The Recommended Reading Path for Alan L. Lee’s Thrillers
If you are ready to plunge into the high-stakes, fast-paced world of international covert operations, the path through Alan L. Lee’s novels is straightforward. Lee has written a tightly connected series centered on ex-CIA agent Alex Koves and active CIA operative Nora Mossa. For the optimal reading experience, you should read these books in their order of publication.
Because the characters undergo significant personal evolution—dealing with the fallout of past betrayals, career-ending moves, and shiftings in their romantic and professional dynamics—jumping straight into the second book will leave you missing crucial backstory. Reading them in order ensures you understand the complex history between Koves, Mossa, and their frequent allies and enemies within the intelligence community.
Alan L. Lee Books in Order of Publication
To follow the narrative arc as it was written and released, read the novels in this order:
- Sandstorm (2013) – The debut novel that introduces ex-CIA agent Alex Koves and active operative Nora Mossa as they are thrown together to unravel a conspiracy involving Middle Eastern nuclear ambitions, rogue spymasters, and billionaire cabals.
- Ashes to Ashes (2021) – The direct sequel, which picks up with Koves going AWOL to settle a dangerous personal score, forcing him and Nora Mossa into an uneasy alliance with a deadly Mossad operative known as "The Devil."
Chronological Order and Continuity Caveats
Since the publication order of Alan L. Lee’s books perfectly mirrors the chronological timeline of the characters' lives, there is no need to shuffle the books. Sandstorm establishes the foundation of the relationship between Alex and Nora, their history as former lovers, and the events that drove Alex out of the CIA. Ashes to Ashes takes place years later, directly referencing their past interference in Iranian nuclear operations and the consequences of the enemies they made in the first book.
It is worth noting the gap between the two releases (from 2013 to 2021). During this time, the geopolitical landscape evolved, and Lee's writing style became even more streamlined and suspenseful. However, the continuity holds strong, with character arcs carrying over seamlessly between the two novels.
The Core Cast and Major Themes
Alan L. Lee’s thrillers stand out due to their rich character development and realistic geopolitical detail, heavily influenced by the author's real-life career as a broadcast journalist. Here is a breakdown of the central elements that define the series:
- Alex Koves: A former rising star in the CIA and a former professional football player. By the start of the first book, he is retired and trying to live a quiet life, but his lethal skills and personal loyalties inevitably drag him back into danger.
- Nora Mossa: An active and fiercely dedicated CIA operative. She is capable, intelligent, and serves as the primary link to the official agency world, even when she cannot trust those around her.
- Nathan Yadin: A Mossad operative introduced as a pivotal force in the sequel. Known in the Arab underworld as "The Devil," Yadin is a ruthless agent trying to leave his bloody past behind, only to be drawn back by an assassination plot targeting Alex and Nora.
- Geopolitical Intrigue: The books deal heavily with nuclear treaties, Middle Eastern proliferation, the inner workings of the Mossad, and the influence of wealthy industrialists seeking a "New World Order."
What to Know Before You Start
Before you pick up your copy of Sandstorm, there are a few practical details that will enhance your reading experience:
Distinguish the Author: Be careful when searching for books by "Alan Lee." There are three prominent figures in the book world with this name. First is our author, Alan L. Lee, the thriller novelist and former TV anchor. Second is Alan Lee, the world-famous, Oscar-winning British illustrator renowned for his artwork on J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. Third is Alan Lee, a different contemporary author who writes the Mackenzie August mystery series. Make sure you look for the middle initial "L." to find the correct espionage novels.
Journalistic Authenticity: Alan L. Lee spent over 30 years as a print and television journalist, anchoring morning news for Fox 2 in Detroit and reporting from major hubs like Washington, D.C. His connections within the intelligence community allowed him to craft details that feel remarkably authentic, grounding the high-octane fiction in real-world spycraft.
The Film Option: Around 2015, Lee's debut novel Sandstorm was optioned for a film adaptation, with actor Kellan Lutz (from the Twilight saga) attached to star as Alex Koves. Although Lutz expressed excitement in interviews about launching an action franchise, the adaptation was ultimately never produced. Readers must rely on the novels to experience Koves' exploits.