In the President’s Service Books in Order

How to Read In the President’s Service

The In the President’s Service series by Christy Award-winning author Ace Collins is a fast-paced, serialized World War II espionage thriller. The story follows Helen Meeker, a sharp-witted detective and former FBI agent who takes on high-stakes covert operations under the direct orders of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Because of the series' unique structure, choosing the right starting point is essential for the best reading experience.

We highly recommend reading this series in chronological order, which closely aligns with the publication order. The books are structured like classic, action-packed radio dramas, with many ending on dramatic cliffhangers that lead directly into the next installment. Reading them out of order will result in major plot spoilers and a disjointed understanding of Helen's overarching battles against Nazi operatives.

The Recommended Starting Point

For the complete narrative arc, start with the prequel novel, The Yellow Packard. Originally published in 2012 and re-released in an updated format in 2018, this book is set during the Great Depression. It introduces Helen Meeker as an ambitious, intelligent attorney trying to break into the male-dominated ranks of the FBI. The novel centers on a mysterious 1936 Packard sedan that draws Helen into a complex web of greed and murder. Reading this first provides critical backstory on Helen’s skills, her motivations, and the origin of her signature vehicle.

If you prefer to jump straight into the espionage action, you can start with the official first volume, A Date with Death (2013). This book marks the beginning of Helen’s official missions for President Roosevelt, establishing her team and her role as a secret operative fighting Axis plots on American soil and abroad.

In the President's Service Publication & Chronological Order

Here is the complete list of the In the President's Service books in chronological order, which also matches the order in which they were published. This list includes the prequel and the latest additions to the series verified from the author's official records and database listings:

1. The Yellow Packard (Prequel; 2012 / 2018) – Introduces Helen Meeker before her White House service.
2. A Date with Death (Book 1; 2013) – Helen has 30 days to investigate a pastor who confessed to being a German spy.
3. The Dark Pool (Book 2; 2013) – Helen races to save her sister and her partner from a deadly trap.
4. Blood Brother (Book 3; 2013/2014) – A high-stakes investigation leads to family secrets and deep-seated conspiracies.
5. Fatal Addiction (Book 4; 2013/2014) – Helen boards a flight directly into Nazi Germany to rescue a captured friend.
6. The Devil's Eyes (Book 5; 2014) – The team confronts a sinister plot threatening national security.
7. The Dead Can Talk (Book 6; 2015) – A cryptic message from beyond the grave sparks a dangerous race against time.
8. Bottled Madness (Book 7; 2015) – Helen faces dangerous criminal syndicates and a Nazi plot to locate the legendary Fountain of Youth.
9. Shadows in the Moonlight (Book 8; 2015) – Covert operations heat up under the cover of night.
10. Evilution (Book 9; 2016) – Helen uncovers biological warfare threats and internal sabotage.
11. Uneasy Alliance (Book 10; 2016) – Helen is forced to work with unlikely partners to stop a global catastrophe.
12. The 13th Floor (Book 11; 2016) – An urban investigation turns deadly as hidden operations are exposed.
13. The White Rose (Book 12; 2016) – Helen connects with underground resistance groups in Europe.
14. The Cat's Eye (Book 13; 2017) – A thief and a secret code threaten to expose allied secrets.
15. The Red Suit Case (Book 14; 2017) – A desperate chase for stolen intelligence documents.
16. Set for Danger (Book 15; 2018) – Helen must navigate a web of lies on a Hollywood movie set.
17. The Trojan Horse (Book 16; 2020) – Infiltration tactics are put to the test as enemy forces plant a mole inside the alliance.
18. The Wolf Pack (Book 17; 2020) – A tense ocean-bound confrontation with German U-boats.
19. Black or White (Book 18; 2021) – Helen navigates moral ambiguity and shifting loyalties as the war enters its final phases.
20. Time Walker (Book 19; 2024) – A race against technological secrets that could alter the course of history.
21. Kryptonite (Book 20; 2024) – Helen faces a devastating new weapon designed to crush Allied resistance.
22. No Greater Gift (Book 21; 2025) – A dramatic winter mission testing the limits of the team’s loyalty.
23. Innocent Guilt (Book 22; 2026) – The latest espionage puzzle involving high-ranking betrayals.

What to Know Before You Start

Before diving into Helen Meeker’s adventures, there are several key elements that define the tone and reading experience of the series:

• Serialized Radio Drama Format: Ace Collins designed this series to mimic the style of classic 1940s radio serials. Each book is relatively short, fast-paced, and packed with action. Crucially, they frequently end on dramatic cliffhangers, meaning the story is continuous rather than collection-based.
• The Faith and Morals Element: While the series is loaded with action, romance, and gritty historical detail, it also incorporates elements of faith, moral dilemmas, and Christian fiction, reflecting the author’s background as a Christy Award winner.
• Historical Authenticity: From Helen’s signature yellow 1936 Packard to the specific military details, planes, and social conventions of the early 1940s, the series offers a highly researched look into the American home front and war-torn Europe.
• The Audio Adaptation: The success of the books led to the creation of the In the President's Service radio drama podcast, which adapts the serial storytelling back to its original conceptual format.

Frequently Asked Questions & Reader Guide

Can the books in this series be read as standalones?

No, it is highly discouraged. Because the books were written in a monthly serial format, they function more like episodes in a television season. Character relationships, overarching conspiracies, and major subplots run directly from one book to the next, often ending on unresolved cliffhangers.

Is Helen Meeker based on a real historical figure?

Helen Meeker is a fictional character created by Ace Collins. However, her character is heavily inspired by the real women who broke barriers in law enforcement, intelligence, and wartime industry during the 1930s and 1940s, serving as a tribute to their unrecognized contributions to the war effort.

What is the role of the Yellow Packard in the series?

The yellow 1936 Packard is Helen Meeker's signature vehicle and a recurring element throughout the series. The prequel novel, The Yellow Packard, is dedicated entirely to the history of this car, explaining how it became associated with Helen and the dangerous secrets hidden within its frame.