Where to Start Reading Brad Strickland & Thomas E. Fuller
If you are new to the collaborative works of Brad Strickland and Thomas E. Fuller, the absolute best starting point is Mutiny! (2002), the opening book of the Pirate Hunter trilogy. This series is their most famous, cohesive, and widely read co-authored work. It perfectly showcases the elements that defined their partnership: Strickland's smooth narrative pacing and Fuller's flair for dramatic, theatrical staging. For science fiction fans, the best alternative starting point is Marooned! (2004), which kicks off the Mars Year One trilogy.
The Pirate Hunter Trilogy
Set in the pirate-infested Caribbean of the late 17th century (specifically starting in 1689), the Pirate Hunter series follows young Davy Shea, an orphan who travels to Jamaica and becomes embroiled in a secret, dangerous mission led by his uncle Patch to hunt down the elusive pirate Jack Steele. The series is tightly plotted, meaning you must read it in chronological/publication order for the story to make sense. Fortunately, the chronological order matches the publication order exactly:
- Mutiny! (2002) – Davy Shea sets sail for the Caribbean, only for his ship to be overtaken by mutineers, forcing him to adapt quickly to life at sea.
- The Guns of Tortuga (2003) – Davy goes undercover in the lawless pirate haven of Tortuga to find Jack Steele's hideout.
- Heart of Steele (2003) – The final showdown between Davy, his uncle, and the notorious Jack Steele.
The Mars Year One Trilogy
In contrast to the historical high seas, the duo's other major series is Mars Year One, a young adult science fiction adventure. The series chronicles the lives of a group of teenagers selected to live in an experimental dome on Mars, where they must survive the harsh Martian climate, technical malfunctions, and internal conflicts. Like the pirate series, it has a strict linear narrative and should be read in order:
- Marooned! (2004) – The young colonists arrive on Mars but find themselves isolated and forced to survive when a sandstorm cuts off contact with Earth.
- Missing! (2004) – The mystery deepens when members of the colony disappear, prompting a search across the dangerous Martian landscape.
- Marsquake! (2005) – The colony faces its greatest geological threat yet as massive earthquakes threaten to tear their dome apart.
Co-Authored Standalone Novels
Aside from their multi-book series, Strickland and Fuller wrote two distinct standalone novels that show their range outside of children's and young adult fiction:
The Ghost Finds a Body (2003)
This is a rare adult comedy-mystery written by the duo. The plot centers on a struggling ghostwriter who gets caught up in a series of bizarre events, romance conventions, and a murder mystery. It can be read entirely on its own and is a fun departure from their young adult adventures.
The Dancer in the Dark (2011)
Published years after Fuller's death, this is a cosmic horror novel heavily inspired by H.P. Lovecraft's Cthulhu Mythos. It follows Dr. Cletius Tremaine, an elderly professor of archaeology from Miskatonic University, who investigates mysterious prehistoric burial mounds in the mountains of North Georgia. The book serves as a tribute to their shared love of classic horror and was later adapted into a fully soundscaped audio drama.
The Atlanta Radio Theatre Company (ARTC) Adaptations
A unique aspect of the Strickland-Fuller partnership is their work with the Atlanta Radio Theatre Company (ARTC). Thomas E. Fuller was the head writer for the company, and Brad Strickland was a long-time member, writer, and voice actor. Two works from this era are often listed under their joint names, though they are primarily audio productions adapted or written by Fuller, with Strickland's involvement in performance or production:
- The Brides of Dracula (2007) – A gothic audio drama focusing on the vampire brides of Dracula.
- The Passion of Frankenstein (2007) – A dramatic, emotional audio retelling of Mary Shelley's classic monster tale.
These audio dramas do not require any reading order and can be enjoyed as standalone listening experiences.
The Wishbone Mysteries and Early Collaborations
Before launching their original series, Strickland and Fuller worked together on the popular Wishbone Mysteries children's books, which tie into the PBS kids' show featuring a Jack Russell terrier who envisions himself in classic literature. If you are looking for light, nostalgic children's mysteries, you can explore their co-authored Wishbone books in any order, though they are numbered as follows:
- The Treasure of Skeleton Reef (Wishbone Mysteries #1)
- Riddle of the Wayward Books (Wishbone Mysteries #3)
- Drive-In of Doom (Wishbone Mysteries #7)
- Disoriented Express (Wishbone Mysteries #14)
What to Know Before You Start
When diving into these books, it is helpful to understand the background of their collaboration. Thomas E. Fuller passed away unexpectedly in November 2002, just as the Pirate Hunter trilogy was launching. Because of this, Brad Strickland completed the remaining volumes of their planned projects (including the rest of the Pirate Hunter and Mars Year One series) using their shared outlines, drafts, and notes. This ensures that the narrative voice remains consistent across both trilogies, despite the tragic loss of Fuller early in their run. All their books are written with a cinematic, fast-paced style that appeals greatly to reluctant readers and fans of classic adventure tales.