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.
Anthologies Series
Complete1 book (2009–2009)
Children's Series
Complete2 books (2006–2010)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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.