Below is the complete list of Clive Cussler books in order. For this series, the chronological reading order is the same as the order of publication.
Publication Order of Dirk Pitt Books
- The Mediterranean Caper / Mayday! (1973)
The Mediterranean Caper / Mayday! was published in 1973 and is listed as book #1 in the Dirk Pitt series. - Iceberg (1974)
Published in 1974, Iceberg is listed as book #2 in the Dirk Pitt series. - Raise the Titanic! (1976)
Raise the Titanic! is a 1976 release and appears as book #3 in the Dirk Pitt series. - Vixen 03 (1978)
In the Dirk Pitt series, Vixen 03 is book #4 and was published in 1978. - Night Probe! (1981)
Night Probe! was first published in 1981; within the Dirk Pitt series, it is listed as book #5. - Pacific Vortex (1983)
Pacific Vortex was published in 1983 and is listed as book #6 in the Dirk Pitt series. - Deep Six (1984)
Published in 1984, Deep Six is listed as book #7 in the Dirk Pitt series. - Cyclops (1986)
Cyclops is a 1986 release and appears as book #8 in the Dirk Pitt series. - Treasure (1988)
In the Dirk Pitt series, Treasure is book #9 and was published in 1988. - Dragon (1990)
Dragon was first published in 1990; within the Dirk Pitt series, it is listed as book #10. - Sahara (1992)
Sahara was published in 1992 and is listed as book #11 in the Dirk Pitt series. - Inca Gold (1994)
Published in 1994, Inca Gold is listed as book #12 in the Dirk Pitt series. - Shock Wave (1996)
Shock Wave is a 1996 release and appears as book #13 in the Dirk Pitt series. - Flood Tide (1997)
In the Dirk Pitt series, Flood Tide is book #14 and was published in 1997. - Atlantis Found (1999)
Atlantis Found was first published in 1999; within the Dirk Pitt series, it is listed as book #15. - Valhalla Rising (2001)
Valhalla Rising was published in 2001 and is listed as book #16 in the Dirk Pitt series. - Trojan Odyssey (2003)
Published in 2003, Trojan Odyssey is listed as book #17 in the Dirk Pitt series. - Black Wind (2004)
(With Dirk Cussler)
Black Wind is a 2004 release and appears as book #18 in the Dirk Pitt series. - Treasure of Khan (2006)
(With Dirk Cussler)
In the Dirk Pitt series, Treasure of Khan is book #19 and was published in 2006. - Arctic Drift (2008)
(With Dirk Cussler)
Arctic Drift was first published in 2008; within the Dirk Pitt series, it is listed as book #20. - Crescent Dawn (2010)
(With Dirk Cussler)
Crescent Dawn was published in 2010 and is listed as book #21 in the Dirk Pitt series. - Poseidon’s Arrow (2012)
(With Dirk Cussler)
Published in 2012, Poseidon's Arrow is listed as book #22 in the Dirk Pitt series. - Havana Storm (2014)
(With Dirk Cussler)
Havana Storm is a 2014 release and appears as book #23 in the Dirk Pitt series. - Odessa Sea (2016)
(With Dirk Cussler)
In the Dirk Pitt series, Odessa Sea is book #24 and was published in 2016. - Celtic Empire (2018)
(With Dirk Cussler)
Celtic Empire was first published in 2018; within the Dirk Pitt series, it is listed as book #25. - The Devil’s Sea (2021)
(By Dirk Cussler)
The Devil's Sea was published in 2021 and is listed as book #26 in the Dirk Pitt series. - The Corsican Shadow (2023)
(By Dirk Cussler)
Published in 2023, The Corsican Shadow is listed as book #27 in the Dirk Pitt series. - Obsidian Sky (2026)
(By Dirk Cussler)
Obsidian Sky is a 2026 release and appears as book #28 in the Dirk Pitt series.
Publication Order of NUMA Files Books
- Serpent (1999)
(With Paul Kemprecos)
Serpent was published in 1999 and is listed as book #1 in the NUMA Files series. - Blue Gold (2000)
(With Paul Kemprecos)
Published in 2000, Blue Gold is listed as book #2 in the NUMA Files series. - Fire Ice (2002)
(With Paul Kemprecos)
Fire Ice is a 2002 release and appears as book #3 in the NUMA Files series. - White Death (2003)
(With Paul Kemprecos)
In the NUMA Files series, White Death is book #4 and was published in 2003. - Lost City (2004)
(With Paul Kemprecos)
Lost City was first published in 2004; within the NUMA Files series, it is listed as book #5. - Polar Shift (2005)
(With Paul Kemprecos)
Polar Shift was published in 2005 and is listed as book #6 in the NUMA Files series. - The Navigator (2007)
(With Paul Kemprecos)
Published in 2007, The Navigator is listed as book #7 in the NUMA Files series. - Medusa (2009)
(With Paul Kemprecos)
Medusa is a 2009 release and appears as book #8 in the NUMA Files series. - Devil’s Gate (2011)
(With Graham Brown)
In the NUMA Files series, Devil's Gate is book #9 and was published in 2011. - The Storm (2012)
(With Graham Brown)
The Storm was first published in 2012; within the NUMA Files series, it is listed as book #10. - Zero Hour (2013)
(With Graham Brown)
Zero Hour was published in 2013 and is listed as book #11 in the NUMA Files series. - Ghost Ship (2014)
(With Graham Brown)
Published in 2014, Ghost Ship is listed as book #12 in the NUMA Files series. - The Pharaoh’s Secret (2015)
(With Graham Brown)
The Pharaoh's Secret is a 2015 release and appears as book #13 in the NUMA Files series. - Nighthawk (2017)
(With Graham Brown)
In the NUMA Files series, Nighthawk is book #14 and was published in 2017. - The Rising Sea (2018)
(With Graham Brown)
The Rising Sea was first published in 2018; within the NUMA Files series, it is listed as book #15. - Sea of Greed (2019)
(With Graham Brown)
Sea of Greed was published in 2019 and is listed as book #16 in the NUMA Files series. - Journey of the Pharaohs (2020)
(With Graham Brown)
Published in 2020, Journey of the Pharaohs is listed as book #17 in the NUMA Files series. - Fast Ice (2021)
(With Graham Brown)
Fast Ice is a 2021 release and appears as book #18 in the NUMA Files series. - Dark Vector (2022)
(With Graham Brown)
In the NUMA Files series, Dark Vector is book #19 and was published in 2022. - Condor’s Fury (2023)
(With Graham Brown)
Condor's Fury was first published in 2023; within the NUMA Files series, it is listed as book #20. - Desolation Code (2024)
(With Graham Brown)
Desolation Code was published in 2024 and is listed as book #21 in the NUMA Files series. - Cold Fire (2026)
(By Graham Brown)
Published in 2026, Cold Fire is listed as book #22 in the NUMA Files series.
Publication Order of Oregon Files Books
- Golden Buddha (2003)
(With Craig Dirgo)
Golden Buddha was published in 2003 and is listed as book #1 in the Oregon Files series. - Sacred Stone (2004)
(With Craig Dirgo)
Published in 2004, Sacred Stone is listed as book #2 in the Oregon Files series. - Dark Watch (2005)
(With Jack Du Brul)
Dark Watch is a 2005 release and appears as book #3 in the Oregon Files series. - Skeleton Coast (2006)
(With Jack Du Brul)
In the Oregon Files series, Skeleton Coast is book #4 and was published in 2006. - Plague Ship (2008)
(With Jack Du Brul)
Plague Ship was first published in 2008; within the Oregon Files series, it is listed as book #5. - Corsair (2009)
(With Jack Du Brul)
Corsair was published in 2009 and is listed as book #6 in the Oregon Files series. - The Silent Sea (2010)
(With Jack Du Brul)
Published in 2010, The Silent Sea is listed as book #7 in the Oregon Files series. - The Jungle (2011)
(With Jack Du Brul)
The Jungle is a 2011 release and appears as book #8 in the Oregon Files series. - Mirage (2013)
(With Jack Du Brul)
In the Oregon Files series, Mirage is book #9 and was published in 2013. - Piranha (2015)
(With Boyd Morrison)
Piranha was first published in 2015; within the Oregon Files series, it is listed as book #10. - The Emperor’s Revenge (2017)
(With Boyd Morrison)
The Emperor's Revenge was published in 2017 and is listed as book #11 in the Oregon Files series. - Typhoon Fury (2017)
(With Boyd Morrison)
Published in 2017, Typhoon Fury is listed as book #12 in the Oregon Files series. - Shadow Tyrants (2018)
(With Boyd Morrison)
Shadow Tyrants is a 2018 release and appears as book #13 in the Oregon Files series. - Final Option (2019)
(With Boyd Morrison)
In the Oregon Files series, Final Option is book #14 and was published in 2019. - Marauder (2020)
(With Boyd Morrison)
Marauder was first published in 2020; within the Oregon Files series, it is listed as book #15. - Hellburner (2022)
(By Mike Maden)
Hellburner was published in 2022 and is listed as book #16 in the Oregon Files series. - Fire Strike (2023)
(By Mike Maden)
Published in 2023, Fire Strike is listed as book #17 in the Oregon Files series. - Ghost Soldier (2024)
(By Mike Maden)
Ghost Soldier is a 2024 release and appears as book #18 in the Oregon Files series. - Quantum Tempest (2025)
(By Mike Maden)
In the Oregon Files series, Quantum Tempest is book #19 and was published in 2025.
Publication Order of Isaac Bell Adventures Books
- The Chase (2007)
The Chase was published in 2007 and is listed as book #1 in the Isaac Bell Adventures series. - The Wrecker (2009)
(With Justin Scott)
Published in 2009, The Wrecker is listed as book #2 in the Isaac Bell Adventures series. - The Spy (2010)
(With Justin Scott)
The Spy is a 2010 release and appears as book #3 in the Isaac Bell Adventures series. - The Race (2011)
(With Justin Scott)
In the Isaac Bell Adventures series, The Race is book #4 and was published in 2011. - The Thief (2012)
(With Justin Scott)
The Thief was first published in 2012; within the Isaac Bell Adventures series, it is listed as book #5. - The Striker (2013)
(With Justin Scott)
The Striker was published in 2013 and is listed as book #6 in the Isaac Bell Adventures series. - The Bootlegger (2014)
(With Justin Scott)
Published in 2014, The Bootlegger is listed as book #7 in the Isaac Bell Adventures series. - The Assassin (2015)
(With Justin Scott)
The Assassin is a 2015 release and appears as book #8 in the Isaac Bell Adventures series. - The Gangster (2016)
(With Justin Scott)
In the Isaac Bell Adventures series, The Gangster is book #9 and was published in 2016. - The Cutthroat (2017)
(With Justin Scott)
The Cutthroat was first published in 2017; within the Isaac Bell Adventures series, it is listed as book #10. - The Titanic Secret (2019)
(With Jack Du Brul)
The Titanic Secret was published in 2019 and is listed as book #11 in the Isaac Bell Adventures series. - The Saboteurs (2021)
(With Jack Du Brul)
Published in 2021, The Saboteurs is listed as book #12 in the Isaac Bell Adventures series. - The Sea Wolves (2022)
(By Jack Du Brul)
The Sea Wolves is a 2022 release and appears as book #13 in the Isaac Bell Adventures series. - The Heist (2024)
(By Jack Du Brul)
In the Isaac Bell Adventures series, The Heist is book #14 and was published in 2024. - The Iron Storm (2025)
(By Jack Du Brul)
The Iron Storm was first published in 2025; within the Isaac Bell Adventures series, it is listed as book #15.
Publication Order of Fargo Adventures Books
- Spartan Gold (2009)
(With Grant Blackwood)
Spartan Gold was published in 2009 and is listed as book #1 in the Fargo Adventures series. - Lost Empire (2010)
(With Grant Blackwood)
Published in 2010, Lost Empire is listed as book #2 in the Fargo Adventures series. - The Kingdom (2011)
(With Grant Blackwood)
The Kingdom is a 2011 release and appears as book #3 in the Fargo Adventures series. - The Tombs (2012)
(With Thomas Perry)
In the Fargo Adventures series, The Tombs is book #4 and was published in 2012. - The Mayan Secrets (2013)
(With Thomas Perry)
The Mayan Secrets was first published in 2013; within the Fargo Adventures series, it is listed as book #5. - The Eye of Heaven (2014)
(With Russell Blake)
The Eye of Heaven was published in 2014 and is listed as book #6 in the Fargo Adventures series. - The Solomon Curse (2015)
(With Russell Blake)
Published in 2015, The Solomon Curse is listed as book #7 in the Fargo Adventures series. - Pirate (2016)
(With Robin Burcell)
Pirate is a 2016 release and appears as book #8 in the Fargo Adventures series. - The Romanov Ransom (2017)
(With Robin Burcell)
In the Fargo Adventures series, The Romanov Ransom is book #9 and was published in 2017. - The Gray Ghost (2018)
(With Robin Burcell)
The Gray Ghost was first published in 2018; within the Fargo Adventures series, it is listed as book #10. - The Oracle (2019)
(With Robin Burcell)
The Oracle was published in 2019 and is listed as book #11 in the Fargo Adventures series. - Wrath of Poseidon (2020)
(With Robin Burcell)
Published in 2020, Wrath of Poseidon is listed as book #12 in the Fargo Adventures series. - The Serpent’s Eye (2026)
(With Robin Burcell)
The Serpent's Eye is a 2026 release and appears as book #13 in the Fargo Adventures series.
Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books
- Clive Cussler and Dirk Pitt Revealed (1998)
Clive Cussler and Dirk Pitt Revealed was published in 1998 and is listed as book #1 in the Non-Fiction series. - Built for Adventure: The Classic Automobiles of Clive Cussler and Dirk Pitt (2011)
Published in 2011, Built for Adventure: The Classic Automobiles of Clive Cussler and Dirk Pitt is listed as book #2 in the Non-Fiction series. - Built to Thrill (2016)
Built to Thrill is a 2016 release and appears as book #3 in the Non-Fiction series.
Publication Order of The Sea Hunters Books
- The Sea Hunters (1994)
The Sea Hunters was published in 1994 and is listed as book #1 in the The Sea Hunters series. - The Sea Hunters II (2002)
Published in 2002, The Sea Hunters II is listed as book #2 in the The Sea Hunters series.
Publication Order of Children’s Books
- The Adventures of Vin Fiz (2006)
The Adventures of Vin Fiz was published in 2006 and is listed as book #1 in the Children's series. - The Adventures of Hotsy Totsy (2010)
Published in 2010, The Adventures of Hotsy Totsy is listed as book #2 in the Children's series.
About Clive Cussler
Clive Cussler was an American adventure novelist best known for creating fast-paced stories that blend historical mysteries, underwater exploration, and high-stakes action. Over several decades, his novels introduced readers to daring protagonists, hidden treasures, and global conspiracies, making him one of the most recognizable figures in modern adventure fiction.
Cussler was born on July 15, 1931, in Aurora, Illinois, and later grew up in Southern California. After attending Pasadena City College, he served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. His early professional life did not begin in publishing but in advertising, where he worked as a copywriter and creative director. During this period he developed the storytelling skills that would eventually lead him toward writing novels.
His first book, The Mediterranean Caper (1973), introduced the character Dirk Pitt, a marine engineer and adventurer working for the fictional National Underwater and Marine Agency (NUMA). Although the novel initially received modest attention, it established the foundation for the Dirk Pitt series, which would later become the centerpiece of Cussler’s career.
Cussler’s breakthrough came with Raise the Titanic! (1976), a novel that combines maritime history, Cold War intrigue, and an ambitious attempt to recover the legendary ocean liner from the ocean floor. The book became a major bestseller and helped establish Cussler as a leading voice in the adventure thriller genre.
Reading Clive Cussler’s books in publication order reveals the steady expansion of his fictional universe. The early Dirk Pitt novels focus on ocean exploration and underwater discoveries, often involving lost ships, ancient artifacts, or hidden technologies. As the series progressed, the scale of the adventures grew to include global conspiracies, international espionage, and elaborate historical mysteries.
One distinctive feature of Cussler’s novels is the blend of historical research and imaginative storytelling. Many of his plots begin with real historical events or legends—such as lost civilizations, sunken ships, or unexplained disappearances—and then build fictional narratives around them. This approach gives the stories a sense of realism while allowing for dramatic adventure.
In addition to the Dirk Pitt novels, Cussler created several other series featuring different protagonists. Among these are the NUMA Files series, the Oregon Files series, and the Isaac Bell series. Each explores a different style of adventure, from modern technological missions to historical detective stories set in the early twentieth century.
The NUMA Files series focuses on Kurt Austin and Joe Zavala, two engineers working for the same fictional marine agency that employs Dirk Pitt. Their stories often revolve around scientific discoveries and environmental threats connected to the world’s oceans.
The Oregon Files series follows a covert team operating from a ship disguised as a cargo vessel. Led by Juan Cabrillo, the group undertakes secret missions that often involve international espionage and political intrigue.
Cussler also wrote the Isaac Bell series, which shifts the focus to historical adventure. Set in the early 1900s, these novels follow a detective working for the Van Dorn Detective Agency as he investigates crimes during the era of railroads, early aviation, and industrial expansion.
Another interesting element of Cussler’s books is his occasional appearance as a fictional character within the stories. In several Dirk Pitt novels, a character named Clive Cussler briefly appears, often offering assistance or sharing historical knowledge. These cameo appearances became a playful signature within the series.
Beyond writing, Cussler had a strong interest in maritime history and shipwreck exploration. He founded the National Underwater and Marine Agency in real life as a nonprofit organization dedicated to discovering and documenting historic shipwrecks. His involvement in these projects reflected the same sense of adventure that defines his novels.
Across multiple series and dozens of novels, Clive Cussler created a body of work defined by exploration, historical intrigue, and large-scale adventure. Following his books in publication order reveals how his storytelling evolved while expanding a fictional universe filled with daring missions, hidden histories, and unforgettable characters.