Derek Thompson Books in Order

The Recommended Reading Order

Derek Thompson has written two main book series: the high-stakes Thomas Bladen spy thrillers and the atmospheric Detective Craig Wild police procedurals. Because both series feature ongoing character arcs, relationship developments, and recurring conspiracies, we highly recommend reading each series in its chronological publication order.

If you want espionage, start with the Thomas Bladen series. If you prefer classic British detective mysteries set in the countryside, start with the Craig Wild series. The two universes do not cross over directly, so you can choose whichever genre appeals to you first.

The Thomas Bladen Spy Thrillers

Thomas Bladen is not your typical cinematic super-spy. He is a working-class surveillance officer operating within the UK's Surveillance Support Unit (SSU). Thompson's espionage novels are heavily inspired by classic film noir and the realistic, morally complex worlds of John le Carré. The books are fast-paced, snarky, and gritty.

While some online databases show slight discrepancies in the publication years for the middle books (often grouping the ebook releases in 2018), they should be read in the following sequence to preserve the narrative timeline:

1. Standpoint (2015) - Initially published as Stand Point, this debut novel introduces Thomas Bladen as a routine surveillance assignment spirals into a deadly conspiracy, forcing him to question who he actually works for.
2. Line of Sight (2015) - Bladen finds himself caught between military conspiracies, rogue agents, and internal intelligence power struggles where trust is a liability.
3. Cause & Effect (2018 / originally 2015) - The personal stakes escalate for Bladen as the consequences of SSU corruption begin to hit closer to home.
4. Shadow State (2018 / originally 2016) - Bladen is forced to navigate a web of secrets where government intelligence assets are treated as disposable pieces.
5. Flashpoint (2018) - The explosive initial climax to the five-book Joffe Books publishing run, resolving major threads regarding Bladen's SSU career.
6. Pathfinder (2023) - Published by Sixpence Publishing, this sixth installment returns to Bladen years later as a long-running shadow war between "The Shadow State" and "The Alliance" threatens to pull him back into the dark.

The Detective Craig Wild Mysteries

In 2020, Thompson shifted his focus from espionage to police procedurals with the introduction of DS Craig Wild. A former Metropolitan Police detective haunted by his past, Wild transfers from the gritty streets of London to the deceptive quiet of rural Wiltshire. Accompanied by local officers like PC Marnie Olsen, Wild tackles dark, psychologically complex crimes beneath the surface of picturesque English villages.

1. Long Shadows (2020) - Craig Wild arrives in Wiltshire looking for a quieter life but is immediately pulled into a cold case that casts a long, dangerous shadow over the local community.
2. West Country Murder (2022) - A gripping standalone mystery that tests Wild's investigative skills as a local murder reveals deep-seated rural animosities.
3. Death in Wiltshire (2026) - The third installment finds Wild investigating the murder of a young archaeologist whose body is found posed in a secluded cabin, leading to a complex web of historical greed and modern suspects.

Standalone Fiction and Short Stories

Before finding success with his thriller series, Thompson experimented with other genres, publishing standalone fiction and shorter pieces:

• Covenant (2012) - A departure from his modern thrillers, this standalone mystical fantasy novel follows a priestess named Isca in the city of Tarsis as she protects a sacred stone tablet and navigates a spiritual conflict.
• Superhero Club (2012) - A standalone short story/novella that demonstrates Thompson's early narrative pacing.

Non-Fiction Works

In 2014, Thompson released a trio of short non-fiction guides focusing on personal development and professional management, showcasing a different side of his writing:

• Man Up! (2014)
• Newsclash (2014)
• The Little Read Book of Project Management (2014)

What to Know Before You Start

Derek Thompson's novels are celebrated for their lean, pared-down prose. He avoids generic thriller fluff, choosing instead to focus on character vulnerability, dark humor, and high-tension pacing. A distinct feature of his writing is his authentic use of British slang. His books often include a glossary at the back so international readers can easily keep up with the local terminology.

While the Craig Wild books can technically be enjoyed as standalone mysteries, the evolution of Wild's mental health, his integration into the Wiltshire police force, and his developing partnership with Marnie Olsen are best experienced from the beginning in Long Shadows.