Brad Meltzer Books in Order

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

Brad Meltzer is not just a bestselling author—he’s a storyteller at heart, with a passion for uncovering the truth behind power, mystery, and history. Born on April 1, 1970, in Brooklyn, New York, and raised in Miami, Florida, Brad grew up in a hardworking family that always believed in the power of determination. His father sold insurance after working in the garment business, and his mother worked in a furniture store. These early experiences helped shape Brad’s view of perseverance and the value of honest work—two themes that often show up in his novels.

From a young age, Brad was drawn to creative writing. It was more than a hobby—it was a calling. He graduated from North Miami Beach Senior High in 1988, then continued on to the University of Michigan, where his love for storytelling deepened. At just 19 years old, he interned on Capitol Hill, where the political energy of Washington, D.C. left a strong impression on him. After graduating in 1993, he was offered a magazine job, but when the editor he admired left the company, Brad made a bold decision—he turned down the offer and decided to write a novel instead.

His first book, Fraternity, never made it to publication. After dozens of rejections, most writers might have given up—but not Brad. He pushed forward, eventually selling his second novel The Tenth Justice while still in law school. That book became his breakout moment. Published in 1998, it became a New York Times bestseller and introduced readers to the kind of suspenseful legal thrillers that would become Meltzer’s signature.

Brad studied law at Columbia, attending with Cori, the woman he had loved since childhood. The two would eventually marry and go on to raise three children together—two sons and a daughter. Family plays a central role in Brad’s life, and you can feel that same sense of connection and loyalty in many of his stories.

Over the years, Brad Meltzer has continued to write gripping novels that combine legal drama, political intrigue, and emotional depth. His 1999 release Dead Even raised the stakes with a chilling concept: two married lawyers forced to battle each other in court to save each other’s lives. Since then, he’s released a string of successful books like The First Counsel, The Millionaires, The Zero Game, The Book of Fate, and The Fifth Assassin. His work blends fast-paced storytelling with real-life political and historical detail, which makes his books not only entertaining but also thought-provoking.

But Brad Meltzer is more than just a novelist. He’s also written comic books for DC, including a six-issue Green Arrow run and the critically acclaimed Identity Crisis, which shook up the Justice League universe with its emotional storyline and bold risks. His love for heroes—both fictional and real—also shines through in his nonfiction works like Heroes for My Son and Heroes for My Daughter. These books celebrate the quiet strength of everyday people and offer life lessons for the next generation.

In 2004, Brad brought his talents to television with Jack & Bobby, a show he co-created that imagined the childhood of a future U.S. President. A few years later, he hosted Brad Meltzer’s Decoded on the History Channel. The show explored unsolved mysteries, conspiracy theories, and hidden truths in American history. It captured viewers’ imaginations and showed just how curious and driven Brad is when it comes to seeking the truth.

Brad also has a deep respect for legacy and history. He helped restore the house where Superman was created—literally the home where Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster imagined the iconic superhero. It was an effort born out of gratitude for the characters and stories that inspired him to write in the first place.

What truly sets Brad Meltzer apart is his personal connection to his work. He once consulted with former President George H.W. Bush while writing The Fifth Assassin, even gaining insight into hidden tunnels beneath Washington, D.C.—a detail only a writer like Brad would go the extra mile to include. His books feel real because he does the research, asks the questions, and isn’t afraid to dig deeper.

Today, Brad Meltzer’s novels have been translated into over 25 languages and read by millions of people around the world. Whether he’s writing fiction, nonfiction, comics, or television, his work always focuses on one central idea: ordinary people can change the world. That belief is also the title of the website and campaign he created to promote real-life heroism—OrdinaryPeopleChangeTheWorld.com.

Brad Meltzer lives in Florida with his wife and children. Despite all the success, he remains grounded, curious, and committed to telling stories that matter. His writing reminds us that behind every mystery is a human story—and that sometimes, the truth is even more powerful than fiction.