in the order they were written allows you to watch the evolution of the characters, the Magellan Billet agency, and Cotton's complicated personal life unfold naturally.

If you prefer a strictly timeline-based approach, you can start with the official prequel novel, The Bishop's Pawn (2018), which details Cotton's very first field mission. However, starting with his introduction in The Templar Legacy remains the most rewarding introduction to the series.

The Core Cotton Malone Novels (Publication Order)

Here is the sequence of the main novels in the series:

  1. The Templar Legacy (2006)
  2. The Alexandria Link (2007)
  3. The Venetian Betrayal (2007)
  4. The Charlemagne Pursuit (2008)
  5. The Paris Vendetta (2009)
  6. The Emperor's Tomb (2010)
  7. The Jefferson Key (2011)
  8. The King's Deception (2013)
  9. The Lincoln Myth (2014)
  10. The Patriot Threat (2015)
  11. The 14th Colony (2016)
  12. The Lost Order (2017)
  13. The Bishop's Pawn (2018)
  14. The Malta Exchange (2019)
  15. The Warsaw Protocol (2020)
  16. The Kaiser's Web (2021)
  17. The Last Kingdom (2023)
  18. The Atlas Maneuver (2024)
  19. The Medici Return (2025)
  20. The Devil's Bible (2026)

Novellas, Crossovers, and Chronological Placement

Steve Berry has expanded the universe with several short stories and novellas that slot between the main novels. These side adventures are optional but provide great flavor for dedicated fans:

  • The Devil's Due (2006): Set during Malone's early years as a Magellan Billet operative (often read as Book 0.5 or 12.5).
  • The Balkan Escape (2010): The first Cassiopeia Vitt adventure, taking place chronologically between Book 5 and Book 6.
  • The Devil's Gold (2011): A short story set between Book 6 and Book 7.
  • The Admiral's Mark (2012): A novella set between Book 7 and Book 8.
  • The Tudor Plot (2013): A novella set after Book 7/8.
  • The Devil's Bones (2014): A special crossover novella co-authored with James Rollins, featuring Cotton Malone and Grey Pierce (Sigma Force).
  • Past Prologue (2017): A crossover short story co-authored with Diana Gabaldon, featuring Cotton Malone and Jamie Fraser.

Co-Authored Spin-Off Series

Cassiopeia Vitt Adventures (with M. J. Rose)

Cassiopeia Vitt, a recurring ally, adventurer, and love interest to Cotton Malone, stars in her own co-authored spin-off series. These stories are best read alongside the main Cotton Malone series after Book 12:

  • The Balkan Escape (2010)
  • The Museum of Mysteries (2018)
  • The Lake of Learning (2019)
  • The House of Long Ago (2020)
  • The End of Forever (2021)

Luke Daniels Adventures (with Grant Blackwood)

Luke Daniels, a fellow Magellan Billet agent introduced in the main Cotton Malone series, leads his own spin-off series co-authored with Grant Blackwood. It is best to start this series after reading The Kaiser's Web:

  • The 9th Man (2023)
  • Red Star Falling (2024)
  • The Sorcerer's Veil (Upcoming 2027)

Frequently Asked

QWhat is the recommended starting point for the Cotton Malone series?

The ideal starting point is The Templar Legacy (2006), which introduces the characters and their world. If you prefer starting chronologically, you can begin with the prequel The Bishop's Pawn (2018).

QDo I have to read the Cotton Malone books in order?

Steve Berry constructs each book to work as a standalone. However, reading them in publication order is highly recommended to appreciate character development and returning subplots.

QWho is Cassiopeia Vitt and does she have her own books?

Cassiopeia Vitt is Cotton Malone's frequent ally, partner, and love interest. She stars in her own series of spin-off novellas co-authored with M. J. Rose, beginning with The Balkan Escape.

QWhat is the Luke Daniels series and how does it connect to Cotton Malone?

Luke Daniels is a fellow Magellan Billet agent from the main series. He stars in a spin-off series co-authored with Grant Blackwood, including The 9th Man and Red Star Falling.

QAre there any crossover stories with other thriller series?

Yes. Malone crosses over with James Rollins' Sigma Force in The Devil's Bones (2014) and Diana Gabaldon's Outlander universe in Past Prologue (2017).