Books On Board
series Reading Order

Nick Bracco Books in Order

11 Books
2010 – 2023 Published
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Reading order

Where to Start with Nick Bracco

If you are ready to dive into the fast-paced, high-stakes thriller world of Nick Bracco, the best place to start is the very first novel, A Touch of Deceit (2010). Written by Gary Ponzo, this debut novel establishes the core dynamic that defines the entire series: the unlikely but highly effective partnership between Nick Bracco, a dedicated FBI counterterrorism agent, and his cousin Tommy, a smooth-talking, well-connected member of the Mafia.

While there is a prequel novella called In the Beginning, we highly recommend saving it until you have read the first three or four novels. Reading in publication order allows you to appreciate the organic development of the characters, the growing complexity of their relationships, and the escalating stakes of their missions. Starting with the first book ensures you get the proper introduction to Nick's partner Matt, his wife Julie, and the unique Sicilian-American family ties that drive the narrative.

Nick Bracco Books in Publication Order

For the best reading experience, follow the books in the order they were published. This sequence tracks the main storyline, the character arcs, and the spin-off stories as Gary Ponzo originally presented them to his readers:

  • A Touch of Deceit (2010) – The debut thriller that starts it all. FBI agent Nick Bracco is tasked with stopping a Kurdish terrorist cells launching missile attacks on American soil. Desperate for intelligence, Nick turns to his cousin Tommy, using Mafia connections to track down the threat.
  • A Touch of Revenge (2011) – Nick is living a quieter life as a sheriff in Arizona, but his past catches up with him when a vengeful terrorist targets him and his family, forcing him back into the line of fire.
  • A Touch of Greed (2012) – Nick and his partner Matt team up again to hunt down a ruthless smuggler named Antonio Garza, whose deadly cargo threatens national security.
  • A Touch of Malice (2013) – The action shifts to the Colombian jungle, where Nick leads a dangerous mission to rescue the US President's brother from a cartel's clutches.
  • A Touch of Tequila (2015) – A crossover thriller featuring J.A. Konrath's famous character Jack Daniels. Nick Bracco joins forces with Konrath's protagonist for a fast-paced, high-energy case.
  • Flight 12 (2015) – A novella that was part of a collaborative, multi-author thriller project, sending Nick Bracco into a tight, self-contained international crisis.
  • In the Beginning (2015) – A prequel novella that looks back at Nick and Tommy’s teenage years in Brooklyn, detailing the family tragedy that set Nick on the path to law enforcement.
  • A Touch of Defiance (2017) – Nick faces a complex web of modern security threats where the lines between loyalty, duty, and betrayal are blurred.
  • A Touch of Terror (2018) – High-stakes counterterrorism returns to the forefront as Nick and Tommy must stop a massive conspiracy targeting American infrastructure.
  • A Touch of Torment (2020) – A deeply personal case that puts Nick's loved ones in direct danger, forcing him to rely on Tommy's underground networks like never before.
  • A Touch of Regret (2023) – Nick confronts the consequences of his long career, dealing with old enemies and unresolved family issues in a tense, emotional thriller.
  • A Touch of Treason (2025) – The latest full-length installment, where Nick must uncover a mole within the government's highest ranks.

The Chronological Reading Order

If you prefer to follow the timeline of Nick's life from his youth to his latest missions, you can read the series chronologically. The main change here is placing the prequel novella first, which gives you immediate background on Nick's family history before his FBI career begins:

  1. In the Beginning (Prequel novella)
  2. A Touch of Deceit (Book 1)
  3. A Touch of Revenge (Book 2)
  4. A Touch of Greed (Book 3)
  5. A Touch of Malice (Book 4)
  6. A Touch of Tequila (Crossover novel)
  7. Flight 12 (Crossover novella)
  8. A Touch of Defiance (Book 5)
  9. A Touch of Terror (Book 6)
  10. A Touch of Torment (Book 7)
  11. A Touch of Regret (Book 8)
  12. A Touch of Treason (Book 9)

Crossovers, Prequels, and Side Projects

As the series grew, Gary Ponzo expanded the Nick Bracco universe through several interesting side projects, crossovers, and prequels. Understanding how these fit in will help you decide which ones to prioritize:

In the Beginning

Published in 2015, this prequel novella is an excellent companion piece. It doesn't feature the explosive counterterrorism of the main books, focusing instead on the streets of Brooklyn. It is highly recommended for fans who want a deeper understanding of why Nick is so committed to justice and how Tommy's ties to the Mafia were forged early on.

A Touch of Tequila

This is a fun, authorized crossover event with thriller author J.A. Konrath. It brings Nick Bracco and J.A. Konrath's signature character, Jacqueline "Jack" Daniels, into the same story. While it is technically a side novel, it fits perfectly between A Touch of Malice and A Touch of Defiance, offering the same fast-paced action with a dose of humor.

Flight 12

Also known as Flight 12 to Rome, this book is part of a unique multi-author project. Several thriller writers wrote individual novellas centered around the passenger list of a single flight from JFK to Rome. Ponzo's contribution uses the opportunity to send Nick Bracco on a fast, self-contained adventure. It is not mandatory to understand the main series arc, but it is a quick, entertaining read for completionists.

What to Know Before You Start

The defining element of the Nick Bracco series is the balance between official law enforcement methods and the street-smart, rule-bending tactics of the Mafia. Gary Ponzo drew inspiration from his own childhood in Brooklyn, where local Sicilian families looked out for his family's candy store. This lived-in understanding of community, loyalty, and gray-area ethics shines through in Nick and Tommy's relationship.

Readers who enjoy the tactical action of Vince Flynn's Mitch Rapp or the procedural thrillers of Michael Connelly will find a lot to love here. The books are designed to be page-turners, heavy on realistic dialogue and rapid pacing, while keeping family loyalty at the emotional core of every crisis.

Frequently Asked

QWhat is the best book to start with in the Nick Bracco series?

You should start with the first novel, A Touch of Deceit (2010), to properly experience the introduction of the characters and the FBI-Mafia dynamic.

QWhere does the prequel novella 'In the Beginning' fit in the order?

Chronologically, In the Beginning takes place first, focusing on Nick's youth. However, it is best read after the first few novels to fully appreciate the backstory.

QIs 'A Touch of Tequila' part of the main Nick Bracco story?

It is a crossover novel with J.A. Konrath's character Jack Daniels. While it is a fun side adventure, you do not need to read it to follow the main plot.

QWhat is 'Flight 12' and is it necessary to read?

Flight 12 is a standalone novella written for a multi-author collaborative project. It is not necessary for the main series plot but is highly recommended for dedicated fans.

QCan the Nick Bracco books be read as standalones?

Most of the novels feature self-contained thriller plots, but the personal relationships and character growth carry over, so reading them in order is highly recommended.

QWho is the author of the series and what inspired the books?

The series is written by Gary Ponzo, who drew inspiration from his own Sicilian heritage and his experiences growing up working in his family's Brooklyn candy store.