If you’re a fan of adventure, mystery, and puzzles, The 39 Clues series is a must-read! This action-packed middle-grade series, created by Rick Riordan and continued by a talented lineup of authors, follows siblings Amy and Dan Cahill as they unravel a global treasure hunt tied to their powerful family. With multiple series and spin-offs, keeping track of the reading order can be tricky. In this guide, we’ll break down The 39 Clues books in order, share why the series captivates readers, and offer tips for diving into this thrilling world. Let’s get started!
Why Read The 39 Clues?
The 39 Clues combines fast-paced storytelling with historical intrigue, puzzles, and a diverse cast of characters. Aimed at readers aged 8–12 but loved by all ages, the series follows the Cahill siblings as they compete against their relatives to find 39 clues that unlock a secret granting immense power. With ties to real-world historical figures like Benjamin Franklin and Cleopatra, the books are both educational and entertaining.
The series spans several sub-series, including the original The 39 Clues, Cahills vs. Vespers, Unstoppable, Doublecross, and Superspecial. Each arc builds on the last, so reading in order enhances the experience. Below, we’ve listed every book in publication order, including spin-offs and companion stories, to help you navigate the adventure.
The 39 Clues Books In Order: Series Table
Below is a complete list of The 39 Clues books in order, organized by series and presented in a table format. The series includes the original The 39 Clues, Cahills vs. Vespers, Unstoppable, Doublecross, Superspecial, and companion books/novellas.
| Series | Book Number | Title | Author | Publication Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The 39 Clues (Original Series) | 1 | The Maze of Bones | Rick Riordan | 2008 |
| The 39 Clues (Original Series) | 2 | One False Note | Gordon Korman | 2008 |
| The 39 Clues (Original Series) | 3 | The Sword Thief | Peter Lerangis | 2009 |
| The 39 Clues (Original Series) | 4 | Beyond the Grave | Jude Watson | 2009 |
| The 39 Clues (Original Series) | 5 | The Black Circle | Patrick Carman | 2009 |
| The 39 Clues (Original Series) | 6 | In Too Deep | Jude Watson | 2009 |
| The 39 Clues (Original Series) | 7 | The Viper’s Nest | Peter Lerangis | 2010 |
| The 39 Clues (Original Series) | 8 | The Emperor’s Code | Gordon Korman | 2010 |
| The 39 Clues (Original Series) | 9 | Storm Warning | Linda Sue Park | 2010 |
| The 39 Clues (Original Series) | 10 | Into the Gauntlet | Margaret Peterson Haddix | 2010 |
| The 39 Clues (Original Series) | 11 | Vespers Rising | Rick Riordan, Peter Lerangis, Gordon Korman, Jude Watson | 2011 |
| Cahills vs. Vespers | 12 | The Medusa Plot | Gordon Korman | 2011 |
| Cahills vs. Vespers | 13 | A King’s Ransom | Jude Watson | 2011 |
| Cahills vs. Vespers | 14 | The Dead of Night | Peter Lerangis | 2012 |
| Cahills vs. Vespers | 15 | Shatterproof | Roland Smith | 2012 |
| Cahills vs. Vespers | 16 | Trust No One | Linda Sue Park | 2012 |
| Cahills vs. Vespers | 17 | Day of Doom | David Baldacci | 2013 |
| Unstoppable | 18 | Nowhere to Run | Jude Watson | 2013 |
| Unstoppable | 19 | Breakaway | Jeff Hirsch | 2014 |
| Unstoppable | 20 | Countdown | Natalie Standiford | 2014 |
| Unstoppable | 21 | Flashpoint | Gordon Korman | 2014 |
| Doublecross | 22 | Mission Titanic | Jude Watson | 2015 |
| Doublecross | 23 | Mission Hindenburg | C. Alexander London | 2015 |
| Doublecross | 24 | Mission Hurricane | Jenny Goebel | 2016 |
| Doublecross | 25 | Mission Atomic | Sarwat Chadda | 2016 |
| Superspecial | 26 | Outbreak | C. Alexander London | 2016 |
| Companion Books | – | The Black Book of Buried Secrets | Rick Riordan | 2010 |
| Companion Books (E-book Novellas) | – | The 39 Clues: Rapid Fire (7 novellas) | Various Authors | 2010–2011 |
| Companion Books (E-book Novellas) | – | The 39 Clues: The Cahill Files (4 novellas) | Various Authors | 2012 |
| Companion Books (E-book) | – | The 39 Clues: Doublecross – Operation Triple Threat | Unknown Author | 2016 |
The 39 Clues Books in Order
Here’s the complete reading order for The 39 Clues series, organized by sub-series. Each book is written by a different author, bringing unique flair to the saga.
The 39 Clues (Original Series, Books 1–11)
This foundational series introduces Amy and Dan Cahill as they race to find the 39 clues.
- The Maze of Bones by Rick Riordan (2008)
Amy and Dan learn about their family’s secret and begin the global clue hunt. - One False Note by Gordon Korman (2008)
The siblings chase clues tied to Mozart in Vienna. - The Sword Thief by Peter Lerangis (2009)
A trip to Japan reveals alliances and betrayals. - Beyond the Grave by Jude Watson (2009)
Egypt holds secrets tied to the Cahill past. - The Black Circle by Patrick Carman (2009)
Russia’s history unfolds as the hunt intensifies. - In Too Deep by Jude Watson (2009)
Australia brings danger and family revelations. - The Viper’s Nest by Peter Lerangis (2010)
South Africa holds clues and deadly encounters. - The Emperor’s Code by Gordon Korman (2010)
A chase through China tests the siblings’ bond. - Storm Warning by Linda Sue Park (2010)
The Caribbean hides pirate-themed secrets. - Into the Gauntlet by Margaret Peterson Haddix (2010)
The clue hunt reaches its thrilling climax. - Vespers Rising by Rick Riordan, Peter Lerangis, Gordon Korman, and Jude Watson (2011)
A bridge book exploring Cahill history and introducing the next series.
Cahills vs. Vespers (Books 12–17)
This sequel series pits the Cahills against a new enemy, the Vespers.
- The Medusa Plot by Gordon Korman (2011)
Kidnappings raise the stakes as the Vespers emerge. - A King’s Ransom by Jude Watson (2011)
Amy and Dan hunt for clues in Europe. - The Dead of Night by Peter Lerangis (2012)
The search leads to danger in Istanbul. - Shatterproof by Roland Smith (2012)
The siblings face high-tech threats. - Trust No One by Linda Sue Park (2012)
Betrayal looms as the Vespers’ plan unfolds. - Day of Doom by David Baldacci (2013)
The explosive finale of the Cahills vs. Vespers arc.
Unstoppable (Books 18–21)
The third series introduces a new threat and deeper Cahill secrets.
- Nowhere to Run by Jude Watson (2013)
A new enemy targets the Cahill family. - Breakaway by Jeff Hirsch (2014)
Amy and Dan chase clues across the globe. - Countdown by Natalie Standiford (2014)
Time runs out as the stakes climb higher. - Flashpoint by Gordon Korman (2014)
The Unstoppable arc concludes with shocking twists.
Doublecross (Books 22–25)
The fourth series ramps up the action with a traitor in the Cahill ranks.
- Mission Titanic by Jude Watson (2015)
A historical disaster ties to the clue hunt. - Mission Hindenburg by C. Alexander London (2015)
Airship secrets lead to danger. - Mission Hurricane by Jenny Goebel (2016)
Natural disasters complicate the mission. - Mission Atomic by Sarwat Chadda (2016)
The Doublecross arc ends with a bang.
Superspecial (Book 26)
- Outbreak by C. Alexander London (2016)
A standalone adventure wrapping up the series with a global crisis.
Companion Books and Spin-Offs
- The Black Book of Buried Secrets by Rick Riordan (2010)
A companion guide with Cahill family secrets and profiles. - The 39 Clues: Rapid Fire (E-book Novellas, 2010–2011)
Seven short stories by various authors, offering backstory and side adventures. - The 39 Clues: The Cahill Files (E-book Novellas, 2012)
Additional stories exploring Cahill history. - The 39 Clues: Doublecross – Operation Triple Threat (E-book, 2016)
A short companion to the Doublecross series.
Tips for Reading The 39 Clues
- Read in Order: While each book is a standalone adventure, the overarching plot builds across sub-series. Start with The Maze of Bones for the best experience.
- Explore Multimedia: The series includes an interactive online game and collectible cards that enhance the story. Check out Scholastic’s official 39 Clues website for extras.
- For All Ages: Though written for kids, the historical references and suspense make it enjoyable for teens and adults.
- Companion Books: Read The Black Book of Buried Secrets after the original series for deeper context, and dive into novellas for extra Cahill lore.
Why Fans Love The 39 Clues
Readers rave about the series’ blend of action, puzzles, and history. The diverse settings—from Tokyo to Timbuktu—immerse you in global cultures, while the sibling dynamic between Amy and Dan adds heart. With multiple authors, each book feels fresh yet cohesive. Fans on platforms like Goodreads praise the series for its cliffhangers and educational value, making it a hit for reluctant readers and bookworms alike.
Where to Start?
Grab The Maze of Bones by Rick Riordan to kick off your adventure. Available at major retailers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or your local library, it’s the perfect entry point. If you’re hooked, consider box sets for the original series or e-book bundles for novellas.
Conclusion
The 39 Clues is a rollercoaster of mystery, adventure, and family secrets that spans 26 books and multiple spin-offs. By following this reading order, you’ll experience the full thrill of Amy and Dan’s journey. Whether you’re a young reader or a parent looking for an engaging series, The 39 Clues delivers. Start your hunt today, and let us know your favorite book in the comments!
Happy reading, and may the clues lead you to adventure!
