How to Read the Simon Riske Series in Order
The Simon Riske series by New York Times bestselling author Christopher Reich is a modern spy thriller sequence that follows a former criminal who has turned his life around to become a freelance industrial spy. Because the narrative relies on continuous character development, personal grudges, and evolving relationships, the best way to read these books is in their official publication order. The chronological order of the stories matches the order in which they were published.
Here is the recommended reading path for the Simon Riske novels:
- The Take (2018)
- Crown Jewel (2019)
- The Palace (2020)
- Once a Thief (2022)
Meet Simon Riske: The Suave Fixer with a Dark Past
Simon Riske is not your typical government operative. He does not work for the CIA, MI6, or any official intelligence agency. Instead, Riske is a freelance problem-solver who operates out of a quiet, low-profile auto garage in central London, where he restores classic sports cars. Underneath his grease-stained overalls is a highly educated man with a degree from the Sorbonne and a deeply complicated history.
Riske spent his youth on the wrong side of the law, gaining invaluable skills as a thief, pickpocket, and heist planner. After serving time in prison, he chose to redirect his talents. Now, he operates in the grey areas of international law, helping wealthy clients, banks, and governments solve delicate, high-risk problems that traditional authorities cannot touch. He brings a unique combination of street smarts, mechanical brilliance, and sophisticated lock-picking skills to every job.
The Simon Riske Books in Detail
1. The Take (2018)
In the series debut, readers are introduced to Simon Riske as he is hired to recover a stolen letter containing details of a secret transaction that could destabilize global financial markets. The job appears straightforward, but it quickly spiral out of control during a heist in Paris. Riske finds himself pitted against Tino Coluzzi, his former partner-in-crime and the man who betrayed him years ago. As Riske tracks the letter across Europe, he must rely on his old instincts to survive a deadly game of cat and mouse.
2. Crown Jewel (2019)
The second installment takes Riske to the glitzy casinos of Monte Carlo. When a German heiress's son is kidnapped and a series of sophisticated casino thefts shake the high-roller circles, Riske is called in to investigate. The case takes a deeply personal turn, forcing Riske to confront the ghosts of his past as a thief. As he unravels the conspiracy, he finds himself navigating a web of corruption that stretches from the Russian mafia to the highest levels of European finance.
3. The Palace (2020)
In the third book, the action shifts to Bangkok, Thailand. Riske's close friend, Rafael "Rafa" de Bourbon, is on the cusp of opening a luxury boutique hotel when he is arrested by the Royal Thai Police on trumped-up charges of blackmail and extortion. Riske travels to Thailand to help clear his friend's name, only to be framed himself. Now a wanted man on the run in an unfamiliar city, Riske must team up with a rogue Mossad agent and an investigative journalist to expose a massive conspiracy that connects the Thai underworld to European elite circles.
4. Once a Thief (2022)
The fourth novel centers around a priceless 1963 Ferrari 250 GTO. Riske is hired to verify the authenticity of the vehicle, but the investigation takes a dark turn when a prominent banker is murdered. Riske is pulled into a dangerous chase across the Mediterranean, involving art theft, corporate espionage, and a daughter looking for answers about her father's death. Riske must use every ounce of his criminal resourcefulness to outmaneuver assassins and find the truth behind the stolen masterpiece.
Order Analysis: Publication vs. Chronological
For the Simon Riske series, there is no difference between publication order and chronological order. Christopher Reich wrote the books in a linear timeline, meaning each story begins months or years after the events of the previous one. Riske’s character arc—specifically his search for redemption and his ongoing battle with the consequences of his criminal past—builds sequentially. Reading the books out of order will spoil major plot points, particularly the resolution of Riske's long-standing rivalry with Tino Coluzzi in the early novels.
Can the Simon Riske Books Be Read as Standalones?
While Christopher Reich writes each novel with a self-contained thriller plot—meaning the central heist or mystery is resolved by the end of each book—the underlying character dynamics and emotional stakes carry over. A reader could pick up Crown Jewel or The Palace and understand the main plot, but they would miss out on the deep context of Riske's relationships, his guilt over his past, and his motivation for seeking redemption. To get the most satisfying experience, it is highly recommended to start at the beginning with The Take.
What to Know Before You Start
Before diving into the series, readers should expect a blend of classic heist capers and modern international intrigue. Reich utilizes his real-world background in Swiss banking to ground the financial elements of the plots in authentic detail. The locations are vivid and glamorous, contrasting with Riske's gritty hands-on tradecraft. Currently, there are no short stories, companion novellas, or spin-offs, making the main four-book sequence a straightforward and highly satisfying read for fans of action and espionage.