Joe Johnson Thriller Books in Order

Where to Begin Your Joe Johnson Journey

Ex-CIA war crimes investigator Joe Johnson handles complex cases where the dark secrets of history collide with modern geopolitical struggles. Written by British author and former journalist Andrew Turpin, this series stands out for its meticulous research, rich historical backdrops, and gritty action. If you are new to the series, you might wonder whether to start with the prequel or follow the books as they were written. Here is the recommended path to make the most of this espionage saga.

The Recommended Reading Path

The safest and most satisfying way to experience the series is in publication order. While there is a prequel (The Afghan) that takes place decades before the first book, starting with Book 1, The Last Nazi, is highly recommended. Beginning here allows you to discover the core characters, understand their motivations, and experience the natural evolution of Joe Johnson's partnership with ex-MI6 operative Jayne Robinson without early spoilers or timeline confusion.

Publication Order vs. Chronological Order

The series consists of six main books and one prequel. Depending on your preference, you can read them chronologically or by their original release dates. Below, we break down both formats so you can choose the reading style that suits you best.

1. Publication Order

This is the order in which the books were released to the public. Reading the series this way introduces the characters and their backstories in the sequence the author intended, with the prequel acting as a flashback companion between the third and fourth novels.

• Book 1: The Last Nazi (2017) – Joe Johnson is hired to investigate a blackmail plot linking a hidden Nazi train to a U.S. presidential candidate's family.
• Book 2: The Old Bridge (2018) – Joe hunts for a Bosnian army officer who possesses a secret dossier containing details of CIA corruption.
• Book 3: Bandit Country (2018) – Set in Northern Ireland, Joe investigates a sniper targeting high-profile figures, leading to old IRA and weapons-smuggling conspiracies.
• Book 4: The Afghan (2019) – A prequel set in 1988 during the Soviet-Afghan war, revealing Joe's early CIA career and his first meeting with Jayne Robinson.
• Book 5: Stalin's Final Sting (2019) – Joe uncovers a dangerous revenge plot stemming from 1980s undercover operations in Afghanistan.
• Book 6: The Nazi's Son (2019) – Set in Berlin, this book connects a Russian defector's secrets with the 1986 La Belle nightclub bombing.
• Book 7: The Black Sea (2020) – Joe investigates the tragic shooting down of a passenger airliner over Ukraine, bringing him face-to-face with a deep Russian conspiracy.

2. Chronological Reading Order

For readers who prefer a linear timeline, the chronological order places the prequel at the very beginning. This sequence lets you see Joe's origin story first, tracing his path from a young CIA operative in 1988 to an experienced war crimes investigator in the 2010s.

1. The Afghan (Book 0 / Prequel)
2. The Last Nazi (Book 1)
3. The Old Bridge (Book 2)
4. Bandit Country (Book 3)
5. Stalin's Final Sting (Book 4)
6. The Nazi's Son (Book 5)
7. The Black Sea (Book 6)

The Jayne Robinson Spin-Off Series

If you enjoy the dynamic between Joe Johnson and Jayne Robinson, you will be pleased to know that Jayne has her own spin-off series. After the events of The Black Sea, she takes center stage in her own adventures. Written by Andrew Turpin, this spin-off series begins with The Kremlin's Vote (2021) and continues with titles like The Dark Shah, The Confessor, The Queen's Pawn, and The Dam Keeper. Joe Johnson makes crossover appearances in these novels, maintaining the continuity of their shared universe.

What to Know Before You Start

Before diving into the books, here are a few practical tips to enhance your reading experience:

• Can the books be read as standalones? Yes, the main mystery or investigation in each book is self-contained and resolved by the end. However, the overarching character development, personal relationships, and recurring antagonists (such as Russian oligarch Yuri Severinov) are best appreciated when read in order.
• Historical Accuracy: Andrew Turpin leverages his background as a financial journalist to weave real-world history into his plots. The stories cover heavy historical events, including World War II, the Yugoslav civil war, the Troubles in Northern Ireland, and the Soviet-Afghan War.
• Tone and Appeal: The series matches the pacing and style of classic espionage thrillers. It will appeal to readers who enjoy Daniel Silva's Gabriel Allon series, Lee Child's Jack Reacher, and Tom Clancy's political intrigue.