This post gives you a clear, spoiler-free look at David Baldacci books in order, including series breakdowns, ideal reading order, and a few pro tips to get the most out of each twist-filled series.
If you love high-stakes thrillers, masterful pacing, and characters who never flinch in the face of danger, chances are you’ve either read—or are about to read—David Baldacci.
But here’s the twist: with over 50 novels across multiple bestselling series, it can be tough to know where to start. Should you dive into Memory Man first? Or go back to Absolute Power, the book that launched it all?
Let’s get reading.
Who Is David Baldacci?
David Baldacci is a former trial lawyer turned international bestselling author whose legal and political thrillers have captivated millions of readers worldwide.
His signature style blends:
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Government conspiracies
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Complex investigations
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Gritty protagonists
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High emotional stakes
He’s published books in over 45 languages, and many have been adapted for TV or film.
David Baldacci’s Book Series in Order
Baldacci writes across six major series, plus several standalone novels. Here’s how to read them in the correct order:
1. Amos Decker (Memory Man) Series
Amos Decker is a former football player turned detective with a unique condition—hyperthymesia—he remembers everything. It’s both his gift and his curse.
Books in Order:
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Memory Man
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The Last Mile
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The Fix
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The Fallen
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Redemption
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Walk the Wire
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Long Shadows
Why read it: Smart, emotionally layered mysteries with one of the most compelling protagonists in modern thriller fiction.
2. Will Robie Series
Will Robie is a government assassin—cold, calculating, and deadly. These books dive deep into high-level political operations and personal redemption arcs.
Books in Order:
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The Innocent
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The Hit
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The Target
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The Guilty
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End Game
Why read it: Action-heavy thrillers with sniper precision and just enough character complexity to keep you invested.
3. Camel Club Series
A group of eccentric political watchdogs uncover conspiracies most people don’t even know exist. Quirky but gritty.
Books in Order:
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The Camel Club
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The Collectors
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Stone Cold
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Divine Justice
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Hell’s Corner
Why read it: Conspiracy-lovers and fans of ensemble casts will eat this up.
4. King & Maxwell Series
Sean King and Michelle Maxwell are ex-Secret Service agents who team up as private investigators. Think Moonlighting meets The X-Files, but grounded in political suspense.
Books in Order:
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Split Second
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Hour Game
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Simple Genius
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First Family
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The Sixth Man
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King and Maxwell
Why read it: Great for fans who enjoy a little banter with their bullets.
5. Atlee Pine Series
FBI agent Atlee Pine is searching for answers about her twin sister’s disappearance while chasing down America’s most dangerous criminals.
Books in Order:
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Long Road to Mercy
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A Minute to Midnight
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Daylight
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Mercy
Why read it: A perfect series for fans of strong, complex female protagonists and layered psychological plots.
6. Aloysius Archer Series
Set in the post–World War II era, this noir-tinged series follows war vet Archer as he tries to rebuild his life—and solve deadly mysteries along the way.
Books in Order:
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One Good Deed
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A Gambling Man
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Dream Town
Why read it: Baldacci channels classic noir while delivering crisp pacing and timeless characters.
Bonus: David Baldacci Standalone Novels
If you want to dip your toe into Baldacci’s world before committing to a series, start with one of his popular standalones:
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Absolute Power (his breakout debut)
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Wish You Well (historical fiction, a fan favorite)
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The Winner
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True Blue
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No Man’s Land (a Decker/Robie crossover!)
These are perfect for reading between series or as one-off thrillers.
Pro Tips for Reading Baldacci
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You can start anywhere. Each series is self-contained, but it’s more fun to start at book one.
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Look out for character crossovers. Especially between Amos Decker and Will Robie.
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Audiobooks are excellent. Most series are narrated by professionals like Kyf Brewer and Orlagh Cassidy—great production value.
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Pay attention to themes. Justice, memory, family trauma, and government distrust come up often in new ways.
Final Word: Where to Begin
If you’re wondering where to start:
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For gritty psychological twists → Memory Man
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For fast-paced CIA-style thrillers → The Innocent
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For classic mystery noir → One Good Deed
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For political conspiracy lovers → The Camel Club
No matter where you start, you’re in for masterful plotting, memorable characters, and tension that won’t let go.
