If you love heart-pounding espionage thrillers with razor-sharp authenticity, Ward Larsen is an author you need on your radar. A USA Today bestselling writer and seven-time Florida Book Award winner, Larsen draws from his real-life experience as a U.S. Air Force fighter pilot (including combat missions in Operation Desert Storm), federal law enforcement officer, and trained aircraft accident investigator. His novels blend high-stakes action, intricate plots, and meticulous technical detail — perfect for fans of Vince Flynn, Brad Thor, Daniel Silva, or Tom Clancy.
Larsen’s most beloved creation is David Slaton, a former Mossad “kidon” (elite assassin) who keeps getting pulled back into the shadows despite trying to live a normal life. The series is packed with globe-trotting intrigue, moral dilemmas, and edge-of-your-seat suspense. He also has an aviation-focused Jammer Davis trilogy, a WWII standalone, a political thriller, and recent co-authored works.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering him for the first time, here’s the complete Ward Larsen books in order — including publication sequence, series breakdowns, and reading recommendations as of November 2025.
David Slaton Series (Including Prequel and New Sub-Series)
The David Slaton thriller series is Ward Larsen’s flagship, featuring the retired Mossad assassin David Slaton. Books are best read in publication order for character arcs. Dark Vector (2025) introduces a new co-lead (Tru Miller) and kicks off a refreshed direction while continuing Slaton’s story.
| # | Title | Publication Year | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Perfect Assassin | 2006 | Series debut |
| 2 | Assassin’s Game | 2014 | |
| 3 | Assassin’s Silence | 2016 | |
| 4 | Assassin’s Code | 2017 | |
| 5 | Assassin’s Run | 2018 | |
| 6 | Assassin’s Revenge | 2019 | |
| 7 | Assassin’s Strike | 2020 | |
| Assassin’s Dawn | 2021 | Prequel novella (origins) | |
| 8 | Assassin’s Edge (also published as Assassin’s Mark) | 2023 | |
| 9 | Dark Vector | 2025 | Starts David Slaton & Tru Miller sub-series |
Jammer Davis Series (Aviation Thrillers)
A standalone-connected trilogy featuring aircraft accident investigator “Jammer” Davis.
| # | Title | Publication Year |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fly by Wire | 2010 |
| 2 | Fly by Night | 2011 |
| 3 | Passenger 19 | 2016 |
Standalone Novels
| Title | Publication Year | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Stealing Trinity | 2008 | WWII historical thriller |
| Deep Fake | 2023 | Modern political/AI thriller |
Collaborations & Upcoming Books (as of November 19, 2025)
| Title | Publication Year | Co-Author / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cold Zero | February 2026 | With Brad Thor (standalone thriller) |
| Rules of Engagement | May 2026 | Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan Universe (Book 27) focuses on John Clark. |
This is the complete and up-to-date list of all Ward Larsen books in series order. No new solo David Slaton novel has been announced beyond Dark Vector, but the series continues evolving! For the latest signed copies or news, check wardlarsen.com.
Ward Larsen Books in Order: The Complete Reading Guide for Thriller Fans (2025 Update)
David Slaton Series in Order (Main Series + Prequel)
The David Slaton books are the heart of Larsen’s bibliography. They can be read as standalones, but following publication order enhances character development (especially Slaton’s relationship with his wife Christine and their family).
- The Perfect Assassin (2006) Slaton’s explosive debut. A kidnapped oceanographer and a deadly assassin collide in this high-seas thriller that launched the series (and has been optioned for film!).
- Assassin’s Game (2014). Retired and happily married, Slaton is dragged back when his wife is targeted.
- Assassin’s Silence (2016) A downed aircraft in Africa uncovers a terrifying conspiracy.
- Assassin’s Code (2017) Slaton faces a rogue former mentor in Europe.
- Assassin’s Run (2018) Russian intrigue pulls Slaton into a deadly chase.
- Assassin’s Revenge (2019) Personal vengeance meets global threat.
- Assassin’s Strike (2020) A high-profile killing in Washington, D.C., threatens world stability.
- Assassin’s Edge (2022) (sometimes listed as Assassin’s Mark in early announcements) Slaton confronts a new breed of enemy.
- Assassin’s Dawn (2021) – Prequel Novella: Go back to Slaton’s early days in Mossad training. Perfect as a quick read anytime after the first few books!
Note: As of late 2025, no new full-length David Slaton novel has been announced beyond these, but Larsen often surprises fans — stay tuned!
Jammer Davis Series in Order (Aviation Thrillers)
Larsen’s love of flying shines in this fast-paced trilogy featuring crash investigator “Jammer” Davis. These are standalone but connected.
- Fly by Wire (2010) A revolutionary new plane crashes — accident or sabotage?
- Fly by Night (2011) Jammer uncovers dark secrets in the Middle East.
- Passenger 19 (2016) When Jammer’s own daughter vanishes on a flight over the ocean, the stakes become personal.
Standalone Novels
- Stealing Trinity (2008) is A gripping WWII historical thriller involving the Manhattan Project and a Nazi spy.
- Deep Fake (2023) A modern political thriller about deception, technology, and power — think Absolute Power meets cutting-edge AI threats.
Recent Releases & Collaborations
- Dark Vector (2025) – Co-authored with #1 NYT bestseller Brad Thor. A chilling Arctic showdown blending espionage and survival. (David Slaton crossover elements with the Scott Harvath universe.)
- Rules of Engagement (Upcoming – May 2026) Larsen’s next solo thriller — details emerging, but expect classic high-stakes action.
Recommended Reading Order for New Readers
- Start here if you love assassin/spy thrillers: Begin with The Perfect Assassin and dive straight into the David Slaton series.
- Prefer aviation/technical thrillers? Kick off with the Jammer Davis books (Fly by Wire first).
- Want a one-off taste? Try Stealing Trinity or Deep Fake — no series commitment required.
- Chronological vs. Publication Order: Publication order is strongly recommended for the Slaton series to follow his evolving personal life. The prequel novella (Assassin’s Dawn) is best after a few main books.
Why Ward Larsen Books Keep Readers Hooked
Larsen’s military and aviation background isn’t just window dressing — it’s woven into every page. His plots feel scarily plausible, his action sequences are cinematic, and David Slaton is one of the most compelling anti-heroes in modern thrillers: lethal yet deeply human.
With over a dozen novels (and counting), there’s never been a better time to binge the backlist or catch up before the next release.
Ready to start reading? Grab The Perfect Assassin today and thank me later — you won’t put it down!
Which Ward Larsen book is your favorite? Drop a comment below if Slaton’s your guy or if the Jammer Davis aviation plots are more your speed. Happy reading!
P.S. For the latest news, signed copies, and giveaways, visit Ward Larsen’s official site at wardlarsen.com and sign up for his newsletter.
