UNACO Books In Order

Publication Order of Alistair MacLean's UNACO Books

UNACO Series

Alistair MacLean, the Scottish master behind classic thrillers like The Guns of Navarone, conceived an ambitious new direction in 1980 with the UNACO series – a high-stakes adventure franchise following the United Nations Anti-Crime Organization. Though MacLean provided the original vision and story frameworks, the novels were brought to life by a succession of talented writers: BBC producer John Edwards and writer Denis Frost (collaborating as ‘John Denis’) launched the series with Hostage Tower (1980) and Air Force One Is Down (1981); Alastair MacNeill continued the momentum with six more installments; and Hugh Miller concluded the decade-spanning series with Borrowed Time in 1998.

Designed for adult audiences, each novel presents a standalone mission showcasing UNACO’s elite operatives as they confront global threats – from terrorist plots to international criminal networks. The rotating operations format allowed for diverse settings and scenarios while maintaining MacLean’s signature elements: relentless pacing, geopolitical intrigue, and morally complex protagonists whose victories feel hard-earned. While the series originated as potential Hollywood material (commissioned by an American production company), it evolved into a distinctive literary achievement that extended MacLean’s storytelling legacy.

Though less celebrated than MacLean’s standalone classics, the UNACO novels demonstrate his remarkable ability to create compelling frameworks that other writers could expand upon. The result was an eighteen-year publishing journey that delivered ten explosive adventures, all bearing the hallmarks of MacLean’s genius for cinematic action and high-tension storytelling – proving his influence could thrive even beyond his own pen.

Hostage Tower

The action-thriller Hostage Tower was published in 1980 by Fawcett under the pen name John Denis, marking the debut novel in the UNACO series.

UNACO (United Nations Anti-Crime Organisation) is an elite team handling impossible missions against global criminals. Their newest challenge involves a mastermind attempting to ransom both the U.S. president’s mother and the Eiffel Tower. The criminal has assembled a specialized team including a weapons expert, master burglar, and an exceptionally strong tactician. World leaders have no choice but to deploy UNACO against this unprecedented threat.

Air Force One Is Down

The action-thriller Air Force One Is Down was published in 1981 by Fawcett under the pen name John Denis. It followed Hostage Tower as the second novel in the UNACO series. Both books were written by the John Denis writing team.

A vengeful criminal targets the President’s plane, creating an impossible crisis that demands UNACO’s intervention. The plot involves dangerous doubles and six powerful hostages aboard Air Force One. As deception unfolds with fatal consequences, only UNACO’s team can untangle the truth behind the attack. Their mission becomes a high-stakes gamble to outwit the mastermind and prevent further deaths.

Death Train

The action-thriller Death Train was published in 1988 by Fawcett, written by Alastair MacNeill. It continued the UNACO series following Hostage Tower and Air Force One Is Down. This marked MacNeill’s first contribution to the franchise.

UNACO deploys an elite team to Europe to intercept stolen plutonium. The dangerous cargo threatens global security if recovered by criminals. Agents race against time to locate the radioactive material. Their mission becomes a high-stakes operation to prevent catastrophe.

Night Watch

The action-thriller Night Watch was published in 1989 by Fawcett, written by Alastair MacNeill. It followed Death Train as the next installment in the UNACO series. This was MacNeill’s second contribution to the franchise.

UNACO, the covert strike force, mobilizes agents Mike Graham, C.W. Whitlock, and Sabrina Carver to investigate a mysterious criminal mastermind. Their target orchestrates a sophisticated crime wave spanning art theft, espionage, and narcotics. The operation expands to include multiple homicides linked to the same shadowy figure. The elite team must unravel this multi-faceted threat to global security.

Red Alert

The action-thriller Red Alert was published in 1990 by Fawcett, written by Alastair MacNeill. It continued the UNACO series following Night Watch. This marked MacNeill’s third consecutive contribution.

UNACO agents face a critical mission when Red Brigades extremists steal a lethal super-virus. The crisis forces an unlikely alliance with a Red Brigades commander. Together they race to prevent the terrorists from unleashing mass casualties. This high-stakes operation becomes a battle against time to save millions of lives.

Time of the Assassins

The action-thriller Time of the Assassins was published in 1991 by Harpercollins, written by Alastair MacNeill. It continued the UNACO series following Red Alert. This was MacNeill’s fourth consecutive contribution.

An international terrorist presumed dead mysteriously resurfaces, triggering a dangerous chain of events. The murder of a CIA agent sets the crisis in motion. A surviving American operative becomes the target of a relentless pursuit. Now he must evade capture while uncovering the truth behind these connected threats.

Dead Halt

The action-thriller Dead Halt was published in 1992 by HarperTorch, written by Alastair MacNeill. It continued the UNACO series following Time of the Assassins. This marked MacNeill’s fifth consecutive contribution.

UNACO agents Mike Graham and Sabrina Carver investigate a mysterious schooner crash. Their probe reveals the vessel was secretly transporting assault weapons. The discovery triggers an international pursuit. The agents race across continents to uncover the weapons trafficking operation.

Code Breaker

The action-thriller Code Breaker was published in 1993 by HarperCollins, written by Alastair MacNeill. It continued the UNACO series following Dead Halt. This was MacNeill’s sixth consecutive contribution.

A renowned cryptologist is abducted at Lisbon airport along with classified UNACO documents containing sensitive operational codes. The security organization’s top agents immediately mobilize for recovery. Their pursuit leads them to a dangerous and well-resourced enemy. The mission becomes a high-stakes battle against time and a formidable opponent.

Prime Target

The action-thriller Prime Target was published in 1997 by HarperCollins, written by Hugh Miller. It continued the UNACO series following Code Breaker. This marked Miller’s first contribution.

A U.S. official’s murder exposes a list of German men—two already dead. A London killing reveals a plot targeting ICON creator Andreas Wolff. UNACO’s Philpott sends agents Carver and Graham across continents, uncovering a WWII-linked conspiracy endangering global security. They must stop it before time runs out.

Borrowed Time

The action-thriller Borrowed Time was published in 1998 by HarperCollins, written by Hugh Miller. It concluded the UNACO series following Prime Target. This was Miller’s second contribution.

Religious extremists threaten Kashmir with drug/arms trafficking. UNACO sends agents Graham and Carver after their priest informant is murdered by a rogue ex-CIA operative. They must infiltrate the network to prevent regional war.

The UNACO Series

Overall the UNACO series delivers relentless action, globetrotting missions, and high-stakes thrills. With its elite operatives facing impossible odds, it remains a benchmark for tightly-plotted adventure fiction.