How to Read Dean Kutzler's Thrillers and Sci-Fi
Dean Kutzler has built a dedicated following by crafting stories that refuse to sit quietly in a single genre. With a background that spans a decade in accounting, Kutzler made the leap to full-time fiction in 2012, drawing inspiration from thriller giants like James Rollins, Clive Cussler, and Stephen King. The result is a bibliography split between archaeological conspiracy thrillers and high-stakes space opera.
Because Kutzler's work is divided into two distinct universes, finding the best reading path is simple but essential. Readers looking for modern-day historical conspiracies and intellectual puzzles should head straight for the Jack Elliot Thrillers, while fans of grand galactic conflicts and mysterious ancient space gates will want to jump into The Scarab Reign series.
The Jack Elliot Thriller Series
The Jack Elliot series is Dean Kutzler's flagship thriller franchise. It follows Jack Elliot, a Montreal-based journalist who frequently finds himself pulled out of the newsroom and thrust into dangerous conspiracies involving ancient artifacts, global organizations, and secrets that challenge the fundamental history of humanity. The series is best known for its intellectual battles—often referred to by fans and the author as utilizing 'mind guns' rather than standard action-movie shootouts—where puzzles and historical research drive the suspense.
1. Brownstone (2016)
This is where it all begins. The story starts when Jack Elliot returns to New York to visit his dying uncle. Almost immediately, he is drawn into a complex web of lies, murder, and ancient secrets. Jack discovers that a clandestine group has been guarding a truth hidden since the dawn of human civilization. Driven by Sumerian clay tablets and cryptic clues, Brownstone sets the high-speed, brainy tone for the entire series.
2. The Harrowing of Hell (2017)
The second full-length novel ramps up both the stakes and the psychological tension. Jack Elliot returns to hunt down a powerful artifact. In this installment, Kutzler leans heavily into intellectual confrontation, showing that the most dangerous weapons are the secrets men keep and the schemes they hatch in the shadows. It expands the series' lore and deepens the bond between Jack and his allies.
3. The Pope's Box (2018)
While the first two books are full-length novels, The Pope's Box is a short story that serves as an exciting side adventure. It features Jack Elliot and his close friend Calvin on a fast-paced chase through the Metropolitan Museum of Art, trying to outrun a relentless agent. Though shorter, it provides excellent character interactions and serves as a great bridge or quick read for fans of the main series.
The Scarab Reign Sci-Fi Series
In 2018, Kutzler expanded his horizons into science fiction and space opera with The Scarab Reign. This series shifts the setting from Earth's ancient ruins to the far reaches of a collapsing universe, where the threat of cosmic destruction looms large and a ruthless alien power reigns supreme.
1. Kahari (2018)
The first book introduces a universe plunged into literal darkness. When electricity across the cosmos suddenly vanishes, billions of galaxies are left struggling for survival. The vacuum of power is filled by the "Scarab," an advanced alien race with the technology to restore power—but at the cost of total submission and slavery. The plot revolves around a desperate quest to find a mysterious door in the deserts of ancient Kemet, which may hold the key to stopping "The Great Blackness" before dimensions collapse entirely.
2. Erebus (2020)
The sequel, Erebus, continues directly from the events of Kahari. The threat of "The Great Blackness" grows closer, threatening to tear the universe apart. While the Scarab have a plan to halt the destruction, their methods are unthinkable and inhumane. As the United Federation of Western Alliances (UFWA) remains under Scarab control, our heroes must decide whether to unlock the secrets of the ancient Kemet door—a choice that could save the universe or change it forever.
Recommended Reading Order
Because Dean Kutzler writes in two completely different genres, your starting point depends entirely on what type of story you enjoy. Here is the recommended path for both series:
Jack Elliot Series Reading Order
For the thriller series, we recommend reading in publication order. While The Pope's Box is a short story, it is best enjoyed after you have established a connection with Jack and Calvin in the first two novels.
- Brownstone (2016) – Novel
- The Harrowing of Hell (2017) – Novel
- The Pope's Box (2018) – Short Story / Companion
The Scarab Reign Reading Order
For the science fiction series, it is absolutely essential to read the books in order, as Erebus directly continues the story arc and character journeys established in Kahari.
- Kahari (2018)
- Erebus (2020)
Themes and Writing Style
Dean Kutzler's writing is characterized by several recurring elements that bridge his thriller and sci-fi books. Having transitioned from accounting, Kutzler applies a meticulous, analytical approach to his research. Whether explaining Sumerian clay tablets or describing the physics of a collapsing dimension, the author ensures his premises are grounded in detailed explanations.
His stories frequently explore the tension between progress and control. In the Jack Elliot thrillers, this is represented by secret organizations hiding truths from the public to maintain order. In the Scarab Reign books, it is literalized by the Scarab offering energy and technological salvation in exchange for absolute submission. Additionally, Kutzler's characters are often everymen—such as journalist Jack Elliot—who must rely on their intelligence and moral compass rather than superhuman physical abilities to overcome extraordinary odds.
What to Know Before You Start
Before diving into Dean Kutzler's books, there are a few practical tips to keep in mind:
- Genre Transitions: Don't expect the same style between the two series. The Jack Elliot series is a grounded, Dan Brown-style thriller with archaeological and historical puzzle-solving. The Scarab Reign is a space opera with alien empires, cosmic threats, and ancient portals.
- Standalone Potential: While Brownstone can be read as a self-contained thriller, the character arcs carry over into The Harrowing of Hell. The sci-fi series, however, cannot be read as standalones; you must start with Kahari to understand the world-building and the conflict with the Scarab.
- The 'Mind Guns' Concept: Kutzler's thrillers rely heavily on intellectual dialogue and historical facts. If you prefer action-heavy military thrillers, his style might feel different, but fans of historical mysteries will appreciate the focus on research and archaeology.