If you’re a fan of fast-paced thrillers, gripping mysteries, and high-stakes investigations, James Patterson’s Private series is a must-read. Centered around Jack Morgan, a former Marine turned head of the world’s most elite private investigation agency, this series takes you on a global adventure filled with suspense, intrigue, and unforgettable characters. Whether you’re new to the series or a longtime fan looking to revisit the action, this guide will walk you through the Private books in order, ensuring you don’t miss a single pulse-pounding moment. Let’s dive into the world of Private and explore why this series is a favorite among thriller enthusiasts!
Why Read the Private Series?
The Private series stands out for its addictive storytelling, short chapters, and global settings that keep you hooked from page one. Jack Morgan’s agency, Private, operates with cutting-edge forensic tools and unparalleled discretion, handling cases too sensitive for the police. From Hollywood scandals to international conspiracies, each book delivers a new mystery in a different city, featuring a diverse cast of investigators. With over 20 books in the series, including main novels and spin-offs, there’s no shortage of action-packed stories to enjoy.
Reading the books in order ensures you follow Jack’s journey and the evolution of his agency while catching subtle connections between cases. Below, we’ve compiled the complete list of Private books in publication order, which aligns with the chronological order, to help you navigate this thrilling series.
Complete List of Private Books in Order by James Patterson
Below is the complete list of James Patterson’s Private series books in publication order, presented in a table format. This includes main series novels and Bookshots spin-offs, up to the latest release as of 2025.
| # | Title | Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Private | 2010 | Jack Morgan inherits Private and tackles a gambling scandal, murders, and a personal tragedy. |
| 2 | Private London | 2011 | Dan Carter investigates abductions and murders in London to save a young student. |
| 3 | Private Games | 2012 | Peter Knight uncovers a plot to sabotage the London Olympics. |
| 4 | Private: #1 Suspect | 2012 | Jack is framed for his ex-lover’s murder while facing mob pressure. |
| 5 | Private Berlin | 2013 | Mattie Engel hunts a masked killer in Berlin after her ex-fiancé’s murder. |
| 6 | Private L.A. | 2014 | Jack faces a killer and a high-profile Hollywood kidnapping case. |
| 7 | Private Down Under / Oz | 2014 | Craig Gisto investigates a kidnapping, death threats, and murders in Sydney. |
| 8 | Private India | 2014 | Santosh Wagh tackles ritualistic murders in Mumbai. |
| 9 | Private Vegas | 2015 | Jack juggles a car bombing, a murder confession, and a friend’s imprisonment. |
| 10 | Private Sydney / Missing | 2015 | Craig Gisto searches for a missing CEO and a stolen baby in Sydney. |
| 11 | Private Paris | 2016 | Jack hunts a drug dealer and investigates symbolic murders in Paris. |
| 12 | Private Rio / The Games | 2016 | Jack uncovers a deadly virus plot during the Rio Olympics. |
| 13 | Private Delhi / Count to Ten | 2017 | Santosh Wagh investigates dissolved human remains in Delhi. |
| 14 | Private Royals (Bookshots) | 2016 | Jack and Private London tackle a royal kidnapping in a shorter novella. |
| 15 | Private Gold (Bookshots) | 2017 | A fast-paced spin-off featuring Private’s team in a new challenge. |
| 16 | Private Princess | 2018 | Jack protects a royal figure in London, uncovering a web of secrets. |
| 17 | Private Moscow | 2020 | Jack investigates a murder on the Moscow Stock Exchange. |
| 18 | Private Rogue / Private: Missing Persons | 2021 | Jack searches for a missing person amid personal and professional challenges. |
| 19 | Private Beijing | 2022 | Jack’s team unravels a dangerous plot in China. |
| 20 | Private Rome | 2023 | Private’s Rome branch faces a complex case involving high-profile figures. |
| 21 | Private Monaco | 2024 | Jack must kill to save his kidnapped partner during the Monaco Grand Prix. |
| 22 | Private Dublin | 2025 | Jack and his team tackle new mysteries in Dublin (upcoming release). |
Notes:
- The main series includes Private, Private: #1 Suspect, Private L.A., Private Vegas, Private Paris, and The Games. Other books explore global branches or are Bookshots novellas.
- Reading in publication order is recommended to follow character arcs and recurring themes.
- Co-authors like Maxine Paetro, Mark Sullivan, and Ashwin Sanghi contribute to various books, adding diverse storytelling styles.
Private Series Books in Order

Here’s the full list of Private series books by James Patterson, including main series novels and Bookshots spin-offs, as of 2025:
- Private (2010)
Jack Morgan inherits Private, a top-tier investigation firm, and tackles a gambling scandal, unsolved murders, and a personal tragedy when his best friend’s wife is killed.
Why You’ll Love It: This book sets the stage with high-stakes cases and introduces Jack’s no-rules approach. - Private London (2011)
Dan Carter, head of Private London, races to save a young American student from a terrifying past as women are abducted and mutilated in London.
Why You’ll Love It: A chilling mystery with a British flair. - Private Games (2012)
During the London Olympics, Peter Knight investigates the murder of a key Olympic committee member, uncovering a plot to sabotage the Games.
Why You’ll Love It: Perfect for fans of sports and suspense. - Private: #1 Suspect (2012)
Jack becomes the prime suspect when his ex-lover is found dead in his bed, forcing him to clear his name while facing mob pressure.
Why You’ll Love It: A personal stakes-driven thriller. - Private Berlin (2013)
Mattie Engel hunts a masked killer in Berlin after her colleague and ex-fiancé is murdered, uncovering dark secrets in a slaughterhouse.
Why You’ll Love It: Gritty and intense with a haunting setting. - Private L.A. (2014)
Jack faces a killer called No Prisoners and a high-profile kidnapping case involving a Hollywood couple and their children.
Why You’ll Love It: A star-studded, action-packed ride. - Private Down Under / Oz (2014)
Craig Gisto and his Sydney team investigate a brutal kidnapping, a rock star’s death threats, and murders targeting wealthy wives.
Why You’ll Love It: A thrilling Australian adventure. - Private India (2014)
Santosh Wagh tackles ritualistic murders in Mumbai, racing against time to stop a killer threatening thousands.
Why You’ll Love It: A vibrant setting with cultural depth. - Private Vegas (2015)
Jack juggles a car bombing, a client’s murder confession, and his best friend’s false imprisonment in Las Vegas.
Why You’ll Love It: High stakes in the city of sin. - Private Sydney / Missing (2015)
Craig Gisto searches for a missing CEO whose existence has vanished, alongside a stolen baby and a brutal killer.
Why You’ll Love It: A multi-layered mystery Down Under. - Private Paris (2016)
Jack’s relaxing Paris trip turns deadly as he hunts a drug dealer and investigates symbolic murders of cultural elites.
Why You’ll Love It: A blend of glamour and danger. - Private Rio / The Games (2016)
During the Rio Olympics, Jack uncovers a catastrophic plan tied to a deadly virus from the World Cup.
Why You’ll Love It: A global thriller with Olympic stakes. - Private Delhi / Count to Ten (2017)
Santosh Wagh investigates dissolved human remains in Delhi, facing a conspiracy that could make him a target.
Why You’ll Love It: A dark, high-stakes investigation. - Private Royals (2016, Bookshots)
A shorter spin-off featuring Jack Morgan and Private London tackling a royal kidnapping.
Why You’ll Love It: A quick, royal-themed thrill. - Private Gold (2017, Bookshots)
Another fast-paced spin-off with Private’s team facing a new challenge.
Why You’ll Love It: Perfect for a quick read. - Private Princess (2018)
Jack teams up with Private London to protect a royal figure, uncovering a web of secrets.
Why You’ll Love It: Royalty and danger collide. - Private Moscow (2020)
Jack investigates a murder on the Moscow Stock Exchange, navigating Russian intrigue.
Why You’ll Love It: A cold, calculated conspiracy. - Private Rogue / Private: Missing Persons (2021)
Jack searches for a missing person while facing personal and professional challenges.
Why You’ll Love It: A deep dive into Jack’s resilience. - Private Beijing (2022)
Jack’s team tackles a case in China, unraveling a dangerous plot.
Why You’ll Love It: A fresh setting with intense action. - Private Rome (2023)
Private’s Rome branch faces a complex case involving high-profile figures.
Why You’ll Love It: A cultural and suspenseful journey. - Private Monaco (2024)
Jack must kill to save his kidnapped partner, Justine, during a deadly conspiracy at the Monaco Grand Prix.
Why You’ll Love It: A heart-pounding race against time. - Private Dublin (2025)
The latest installment, set in Dublin, promises new mysteries for Jack and his team.
Why You’ll Love It: A fresh addition to keep you guessing.
Note: The main series includes Private, Private: #1 Suspect, Private L.A., Private Vegas, Private Paris, and The Games, while others expand to global branches or are Bookshots novellas.
Reading Tips for the Private Series
- Start with Private: It introduces Jack Morgan and the agency’s core concept.
- Follow Publication Order: The series is best enjoyed in the order listed above to track character arcs and recurring themes.
- Don’t Skip Bookshots: Private Royals and Private Gold are shorter but add fun side stories.
- Expect Co-Authors: Patterson collaborates with writers like Maxine Paetro, Mark Sullivan, and Ashwin Sanghi, bringing diverse styles to each book.
Why the Private Series is Perfect for Thriller Fans
- Global Adventures: From Los Angeles to Moscow, each book explores a new city with vivid settings.
- Fast-Paced Plots: Short chapters and multiple storylines keep you turning pages.
- Complex Characters: Jack Morgan and his team, like Dan Carter and Santosh Wagh, face personal and professional challenges.
- High Stakes: Cases involve elite clients, international conspiracies, and life-or-death scenarios.
FAQs About the Private Series
Q: How many books are in the Private series?
A: As of 2025, there are 22 books, including 19 main novels and 2 Bookshots novellas, with Private Dublin set to release in 2025.
Q: Do I need to read the Private books in order?
A: While each book can stand alone, reading in publication order enhances the experience by following Jack Morgan’s journey and recurring characters.
Q: Who writes the Private series?
A: James Patterson is the primary author, often collaborating with co-authors like Maxine Paetro, Mark Sullivan, and Ashwin Sanghi.
Q: What is the latest Private book?
A: Private Monaco (2024) is the most recent, with Private Dublin expected in 2025.
Q: Are there similar series to Private?
A: Fans may enjoy Patterson’s Alex Cross or Michael Bennett series, or try The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson for a similar investigative thrill.
Final Thoughts
James Patterson’s Private series is a rollercoaster of suspense, perfect for readers who crave action, mystery, and global intrigue. With Jack

