Adam Hamdy Books in Order

Where to Start Reading Adam Hamdy

If you are new to Adam Hamdy, you have three distinct entry points depending on your favorite subgenre. For a mind-bending, high-stakes conspiracy thriller, start with the Pendulum series. If you prefer contemporary, fast-paced international espionage with a rogue MI6 vibe, begin with the Scott Pearce series. For readers looking for something completely different—a deeply emotional and psychological mystery with a speculative twist—the standalone novel The Other Side of Night is your best starting point.

The Pendulum Series

The Pendulum series is a gripping conspiracy thriller following photojournalist John Wallace, who is targeted by a mysterious, calculated killer. Wallace must uncover why he is being hunted while running for his life.

Recommended Reading Order:

1. Run (2016) - Prequel Short Story: This short story introduces some of the background elements and the intense atmosphere of the universe before the main event. It can be read first, or as a companion after the first novel.
2. Pendulum (2016) - The Main Entry Point: The explosive first full-length novel in the trilogy that sets the entire conspiracy in motion.
3. Freefall (2017) - Book 2: Wallace is pulled back into the nightmare as the conspiracy deepens.
4. Aftershock (2019) - Book 3: The thrilling conclusion to John Wallace's fight against the forces orchestrating the chaos.

The Scott Pearce Series

If you love espionage in the vein of modern action thrillers, this series follows Scott Pearce, an ex-MI6 agent who operates outside the official rules to neutralize global threats and extremist factions. These books are best read in strict publication order, as the overarching plot builds continuously from one book to the next.

Recommended Reading Order:

1. Black 13 (2020)
2. Red Wolves (2021)
3. White Fire (2023)

Standalone Novels

Hamdy's standalone work showcases his versatility, ranging from early techno-thrillers to award-winning speculative mysteries.

• Battalion (2010) - Hamdy's debut novel, focusing on Scott Pierce attempting to thwart a global terrorist plot. Note the spelling difference of the protagonist from his later Scott Pearce series.
• Out of Reach (2014) - A psychological thriller exploring themes of family, secrets, and disappearance.
• Phase (2014) - A sci-fi action thriller about an engineered virus and a race against time.
• The Other Side of Night (2022) - Hamdy's highly acclaimed speculative psychological thriller. It was named one of the Best Thrillers of 2023 by the New York Times and is widely praised for its emotional depth and mind-bending plot.

The Private Series (James Patterson Collaborations)

It is important to understand how the Private series works: the franchise was created by James Patterson and features an elite global investigative agency, Jack Morgan's Private. While the series has dozens of entries written by Patterson and various co-authors, Adam Hamdy joined the franchise as a co-author starting in 2020. You do not need to read the first 14 books to enjoy Hamdy's contributions, as the international offices operate largely independently.

Private Books Co-Authored by Adam Hamdy:

1. Private Moscow (2020)
2. Private Rogue (also published as Private: Missing Persons) (2021)
3. Private Beijing (2022)
4. Private Rome (2023)
5. Private Monaco (2024)

What to Know Before You Start

Hamdy is famous for his 'lived research.' His background in law, philosophy, tech, and physical hobbies like competitive shooting and rock climbing brings an authentic, visceral feel to his action sequences. The Pendulum trilogy is best read together as a continuous narrative, whereas the Scott Pearce novels function well as individual, self-contained missions with a broader character arc connecting them. For the Private collaborations, they can be enjoyed as standalone action thrillers set in different international cities.