Brad Meltzer Reading Order
16 series · 164 books
Brad Meltzer is an accomplished novelist and comics writer who crafts intricate political and legal thrillers built around conspiracy narratives and hidden histories. Known for his Beecher White series and extensive work with DC Comics on properties like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Meltzer blends suspenseful storytelling with meticulous research across fiction, comics, and accessible biographical works for younger audiences. With nearly 140 books spanning multiple genres since 1997, he has established himself as a versatile creator who moves fluidly between adult mysteries, young adult fiction, and narrative non-fiction.
Are you Brad Meltzer? Add a note for your readers →
Anthologies Series
Complete6 books (2001–2026)
Brad Meltzer edited five anthology collections between 2001 and 2018, featuring stories from multiple authors across mystery, thriller, and adventure genres. The series is complete and should be read in publication order, beginning with Natural Suspect. The collections span diverse themes including mystery, superheroes, and Superman lore, making each volume a standalone entry point while maintaining a cohesive editorial vision throughout the series.
Start with Natural Suspect, the first of 5 books in the Anthologies series.
Start this series with Natural Suspect
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible
Aw Yeah Comics! Series
Likely Complete9 books (2014–2021)
Aw Yeah Comics! is a nine-book series created by Brad Meltzer and illustrated by Art Baltazar, published between 2014 and 2021. The series should be read in publication order, beginning with And... Action! and concluding with Aw Yeah Comics!: 4. The complete series appears to be finished, offering young readers action-packed adventures through the interconnected titles that build from their initial releases.
Start with And... Action!(By: Art Baltazar), the first of 9 books in the Aw Yeah Comics! series.
Start this series with And... Action!(By: Art Baltazar)
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible| # | Title |
|---|---|
| 1 | |
| 2 | |
| 3 | |
| 4 | |
| 5 | |
| 6 | |
| 7 | |
| 8 | |
| 9 |
Beecher White/Culper Ring Series
Complete3 books (2011–2015)
Brad Meltzer's Beecher White and Culper Ring trilogy consists of three mystery thrillers published between 2011 and 2015. The series is complete and should be read in publication order: The Inner Circle, The Fifth Assassin, and The President's Shadow. Each installment builds on the previous story, making sequential reading essential for following the overarching narrative.
Start with The Inner Circle and read in order.
Start this series with The Inner Circle
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible
Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Season 8 Series
Complete8 books (2007–2011)
This comic book series continues the story of Buffy the Vampire Slayer following the television show's conclusion, comprising eight volumes published between 2007 and 2011. Created by Joss Whedon with various co-writers including Brian K. Vaughan, Drew Goddard, and others, the series should be read in publication order beginning with The Long Way Home. The complete arc concludes with Last Gleaming, providing closure to Season 8's narrative.
Start with The Long Way Home(By: Joss Whedon,Brian K. Vaughan), the first of 8 books in the Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Season 8 series.
Start this series with The Long Way Home(By: Joss Whedon,Brian K. Vaughan)
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible| # | Title |
|---|---|
| 1 | |
| 2 | |
| 3 | |
| 4 | |
| 5 | |
| 6 | |
| 7 | |
| 8 |
Children's Series
Complete1 book (2021–2021)
Escape Artist/Zig & Nola Series
Ongoing3 books (2018–2026)
Brad Meltzer's Escape Artist series comprises three mystery and thriller novels published between 2018 and 2026, with the series still ongoing. The books follow characters Zig and Nola through interconnected stories that should be read in publication order: The Escape Artist, The Lightning Rod, and The Viper. This action-driven series combines elements of mystery and suspense as Meltzer weaves together plots of deception and intrigue.
Start with The Escape Artist and read in order.
Start this series with The Escape Artist
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible
Graphic Novels Series
Ongoing3 books (2004–2026)
Brad Meltzer has written two graphic novels spanning from 2004 to 2024, with the series remaining ongoing. Read these books in publication order, beginning with Identity Crisis. The series combines mystery, thriller, and action elements across its entries.
Start with Identity Crisis and read in order.
Start this series with Identity Crisis
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on AudibleGreen Arrow Quiver Series
Complete8 books (2001–2007)
The Green Arrow Quiver series is a complete eight-book collection following the adventures of the iconic DC Comics archer, published between 2001 and 2007. Written by multiple authors including Kevin Smith, Brad Meltzer, Judd Winick, and Scott McDaniel, the series should be read in publication order to follow the ongoing narrative arc. These action-packed graphic novels blend superhero adventure with mystery and thriller elements, offering readers a comprehensive exploration of Green Arrow's character and conflicts over nearly a decade of storytelling.
Start with Quiver(By: Kevin Smith), the first of 8 books in the Green Arrow Quiver series.
Start this series with Quiver(By: Kevin Smith)
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible| # | Title |
|---|---|
| 1 | |
| 2 | |
| 3 | |
| 4 | |
| 5 | |
| 6 | |
| 7 | |
| 8 |
Green Arrow/Black Canary Series
Likely Complete6 books (2007–2021)
This six-book Green Arrow/Black Canary series follows the romantic relationship between the two DC Comics heroes across storylines published between 2007 and 2021. The collection should be read in publication order, beginning with For Better or Worse and concluding with Till Death Do They Part. Multiple writers including Brad Meltzer, Judd Winick, Tony Bedard, and J. Torres contribute to the series, which appears to be complete.
Start with For Better or Worse(With: Elliot S. Maggin), the first of 6 books in the Green Arrow/Black Canary series.
Start this series with For Better or Worse(With: Elliot S. Maggin)
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible| # | Title |
|---|---|
| 1 | |
| 2 | |
| 3 | |
| 4 | |
| 5 | |
| 6 |
Justice League of America Series
Complete15 books (2008–2020)
Brad Meltzer's Justice League of America series spans 14 complete graphic novels published between 2008 and 2020, featuring contributions from multiple acclaimed writers and artists including Geoff Johns, James Robinson, and Dwayne McDuffie. The series should be read in publication order, beginning with Lightning Saga and concluding with the final Justice League of America installment. This superhero series combines action-packed storytelling with mystery elements across its interconnected narrative arcs.
Start with Lightning Saga(With: Geoff Johns), the first of 14 books in the Justice League of America series.
Start this series with Lightning Saga(With: Geoff Johns)
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible| # | Title |
|---|---|
| 1 | |
| 2 | |
| 3 | |
| 4 | |
| 5 | |
| 6 | |
| 7 | |
| 8 | |
| 9 | |
| 10 | |
| 11 | |
| 12 | |
| 13 | |
| 14 | |
| 15 |
Kelly Thompson Graphic Novels Series
Ongoing15 books (2015–2025)
Kelly Thompson's graphic novel series spans 15 books published between 2015 and 2025, with new releases continuing. The collection includes original works alongside licensed properties such as Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Ghostbusters, Nancy Drew, and Marvel titles, all best read in publication order. Thompson's diverse output ranges from action-adventure and mystery to young adult storytelling, making the series appealing to multiple audiences.
Start with Captain Marvel and the Carol Corps(By: Kelly Sue DeConnick,David López,Kelly Thompson), the first of 15 books in the Kelly Thompson Graphic Novels series.
Start this series with Captain Marvel and the Carol Corps(By: Kelly Sue DeConnick,David López,Kelly Thompson)
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible| # | Title |
|---|---|
| 1 | |
| 2 | |
| 3 | |
| 4 | |
| 5 | |
| 6 | |
| 7 | |
| 8 | |
| 9 | |
| 10 | |
| 11 | |
| 12 | |
| 13 | |
| 14 | |
| 15 |
Non-Fiction Series
Ongoing8 books (2010–2025)
Brad Meltzer's non-fiction series spans eight books published between 2010 and 2025, exploring inspirational figures, historical conspiracies, and creative motivation. The series includes inspirational collections like Heroes for My Son and Heroes for My Daughter, conspiracy investigations co-written with Josh Mensch covering pivotal American historical events, and the motivational guide Make Magic. This ongoing series should be read in publication order, beginning with Heroes for My Son, to follow the author's evolving exploration of history, inspiration, and untold stories.
Start with Heroes for My Son, the first of 8 books in the Non-Fiction series.
Start this series with Heroes for My Son
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible| # | Title |
|---|---|
| 1 | |
| 2 | |
| 3 | |
| 4 | |
| 5 | |
| 6 | |
| 7 | |
| 8 |
Ordinary People Change the World Series
Ongoing47 books (2014–2027)
Brad Meltzer's Ordinary People Change the World series comprises 40 biographical books published between 2014 and 2026, with the series still ongoing. Each installment focuses on a different historical figure who made significant contributions to society, including Abraham Lincoln, Albert Einstein, Amelia Earhart, Rosa Parks, and many others. The books should be read in publication order, beginning with I am Abraham Lincoln. This series blends young adult appeal with accessible non-fiction storytelling about influential figures throughout history.
Start with I am Abraham Lincoln, the first of 40 books in the Ordinary People Change the World series.
Start this series with I am Abraham Lincoln
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible| # | Title |
|---|---|
| 1 | |
| 2 | |
| 3 | |
| 4 | |
| 5 | |
| 6 | |
| 7 | |
| 8 | |
| 9 | |
| 10 | |
| 11 | |
| 12 | |
| 13 | |
| 14 | |
| 15 | |
| 16 | |
| 17 | |
| 18 | |
| 19 | |
| 20 | |
| 21 | |
| 22 | |
| 23 | |
| 24 | |
| 25 | |
| 26 | |
| 27 | |
| 28 | |
| 29 | |
| 30 | |
| 31 | |
| 32 | |
| 33 | |
| 34 | |
| 35 | |
| 36 | |
| 37 | |
| 38 | |
| 39 | |
| 40 | |
| 41 | |
| 42 | |
| 43 | |
| 44 | |
| 45 | |
| 46 | |
| 47 |
Standalone Novels Series
Complete8 books (1997–2016)
Brad Meltzer's eight standalone novels, published between 1997 and 2016, span mystery, thriller, and action-adventure genres with occasional young adult crossover appeal. Each book functions independently with its own characters and plot, though all showcase Meltzer's signature blend of intricate mysteries and high-stakes scenarios. Reading in publication order beginning with The Tenth Justice provides the best experience, as it shows the author's evolving storytelling style across his two-decade career. The series is now complete.
Start with The Tenth Justice, the first of 8 books in the Standalone Novels series.
Start this series with The Tenth Justice
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible| # | Title |
|---|---|
| 1 | |
| 2 | |
| 3 | |
| 4 | |
| 5 | |
| 6 | |
| 7 | |
| 8 |
Stories Change the World Series
Likely Complete3 books (2022–2023)
Brad Meltzer's Stories Change the World series consists of three illustrated young adult novels published between 2022 and 2023, each featuring a different DC Comics superhero. The series should be read in publication order, beginning with I Am Batman, followed by I Am Superman, and concluding with I Am Wonder Woman. While the series appears to be complete, each book can function as a standalone entry into the author's inspirational storytelling about iconic characters.
Start with I Am Batman and read in order.
Start this series with I Am Batman
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible
Superman: Action Comics Series
Ongoing21 books (2017–2025)
Superman: Action Comics is an ongoing series spanning 21 books published from 2017 to 2025, featuring contributions from multiple writers including Dan Jurgens, Brian Michael Bendis, and Phillip Kennedy Johnson. The series should be read in publication order, beginning with Men of Steel and continuing through its most recent installments. This collection combines action, adventure, and mystery elements across Superman's expanding narrative universe.
Start with Men of Steel(By: Dan Jurgens), the first of 21 books in the Superman: Action Comics series.
Start this series with Men of Steel(By: Dan Jurgens)
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible| # | Title |
|---|---|
| 1 | |
| 2 | |
| 3 | |
| 4 | |
| 5 | |
| 6 | |
| 7 | |
| 8 | |
| 9 | |
| 10 | |
| 11 | |
| 12 | |
| 13 | |
| 14 | |
| 15 | |
| 16 | |
| 17 | |
| 18 | |
| 19 | |
| 20 | |
| 21 |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many books has Brad Meltzer written?
- Brad Meltzer has written 164 books across 16 series. Their published works span from 1997 to 2027.
- What is the first book in each Brad Meltzer series?
- Here are the first books in Brad Meltzer's series: Anthologies: Natural Suspect; Aw Yeah Comics!: And... Action!(By: Art Baltazar); Beecher White/Culper Ring: The Inner Circle; Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Season 8: The Long Way Home(By: Joss Whedon,Brian K. Vaughan); Escape Artist/Zig & Nola: The Escape Artist.
- What order should I read Brad Meltzer's books?
- We recommend reading Brad Meltzer's series in publication order. Each series can be read independently.
- Is Brad Meltzer still writing new books?
- Yes, Brad Meltzer has 6 ongoing series: Escape Artist/Zig & Nola, Graphic Novels, Kelly Thompson Graphic Novels, Non-Fiction, Ordinary People Change the World and 1 more.