The Recommended Reading Path: Where to Start
If you want to experience Chuck Barrett's espionage universe at its absolute best, the most rewarding path is to read the Jake Pendleton series first, followed by the Gregg Kaplan spin-off series. While both series can be enjoyed independently, starting with the Jake Pendleton books provides crucial context for the character dynamics and the high-stakes world they inhabit.
Specifically, the protagonist of the spin-off series, Gregg Kaplan, is introduced in the very first Jake Pendleton novel, The Savannah Project, as an air traffic controller before transitioning into his role as a rogue, off-the-books intelligence operative. Reading the books in the order of their publication allows you to watch Kaplan's evolution from a civilian technical expert into a dangerous, elite agent.
The Jake Pendleton Series
The Jake Pendleton series follows a former National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator who repeatedly finds himself drawn into deep state conspiracies, international terrorism, and covert operations. Barrett draws heavily on his real-life background as a commercial pilot and air traffic controller to inject these stories with technical authenticity.
- The Savannah Project (2010): The novel that started it all. Jake Pendleton is sent to investigate a suspicious plane crash in Savannah, Georgia, where he crosses paths with air traffic controller Gregg Kaplan. Together, they uncover a conspiracy that goes far deeper than a simple aviation accident.
- The Toymaker (2011): Jake teams up with a brilliant but mysterious gadget-making spy mentor. They must track down a rogue killer before a devastating plot is unleashed.
- Breach of Power (2013): A high-octane thriller that blends modern political espionage with long-buried secrets. Jake finds himself on a deadly treasure hunt seeking a World War II secret that could topple modern governments.
- Disruption (2016): Jake faces a highly sophisticated, global cyber-security threat. This entry raises the stakes to an international scale, testing the limits of Jake's endurance and intelligence.
The Gregg Kaplan Series
Spinning off directly from the events of the Pendleton series, the Gregg Kaplan books shift focus to Kaplan himself, now operating as a rogue, independent agent who takes on missions too sensitive or dangerous for official government agencies. These books are known for their frantic pacing and intense hand-to-hand action.
- Blown (2015): Kaplan's solo debut. After going off the grid, Kaplan is pulled back into the fray when an assignment goes horribly wrong, forcing him to run for his life while trying to complete his mission.
- Last Chance (2018): Kaplan finds himself targeted by powerful forces in a deadly game of cat and mouse, where survival requires utilizing every technical and combat skill he has acquired.
- Devil in the Wind (2021): Kaplan is caught in a web of local corruption and international danger, facing a conspiracy that threatens to consume everyone involved.
Odle Agency Mystery Books
Stepping away from contemporary international espionage, Barrett also authored a historical mystery that showcases his versatility as a storyteller:
- Slugger: An Odle Agency Mystery (2019): Set in 1966, this standalone mystery centers around the famous Louisville Slugger baseball bat factory. It is a brilliant departure from his typical spy thrillers, delivering a nostalgic and tightly plotted mystery.
Short Stories, Collections, and Non-Fiction
For readers who want to explore Barrett's shorter works or learn about his journey as an independent author, he has published several other titles:
- Dead Ringer (2015): A short story co-written with Debi Barrett. It moves away from the spy genre to follow Dave Wainwright, a retired Denver homicide detective who gets pulled into a puzzling mystery.
- A Two Week Notice: Chuck Stories (2016): A collection of short stories showcasing Barrett's range across different thriller and mystery sub-genres.
- Publishing Unchained (2013): A practical, non-fiction guide where Barrett shares his personal insights and advice on navigating the world of independent publishing.
What to Know Before You Start
Barrett's writing style is famously defined by his "3M formula"—Murder, Mystery, and Mayhem. His plots move at a breakneck speed, drawing comparisons to thriller giants like Vince Flynn and David Baldacci. Because Barrett spent over 26 years working as an air traffic controller, his descriptions of flight operations, navigation, and technical investigation are highly accurate and grounded in real-world science. Whether you choose to follow Jake Pendleton's investigative path or Gregg Kaplan's action-heavy covert missions, you can expect an authentic and fast-paced ride.