Brad Thor Books in Order

This reading order guide provides the complete list of Brad Thor books in order, from the very first to the latest, so you won’t miss anything!

Brad Thor is one of those authors whose life and work feel like the plot of one of his own thrilling novels. Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, Thor grew up surrounded by the rich history, culture, and energy of a major American city. But while other kids were out playing ball or watching cartoons, Brad Thor was already deep in the world of imagination. From a young age, he loved writing stories and dreaming up bold characters and dangerous adventures. That early passion for storytelling never left him—and it became the foundation for his incredible career as one of today’s top thriller writers.

After finishing high school in Chicago, Thor took his love for writing one step further. He enrolled at the University of Southern California (USC), where he studied creative writing and film production. He graduated cum laude, which means “with honors,” showing just how seriously he took his craft. At USC, Thor had the rare opportunity to study under award-winning novelist T.C. Boyle, a mentor who helped shape his voice and deepen his understanding of story structure, character development, and the emotional pulse of a great novel.

But Thor’s journey didn’t stop in the classroom. Before he became a bestselling author, Brad created and hosted a travel television show called Traveling Lite. In this series, he explored different parts of the world, sharing local history, culture, and insider travel tips with viewers. This real-world experience—visiting foreign places, learning about global issues, and connecting with people from different backgrounds—later became an important influence in his writing. His books are full of international settings and global threats, and now we know why: he’s actually been to many of these places himself.

One of the most fascinating chapters in Brad Thor’s life came when he worked with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. He was invited to join the Red Cell program—a special group made up of people from all sorts of backgrounds, including writers, scientists, and military experts. Their job? To think like the enemy. Red Cell’s mission was to imagine possible terror attacks and then come up with ways to stop them. This behind-the-scenes work gave Thor rare insights into national security, counterterrorism, and real-world intelligence work—insights that later shaped the action-packed, high-stakes plots of his novels.

Brad Thor’s first book, The Lions of Lucerne, was released to critical acclaim. It introduced readers to Scot Harvath, a tough yet deeply human former Navy SEAL turned covert operative. From the snow-covered mountains of Utah to the shadowy alleys of international espionage, Harvath’s missions are intense, emotional, and impossible to put down. Thor’s fans love the fast-paced plots, smart dialogue, and surprising twists—but what really makes the books special is the way they reflect real threats and real headlines. Each novel feels current, relevant, and incredibly real.

As his success grew, Brad Thor became a household name in the world of thriller fiction. His books have regularly landed on The New York Times Best Seller list and have been published in countries all over the world, from Denmark to Vietnam. His writing has drawn comparisons to legendary spy novelist Robert Ludlum, and it’s easy to see why. Like Ludlum, Thor knows how to create heart-pounding suspense while still building characters we care about.

Thor is also a regular guest on major news networks and talk shows. He’s appeared on CNN, FOX News, NBC, ABC, and PBS to share his thoughts on national security, global threats, and current events. His opinions are informed not just by research but by firsthand experience. He’s even been embedded with a Black Ops team in Afghanistan to better understand the reality of covert military operations. That kind of dedication brings a level of authenticity to his writing that’s hard to beat.

Outside of writing, Brad Thor is a man who believes in giving back. He’s actively involved in several charitable organizations, including the Wounded Warrior Project, the Yellow Ribbon Fund, and the Salvation Army. These causes reflect his deep respect for those who serve and protect our nation.

Today, Brad Thor lives in his hometown of Chicago with his wife. He continues to write gripping novels that keep readers on the edge of their seats. With each new release, Thor raises the bar higher, proving that he’s not just a master of thrillers—he’s a storyteller with heart, depth, and a mission to make readers think while keeping them entertained.