David O’Neil Books in Order

Where Should You Start Reading David O’Neil?

David O’Neil’s diverse bibliography offers two distinct entry points depending on your favorite genre. Because O’Neil wrote both contemporary action thrillers and immersive historical sea novels, readers generally divide his work into two paths:

Option 1: The Modern Thriller Entry Point

If you enjoy fast-paced contemporary thrillers filled with smuggling, espionage, and international intrigue, you should begin with Fatal Meeting (2011). This novel marks O’Neil’s debut as a fiction writer and introduces his most popular recurring duo, Donny Weston and Abby Marshall. Reading this series in order is highly recommended to follow the development of their relationship and the escalating danger they face.

Option 2: The Age of Sail Entry Point

If you prefer historical naval adventure in the style of Patrick O’Brian or C.S. Forester, the best starting point is Sailing Orders (2013). This book launches his classic naval fiction series following the career of Martin Forest-Bowers. It should be read chronologically to witness his rise from a thirteen-year-old midshipman to an accomplished commander during the War of 1812.

Donny Weston & Abby Marshall Series

This contemporary thriller series is O’Neil's signature work. The books follow a young couple caught in a web of smuggling, illegal trade, and espionage across the English Channel and beyond. To appreciate the character development, you should read these in order of publication:

1. Fatal Meeting (2011) – Donny and Abby’s first adventure, where a yacht voyage across the Channel goes horribly wrong after discovering a crew member is a dangerous smuggler.
2. Lethal Complications (2012) – The tension rises as the couple deals with the immediate aftermath of their first encounter.
3. A Thrill a Minute (2013) – A high-stakes sequel featuring smuggling syndicates and non-stop action.
4. It's Just One Thing After Another (2013) – The couple finds themselves deeper in international danger with multiple crises unfolding at once.
5. What Goes Around... (2013) – Old enemies and unresolved issues return to threaten their lives.
6. Without Prejudice (2014) – The final entry in the main arc, wrapping up the couple's major smuggling-related conflicts.

Sailing Orders (Forest-Bowers) Series

Drawing on the author's real-life love for sailing and deep knowledge of maritime history, this historical naval trilogy is a favorite among Age of Sail fans. It follows the life of Captain Martin Forest-Bowers:

1. Sailing Orders (2013) – We meet an abandoned thirteen-year-old boy who gets a second chance as a midshipman on his benefactor’s ship.
2. Quarterdeck (2014) – Now a captain, Forest-Bowers leads high-stakes missions to prevent rich Spanish and French treasure ships from falling into enemy hands.
3. Winning (2015) – Set during the War of 1812, Captain Sir Martin Forest-Bowers faces off against American forces in dramatic battles at sea.

The Counterstroke Series

For fans of espionage and geopolitical thrillers, the Counterstroke series delivers action-heavy stories about operatives working to stop global crime rings and terrorist threats. The plotlines feature recurring characters like CIA operative Katt Percival and Mark Parnell:

1. Exciting, Isn't It? (2012) – The explosive introduction to the high-stakes world of global counter-terrorism.
2. Market Forces (2013) – Operatives race against time to stop financial corruption and criminal organizations from destabilizing global networks.
3. When Needs Must.... (2013) – The team is pushed to their absolute limits as they take desperate measures to stop a devastating plot.

Other Ongoing Series

In addition to his primary trilogies and sagas, O’Neil launched three additional series, each starting with a single novel that can be read as standalone entries:

• Harry Ross Series: Starts with Shock (2017), a military/espionage thriller featuring new operational targets.
• Anton Chance Series: Starts with Saving the Day (2018), a sea thriller that blends modern maritime action with corporate and tactical pressure.
• Elizabeth Series: Starts with The Blitzkrieg (2020), which explores survival, conspiracy, and corruption under the dark shadows of conflict.

Standalone Novels and Historical Themes

David O’Neil was a highly prolific writer, publishing over a dozen standalones alongside his main series. Many of these novels are directly inspired by his own experiences—from surviving the Blitz during WWII to flying in the RAF and sailing around Africa. They can be read in any order:

• World War II Thrillers: The Blitz (2020) and The Yanks (2020) reflect his firsthand childhood memories of wartime London.
• Naval & Maritime Standalones: HMS Audax (2016), Privateer (2016), and In Dangerous Waters (2015) are perfect for fans of maritime action.
• Suspense & Espionage: The Mercy Run (2012), Better the Day (2013), Hell is Another Place (2013), Distant Gunfire (2013), Minding the Store (2013), The Hunted (2014), Desperate Measures (2015), Seasons (2015), Making Waves (2016), A Place in the Sun (2017), Glory (2017), and Château du Lac (2018).

What to Know Before You Start

David O'Neil's novels are praised for their technical realism, directly reflecting his diverse career as an RAF pilot, Colonial Police officer, and sailing enthusiast. Because the publication order matches the chronological development of the characters in each of his multi-book series, there are no complex timeline conflicts. The standalone novels stand entirely on their own, allowing you to dive into O'Neil's thrilling world through whatever setting—be it historical seas, wartime London, or modern corporate espionage—appeals to you most.