Where to Start with Andy McDermott
If you are new to Andy McDermott’s fast-paced, globetrotting thrillers, the absolute best place to begin is with the book that started it all: The Hunt for Atlantis (2007). This novel introduces his most famous duo, archaeologist Nina Wilde and ex-SAS bodyguard Eddie Chase. Reading this series in order is highly recommended. While each book features a self-contained archaeological mystery, the overarching character arcs, relationship dynamics, and recurring adversaries develop chronologically from one novel to the next.
For readers who prefer a darker, more modern espionage grit over archaeological adventure, the alternative starting point is Operative 66 (2020), which launches the Alex Reeve assassin series. This series should also be read in strict publication order to keep pace with the high-stakes political intrigue and Reeve's fight for survival.
The Nina Wilde & Eddie Chase Series in Publication Order
This is McDermott's flagship adventure series, blending the historical mystery of Indiana Jones with the action-heavy set pieces of James Bond. Note that several titles were released under different names in the UK and US markets; we have listed both options to help you avoid accidentally buying the same book twice.
- The Hunt for Atlantis (2007) – The explosive debut where Nina Wilde searches for her parents' lost legacy and the legendary sunken city.
- The Tomb of Hercules (2008) – A high-stakes race to find the tomb of the mythological hero.
- The Secret of Excalibur (2008) – The duo hunts for King Arthur's legendary sword.
- The Covenant of Genesis (2009) – A dangerous search for humanity's true origins that pits the team against a ruthless religious cult.
- The Cult of Osiris / The Pyramid of Doom (2009) – Nina and Eddie head to Egypt to investigate a hidden tomb containing a dangerous secret.
- The Sacred Vault / The Vault of Shiva (2010) – A globetrotting search for an ancient Indian temple holding the key to global destruction.
- Empire of Gold (2011) – The hunt for the legendary lost city of El Dorado.
- Temple of the Gods / Return to Atlantis (2011) – The duo is pulled back into the mystery of Atlantis.
- The Valhalla Prophecy (2014) – An adventure tying Norse mythology to a modern conspiracy.
- Kingdom of Darkness (2014) – Nina and Eddie trace the legacy of Alexander the Great.
- The Last Survivor (2015) – An ebook-exclusive novella that takes place between the main novels.
- The Revelation Code (2015) – A race against time to decode a secret that could trigger the end of the world.
- The Midas Legacy (2016) – Nina attempts to locate the legendary tomb of King Midas.
- King Solomon's Curse (2018) – A search for the hidden treasures of King Solomon that goes horribly wrong.
- The Spear of Atlantis (2018) – The duo returns to Atlantean mysteries when a new weapon is discovered.
- The Resurrection Key (2019) – Nina and Eddie uncover a secret biological threat linked to ancient history.
- The Temple of Skulls (2022) – A dangerous quest in the mountains of Peru.
- The Knights of Atlantis (2023) – A modern conspiracy involving an ancient order protecting Atlantean secrets.
The Alex Reeve Spy Thrillers
Departing from ancient history, this series focuses on Alex Reeve, a deniable black-ops assassin who finds himself betrayed by his own agency and running for his life. The action is gritty, intense, and modern. Read these in order:
- Operative 66 (2020)
- Rogue Asset (2021)
- Ghost Target (2023)
- Final Traitor (2024)
The Curious Case Files of Leviticus Gold
For readers looking for a lighter, satirical tone, McDermott has written a pair of comedic novellas starring the flamboyant celebrity detective Leviticus Gold. These are quick, fun parodies of famous detective tropes:
- Murder on the Orient Excess (2012) – A spoof of classic train-based murder mysteries.
- The Girl With The Dragon 32 (2021) – A humorous take on modern Scandinavian noir.
Standalone Novels & Alternate Titles
Outside of his main series, Andy McDermott has written one standalone techno-thriller:
- The Persona Protocol / The Shadow Protocol (2013) – A fast-paced near-future action thriller exploring identity manipulation and conspiracy.
The Final Destination Novels: Navigating the Black Flame Series
Newer readers are often confused by bibliographies that list Andy McDermott as the author of the Final Destination tie-in novels. Black Flame published a series of nine books based on the movie franchise between 2005 and 2006. However, Andy McDermott did not write the entire series; the other novels were penned by authors like Natasha Rhodes, David A. McIntee, Rebecca Levene, Steven A. Roman, Nancy A. Collins, and Christa Faust.
McDermott's sole contribution was the final book, Death of the Senses (2006). This book is highly famous among collectors because the publisher accidentally printed the wrong author's name on the spine and recalled the book shortly before going out of business. Because of this, physical copies are incredibly rare, though digital archives of the text exist online.
What to Know Before You Start
McDermott’s style is heavily inspired by his background in film journalism and comic writing. Expect cinematic action sequences, fast-talking protagonists, and plot twists that mirror summer blockbusters. While the Wilde & Chase books can theoretically be read as standalones due to each mystery concluding within the book, we strongly advise starting from the beginning because the romantic and professional relationship between Nina and Eddie changes significantly, and reading out of order will spoil major emotional milestones.