How to Read the Dan Stone Assassin Series
If you love fast-paced espionage, gritty action, and morally complex heroes, David Nees' Dan Stone Assassin series is a must-read. The series follows the evolution of Dan Stone from a devastated husband seeking revenge to a highly skilled, covert CIA contract operator. Because the series follows a strict chronological progression, the recommended reading path is to read the books in order of their publication.
Recommended Reading Order
- Payback (2017)
- The Shaman (2018)
- The Captive Girl (2018/2019)
- The Assassin and the Pianist (2020)
- Death in the Congo (2020)
- The Scorpion (2022)
- Rogue Mission (2023)
- The Revenger (2023)
- The Orphan Girl (2024)
- Kidnap (2025)
Publication Order vs. Chronological Order
Unlike some thriller series that jump back and forth in time or feature prequel novellas, the Dan Stone Assassin series is written in a straightforward, linear sequence. The chronological timeline matches the publication dates exactly. Reading the books out of order is not recommended because Dan’s character development, his relationship with his CIA handlers, his friendship with Delta Force allies Roland and Marcus, and the ongoing spiritual elements progress from book to book.
There are small discrepancies in database records regarding the release year of The Captive Girl (some sources list late 2018 while others specify 2019), but the reading sequence itself remains undisputed. You should always begin with Payback and follow the chain straight through to the latest entry, Kidnap.
Deep Dive Into the Series
To help you understand the trajectory of the series, here is a breakdown of Dan Stone's missions and how each book shapes his journey:
Payback (2017)
This is where it all begins. Dan Stone is a former Army sniper living a quiet, blue-collar life running a restaurant in Brooklyn. His world is shattered when a ruthless local crime family destroys his business and murders his pregnant wife. Driven by grief and fury, Dan unleashes his sniper training to systematically dismantle the mob family. This gritty origin story establishes Dan's lethal skills and catches the attention of the CIA, setting the stage for his transition into a contract killer.
The Shaman (2018)
Recruited by the CIA, Dan is sent on a high-stakes, near-suicide mission into the Chihuahuan desert to eliminate a notorious Sinaloa cartel leader. When the extraction goes wrong, Dan is left fighting for survival. In the desert heat, he has a mystical encounter with an indigenous shaman. This meeting introduces a unique spiritual dimension—a battle between good and evil overseen by mysterious "Watchers"—which distinguishes this series from typical spy thrillers.
The Captive Girl (2018/2019)
Dan goes rogue in this installment, defying direct orders from his CIA handlers to rescue a runaway girl trapped in a dark network of trafficking. The rescue turns into a desperate, bullet-riddled chase across Croatia, Slovenia, and Austria. While keeping the drug-addled girl safe, Dan must evade two relentless assassins and prevent a terrorist attack, all while wrestling with the moral weight of his career.
The Assassin and the Pianist (2020)
Following a brutal mission, an injured Dan Stone finds himself suffering from temporary amnesia. He is taken in and sheltered by a talented pianist. As he tries to piece his memory back together and contemplate a life away from violence, his past catches up with him. The book explores Dan's internal struggle between his lethal nature and his desire for peace.
Death in the Congo (2020)
The geopolitical stakes skyrocket as the CIA sends Dan to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. His mission is to disrupt aggressive Chinese intelligence operations trying to monopolize the region’s valuable coltan deposits. Blending local mysticism with modern resource wars, Dan must navigate a web of mercenaries, corrupt officials, and local factions without triggering a global conflict.
The Scorpion (2022)
In the sixth book, Dan faces one of his most personal and sadistic adversaries yet. The antagonist, known as the Scorpion, is a master of torture and psychological warfare. Dan is pushed to his absolute physical and mental limits to protect those close to him and put an end to the villain's reign of terror.
Rogue Mission (2023)
A devastating terrorist attack strikes close to home, bypassing CIA protocols. Dan has no choice but to launch a rogue, off-the-books investigation to track down the network responsible. Operating without government backing, Dan relies on his trusted Delta Force comrades, Roland and Marcus, to hunt the terrorists across international borders.
The Revenger (2023)
The series continues with high-octane global threats. A new terrorist leader orchestrates coordinated, simultaneous bombings across Western targets. Dan and his black-ops team are dispatched to the most dangerous corners of the Middle East to find the mastermind, resulting in intense firefights and complex tactical operations.
The Orphan Girl (2024)
Dan's protective instincts are triggered once again when he is drawn into a rescue operation involving an orphaned girl targeted by powerful criminal syndicates. This installment highlights Dan’s signature blend of lethal precision and protective empathy.
Kidnap (2025)
The tenth novel takes Dan Stone deep into the Caucasus region. Tasked with pursuing elusive targets in a highly volatile political climate, Dan must operate completely under the radar. The book delivers the trademark high-stakes tactical action and complex geopolitical maneuvering that fans of David Nees expect.
Practical Reader Advice and What to Know
Before you dive into the world of Dan Stone, keep these key points in mind:
- Start at the Beginning: While some thriller novels can work as standalones, the overarching character arc, the slow reveal of the spiritual "Watchers," and Dan's relationships with Delta Force operatives Roland and Marcus build continuously. Reading Payback first is essential to understanding Dan's motivations.
- A Unique Spiritual Undercurrent: Unlike standard black-ops thrillers, David Nees infuses a mystical, almost supernatural layer into Dan's journey. Introduced in The Shaman, this element explores the cosmic battle between good and evil, giving Dan a sense of spiritual destiny that influences his actions.
- No Spin-offs or Co-authored Books: Unlike David Nees’ post-apocalyptic series After the Fall (which has the Catherine's Tale spin-off), the Dan Stone series is a singular, linear narrative solely written by David Nees. You do not need to worry about side stories, companion novels, or co-authors.