Nelson DeMille, born on August 23, 1943, in Jamaica, Queens, New York, is a prominent American author renowned for his gripping political thrillers and suspense novels.
DeMille’s works, characterized by their meticulous research, rich detail, and engaging narratives, have secured him a place among the leading writers in the genre of thriller fiction.
See Nelson DeMille books in order here.
Early Life and Education
Raised in Long Island, DeMille developed an early interest in literature and storytelling. He attended Hofstra University, where he studied Political Science and History, subjects that would later deeply influence his writing. Before embarking on his literary career, DeMille had a varied professional life, including serving as an officer in the U.S. Army. His experiences in the military, particularly his tour in Vietnam, have had a profound impact on his work, providing authentic insights into the complexities of war and politics.
Writing Career and Breakthrough
DeMille’s writing career began in the late 1970s with his first novels, “By the Rivers of Babylon” (1978) and “Cathedral” (1981), but it was his novel “The Charm School” (1988) that marked a significant breakthrough in his career. This Cold War thriller showcased his ability to blend historical and political intrigue with suspenseful storytelling.
Popular Novels and Recurring Characters
Among DeMille’s most popular works are “Plum Island” (1997), “The Lion’s Game” (2000), and “The Gold Coast” (1990). His novels often feature recurring characters, such as the wise-cracking detective John Corey, who has become a favorite among readers. DeMille’s characters are known for their depth, complexity, and realism, adding a compelling human element to his intricate plots.
Style and Themes
DeMille is known for his ability to craft narratives that are both intellectually engaging and immensely entertaining. His writing style is marked by sharp dialogue, attention to detail, and a knack for building suspense. He often tackles themes like international conflict, terrorism, and corruption, making his books not only thrilling but also thought-provoking.
Recognition and Influence
DeMille’s contribution to the thriller genre has been recognized with numerous accolades and has earned him a dedicated fan base. His novels have been bestsellers and have been translated into various languages, reflecting his broad appeal.
Personal Life
A resident of Long Island, DeMille remains closely connected to his roots, and the region often features prominently in his novels. His commitment to realism and authenticity in his portrayal of political and military life has made him a respected figure both in and out of literary circles.
In Summary
Nelson DeMille’s career as a novelist is a testament to his skill as a storyteller and his deep understanding of the political and social issues that shape our world. His ability to weave these elements into compelling narratives has established him as a master of the political thriller and a significant figure in modern American literature.
Publication Order of Joe Ryker Books
| The Sniper | (1974) |
| The Hammer of God | (1974) |
| The Terrorists (With: Len Levinson) | (1974) |
| The Agent of Death / The Death Squad | (1975) |
| The Smack Man | (1975) |
| Cannibal | (1975) |
| The Night of the Phoenix | (1975) |
Publication Order of John Corey Books
| Plum Island | (1997) | |
| The Lion’s Game | (2000) | |
| Night Fall | (2004) | |
| Wild Fire | (2006) | |
| The Lion | (2010) | |
| The Panther | (2012) | |
| The Book Case | (2012) | |
| Radiant Angel / A Quiet End | (2015) | |
| The Maze | (2022) | |
| Chronological Order of John Corey BooksThe Book Case is a prequel novella to the John Corey series. | ||
Publication Order of John Sutter Books
| The Gold Coast | (1990) |
| The Gate House | (2008) |
Publication Order of Paul Brenner Books
| The General’s Daughter | (1992) |
| Up Country | (2002) |
| The Panther | (2012) |
Publication Order of Scott Brodie & Maggie Taylor Books (with Alex DeMille)
| The Deserter | (2019) |
| Blood Lines | (2023) |
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
| The Quest | (1975) |
| By the Rivers of Babylon | (1978) |
| Mayday(With: Thomas Block) | (1979) |
| Cathedral | (1981) |
| The Talbot Odyssey | (1984) |
| Word of Honor | (1985) |
| The Charm School | (1988) |
| Spencerville | (1994) |
| The Cuban Affair | (2017) |
Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas
| Death Benefits | (2012) |
| Rendezvous | (2012) |
Publication Order of The MatchUp Collection Books
| Honor & …(By: C.J. Box,Sandra Brown) | (2017) |
| Deserves to Be Dead(By: John Sandford,Lisa Jackson) | (2017) |
| Getaway(With: Lisa Scottoline) | (2017) |
| Midnight Flame(By: Christopher Rice,Lara Adrian) | (2018) |
| Short Story(By: Karin Slaughter,Michael Koryta) | (2019) |
| Past Prologue(By: Diana Gabaldon,Steve Berry) | (2019) |
| Faking a Murderer(By: Lee Child,Kathy Reichs) | (2019) |
| Dig Here(By: Charlaine Harris,Andrew Gross) | (2019) |
| Taking the Veil(By: J.A. Jance,Eric Van Lustbader) | (2019) |
| Rambo on Their Minds(By: Gayle Lynds,David Morrell) | (2019) |
| Footloose(By: Val McDermid,Peter James) | (2019) |
Publication Order of Rosato & DiNunzio Books (with Lisa Scottoline)
| Accused (By: Lisa Scottoline) | (2013) | |
| Betrayed (By: Lisa Scottoline) | (2014) | |
| Corrupted (By: Lisa Scottoline) | (2015) | |
| Damaged (By: Lisa Scottoline) | (2016) | |
| Exposed (By: Lisa Scottoline) | (2017) | |
| Feared (By: Lisa Scottoline) | (2018) | |
| This series follows the Rosato & Associates series. | ||
Publication Order of Bibliomysteries Books
| The Book of Virtue(By: Ken Bruen) | (2012) |
| Pronghorns of the Third Reich(By: C.J. Box) | (2012) |
| The Book Thing(By: Laura Lippman) | (2012) |
| The Book Case | (2012) |
| An Acceptable Sacrifice(By: Jeffery Deaver) | (2012) |
| Death Leaves a Bookmark(By: William Link) | (2012) |
| The Final Testament(By: Peter Blauner) | (2013) |
| Rides a Stranger(By: David Bell) | (2013) |
| The Long Sonata of the Dead(By: Andrew Taylor) | (2013) |
| The Book of Ghosts(By: Reed Farrel Coleman) | (2013) |
| The Compendium of Srem(By: F. Paul Wilson) | (2014) |
| What’s in a Name?(By: Thomas H. Cook) | (2014) |
| Remaindered(By: Peter Lovesey) | (2014) |
| The Sequel(By: R.L. Stine) | (2014) |
| The Gospel of Sheba(By: Lyndsay Faye) | (2014) |
| Book Club(By: Loren D. Estleman) | (2014) |
| The Nature of My Inheritance(By: Bradford Morrow) | (2014) |
| It’s in the Book(By: Mickey Spillane) | (2014) |
| The Scroll(By: Anne Perry) | (2014) |
| The Book of the Lion(By: Thomas Perry) | (2015) |
| The Little Men(By: Megan Abbott) | (2015) |
| Condor in the Stacks(By: James Grady) | (2015) |
| Mystery, Inc.(By: Joyce Carol Oates) | (2015) |
| Every Seven Years(By: Denise Mina) | (2015) |
| From the Queen(By: Carolyn Hart) | (2015) |
| From the Queen(By: Carolyn Hart) | (2015) |
| The Travelling Companion(By: Ian Rankin) | (2016) |
| Citadel(By: Stephen Hunter) | (2016) |
| Reconciliation Day(By: Christopher Fowler) | (2016) |
| Dead Dames Don’t Sing(By: John Harvey) | (2016) |
| The Haze(By: James W. Hall) | (2016) |
| Hoodoo Harry(By: Joe R. Lansdale) | (2017) |
| The Pretty Little Box(By: Charles Todd) | (2018) |
| Seven Years(By: Peter Robinson) | (2018) |
| The Hemingway Valise(By: Robert Olen Butler) | (2018) |
| The Last Honest Horse Thief(By: Michael Koryta) | (2018) |
| The Caxton Private Lending Library & Book Depository(By: John Connolly) | (2018) |
| The Girl Who Did Say No(By: David Handler) | (2020) |
| The Traitor(By: Martin Edwards) | (2022) |
| The Dark Door(By: Lisa Unger) | (2022) |
| The Honeymoon Trap(By: Peter Swanson) | (2022) |
Chronological Order of Bibliomysteries Books
| The Book of Virtue(By: Ken Bruen) | (2012) |
| The Scroll(By: Anne Perry) | (2014) |
| Pronghorns of the Third Reich(By: C.J. Box) | (2012) |
| An Acceptable Sacrifice(By: Jeffery Deaver) | (2012) |
| Death Leaves a Bookmark(By: William Link) | (2012) |
| Seven Years(By: Peter Robinson) | (2018) |
| The Book Thing(By: Laura Lippman) | (2012) |
| The Book of Ghosts(By: Reed Farrel Coleman) | (2013) |
| Book Club(By: Loren D. Estleman) | (2014) |
| The Long Sonata of the Dead(By: Andrew Taylor) | (2013) |
| The Final Testament(By: Peter Blauner) | (2013) |
| Rides a Stranger(By: David Bell) | (2013) |
| What’s in a Name?(By: Thomas H. Cook) | (2014) |
| It’s in the Book(By: Mickey Spillane) | (2014) |
| The Nature of My Inheritance(By: Bradford Morrow) | (2014) |
| Remaindered(By: Peter Lovesey) | (2014) |
| The Compendium of Srem(By: F. Paul Wilson) | (2014) |
| The Gospel of Sheba(By: Lyndsay Faye) | (2014) |
| The Sequel(By: R.L. Stine) | (2014) |
| The Book of the Lion(By: Thomas Perry) | (2015) |
| The Little Men(By: Megan Abbott) | (2015) |
| From the Queen(By: Carolyn Hart) | (2015) |
| Every Seven Years(By: Denise Mina) | (2015) |
| Citadel(By: Stephen Hunter) | (2016) |
| Condor in the Stacks(By: James Grady) | (2015) |
| Mystery, Inc.(By: Joyce Carol Oates) | (2015) |
| The Travelling Companion(By: Ian Rankin) | (2016) |
| The Haze(By: James W. Hall) | (2016) |
| Dead Dames Don’t Sing(By: John Harvey) | (2016) |
| Reconciliation Day(By: Christopher Fowler) | (2016) |
| Hoodoo Harry(By: Joe R. Lansdale) | (2017) |
| The Pretty Little Box(By: Charles Todd) | (2018) |
| The Caxton Private Lending Library & Book Depository(By: John Connolly) | (2018) |
| The Hemingway Valise(By: Robert Olen Butler) | (2018) |
| The Last Honest Horse Thief(By: Michael Koryta) | (2018) |
| The Book Case | (2012) |
| From the Queen(By: Carolyn Hart) | (2015) |
| The Girl Who Did Say No(By: David Handler) | (2020) |
| The Traitor(By: Martin Edwards) | (2022) |
| The Dark Door(By: Lisa Unger) | (2022) |
| The Honeymoon Trap(By: Peter Swanson) | (2022) |
Publication Order of Anthologies
| Tales of Terror | (1986) |
| The Plot Thickens | (1997) |
| A Poison That Leaves No Trace: With Mystery Jigsaw Puzzle | (2002) |
| In the Shadow of the Master | (2003) |
| The Best American Mystery Stories 2004 | (2004) |
| The Rich and the Dead | (2011) |
| MatchUp | (2017) |