The Recommended Reading Order for Jammer Davis
To fully appreciate Frank "Jammer" Davis's journey from a rules-bending aircraft accident investigator to a desperate father fighting international conspiracies, readers should follow the series in its original publication order. Fortunately, the chronological timeline matches this publication sequence perfectly. Although each book is designed to function as a standalone techno-thriller, reading them in order allows you to follow the overarching character development, Jammer's evolving relationship with his daughter, and the introduction of key recurring allies.
1. Fly by Wire (2010)
This is where the high-octane series begins. Frank "Jammer" Davis is introduced as a former U.S. Air Force fighter pilot and West Point graduate who works as an independent investigator for the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). When the C-500—the world's most advanced, fully automated cargo plane—crashes in central France, Jammer is dispatched to find out why. What initially looks like a tragic pilot error or a mechanical failure of the fly-by-wire system quickly unravels into a sophisticated plot involving corporate greed, industrial sabotage, and international terrorism. Larsen uses this debut to establish Jammer's signature style: a relentless, rugby-built investigator who isn't afraid to clash with bureaucrats and uses close-quarters combat when cornered.
2. Fly by Night (2011)
In the second installment, Jammer is called to the harsh, oil-rich deserts of Sudan. A cargo plane has gone down, but the crash site contains something far more sensitive than standard commercial cargo: a top-secret, missing CIA stealth drone. As Jammer pieces together the wreckage, he finds himself caught in a deadly crossfire between local factions, corporate interests, and intelligence agency cover-ups. Fly by Night is notable for introducing CIA agent Anna Sorensen, a character who becomes a critical link between the Jammer Davis series and Ward Larsen's broader thriller universe. The book excels in its atmospheric setting and the high-tech intrigue of drone warfare.
3. Passenger 19 (2016)
The third novel raises the personal stakes to an agonizing level. A commercial airliner carrying Jammer's teenage daughter, Jen, vanishes over the dense, lawless jungles of Colombia. When bureaucratic red tape and diplomatic delays prevent the NTSB from launching a swift investigation, Jammer refuses to sit idle. He travels to Colombia on his own rogue mission to find his daughter. Navigating treacherous territory controlled by drug cartels, corrupt officials, and rebel forces, Jammer must use all his survival and military skills to locate the crash site. Passenger 19 is widely regarded by fans as the emotional peak of the series, showing a different, more vulnerable side of the rugged investigator.
The Expanded Universe: David Slaton Crossovers
While the core Jammer Davis series remains a trilogy, Ward Larsen has cleverly integrated Jammer into his bestselling David Slaton espionage series (also known as the Assassin series). If you want to experience Jammer's complete story, you should add these crossover titles to your reading list:
Assassin's Silence (2016)
Published the same year as Passenger 19, this is the third book in the David Slaton series. The plot centers on a missing airliner that has been secretly modified for a devastating terrorist attack. Given the aviation-heavy conspiracy, Larsen brings Jammer Davis into the narrative to assist the CIA and David Slaton in tracking down the aircraft. Reading this after Passenger 19 provides a fantastic continuity experience, showing how Jammer's skills translate to a larger espionage scale.
Assassin's Edge (2022)
In this later David Slaton thriller, Larsen once again recruits Jammer Davis for a supporting role. When a mysterious aviation incident threatens global security, Jammer's specialized accident investigation skills are called upon to help Slaton unravel the conspiracy. These crossovers are highly rewarding for fans, offering a shared universe where Larsen's two most famous protagonists operate side-by-side.
What to Know Before You Start
Ward Larsen's background is the secret weapon of the Jammer Davis series. As a former U.S. Air Force fighter pilot who flew combat missions during Operation Desert Storm, a trained aircraft accident investigator from the USAF Flying Safety Officer School, and a commercial airline captain, Larsen brings unparalleled technical authenticity to every page. When Jammer is examining charred fuselage, analyzing flight data recorders, or discussing aerodynamics, you are reading details grounded in real-world expertise rather than Hollywood exaggeration.
Despite the high-tech details, the series maintains a "thriller-lite" tone. It is fast-paced and action-driven but avoids the extreme gore or dark cynicism found in many modern crime novels. Instead, the focus is on intellectual mystery-solving, procedural accuracy, and Jammer's witty, relatable personality as a dedicated single father. If you enjoy authors like Tom Clancy, Daniel Silva, or Lee Child, this series offers a refreshing, aviation-focused spin on the classic thriller formula.