Books On Board

Sabel Security Books in Order

  • 12 Books
  • 2015 – 2022 Published

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Reading order
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The Recommended Reading Path: Sabel Origins to Sabel Security

For the best reading experience, it is highly recommended to follow the chronological development of the characters. While the author, Seeley James, writes the mysteries so they can be enjoyed as standalones, starting with the prequels provides crucial context for Pia Sabel's transformation from an elite soccer prodigy into the head of a global security firm, as well as her complex partnership with the eccentric Jacob Stearne.

Phase 1: The Sabel Origins Prequels

These two books establish the backstory, showcasing Pia's life before she officially takes over Sabel Security.

  • The Geneva Decision (2012) – The book that started it all. Pia is a professional soccer star forced to take control of her father's international security firm after a family tragedy.
  • Bring It (2014) – Follows Pia's continued training and development as she prepares to assume leadership of the security empire.

Phase 2: The Main Sabel Security Series

The main series officially starts under the Sabel Security branding. This phase tracks their high-stakes missions, global conspiracies, and internal team dynamics in publication order:

  1. Element 42 (2015) – The duo investigates a deadly virus threat in the depths of Borneo.
  2. Death and Dark Money (2016) – Pia and Jacob navigate the corrupt world of political finance.
  3. Death and the Damned (2016) – A high-stakes investigation involving a conspiracy that hits close to home.
  4. Death and Treason (2018) – The team races against the clock to expose a massive corporate conspiracy.
  5. Death and Secrets (2018) – Deep-seated corporate and political secrets threaten to dismantle the firm.
  6. Death and Vengeance (2019) – Personal stakes rise as Pia and Jacob face old adversaries seeking revenge.
  7. Death and Conspiracy (2019) – A multi-layered plot involving global security risks and espionage.
  8. Death and Betrayal (2020) – Trusted allies are called into question in a tense, claustrophobic mystery.
  9. Death and Deception (2020) – Pia and Jacob must parse truth from lies to stop a catastrophic plot.
  10. The Morpheus Decision (2021) – A mind-bending thriller that tests the limits of the team’s strategic capabilities.
  11. Death and Redemption (2021) – Jacob Stearne faces his past while working to save the firm from ruin.
  12. The Rembrandt Decision (2022) – A small-town murder mystery collides with historic secrets.
  13. Lies (2022) – A Jacob Stearne thriller set in Latvia, focusing heavily on his solo operations while navigating betrayals.
  14. Chasm of Exiles (2024) – Stearne saves lives in a Paris cathedral but is mistaken for a terrorist, forcing him undercover alongside Pia.
  15. The Alpine Decision (2025) – A claustrophobic psychological mystery set at an isolated Austrian resort.

Chronological vs. Publication Order: Where to Start?

Because the main series list on platforms like Amazon or Goodreads often begins with Element 42, many readers are confused about whether they need to read The Geneva Decision first. The safest approach is starting chronologically with The Geneva Decision to see how Pia and Jacob first meet and align. However, if you prefer to dive straight into the established security firm dynamics, Element 42 serves as an excellent alternative entry point.

What to Know Before You Start

The Sabel Security series stands out in the thriller genre for its unique character dynamics. Pia Sabel is a strong, non-stereotypical heroine who relies on both her athletic skills and business intellect. Her bodyguard, Jacob Stearne, is a lethal combat veteran dealing with severe PTSD. Jacob's character brings a unique flavor to the narrative, as he regularly hallucinates or holds internal conversations with the Roman messenger god, Mercury. This blend of heavy espionage action, psychological depth, and dark humor defines the series.

Frequently Asked

Do I need to read the Sabel Security books in order?

While each book features a standalone mystery that can be enjoyed independently, it is highly recommended to read them in chronological order to fully appreciate the character growth, particularly the partnership between Pia and Jacob.

What is the very first book in the series?

Chronologically, the series begins with the prequel novel The Geneva Decision (2012), which introduces Pia Sabel before she officially takes over Sabel Security.

Who is Jacob Stearne and why does he talk to Mercury?

Jacob Stearne is Pia Sabel's bodyguard and a highly skilled operative. He suffers from severe PTSD, which manifests in the series as humorous and insightful imaginary conversations with the Roman god Mercury.

Is 'Lies' a standalone book or part of the series?

Lies is the 13th installment in the broader series. It focuses primarily on Jacob Stearne's solo operations in Latvia but remains tightly integrated into the Sabel Security universe.

How many books are in the Sabel Security universe?

As of 2026, there are 17 completed novels in total, consisting of 2 Sabel Origins prequels and 15 main series novels featuring Pia Sabel and Jacob Stearne.