Clive Cussler Reading Order
10 series · 224 books · Born 1931-07-15
Clive Cussler is a prolific adventure novelist and maritime historian who has written over 200 books across multiple series, most famously the Dirk Pitt novels that began in 1973 and remain his signature work. Beyond fiction, Cussler established himself as a leading expert on shipwrecks through his non-fiction research and by founding the National Underwater and Marine Agency, earning him a Doctor of Letters from the Maritime College of SUNY in recognition of his scholarly contributions. His action-packed narratives spanning adventure, military fiction, and children's literature have made him one of the most widely read authors in contemporary popular fiction.
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Anthologies Series
Complete1 book (2009–2009)
Children's Series
Complete2 books (2006–2010)
Clive Cussler's Children's series comprises two action-adventure books published between 2006 and 2010, following publication order from The Adventures of Vin Fiz through The Adventures of Hotsy Totsy. The complete series is now finished, making it ideal for readers seeking a concluded adventure story arc.
Start with The Adventures of Vin Fiz and read in order.
Start this series with The Adventures of Vin Fiz
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible
Dirk Pitt Series
OngoingChronological order differs28 books (1973–2026)
The Dirk Pitt series spans 28 adventure novels written by Clive Cussler from 1973 to 2026, with the series remaining ongoing. While publication order and chronological order differ, new readers should begin with The Mediterranean Caper (also published as Mayday!) and proceed in publication sequence to fully appreciate character development and narrative progression. The series follows standalone adventures that can be enjoyed individually, though reading in the recommended publication order provides the richest experience with recurring protagonist Dirk Pitt navigating high-stakes mysteries and salvage operations across the globe.
Start with The Mediterranean Caper / Mayday!. Publication and chronological order differ — publication order is recommended for first-time readers.
Start this series with The Mediterranean Caper / Mayday!
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Fargo Adventures Series
Ongoing13 books (2009–2026)
The Fargo Adventures series consists of thirteen action-packed novels written by Clive Cussler in collaboration with various authors including Grant Blackwood, Thomas Perry, Russell Blake, and Robin Burcell. Published between 2009 and 2026, the series follows in publication order beginning with Spartan Gold and continuing through The Serpent's Eye. The series remains ongoing, with new installments continuing to expand this adventure-filled franchise. These books blend treasure hunting and international intrigue across the young adult and adventure genres.
Start with Spartan Gold(With: Grant Blackwood), the first of 13 books in the Fargo Adventures series.
Start this series with Spartan Gold(With: Grant Blackwood)
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General Military Series
Likely Complete116 books (1950–2021)
The General Military series comprises 112 books exploring military history, warfare, and historical military figures across various time periods and conflicts. Published between 1950 and 2021, these works span from biographies like Otto Skorzeny to comprehensive studies of naval warfare, Napoleonic armies, and World War II operations. The series should be read in publication order and appears to be complete. This diverse collection serves as a reference resource for those interested in military history and strategy across multiple eras.
Start with Otto Skorzeny(By: Stuart Smith), the first of 112 books in the General Military series.
Start this series with Otto Skorzeny(By: Stuart Smith)
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Isaac Bell Adventures Series
Ongoing15 books (2007–2025)
The Isaac Bell Adventures is an ongoing action series comprising 15 books published from 2007 to 2025, with Clive Cussler collaborating with Justin Scott on the middle entries and Jack Du Brul taking over narrative duties in later installments. Readers should follow publication order beginning with The Chase, which introduces the series, then proceed through subsequent entries as each builds on the established foundation. The series spans from early 20th-century adventures through various historical periods, delivering fast-paced narratives that blend historical settings with adventure storytelling.
Start with The Chase, the first of 15 books in the Isaac Bell Adventures series.
Start this series with The Chase
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible| # | Title |
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NUMA Files Series
Ongoing25 books (1999–2026)
The NUMA Files is an ongoing action-adventure series by Clive Cussler that spans 22 books published from 1999 to 2026. The first eight novels were co-written with Paul Kemprecos, while subsequent entries feature collaboration with Graham Brown. Readers should follow the series in publication order to fully appreciate the developing storylines and character arcs, beginning with Serpent and continuing through the latest releases.
Start with Serpent(With: Paul Kemprecos), the first of 22 books in the NUMA Files series.
Start this series with Serpent(With: Paul Kemprecos)
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible| # | Title |
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Non-Fiction Series
Complete3 books (1998–2016)
Clive Cussler's three-book nonfiction series explores the author's life, passions, and famous character through a combination of memoir, automotive history, and adventure narratives. Published between 1998 and 2016, these complete works should be read in publication order: Clive Cussler and Dirk Pitt Revealed, Built for Adventure: The Classic Automobiles of Clive Cussler and Dirk Pitt, and Built to Thrill. The series blends Cussler's personal experiences with his creative work, offering readers insight into the real-world inspirations behind his action-adventure fiction.
Start with Clive Cussler and Dirk Pitt Revealed and read in order.
Start this series with Clive Cussler and Dirk Pitt Revealed
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible
Oregon Files Series
Ongoing19 books (2003–2025)
The Oregon Files is an action and adventure series by Clive Cussler, featuring 19 books published between 2003 and 2025, with the series still ongoing. Written in collaboration with various coauthors including Craig Dirgo, Jack Du Brul, and Boyd Morrison, the books should be read in publication order beginning with Golden Buddha. The series combines espionage, maritime adventure, and high-stakes missions across multiple international settings.
Start with Golden Buddha(With: Craig Dirgo), the first of 19 books in the Oregon Files series.
Start this series with Golden Buddha(With: Craig Dirgo)
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible| # | Title |
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The Sea Hunters Series
Complete2 books (1994–2002)
The Sea Hunters is a two-book nonfiction series by Clive Cussler published between 1994 and 2002. Both volumes should be read in publication order, beginning with The Sea Hunters followed by The Sea Hunters II. The complete series documents real-world maritime mysteries and historical shipwreck investigations.
Start with The Sea Hunters and read in order.
Start this series with The Sea Hunters
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many books has Clive Cussler written?
- Clive Cussler has written 224 books across 10 series. Their published works span from 1950 to 2026.
- What is the first book in each Clive Cussler series?
- Here are the first books in Clive Cussler's series: Children's: The Adventures of Vin Fiz; Dirk Pitt: The Mediterranean Caper / Mayday!; Fargo Adventures: Spartan Gold(With: Grant Blackwood); General Military: Otto Skorzeny(By: Stuart Smith); Isaac Bell Adventures: The Chase.
- What order should I read Clive Cussler's books?
- We recommend reading Clive Cussler's series in publication order. Note that some series have a different chronological order — see the series details above for guidance. Each series can be read independently.
- Is Clive Cussler still writing new books?
- Yes, Clive Cussler has 5 ongoing series: Dirk Pitt, Fargo Adventures, Isaac Bell Adventures, NUMA Files, Oregon Files.
- Should I read Clive Cussler's books in chronological or publication order?
- For first-time readers, we recommend publication order. Some of Clive Cussler's series have a different chronological order, but the stories were written to be enjoyed in the order they were published.