John Rain Books in Order

This reading order guide provides a complete list of John Rain books in order, and is always kept updated so you won’t miss anything!

About the John Rain Series

The John Rain series, written by Barry Eisler, introduces readers to a fascinating character who is far from your typical hitman. John Rain is not just an assassin; he’s a man with a code, a past, and a soul full of shadows. His story is one that blends action, espionage, and personal struggle in a way that feels both cinematic and deeply human. If you’re looking for thrillers that go beyond bullets and blood, this series is a must-read.

What makes John Rain stand out from other fictional assassins is his unique set of rules. He doesn’t kill women or children. He refuses to work alongside secondary teams, and he never targets anyone other than the client’s main request. These rules aren’t just for show—they are what Rain lives by. They give him a twisted sense of honor in a world where morals are often lost. And they make us, the readers, feel connected to him, even when he does the unthinkable.

Rain’s specialty is subtle but deadly: he makes his kills look like natural deaths. A heart attack. A stroke. A simple accident. This makes him incredibly valuable to high-level clients who want someone gone—but without a mess. It also means every job is carefully planned and deeply psychological. Watching Rain operate is like watching a master artist at work, even when the outcome is deadly.

But John Rain isn’t just a machine. His backstory adds layers to his personality. Born to a Japanese father and an American mother, Rain carries the weight of two worlds on his shoulders. After losing his father, he and his mother moved to New York, where he grew up in a different culture. He later served in the Vietnam War as part of the special forces, and the scars of war never left him. Later recruited by the CIA, Rain eventually chose to work solo, taking contracts only from those who followed his rules. That choice cost him dearly—relationships, peace of mind, and any sense of a normal life.

The emotional core of the series lies in Rain’s constant battle with paranoia. He knows that getting close to someone means putting them in danger. That knowledge isolates him. He craves connection, yet pushes people away. He kills not just for survival, but to protect those few he lets into his world. That moral tension gives the books a haunting depth and makes John Rain feel real.

His personality is equally complex. He listens to jazz, enjoys single malt whisky, and has mastered multiple martial arts. His sophistication and discipline contrast sharply with his brutal profession. He can disappear into any crowd, change identities, and adapt to any situation. But under it all, there’s a man who just wants a way out—even if he knows he may never find one.

Across the series, from A Clean Kill in Tokyo to later titles like A Lonely Resurrection and Extremis, we watch Rain try again and again to walk away from the life. But each time, the past pulls him back. Whether he’s chasing a rival assassin through the streets of Tokyo or protecting someone he once loved, Rain is always caught in the gray space between duty and redemption.

The John Rain novels are perfect for readers who enjoy fast-paced thrillers with smart plots and emotional depth. They explore themes of identity, loyalty, and survival, all set against a backdrop of international intrigue. Barry Eisler’s writing is sharp, immersive, and full of tension that builds with every chapter.

Once you start reading, you’ll find it hard to stop. Because with John Rain, the danger is always close—and so is the heartbreak.

How many books are there in the John Rain series?

There are a total of 12 John Rain books. The series, written by Barry Eisler, includes the following titles in order: