How to Read Andrew Mayne: The Recommended Path
Andrew Mayne has built a sprawling, interconnected universe of thrillers that fans affectionately call the "Mayne-verse." Because many of his characters start in separate series and eventually team up, reading his books in a specific order makes the experience much more satisfying. The best starting path is to read his core series individually before tackling the epic crossover novels.
We highly recommend starting with The Naturalist series, which introduces Dr. Theo Cray. Cray is a computational biologist who uses data analysis, ecology, and evolutionary science to track serial killers that the FBI misses. Next, read the Jessica Blackwood series, following an FBI agent who was raised in a family of stage magicians and uses her understanding of illusion to debunk seemingly supernatural crimes. Once you have completed both, you will be ready for the direct crossover novels and the ultimate team-up series, The Specialists.
The "Mayne-verse" Crossover Chronology
For readers who want to experience the progression of Andrew Mayne's main characters as their paths cross, follow this master reading order. This order weaves together Theo Cray, Jessica Blackwood, Sloan McPherson (from the Underwater Investigation Unit), and Brad Trasker, leading directly into their joint adventures:
- The Naturalist (The Naturalist Book 1) - 2017
- Looking Glass (The Naturalist Book 2) - 2018
- Murder Theory (The Naturalist Book 3) - 2019
- Dark Pattern (The Naturalist Book 4) - 2019
- Angel Killer (Jessica Blackwood Book 1) - 2014
- Fire in the Sky (Jessica Blackwood Book 1.5) - 2015
- Name of the Devil (Jessica Blackwood Book 2) - 2015
- Black Fall (Jessica Blackwood Book 3) - 2017
- Mastermind (Theo Cray & Jessica Blackwood Book 1) - 2021
- The Final Equinox (Theo Cray & Jessica Blackwood Book 2) - 2022
- The Girl Beneath the Sea (Underwater Investigation Unit Book 1) - 2020
- Black Coral (Underwater Investigation Unit Book 2) - 2021
- Sea Storm (Underwater Investigation Unit Book 3) - 2022
- Sea Castle (Underwater Investigation Unit Book 4) - 2023
- Dark Dive (Underwater Investigation Unit Book 5) - 2024
- Night Owl (Trasker Book 1) - 2023
- Death Stake (Trasker Book 2) - 2024
- Mr. Whisper (The Specialists Book 1) - 2025
- Imposter Syndrome (The Specialists Book 2) - 2025
- Chaos Man (The Specialists Book 3) - 2026
The Naturalist Series (Theo Cray)
Dr. Theo Cray is one of Mayne's most popular characters. As a biologist, he doesn't rely on typical forensic tools; instead, he studies soil bacteria, migration patterns, and mathematical anomalies. While the books can technically function as standalone mysteries, they follow an overarching narrative arc detailing Theo's struggle with his own obsessive mind and his complex relationship with the authorities.
- The Naturalist (2017): Theo stumbles upon a series of murders in the Montana wilderness that the police blame on a grizzly bear. Using biological data, he realizes a human predator is at work.
- Looking Glass (2018): Theo searches for a missing girl and uncovers a killer who uses urban legends to hide his crimes.
- Murder Theory (2019): Theo is framed for a murder and must use his scientific skills to find a killer targeting people based on genetic markers.
- Dark Pattern (2019): Theo hunts a killer operating inside the medical system, testing the limits of his own ethics.
Jessica Blackwood Series
Jessica Blackwood is a talented FBI Special Agent burdened by her past as a legacy stage illusionist. Her background makes her the Bureau's go-to specialist when crimes appear to involve magic, miracles, or the occult. The publication order and chronological order of this series are slightly different due to a short bridging novel:
- Angel Killer (2014): The debut novel where Jessica must track down a killer who performs impossible, seemingly magical executions.
- Fire in the Sky (2015): A short novella set between the events of the first and second books. While listed as a prequel or Book 1.5, it is best read after Angel Killer to maintain the mystery of Jessica's introduction.
- Name of the Devil (2015): Jessica investigates a mysterious explosion in a cemetery and a charismatic cult leader.
- Black Fall (2017): An Edgar Award finalist where Jessica faces a mysterious adversary known as the Warlock.
Theo Cray & Jessica Blackwood Crossover Books
After their individual series concluded, Mayne brought his two brilliant protagonists together. In this duology, Jessica's expertise in human deception and Theo's data-driven science clash and complement one another as they hunt down global conspiracies and highly elusive killers.
- Mastermind (2021): The first official meeting. Theo and Jessica are forced to work together to track down an elusive killer who has spent decades executing flawless crimes.
- The Final Equinox (2022): The duo chases a mystery involving high-tech space industry secrets and an ancient structure discovered under the ice.
Underwater Investigation Unit (UIU) Series
Setting the action in the murky waters of Florida, this series stars Sloan McPherson, a former dive master turned police diver for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Sloan's expertise allows her to search underwater crime scenes that other investigators cannot access. The series is known for its fast pacing, vivid depictions of Florida's ecosystems, and high-tension underwater action.
- The Girl Beneath the Sea (2020)
- Black Coral (2021)
- Sea Storm (2022)
- Sea Castle (2023)
- Dark Dive (2024)
Trasker Series
This thriller series focuses on Brad Trasker, a former investigator with a background in complex corporate intelligence and security. Like Mayne's other heroes, Trasker relies on intellect and observational skills to unravel conspiracies.
- Night Owl (2023)
- Death Stake (2024)
The Specialists Series
Introduced in 2025, The Specialists is the ultimate payoff for fans of the Mayne-verse. This series functions as a crossover team-up bringing together Dr. Theo Cray, Jessica Blackwood, Sloan McPherson, and Brad Trasker into a single elite unit tackling high-stakes operations. These books should be read after you are familiar with the characters' individual histories.
- Mr. Whisper (2025)
- Imposter Syndrome (2025)
- Chaos Man (2026)
Sci-Fi, Time Travel, and Standalones
In addition to his modern crime thrillers, Andrew Mayne has explored science fiction, time travel, and standalone stories:
The Chronological Man
A fun, Victorian-era time travel adventure series featuring a brilliant inventor named Smith.
- The Monster in the Mist (2011)
- The Martian Emperor (2011)
Space Ops / Station Breaker
A pair of high-tech sci-fi thrillers involving astronautics and space conspiracies.
- Station Breaker (2016)
- Orbital (2017)
Standalone Novels and Novellas
- Public Enemy Zero (2001): A sci-fi thriller about a man who suddenly becomes the target of everyone he meets.
- Knight School (2013) & Game Knight (2015): Humorous fantasy stories centered around gaming and knights.
- Hollywood Pharaohs (2013): A mystery thriller set in the film industry.
The Predator Franchise Clarification
Some book lists associate Andrew Mayne with the entire Predator sci-fi novel franchise. To clarify, Mayne did not write the classic Predator novelizations or standalone novels (which were penned by authors like Steve Perry, James A. Moore, and others). However, he is a contributor to the franchise. He wrote the short story "The Pilot", which was featured in the official anthology Predator: If It Bleeds published in 2017. He also wrote a short story titled "The Grendel's Shadow" in 2011, which is unrelated to the Predator IP.