Books On Board
series Reading Order

Joe Hunter Books in Order

17 Books
2009 – 2020 Published
Jump to reading order
Affiliate links: We may earn a commission on purchases made at no extra cost to you.
Reading order

The Recommended Reading Order for Joe Hunter

If you love relentless action, high stakes, and a protagonist with an ironclad moral code, Matt Hilton’s Joe Hunter thrillers are the perfect additions to your reading list. Often compared to Lee Child’s Jack Reacher and Robert Crais’ Joe Pike, the series follows Manchester-born ex-military counterterrorism operative Joe Hunter as he tracks down criminals, protects the innocent, and acts as a lethal vigilante-for-hire across the United States.

To get the absolute best experience out of the Joe Hunter series, you should read the books in publication order. While most of the novels function perfectly well as standalone thrillers, the relationships between Joe, his partner Jared "Rink" Rinkowski, and other recurring characters develop significantly over time. Reading the series in order allows you to appreciate the character growth and the lingering consequences of previous encounters.

Joe Hunter Books in Publication Order

Here is the complete publication order of the Joe Hunter books based on the core series release dates. This list includes both the mainline novels and the short story novellas that were released along the way:

  1. Dead Men's Dust (2009)
  2. Dead Fall (2009 / 2012 e-book) – A short story novella centering on Joe's quest for personal vengeance.
  3. Judgement and Wrath (2010)
  4. Slash and Burn (2010)
  5. Cut and Run (2010)
  6. Blood and Ashes (2011)
  7. Dead Men's Harvest (2011)
  8. Six of the Best (2012) – An e-book exclusive collection of short stories.
  9. No Going Back (2012)
  10. Rules of Honour (2013)
  11. Red Stripes (2013) – An e-book novella set in Jamaica.
  12. The Lawless Kind (2014)
  13. The Devil's Anvil (2015)
  14. Hot Property (2016)
  15. No Safe Place (2016)
  16. Marked for Death (2017)
  17. The Fourth Option (2020)

Understanding the Novellas and Timeline Caveats

While the publication order is the easiest path, there are a few timeline caveats and formatting differences to keep in mind, especially regarding the e-book exclusive short stories and novellas:

The "Dead Fall" Discrepancy

In many official databases, the short story Dead Fall is associated with a 2009 date, placing it second in the reading order. However, it was widely distributed as an e-book exclusive in October 2012. Chronologically, many readers and bibliographies place it as book #7.5, fitting snugly between No Going Back and Rules of Honour. The plot follows Joe Hunter tracking down the killer of two close friends, dealing with deep personal loss that fits better once his background team is fully established.

Six of the Best (#6.5)

Published in 2012, Six of the Best is not a full-length novel but a collection of six short stories. It is designed to offer quick, bite-sized snapshots of Joe Hunter doing what he does best. While it is commonly numbered as #6.5 in the reading sequence, it is optional and does not heavily impact the overarching plot of the mainline novels.

Red Stripes (#8.5)

Released in 2013, Red Stripes is a standalone novella set in Jamaica. It takes Joe Hunter out of his usual US setting to rescue a kidnapped couple. It serves as a great bridge between Rules of Honour and The Lawless Kind, though missing it won't leave you lost when you start the next novel.

What to Know Before You Start

Before diving into the gritty world of Joe Hunter, here are a few practical tips to enhance your reading experience:

  • The Jack Reacher Comparison: Fans of tough-guy vigilante fiction will feel right at home. Joe Hunter is a lethal force, but his background as a British ex-soldier operating in the United States adds a unique flavor to his interactions and worldview.
  • Can they be read as standalones? Yes. Matt Hilton does an excellent job of summarizing past events when they are relevant. If you happen to pick up a book like Cut and Run or The Devil's Anvil out of order, you will still enjoy a complete, self-contained thriller. However, reading from the beginning makes the bonds between Joe and his companions much more rewarding.
  • Authentic Action: Author Matt Hilton is a former police officer, private security guard, and a 4th Dan black belt in martial arts. This real-world expertise shines through in the tactical decisions Joe makes and the raw, kinetic combat scenes that define the series.

Frequently Asked

QWhat is the best starting point for the Joe Hunter series?

The ideal starting point is the debut novel, Dead Men's Dust (2009). This book introduces Joe Hunter, his motivations, and his core allies, establishing the status quo for the rest of the series.

QCan the Joe Hunter books be read out of order?

Yes, the main plots of the novels are self-contained. However, reading them in order is highly recommended to follow the ongoing character development and relationships.

QAre the Joe Hunter novellas required reading?

No, novellas like Dead Fall, Red Stripes, and the collection Six of the Best are optional side stories. They add fun context but are not essential to understanding the main novels.

QWho is Joe's main sidekick in the series?

Joe is frequently assisted by his loyal friend and former military colleague, Jared "Rink" Rinkowski, who provides backup and tactical support during dangerous missions.

QWhere does the series take place?

Although Joe Hunter is originally from Manchester, England, most of his missions take place across various rugged and urban locations throughout the United States.