The Recommended Reading Order for the Jay Sullivan Thrillers
If you are looking to dive into the high-octane, emotionally raw world of Ed Grace’s thrillers, the path forward is straightforward. The Jay Sullivan series follows a strict chronological narrative arc, tracking the protagonist’s recovery from a broken alcoholic nomad back into a lethal, albeit heavily scarred, operator. Because the books rely heavily on character development, past trauma, and ongoing government conspiracies, skipping around is highly discouraged. You should read the series in its official publication order.
Jay Sullivan Series in Publication and Chronological Order
Below is the complete reading order for the main series. The chronological events align perfectly with how the books were published, making this the ideal checklist for your reading journey:
- Assassin Down (2019)
- Kill Them Quickly (2020)
- The Bars That Hold Me (2020)
- A Deadly Weapon (2021)
- Target Acquired (2022)
- Fighting Alone (2024)
Book-by-Book Breakdown
Assassin Down (2019)
The debut novel introduces us to Jay Sullivan, once a legendary elite assassin for a shadowy government organization. When the agency turned on him, his daughter was kidnapped and held at gunpoint. Having failed to save her, Jay descended into a hopeless, self-destructive spiral, living as a nomadic alcoholic. Five years later, an unexpected lead on his daughter’s survival pulls him back into the game. He must shake off the rust, face his demons, and suit up for a relentless rescue mission.
Kill Them Quickly (2020)
Picking up after the chaotic aftermath of his return to action, Jay is struggling to rebuild his fractured life. When a friendly encounter takes a violent turn, he is drawn into a brutal quest for vengeance. To keep a surviving child safe from ruthless enemies, Jay must unleash his lethal skillset once more, proving that his protective instincts remain sharp even when his personal life is in shambles.
The Bars That Hold Me (2020)
In this high-stakes installment, Jay learns about a series of three devastating terrorist attacks scheduled to take place over the course of 30 days. To stop the mastermind behind the plot, Jay intentionally gets himself arrested and sent to a high-security prison to spy on the group's leader from the inside. However, when his handlers are compromised, Jay is left stranded behind bars and must orchestrate a desperate prison break before the clock runs out.
A Deadly Weapon (2021)
Jay is presented with a rare opportunity to clear his name and expose the corrupt government agency that created and manipulated him. But as he gets closer to the truth, the agency strikes back with full force. Jay finds himself in a desperate race to protect the person he loves most from experiencing the same devastating trauma that ruined his own life.
Target Acquired (2022)
Captured and cornered, Jay faces a agonizing choice: escape to secure his own freedom and live a quiet life, or risk everything to save the very FBI agent who put him behind bars. This book tests Jay's morality and highlights the complex, grey areas he operates in as he tries to leave his violent past behind.
Fighting Alone (2024)
The sixth novel sees Jay Sullivan continuing his dangerous journey, operating in the shadows. Stripped of support and navigating a dangerous, isolated existence, Jay is driven by vengeance and survival in an unforgiving world where the lines between friend and foe have completely dissolved.
What to Know Before You Start
Ed Grace’s thrillers are notable for their fast, cinematic pacing, gritty realism, and flawed characters. The author, who also writes paranormal horror and dark thrillers under his real name, Rick Wood, infuses Jay Sullivan’s story with genuine psychological depth. Jay’s struggle with alcoholism, PTSD, and depression mirrors the author’s own real-life experiences with mental health challenges, bringing an extra layer of raw authenticity to the pages. The series is relatively dark and violent, making it perfect for fans of Jack Reacher, Jason Bourne, or John Wick, but readers should be prepared for intense thematic elements surrounding loss and trauma.
Branching Out: The Rick Wood Alter Ego
If you finish the Jay Sullivan series and want to see a different side of the author’s writing, you can check out his work under his real name, Rick Wood. Writing as Rick Wood, he specializes in paranormal horror, most notably The Sensitives series. This eight-book urban fantasy saga follows Oscar, a man who discovers he has supernatural gifts, as he joins forces with other "Sensitives" to battle demonic forces and save a possessed young girl. It’s a fantastic transition if you enjoy Ed Grace’s intense pacing but want to explore the supernatural.