Vince Flynn Books In Order
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Chronological Order of Mitch Rapp Books
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
| Term Limits | (1997) | Description / Buy at Amazon |
Publication Order of Anthologies
Vince Flynn
American author Vince Flynn made a name for himself by writing political thrillers that countless readers loved worldwide. He created the now-famous character Mitch Rapp, a counterterrorism operative who gets the job done. People couldn’t get enough of Rapp’s adventures, finding them totally gripping and a blast to read. Flynn had this real knack for making you feel like you were right there in the action.
His true strength was building stories that felt urgent and believable. He crafted a protagonist in Mitch Rapp who was both tough and deeply compelling. This talent for character and narrative made each book a seriously entertaining ride. You always knew you were in for a good time when you picked up one of his novels.
His work was so respected that he even became a story consultant for the television show 24. Flynn passed away in 2013, but his stories continue to find new fans. His exciting and well-told books remain a fantastic escape for anyone looking for a great thriller.
Flynn entertained a global audience by writing straight from the gut. He penned stories that felt real to him, filled with the tension and high stakes he found fascinating. This genuine passion translated directly into his work, making it crackle with an energy readers could feel. People everywhere were hooked because they trusted the authenticity behind every page.
He never pretended to be something he was not. Flynn wrote about a world of tough decisions and clear moral lines, a concept that resonated deeply with his own perspective. His ever iconic hero, Mitch Rapp, operated from a place of unwavering conviction, much like his creator. This created a powerful and honest connection with millions of readers who shared those values.
The thrillers provided a captivating escape, but they were built on a foundation of the author’s own strong beliefs. Flynn’s gift was making complex geopolitics feel personal and immediate. He turned his own clear-cut view of right and wrong into massively entertaining plots. That unique voice, entirely and unapologetically his own, is what kept fans everywhere coming back for more.
Vince Flynn’s stories continue to find enthusiastic new readers every year. His beloved character Mitch Rapp lives on in new novels, carefully continued by a selected author. This ensures the adventures he first imagined will keep thrilling audiences for a long time to come. His powerful legacy is a timeless collection of work that remains as exciting now as the day it was written.
Early and Personal Life
Born in 1966 on the 6th of April, Vince Joseph Flynn grew up in a large family and received a strong education, graduating with a degree in economics. He initially began a corporate career after finishing university. His path soon shifted when he pursued a different ambition, though that opportunity did not materialize.
This change in direction led him to focus intensely on reading and writing. He dedicated himself to a strict daily routine to hone his craft, drawing inspiration from a wide range of celebrated authors. This persistent work allowed him to successfully channel his creative energy into building stories.
Flynn built a fulfilling life with his family in Minnesota, grounded by his faith. He shared his health journey with his readers openly. His passing at a young age cemented his legacy as an author whose compelling work continues to be discovered by new generations of thriller fans.
Writing Career
Vince Flynn self-published his debut novel, Term Limits, in 1997 while working as a bartender in Saint Paul. The book’s success led Pocket Books to publish a hardcover edition in 1998, followed by a paperback in 1999 that became a New York Times bestseller. This achievement launched his full-time writing career.
Flynn proceeded to write numerous bestselling novels featuring counterterrorism agent Mitch Rapp, including Transfer of Power (1999), The Third Option (2000), and Separation of Power (2001). In February 2008, he secured a significant deal with CBS Films and Simon & Schuster for film and book projects. The first film adaptation, American Assassin, was released in 2017, further cementing his literary legacy.
Transfer of Power
Vince Flynn’s espionage thriller Transfer of Power was published by Pocket Books in 1999. This novel is the third installment in his acclaimed series featuring counterterrorism operative Mitch Rapp. Its publication further solidified Flynn’s reputation as a major voice in the political thriller genre.
A terrorist attack on the White House leaves dozens dead and the president barricaded in his bunker, with nearly one hundred people taken hostage. As government leaders debate a response, CIA operative Mitch Rapp is sent into the besieged building. He navigates its hidden passages and discovers the president’s safety is unexpectedly compromised.
Rapp must then race to save the hostages while uncovering a devastating betrayal from within the highest levels of the American government.
This novel is a masterclass in pacing, delivering relentless tension from its explosive opening. Mitch Rapp emerges as an exceptionally compelling protagonist, taking decisive action where others falter.
The claustrophobic setting of a besieged White House is brilliantly utilized for maximum suspense. The revelation of a internal conspiracy provides a perfectly executed and shocking plot twist.
Act of Treason
Vince Flynn’s espionage thriller Act of Treason was published in 2006 by Atria Books. This novel is the ninth installment in his popular series featuring the counterterrorism operative Mitch Rapp. Its release continued the character’s successful run within the political thriller genre.
A terrorist ambush on a presidential candidate’s motorcade in Georgetown creates national chaos and propels the candidate to a sympathy-vote victory. Official investigations point toward al-Qaeda, but CIA director Irene Kennedy receives incendiary intelligence implicating powerful domestic figures.
Mitch Rapp is called upon to track this dangerous lead through a network of contract killers and global shadows. His investigation ultimately returns him to Washington, D.C., threatening to destabilize the very core of the American political establishment.
From its explosive opening scene, this book grabs the reader and does not let go. The plot is a masterfully woven tapestry of political intrigue and relentless action. Mitch Rapp operates with brutal efficiency, making him a consistently compelling hero. The story builds to a conclusion that is both clever and deeply satisfying.
Book Series In Order » Authors »
Any issues with the book list you are seeing? Or is there an author or series we don’t have? Let me know!
I just started reading the Mitch Rapp series, but do not understand the order of the books. How was the 1st in the series–American Assassin–published in 2010, the 2nd in the series–Kill Shot–published in 2012, and the it looks like the 3rd was 1999 and goes up from there?? Is this just a typo or am I missing something here?
Hi Andrew – it’s known as the chronological order of the series. So while American Assassin was the 11th novel published in the series, the story itself actually takes place prior to the rest of the books.
I’d advise reading in the publication order personally.
A lot of series start 3 to 4 books of a story then either flash back to the beginning or give a complete origin based one
That way you look forward to the beginning
I’ve read every book in the series up to Total Power. Time to order another.
There’s a definite difference between Flynn’s writing and Mills. I appreciate Kyle Mills taking over the series but there definitely something lacking. The resolutions of the stories are somewhat spotty. Especially with Total Power and Lethal Agent. Big gaps that leave the story with more questions than answers. Especially the desert scene in Lethal Agent that leaves you wondering how Mitch Rapp actually escaped the situation despite the overwhelming odds against even his survival.
Lot’s of holes, but still a good read. I’ll continue buying and reading because I haven’t found anyone else that can keep me on the edge of my seat as I read.
I agree whole heartedly. Term Limits sets out some of the present day happenings inthe US right now. I have all of the Mitch Rapp series and have reread the works a couple of times. We have so many politians who have overlooked the principles behind elections in both US and Canada and the World even. Unprincipled people are more interested in power and money. The Thomas Jefferson quote in the front of the book is right on.
It’s true, Vince Flynn was an incredible writer. I have every book hard copies and have read all of them more than once. Kyle Mills thank you for keeping Mitch Rapp alive and well. RIP Vince, you were the best!!! Also Michael Keaton as Stan Hurley,what a joke!!
love all of the Mitch Rapp series! i listen to some on audio books and read them too. George Gouidall bring Rapp to life in his interpretation of the characters!!!! check him out!!
Every novel of the series is awesome well written, however in my opinion His first TERM LIMITS.. is something that should be read by every american. I am a Veteran from Minnesota born in 1952.. I can relate to the Minnesota connection in Term Limits and have participated through some of or our past wars on active duty. Additionally TOTAL POWER another one that should be read..by all
I just finished “Tern Limits” and loved it! Cant wait to start the next book in the series!!!
I was an avid reader of robert Ludlum . Having picked up a copy of American Assassin I was instantly hooked. Move over Jason Bourne there’s a new hero in town!
I can’t stop reading through the series. I’m only at Pursuit of Honor right now. I like to picture the cast as I read. If this series was filmed, who would you cast as Mitch Rapp and Mike Nash?
Glad you are enjoying it. It’s one of my favourite series. The book American Assassin was actually made into a movie 🙂 Mitch Rapp was played by Dylan O’Brien.
The movie American Assassin was horrendous. BTW I love all the Vince Flynn Mitch Rapp books. The Kyle Mills versions leave a lot to be desired, my opinion.
You’re right about kyle mills. I read ‘enemy at the gates’, it’s the 1st, & it’ll be the last book I read from him.
All the Vince Flynn books are great and it’s about time they were turned into a series like Amazon are doing with the Jack Reacher books. Just ordered the latest book which like all the others will read in one sitting.
If you haven’t watched it yet The Jack Ryan Series was remarkably well done, they did move it forward in terms of its timeline versus a lot of the older movies which highlighted The character development from the 80’s and 90’s films. Overall a very good reinterpretation but of a different more modern verse versus the original works written by Clancy himself which I still enjoy reading. Wasn’t thrilled with how they did Without Remorse though, The writing for that movie was horrible even with a top notch cast it was doomed to fail sadly. Clancy would not have approved of it or the authors from various spinoff series being replaced after his death that were all once great additions to the Clancy works and building series that expanded on and greatly increased the scope of some characters that were never viewed as main characters in TC’c writings, Sam Fisher for one example. The ultimate espionage agent who has the realistic gadgets of an American interpretation James Bond without the playboy BS and the badassery of Jason Borne without all the hype
Several of my senior ladies who are neighbors share and trade the Vince Flynn novel and like them all. I see I have a few more to read.
Excellent novels my favourite.
I picked up a Vince Flynn novel years ago and was immediately hooked on them, i have read them all (and some more than once ) and cant wait for the next issue, Kyle Mills is a solid writer and would never miss a book but there was just something about Vince Flynn that had that extra punch to it–i live in the Highlands of Scotland and cant wait for the next issue–KEEP WRITING–Thank You.
I have read all of your books except 3, Order to Kill, Total Power and Enemy At The Gates. AMAZING! The BEST one so far was Term Limits, pretty scary as when it was written and todays climate. I have two of the three coming from our local library. Condolences for Vince. Kyle is SUPEREB
I’ll never forget my deployment to Iraq in 2009, finding memorial day on the free bookshelf, quickly found myself not able to put the book down. The character that Vince Flynn created, the one and only Mitch Rapp is an understatement to say he nailed it. Thank you Mr. Flynn RIP for giving all of us this amazing story line and world of Mitch Rapp to get lost into. Thank you Kyle Mills for giving us more material and keeping the torch burning bright.
I miss Vince but Kyle Mills does an excellent job. Never will forget you though Mr. Flynn.
I respectfully disagree that Kyle Mills does a good job to continue Flynn’s legacy.
I have always had a problem putting down Flynn’s books and must finish in one sitting. But never with Kyle Mills at the helm, reading about Rapp’s adventures is a drag.
Frankly, after reading Enemy at the Gates, I am not looking forward to his next book.
Love Vince Flynns books thay are hard to put down. What a task writing for someone else as Mr Mills does, that has to be like trying to brush someone else teeth
Term limits, the best of all, and all were great.
Totally agree. Am reading it for the third time. I sure do miss Vince. Read a few of Kyle’s, however, wasn’t too keen on reading more so I haven’t. Term Limits is a book that is definitely happening in real time today. Sad but true.
The same thing that happened with Mr.Flynns work being passed on has happened with others and with the same kind of results. Robert Ludlum’s Jason Borne Series The Splinter Cell series which was written by an author chosen by Tom Clancy himself to write the Sam Fisher and a few others under his header. They were all given to witers after the original authors passing away to continue them yet fail to capture the essence of the original authors style. When Vince Flynn passed away and someone else took up the mantle it stopped being the Mitch Rapp Series as I knew it.