Where to Start in the McDermott Universe
For readers new to Alan McDermott, the best starting point is undisputedly Gray Justice (2011), the first novel in the Tom Gray series. This book introduces ex-SAS soldier Tom Gray as he embarks on a high-stakes vigilante quest after experiencing a devastating personal tragedy and encountering the failures of the UK justice system.
Starting here is essential because McDermott’s books are set in a shared, interconnected universe. The core conflict in the Tom Gray books centers around a powerful conspiratorial organization known as the Executive Security Office (ESO). This organization and several recurring characters—including Tom Gray himself, Andrew Harvey, Sonny Baines, and Len Smart—cross over directly into the Eva Driscoll series. By reading the Tom Gray books first, you will gain crucial context regarding the history of the ESO and the backgrounds of these characters before they appear in the spin-off.
The Tom Gray Series: Publication vs. Chronological Order
The Tom Gray series consists of six main novels and one prequel. The publication order runs as follows:
- Gray Justice (2011)
- Gray Resurrection (2012)
- Gray Redemption (2012)
- Gray Retribution (2014)
- Gray Vengeance (2015)
- Gray Salvation (2016)
- Gray Genesis (2020)
The Prequel Exception
While Gray Genesis was published in 2020, it is chronologically a prequel. The story steps back in time to follow Tom Gray during his active-duty SAS service in Afghanistan, where his team encounters a dangerous new threat during a routine operation. Chronologically, this places Gray Genesis first. However, we strongly recommend reading it last. The prequel is written with the assumption that readers are already familiar with Tom Gray’s character, and it is far more satisfying as a flashback companion piece after finishing the main narrative arc in Gray Salvation.
The Eva Driscoll Spin-off Series
The Eva Driscoll series is a direct spin-off of the Tom Gray series. It features a fierce female protagonist who finds herself targeted by the same shadowy forces. The series is best read in publication order:
- Run and Hide (2018)
- Seek and Destroy (2018)
- Fight to Survive (2019)
- When Death Strikes (2021)
- Empires Will Fall (2023)
- Ocean of Wrath (2023)
- End of Times (2025)
Although the Eva Driscoll series is designed to be accessible to new readers, it frequently references the characters, organizations, and events of the Tom Gray books. Characters like Tom, Sonny, and Len join forces with Eva at various points, making it highly recommended that you complete the Tom Gray series before beginning Run and Hide.
The Andrew Harvey Novel
Often listed as the "Andrew Harvey" series, Trojan (2017) remains a single, standalone thriller. The book follows MI5 agent Andrew Harvey and his partner, Sarah, as they track down a lethal weapon that has fallen into hostile hands. The novel was highly successful, earning a shortlist nomination for the 2018 International Thriller Writers (ITW) Award for Best E-Book Original Novel. While Andrew Harvey crosses over into other stories in the McDermott universe, Trojan can be read at any point as a self-contained story.
Standalone Thrillers and Anthologies
Aside from his main series, McDermott has written several standalone thriller novels that do not require any prior reading order:
- Motive (2020)
- Fifteen Times a Killer (2021)
- The Sokolov Agenda (2022)
Additionally, McDermott has contributed short stories to two notable anthologies. In Eight The Hard Way (2013), he contributed the short story "Recidivist." In the ITW anthology Capital Crimes (2015), he contributed "Karma," a supernatural thriller about a man named Vlatko Kasun who is forced to face his past misdeeds after his death.
What to Know Before You Start
Alan McDermott’s writing is heavily praised for its cinematic quality, relentless pacing, and realistic military details. Interestingly, McDermott has no personal military background—he was a software developer for the NHS before turning to full-time writing. His initial manuscripts in the 1990s were rejected, but he was inspired to write again by his twin daughters, eventually finding massive success by self-publishing Gray Justice. Readers who enjoy fast-paced action, political intrigue, and vigilante justice will find his books highly engaging.