Are you ready to dive into the heart-pounding world of Gregg Hurwitz? This New York Times bestselling author has captivated readers with his high-octane thrillers, emotionally charged characters, and gripping storytelling. From the adrenaline-fueled Orphan X series to his standalone novels and comic book contributions, Hurwitz’s work is a must-read for fans of crime, mystery, and suspense. But with over 25 books, where should you start? This SEO-optimized guide lists all Gregg Hurwitz books in order, helping you navigate his series and standalone novels for an unforgettable reading journey. Let’s get started!
Who Is Gregg Hurwitz?
Gregg Hurwitz is an American novelist, screenwriter, and comic book writer known for blending action, suspense, and deep emotional resonance. Born in the San Francisco Bay Area, Hurwitz holds a BA from Harvard and a Master’s in Shakespearean tragedy from Trinity College, Oxford. His passion for storytelling began early, inspired by authors like Stephen King and Alfred Hitchcock. Hurwitz’s novels, translated into over 30 languages, have earned nominations for prestigious awards like the CWA Ian Fleming Steel Dagger and ITW Best Novel. He’s also penned comics for Marvel (Wolverine, Punisher) and DC (Batman, Penguin), and his Orphan X series is set to hit the big screen.
Whether you’re new to Hurwitz or a longtime fan, this guide organizes his books by series and publication order, with tips on where to begin.
Why Read Gregg Hurwitz’s Books?
What makes Gregg Hurwitz stand out in the thriller genre? His novels combine fast-paced action with complex characters facing extraordinary circumstances. Think Jason Bourne meets Jack Reacher, but with a human touch that grounds the high stakes. Readers love Hurwitz for:
- Pulse-pounding plots: Each book keeps you turning pages with relentless suspense.
- Relatable heroes: Protagonists like Evan Smoak and Tim Rackley balance strength with vulnerability.
- Emotional depth: Hurwitz weaves personal struggles into thrilling narratives, making every story resonate.
Ready to explore? Below, we’ve listed all Gregg Hurwitz books in order, including his series, standalone novels, and comics.
List of Gregg Hurwitz Books In Order
| Year | Series | Title |
|---|---|---|
| 1999 | Standalone | The Tower |
| 2001 | Standalone | Minutes to Burn |
| 2003 | Tim Rackley #1 | The Kill Clause |
| 2004 | Tim Rackley #2 | The Program |
| 2004 | Anthology Contribution | All Said and Done (in Show Business is Murder) |
| 2005 | Tim Rackley #3 | Troubleshooter |
| 2005 | Anthology Contribution | The Real Thing (in Meeting Across the River) |
| 2006 | Tim Rackley #4 | Last Shot |
| 2007 | Standalone | The Crime Writer (also published as I See You) |
| 2008 | Standalone | Trust No One (also published as We Know in the UK) |
| 2009 | Standalone | They’re Watching (also published as Or She Dies in the UK) |
| 2011 | Standalone | You’re Next |
| 2013 | Standalone | Tell No Lies |
| 2014 | Standalone | Don’t Look Back |
| 2016 | Orphan X #1 | Orphan X |
| 2016 | Orphan X #1.5 | Buy a Bullet (short story) |
| 2016 | Rains #1 | The Rains |
| 2017 | Orphan X #2 | The Nowhere Man |
| 2017 | Rains #2 | Last Chance |
| 2018 | Orphan X #3 | Hellbent |
| 2018 | Orphan X #3.5 | The Intern (short story) |
| 2019 | Orphan X #4 | Out of the Dark |
| 2020 | Orphan X #5 | Into the Fire |
| 2020 | Orphan X #5.5 | The List (short story) |
| 2021 | Orphan X #6 | Prodigal Son |
| 2022 | Orphan X #7 | Dark Horse |
| 2023 | Orphan X #8 | The Last Orphan |
| 2023 | Orphan X #8.5 | The Recital (short story) |
| 2024 | Orphan X #9 | Lone Wolf |
| 2025 | Orphan X #10 | Nemesis |
| 2025 | Orphan X #10.5 | The Code (short story) |
| 2026 | Orphan X #11 | Antihero (upcoming, scheduled for February 10, 2026) |
Gregg Hurwitz Book Series in Order
Hurwitz has written three main book series: the Orphan X series, the Tim Rackley series, and the Rains series, plus several standalone novels and comics. Here’s the complete reading order for each.
Orphan X Series (Evan Smoak / The Nowhere Man)
The Orphan X series follows Evan Smoak, a former black-ops assassin trained in a top-secret program. After breaking free, he becomes the Nowhere Man, helping those with nowhere else to turn. This series is Hurwitz’s most popular, blending intense action with Evan’s emotional journey. The chronological and publication orders are nearly identical, except for the short story Buy a Bullet.
- Orphan X (2016) – Evan Smoak, trained as an assassin, reinvents himself as the Nowhere Man in this explosive series opener. A stylish, smart thriller perfect for fans of Jack Reacher.
- Buy a Bullet (2016, short story) – A quick, action-packed novella introducing Evan’s mission to help the desperate.
- The Nowhere Man (2017) – Evan faces a deadly enemy who knows his past, testing his skills and resolve.
- Hellbent (2017) – A fan favorite, this book ramps up the stakes as Evan protects a young orphan from his former program.
- The Intern (2018, short story) – A brief but intense glimpse into Evan’s world.
- Out of the Dark (2019) – Evan takes on a dangerous conspiracy, with action that “explodes into a sky-high denouement.”
- Into the Fire (2020) – Evan battles to save a client in a depressed rural area, facing threats from all sides.
- The List (2020, short story) – A short, gripping tale of Evan’s relentless pursuit of justice.
- Prodigal Son (2021) – Evan grapples with his past while protecting a new client.
- Dark Horse (2022) – Readers call this a “page-turner” with Evan facing a drug lord’s empire.
- The Last Orphan (2023) – Evan’s moral code is tested in this intense installment.
- The Recital (2023, short story) – A fast-paced addition to Evan’s story.
- Lone Wolf (2024) – Evan takes on a new mission with high stakes and personal conflict.
- Nemesis (2025) – The latest bestseller pits Evan against his oldest friend, Tommy Stojack, in a clash of principles.
- The Code (2025, upcoming) – Set for release on September 2, 2025, this is the next thrilling chapter in Evan’s journey.
Reading Tip: Start with Orphan X for the best introduction to Evan Smoak. If you love short stories, sprinkle in the novellas after each main novel for extra depth.
Tim Rackley Series
This four-book series follows Tim Rackley, a U.S. Marshal whose life unravels after his daughter’s brutal murder. It’s a gritty, emotional revenge saga that explores justice and corruption.
- The Kill Clause (2003) – Tim’s daughter is murdered, and a flawed justice system pushes him to join a vigilante group.
- The Program (2004) – Tim infiltrates a dangerous cult to rescue a young woman, risking everything.
- Troubleshooter (2005) – Tim hunts a biker gang leader while battling personal demons.
- Last Shot (2006) – The series finale sees Tim tackling a corporate conspiracy with deadly stakes.
Reading Tip: Perfect for readers who enjoy emotionally charged thrillers. Start with The Kill Clause to follow Tim’s transformation.
Rains Series (Young Adult)
This post-apocalyptic duology follows brothers Chance and Patrick Rains in a dystopian world. It’s a thrilling, emotional ride for YA and adult readers alike.
- The Rains (2016) – Brothers Chance and Patrick fight for survival in a world where adults turn into monsters.
- Last Chance (2017) – The gripping conclusion to the Rains brothers’ battle.
Reading Tip: Ideal for fans of dystopian fiction like The Hunger Games. Read in publication order for the full story arc.
Standalone Novels by Gregg Hurwitz
Hurwitz’s standalone novels are fast-paced, compact thrillers that showcase his versatility. They’re perfect for readers who want a complete story in one book.
- The Tower (1999) – Hurwitz’s debut, a psychological thriller about a serial killer and a former FBI agent, set in San Francisco.
- Minutes to Burn (2001) – A sci-fi thriller about a deadly virus unleashed in the Galápagos Islands.
- Do No Harm (2002) – A medical thriller where a doctor faces a moral dilemma during a hospital crisis.
- The Crime Writer (2007) – A novelist wakes up with amnesia and must prove his innocence in a murder case.
- Trust No One (2008) – Nick Horrigan uncovers a conspiracy tied to his stepfather’s death 17 years earlier.
- They’re Watching (2010) – A man discovers his life is being manipulated in a chilling conspiracy.
- You’re Next (2011) – A Richard and Judy Book Club pick, this thriller follows a man protecting his family from a mysterious threat.
- The Survivor (2012) – A man on the brink of suicide is thrust into a deadly mission to save others.
- Tell No Lies (2013) – A counselor’s past collides with a dangerous present in San Francisco.
- Don’t Look Back (2014) – A single mother’s jungle vacation in Mexico turns into a fight for survival.
Reading Tip: The Tower and You’re Next are great starting points for standalone fans due to their critical acclaim and fast pace.
Gregg Hurwitz’s Comic Books and Graphic Novels
Hurwitz’s comic book work for Marvel and DC adds another layer to his storytelling prowess. These are perfect for fans of action-packed graphic novels.
- Vengeance of the Moon Knight, Vol. 1 (2009)
- Vengeance of the Moon Knight, Vol. 2 (2010)
- New Think, Vol. 1 (2022)
- Birds of Prey: The Harlan Coben Challenge (2022, with multiple authors)
- All Said and Done (2004, short story in Show Business is Murder)
Reading Tip: Start with Vengeance of the Moon Knight for a taste of Hurwitz’s gritty comic style, especially if you love Marvel characters.
How to Choose the Best Gregg Hurwitz Book for You
With so many options, where should you begin? Here are quick recommendations based on your preferences:
- Love high-octane action? Start with Orphan X for Evan Smoak’s assassin-turned-hero journey.
- Prefer emotional revenge stories? Try The Kill Clause from the Tim Rackley series.
- Enjoy dystopian YA? Dive into The Rains for a thrilling post-apocalyptic adventure.
- Want a quick, standalone thriller? Pick The Tower or You’re Next for a complete, fast-paced read.
- Comic book fan? Check out Vengeance of the Moon Knight for Hurwitz’s take on Marvel’s vigilante hero.
Why Fans Can’t Get Enough of Gregg Hurwitz
Readers rave about Hurwitz’s ability to craft stories that are both thrilling and heartfelt. Fans on platforms like Goodreads praise the Orphan X series for its “gripping” plots and Evan Smoak’s complex character, with one reader saying, “Each book is better than the last!” His standalone novels, like The Tower, are lauded for their “brilliantly crafted” plots, while the Tim Rackley series resonates with those who love revenge-driven narratives. Hurwitz’s comic work also earns high marks for its intense, character-driven stories.
What’s Next for Gregg Hurwitz?
The Orphan X series continues to thrill, with The Code set to release on September 2, 2025. Fans are also excited about the upcoming Orphan X film adaptation, though casting details (like avoiding Tom Cruise for Evan Smoak) spark lively debates among readers. Stay tuned for more from Hurwitz, who shows no signs of slowing down.
Final Thoughts
Gregg Hurwitz’s books offer something for every thriller fan, from the action-packed Orphan X series to the emotional depth of the Tim Rackley books and the dystopian Rains duology. His standalone novels and comics add even more variety to his impressive catalog. By following this guide, you can read his books in order and find the perfect starting point for your next binge-read.
Which Gregg Hurwitz book will you pick up first? Let us know in the comments, and happy reading!
