Mitch Rapp Books in Order

Where to Start Reading Mitch Rapp

For readers diving into the adrenaline-fueled world of CIA operative Mitch Rapp, there are two primary starting points. The choice depends on whether you prefer to experience the character's development from the beginning of his timeline, or want to read the books in the order they were written and evolved.

Option 1: The Prequel Start (Chronological)

Starting with American Assassin is the most popular recommendation for new readers. Published in 2010 as a prequel, this novel details Mitch Rapp's entry into the CIA's clandestine Orion program following the tragic loss of his girlfriend in the 1988 Lockerbie bombing. Reading chronologically allows you to watch Rapp transform from a grieving, raw recruit into a seasoned, lethal counterterrorism asset before he embarks on the missions of the mainline books.

Option 2: The Classic Start (Publication Order)

If you prefer to read the series as it was originally experienced by millions of fans, start with Transfer of Power (1999). This was Vince Flynn's first Mitch Rapp novel. Starting here drops you straight into the action with an established, highly competent Mitch Rapp facing a hostage crisis in the White House. This path allows you to see the writing style mature naturally, and the prequels feel like satisfying backstory investigations rather than a starting line.

Mitch Rapp Chronological Reading Order

Reading the series chronologically requires slotting the prequel novels written by Vince Flynn and Don Bentley into their proper timeline positions. Notably, Don Bentley's books are set in different eras: Denied Access and Double Tap are early-career prequels, whereas Capture or Kill takes place much later, in 2011, fitting between the events of Pursuit of Honor and The Last Man.

Here is the complete chronological sequence of the Mitch Rapp series:

1. American Assassin (2010) – The origin story of Mitch Rapp joining the CIA.
2. Kill Shot (2012) – Mitch's early days as an assassin in Paris.
3. Denied Access (2025) – Set in the early 1990s shortly after the events of Kill Shot.
4. Double Tap (2026) – Focuses on Mitch's first deep-cover operation.
5. Transfer of Power (1999) – The classic mainline entry point set in a besieged White House.
6. The Third Option (2000) – A targeted assassination plot goes wrong, placing Rapp in the crosshairs.
7. Separation of Power (2001) – Rapp fights to stop a nuclear threat in Iraq while dealing with CIA politics.
8. Executive Power (2003) – Rapp steps out of the shadows and goes public, raising the stakes.
9. Memorial Day (2004) – A race against time to prevent a nuclear strike on American soil.
10. Consent to Kill (2005) – A highly personal battle as Rapp is targeted by a wealthy father seeking vengeance.
11. Act of Treason (2006) – Rapp investigates a terrorist attack targeting a presidential candidate.
12. Protect and Defend (2007) – High-stakes tension involving Israel, Iran, and the CIA.
13. Extreme Measures (2008) – Rapp joins forces with a new operative to stop a cell in cell in Washington.
14. Pursuit of Honor (2009) – Tracking down the perpetrators of a devastating attack on the homeland.
15. Capture or Kill (2024) – Chronological detour: set in 2011, during the hunt for Osama bin Laden.
16. The Last Man (2012) – The final book fully written by Vince Flynn, dealing with a missing asset in Afghanistan.
17. The Survivor (2015) – Started by Flynn, completed by Kyle Mills; Rapp must clean up a massive intelligence leak.
18. Order to Kill (2016) – Kyle Mills' first solo book, sending Rapp to Russia to secure nuclear materials.
19. Enemy of the State (2017) – Rapp goes rogue to target a high-ranking Saudi sponsor of terrorism.
20. Red War (2018) – A crisis in Russia forces Rapp to prevent a desperate leader from starting a war.
21. Lethal Agent (2019) – Rapp confronts a bioterrorism threat during a chaotic election cycle.
22. Total Power (2020) – A terrifying scenario where a mastermind successfully shuts down the US power grid.
23. Enemy at the Gates (2021) – Rapp is tasked with protecting a billionaire who may have a mole in his company.
24. Oath of Loyalty (2022) – Rapp must navigate domestic political betrayal and a hit list targeting his loved ones.
25. Code Red (2023) – Kyle Mills' final entry, placing Rapp in a deadly game of chemical weapons in the Middle East.

Mitch Rapp Publication Order

Reading in publication order allows you to follow the transition of the authors behind the series. Vince Flynn wrote the first 13 books (ending with The Last Man). Following Flynn's passing in 2013, Kyle Mills took over the series, starting by completing Flynn's unfinished manuscript for The Survivor and writing nine subsequent novels. In 2024, Don Bentley stepped in as the series' author, shifting the focus to key historical gaps in Rapp's timeline.

The publication sequence is as follows:

• 1. Transfer of Power (1999)
• 2. The Third Option (2000)
• 3. Separation of Power (2001)
• 4. Executive Power (2003)
• 5. Memorial Day (2004)
• 6. Consent to Kill (2005)
• 7. Act of Treason (2006)
• 8. Protect and Defend (2007)
• 9. Extreme Measures (2008)
• 10. Pursuit of Honor (2009)
• 11. American Assassin (2010)
• 12. Kill Shot (2012)
• 13. The Last Man (2012)
• 14. The Survivor (2015)
• 15. Order to Kill (2016)
• 16. Enemy of the State (2017)
• 17. Red War (2018)
• 18. Lethal Agent (2019)
• 19. Total Power (2020)
• 20. Enemy at the Gates (2021)
• 21. Oath of Loyalty (2022)
• 22. Code Red (2023)
• 23. Capture or Kill (2024)
• 24. Denied Access (2025)
• 25. Double Tap (2026)

What to Know Before You Start

Before jumping into Rapp's world, there are a few important pieces of reader guidance and trivia to keep in mind:

The Vince Flynn Universe Connection

Vince Flynn's very first novel, Term Limits (1997), is a standalone political thriller that is technically not a Mitch Rapp novel. However, it takes place in the exact same universe and introduces key recurring characters who become central to Rapp's life, such as Irene Kennedy, Thomas Stansfield, and Scott Coleman. If you want the absolute complete picture of the universe's political landscape, read Term Limits first.

The Author Hand-offs

Many fans worry about continuity when new authors take over a beloved series. Fortunately, the transitions in the Rapp universe have been highly praised. Kyle Mills maintained Flynn's fast-paced, direct style while updating the geopolitical threats to align with modern cyber warfare and power grid vulnerabilities. Don Bentley has honored both eras by expanding on the under-explored early career of Rapp, introducing fresh stories that slot beautifully into the existing canon.

Adaptations

In 2017, the prequel novel American Assassin was adapted into a major motion picture starring Dylan O'Brien as Mitch Rapp and Michael Keaton as his mentor Stan Hurley. While the film captured the action-heavy tone, readers generally agree that the novels offer far more depth, strategic planning, and emotional complexity.