How to Read the Dan Roy Books in Order
For the best experience, readers should follow the publication order of the Dan Roy series. The journey begins with a prequel novella that sets up Dan’s deadly background before diving into full-length missions that span the globe, from the peaks of the Himalayas to the neon-lit streets of Shanghai.
Dan Roy Recommended Reading Order
Here is the recommended order to follow Dan Roy's missions:
- Hellfire (2016) – This prequel novella serves as Book 0.5, introducing Dan Roy as he attempts a daring rescue of a CIA team captured in Afghanistan.
- Hidden Agenda (2017) – The first full-length novel where Dan uncovers a massive global conspiracy threatening the United States.
- Dark Water (2017) – Dan faces off against pirates and covert threats in a high-stakes maritime environment.
- The Tonkin Protocol (2017) – A fan-favorite installment where Dan battles betrayal and the ruthless Russian mob.
- Shanghai Tang (2017) – Dan travels to Shanghai and becomes entangled in a dangerous web of corporate espionage and local triads.
- Scorpion Rising (2017) – This book introduces "Scorpion," a deadly Russian assassin who becomes a major recurring figure in Dan's life.
- Deep Deception (2018) / The Deadly Triangle (2022) – Dan dives into the dark world of drug trafficking and nuclear threats. (Note: See the caveats section below regarding these two titles.)
- Scorpion Down (2018) – Dan must hunt down a lethal threat after a high-stakes black ops mission goes sideways.
- Code Zero (2019) – A fast-paced race against time as Dan tries to prevent a catastrophic global terror attack.
- Scorpion Sting (2019) – Dan receives a desperate mayday signal from his old flame and rival, the Russian assassin Scorpion, forcing them to team up against a common enemy.
Chronological Caveats and the Deep Deception Confusion
The chronological timeline of the Dan Roy series closely follows its publication order. However, there are two major points of confusion that readers should keep in mind before starting the series:
The Prequel Starting Point
While Hellfire was published first in 2016, it is chronologically a prequel (Book 0.5). Starting with Hellfire is highly recommended as it establishes Dan Roy's tactical brilliance and emotional baggage before the events of Hidden Agenda. However, if you prefer jumping straight into a full-length novel, you can start with Hidden Agenda without feeling lost.
Deep Deception vs. The Deadly Triangle
In 2018, Mick Bose published the sixth book in the series, titled Deep Deception. In 2022, he released The Deadly Triangle, which is marketed as the 10th book in the series. However, The Deadly Triangle is actually a heavily revised, newly edited, and retitled version of Deep Deception. Because they share the same core plot involving a political conspiracy spanning Moscow, Washington, and Mexico, you do not need to read both. If you are reading the series today, it is best to opt for the updated 2022 version, The Deadly Triangle, in place of Deep Deception.
What to Know Before You Start
Mick Bose's thrillers are perfect for fans of Jack Reacher, Mitch Rapp, and Jason Bourne. Here are a few key details to keep in mind:
- The Protagonist's Background: Dan Roy is an ex-SAS sergeant and former Delta Force operative. Uniquely, he spent his childhood in a Gurkha village in the Himalayas while his parents worked for the United Nations. This upbringing is where he developed his signature combat skills, including his expert use of the Gurkha Kukri knife.
- Standalone vs. Continuity: Each book features a self-contained military thriller plot with a clear resolution. However, character relationships—particularly Dan's complex dynamic with the Russian assassin Scorpion—develop across the books, making sequential reading highly rewarding.
- The Author: Mick Bose is a British author and globetrotter whose real-world travels inspire the series' exotic backdrops. He also writes psychological thrillers under the pen name M.L. Rose.