If you’re looking for Clive Cussler books in order, you’re not alone. With over 80 novels spanning decades, genres, and multiple co-authors, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. Whether you’re a new reader or returning fan, this guide will help you navigate the thrilling worlds Clive Cussler created—especially the iconic adventures of Dirk Pitt, NUMA, and beyond.
Do You Have to Read Clive Cussler Books in Order?
The short answer: it helps, but it’s not required.
Most of Cussler’s series can be enjoyed as standalones. However, reading them in order allows you to experience character arcs, historical references, and ongoing relationships as they evolve across the books.
Dirk Pitt in particular ages and grows throughout the series—he’s not the same man in Pacific Vortex! as he is in Celtic Empire. If you enjoy layered continuity, reading in order adds depth.
Dirk Pitt Books in Order
The series that started it all—featuring the adventurous marine engineer, Dirk Pitt, and his NUMA team. These action-packed novels are full of shipwrecks, treasure, historical mysteries, and nonstop danger.
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Pacific Vortex! (written first, published later – 1983)
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The Mediterranean Caper (1973)
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Iceberg (1975)
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Raise the Titanic! (1976)
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Vixen 03 (1978)
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Night Probe! (1981)
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Deep Six (1984)
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Cyclops (1986)
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Treasure (1988)
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Dragon (1990)
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Sahara (1992)
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Inca Gold (1994)
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Shock Wave (1996)
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Flood Tide (1997)
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Atlantis Found (1999)
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Valhalla Rising (2001)
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Trojan Odyssey (2003)
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Black Wind (2004) – with Dirk Cussler
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Treasure of Khan (2006) – with Dirk Cussler
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Arctic Drift (2008) – with Dirk Cussler
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Crescent Dawn (2010) – with Dirk Cussler
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Poseidon’s Arrow (2012) – with Dirk Cussler
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Havana Storm (2014) – with Dirk Cussler
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Odessa Sea (2016) – with Dirk Cussler
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Celtic Empire (2019) – with Dirk Cussler
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The Devil’s Sea (2021) – with Dirk Cussler
NUMA Files Series in Order
Here are more Clive Cussler books in order and this spin-off follows Kurt Austin and Joe Zavala, members of the National Underwater and Marine Agency. If you like high-stakes underwater adventures and world-saving missions, you’ll love these.
Started in 1999 and written with collaborators like Paul Kemprecos and Graham Brown.
Start with:
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Serpent (1999)
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Blue Gold (2000)
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… and continue through to
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Dark Vector (2022)
Oregon Files Series in Order
This series follows the crew of the high-tech ship The Oregon, led by Juan Cabrillo. Think high-tech gadgets, covert ops, and global adventure.
Start with:
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Golden Buddha (2003)
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Sacred Stone (2004)
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… and follow through to
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Hellburner (2022)
Isaac Bell Adventures
Set in the early 20th century, this historical detective series follows Isaac Bell, a Van Dorn Agency investigator solving high-profile crimes across America’s industrial boom.
Begin with:
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The Chase (2007)
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The Wrecker (2009)
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… leading up to
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The Heist (2023)
Sam and Remi Fargo Adventures
A globe-trotting husband-and-wife team solving ancient mysteries and hunting legendary treasures. Perfect for fans of National Treasure and Indiana Jones.
Start with:
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Spartan Gold (2009)
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Lost Empire (2010)
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… through to
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Wrath of Poseidon (2020)
Where to Start with Clive Cussler?
If you’re new to Cussler, here are three great entry points:
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Start with Dirk Pitt — Sahara or Atlantis Found are fan favorites with classic Cussler flavor.
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Try a standalone — The Chase offers historical intrigue without needing any prior background.
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Pick based on interest — Love underwater mysteries? Go NUMA. Prefer treasure hunts? Go with the Fargos.
Clive Cussler’s Legacy
Cussler passed away in 2020, but his stories continue through co-authors and collaborators who maintain his trademark pacing, tone, and obsession with maritime history.
He wasn’t just a bestselling author—he was a real-life adventurer and shipwreck hunter, founding the actual NUMA (National Underwater and Marine Agency), which inspired much of his fiction.
Final Thoughts
Reading Clive Cussler books in order gives you more than just action-packed plots—it immerses you in a universe built on courage, curiosity, and global intrigue. His series interconnect in subtle ways, rewarding readers who dive deep into his literary ocean.
Ready to go treasure hunting—book style? Start with Dirk Pitt, and see where the tides of adventure take you.
