Where to Start with C.W. Lemoine's Thrillers
For fans of realistic military fiction, political espionage, and gritty tactical action, C.W. Lemoine is a must-read author. Drawing on his real-world experiences as an F-16 and F/A-18 fighter pilot, as well as a deputy sheriff, Lemoine infuses his stories with unmatched technical accuracy and tactical realism. If you are new to his bibliography, you have three distinct starting paths depending on your preferred subgenre:
- For Military and Aviation Thrillers: Start with the flagship Spectre Series. The best entry point is Spectre Rising (2013). While there is a prequel collection of short stories, starting with the first full-length novel provides the best introduction to the series' overarching narrative arc.
- For Law Enforcement and Sniper Action: Begin the Alex Shepherd Series with Absolute Vengeance (2017). This series leans heavily into tactical operations, domestic defense, and personal vengeance.
- For Science Fiction and UAP Thrillers: Pick up Project Virtus (2025), a standalone sci-fi novel about pilot investigations into a mysterious UAP crash.
The Spectre Series Reading Order
The Spectre series follows Cal "Spectre" Martin, a disgraced military pilot who becomes caught in a web of global conspiracies, black ops, and geopolitical conflicts. Because of the heavy serialization and evolving character arcs, it is highly recommended to read this series in publication order.
Recommended Order for the Spectre Series
- Spectre Rising (2013): The definitive beginning. Cal "Spectre" Martin is grounded and forced to navigate a conspiracy involving a rogue corporate element.
- Spectre: Origins (2013): This is technically a prequel (Book 0.5) containing six short stories. While you can read it first, most fans recommend reading it after Spectre Rising to appreciate the backstory of the supporting cast, including sniper Marcus Anderson.
- Avoid. Negotiate. Kill. (2014): Cal Martin is recruited into a covert black operations unit to thwart a terrorist threat.
- Archangel Fallen (2015): A high-stakes mission that forces Spectre to operate outside the law to rescue a kidnapped friend.
- Executive Reaction (2015): An espionage thriller dealing with political manipulation, defense contractors, and deep-state corruption.
- Brick by Brick (2016): A revenge-driven entry where Spectre faces the fallout of past operations.
- Stand Against Evil (2016): Cal Martin must confront domestic threat groups in a tense, fast-paced tactical thriller.
- The Helios Conspiracy (2018): The stakes escalate to global cyberwarfare and space-based weapons systems.
- Fini Flight (2019): The final flight for Spectre, wrapping up major plotlines of the original multi-book saga.
The Alex Shepherd Series Reading Order
Lemoine's second major universe shifts the focus from the cockpit to the streets. The series follows Alex Shepherd, a deputy sheriff and SWAT sniper who is pushed to the edge after a devastating domestic terrorist attack. This series is much more grounded in local law enforcement, counter-terrorism, and active shooter scenarios.
Recommended Order for the Alex Shepherd Series
- Absolute Vengeance (2017): Following a tragic event, Deputy Sheriff Alex Shepherd goes rogue to track down those responsible.
- I Am The Sheepdog (2018): Shepherd embraces his role as a tactical protector, dealing with active threats and domestic defense.
- N.O. Justice (2021): Set against the backdrop of New Orleans, Shepherd deals with corrupt organizations and gang warfare.
New Directions: Project Virtus
In 2025, Lemoine expanded his writing horizons with Project Virtus. This book represents a departure from traditional espionage into science fiction. It centers on military pilots and scientists investigating an ancient weapon uncovered after an oceanic UAP crash. While it contains the same high-level cockpit realism Lemoine is known for, it introduces interstellar threats and an advanced, time-displaced AI companion named LUNA.
Chronological vs. Publication Order Caveats
The only major chronological divergence in C.W. Lemoine's bibliography involves Spectre: Origins. Since it is a collection of six prequel short stories showing the characters' lives before the events of the first book, purists may want to read it first. However, because it jumps between multiple characters (like Chloe Moss, Sean Baxter, and Joe Carpenter) without a single unifying plot line, starting with Spectre Rising is much better for pacing and setting the stage for the rest of the series.
What to Know Before You Start
C.W. Lemoine's thrillers stand out due to the author's extensive military and tactical credentials. He has logged over 1,000 hours flying F-16s and F/A-18 Hornets in the Air Force Reserve and Navy Reserve, and has served as a reserve sheriff's deputy. Furthermore, Lemoine is a certified instructor in Survival Krav Maga. Readers should expect highly detailed descriptions of aircraft controls, defensive tactics, and weapons systems. This attention to detail makes his work appealing to fans of Tom Clancy, Vince Flynn, and Brad Thor.