Dan J. Marlowe Books In Order

Publication Order of Drake: The Man With Nobody's Face Books

Publication Order of Johnny Killain Books

Publication Order of Standalone Novels

Publication Order of Anthologies

About Dan J. Marlowe

Dan J. Marlowe wrote gripping crime novels that pulled readers into intense, fast-paced stories. His books stood out because he knew how to build believable characters who felt real. The people in his stories, especially the main ones, had depth and kept readers hooked. Marlowe had a talent for making even flawed characters interesting, so his books were hard to put down.

His own life was as dramatic as his fiction, including a period of amnesia and connections to real-life criminals. These experiences likely gave his writing an edge, making his stories feel raw and authentic. He understood the criminal mind well, which helped him craft plots that felt genuine. Readers enjoyed his books because they blended excitement with sharp storytelling.

Widely regarded within the world of crime literature, Marlowe’s work left a mark on crime fiction. His ability to weave engaging narratives with tight, punchy prose made his books entertaining. He wrote about tough, complicated people in ways that felt fresh and real. For fans of the genre, his novels remain a solid choice for a thrilling read.

Marlowe wrote stories that grabbed readers from the first page and didn’t let go. His books mixed tension, action, and sharp dialogue in a way that felt real. Because he wrote what he knew, his crime fiction had an edge that fans appreciated. Readers around the world enjoyed his work because it was fast, gritty, and honest.

He didn’t try to soften his characters or their choices, which made his stories stand out. His protagonists were often tough, flawed, and unpredictable, just like real people. Marlowe’s own life experiences—some dark, some strange—gave his writing an authenticity that hooked audiences. People liked his books because they felt genuine, not sugarcoated.

Even though his name isn’t as famous as some crime writers, his work still finds readers today. His storytelling had a no-nonsense style that kept things moving without unnecessary fluff. Fans of hardboiled fiction enjoyed how he balanced action with deeper character moments. Marlowe wrote the way he wanted, and that honesty is what made his books last.

Dan J. Marlowe left behind a body of work that crime fiction fans still appreciate today. His no-frills storytelling and deep understanding of tough characters gave his books lasting appeal. Regarded by aficionados of the crime genre, his influence can be felt in the gritty, realistic style of later crime writers. His legacy lives on in the pages of his novels—sharp, unflinching, and always entertaining.

Early and Personal Life

Dan J. Marlowe was born in 1917 in Lowell, Massachusetts, and though he lost his mother early, he was raised by two aunts. After studying at the Bentley School of Accounting and Finance, he worked various jobs, including as a country club assistant manager and a tobacco wholesaler’s office manager. During these years, he also developed a knack for professional gambling, showing his sharp, analytical mind.

After his wife’s passing in 1956, Marlowe left Washington, D.C., for New York City and began writing seriously, publishing his first novel two years later. His career took an exciting turn when he connected with Al Nussbaum, a real-life bank robber who admired Marlowe’s crime fiction and later became a trusted advisor. This unique partnership helped shape Marlowe’s gritty, authentic storytelling style, especially in books like The Name of the Game Is Death.

Later in life, Marlowe served as a city councilman and mayor pro tem in Harbor Beach, Michigan, before a sudden bout of amnesia in 1977 left him with little memory of his past. Remarkably, he kept writing, even collaborating with Nussbaum again on short stories after the ex-bank robber’s parole. Marlowe continued working until his death, leaving behind a mix of hardboiled crime novels and young adult sports books, proving his versatility as a writer.

Writing Career

Dan J. Marlowe began his writing career with the Johnny Killain series, launching with Doorway to Death in 1959. These early novels featured fast-paced crime plots and tough, no-nonsense protagonists, setting the tone for his later work. By 1961, he had written five books in the series, establishing himself as a reliable voice in hardboiled fiction.

His most famous works came with the Drake series, starting with The Name of the Game Is Death in 1962. These books followed a ruthless protagonist and were praised for their gritty realism, partly influenced by Marlowe’s connection to real-life criminals. He continued writing crime novels and later expanded into young adult sports fiction, leaving behind a diverse and enduring body of work.

The Name of the Game Is Death

Dan J. Marlowe’s The Name of the Game Is Death was first published on April 27, 1993, by Vintage. It serves as the debut novel in the Drake: The Man With Nobody’s Face series. The book is recognized as a standout work in Marlowe’s catalog of hardboiled crime fiction.

Roy Martin, a career criminal, robs a Phoenix bank, kills three men, and takes a bullet to the arm during the heist. With half of the $178,000 haul waiting for him across the country, he sets out on a dangerous 2,000-mile journey. His survival depends on avoiding three critical mistakes—trusting the wrong ally, falling for the right woman, and believing a man like him can ever truly be safe. The story follows his tense, high-stakes race toward an uncertain future.

Readers who enjoy gritty crime fiction will find The Name of the Game Is Death a gripping, fast-paced thriller. Marlowe crafts a tense cat-and-mouse chase with a hardened protagonist whose every move crackles with danger. The high-stakes cross-country escape keeps the tension tight from start to finish. It’s easy to see why this remains a standout in hardboiled noir.

Strongarm

Dan J. Marlowe’s Strongarm was published in 1988 by Black Lizard Books. This crime novel adds to Marlowe’s catalog of hardboiled fiction.

Pete Karma escapes prison determined to clear his name after being framed for murder. He quickly identifies who betrayed him and plots his revenge. His first target is Charlie Risko, the corrupt lawyer who helped send him away. With a calculated plan and years of pent-up rage, Pete sets out to settle scores.

For those craving gritty revenge tales, Strongarm moves at a relentless pace. Marlowe delivers a satisfying hardboiled story of justice and vengeance. Pete Karma makes a compelling, driven protagonist. Classic crime fiction fans shouldn’t miss this one.