The Mitch Rapp books in order can be read in two different ways: chronological order, which follows the events of Mitch’s life, or publication order, which follows the dates the novels were originally released. Both approaches offer a different experience, particularly because several later novels explore earlier periods of his career.
Created by bestselling thriller author Vince Flynn and continued by Kyle Mills and Don Bentley, the series follows Mitch Rapp, a CIA counterterrorism operative involved in dangerous covert missions and international political conflicts.
This guide covers all 25 published novels as of November 2026, including both reading orders, author credits, original publication years, spoiler-free descriptions, and the latest release, Double Tap. Whether you’re discovering the series for the first time or catching up with its newest installment, you’ll find the information needed to follow Mitch Rapp’s story.
Mitch Rapp Books in Order at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
| Series | Mitch Rapp |
| Original creator | Vince Flynn |
| Continuing authors | Kyle Mills and Don Bentley |
| Genre | Political thriller, espionage thriller |
| First published novel | Transfer of Power (1999) |
| Chronologically earliest novel | American Assassin (2010) |
| Latest published novel | Double Tap (2026) |
| Total published novels | 25 |
| Latest book’s author | Don Bentley |
| First-time reading recommendation | Publication order |
| Alternative reading method | Official chronological order |
The original Mitch Rapp novel was Transfer of Power, published in 1999. However, the character’s fictional story begins earlier in American Assassin, which was published in 2010.
Recommendation: First-time readers should consider publication order because it preserves the way Vince Flynn introduced the character, developed the supporting cast, and gradually expanded the series. Readers who specifically want to follow Mitch’s early career can choose chronological order instead.
Mitch Rapp Books in Order with Publication Date
If you want to experience the Mitch Rapp series as its original audience did, publication order is the best choice. The following list includes all 25 novels, arranged by their original publication years.
| No. | Book title | Author | Year | Short description |
| 1 | Transfer of Power | Vince Flynn | 1999 | Terrorists seize the White House, introducing Mitch Rapp and his uncompromising approach to counterterrorism. |
| 2 | The Third Option | Vince Flynn | 2000 | Rapp faces a complicated intelligence operation involving international interests and political pressure. |
| 3 | Separation of Power | Vince Flynn | 2001 | Political tensions and national security concerns collide as Rapp navigates intelligence agencies and government leadership. |
| 4 | Executive Power | Vince Flynn | 2003 | A high-stakes operation brings covert intelligence work into conflict with Washington politics. |
| 5 | Memorial Day | Vince Flynn | 2004 | A potential terrorist threat creates an urgent national security challenge. |
| 6 | Consent to Kill | Vince Flynn | 2005 | Rapp becomes the target of an organized attempt at revenge, putting his personal life under pressure. |
| 7 | Act of Treason | Vince Flynn | 2006 | A politically sensitive assassination investigation places Rapp in the middle of a dangerous conspiracy. |
| 8 | Protect and Defend | Vince Flynn | 2007 | International tensions create another serious challenge for American intelligence. |
| 9 | Extreme Measures | Vince Flynn | 2008 | A dangerous international security situation pushes Rapp and his colleagues into a difficult operation. |
| 10 | Pursuit of Honor | Vince Flynn | 2009 | A major terrorist threat creates another race against time for Rapp and his team. |
| 11 | American Assassin | Vince Flynn | 2010 | This prequel explores Rapp’s origins, recruitment, and transformation into a CIA operative. |
| 12 | Kill Shot | Vince Flynn | 2012 | Continuing the early-career storyline, Rapp faces a dangerous operation in Europe. |
| 13 | The Last Man | Vince Flynn | 2012 | A missing CIA operative becomes the center of a troubling investigation. |
| 14 | The Survivor | Vince Flynn and Kyle Mills | 2015 | Mills completes Flynn’s unfinished manuscript in a story involving a dangerous adversary and intelligence crisis. |
| 15 | Order to Kill | Kyle Mills | 2016 | Rapp becomes involved in an international operation connected to Russian interests. |
| 16 | Enemy of the State | Kyle Mills | 2017 | Political and intelligence interests collide, putting Rapp under extraordinary pressure. |
| 17 | Red War | Kyle Mills | 2018 | Tensions involving Russia threaten to escalate into a major geopolitical crisis. |
| 18 | Lethal Agent | Kyle Mills | 2019 | A biological threat creates an urgent counterterrorism challenge. |
| 19 | Total Power | Kyle Mills | 2020 | An attack on America’s electrical infrastructure creates a major national emergency. |
| 20 | Enemy at the Gates | Kyle Mills | 2021 | Rapp confronts a threat that places national security and international stability at risk. |
| 21 | Oath of Loyalty | Kyle Mills | 2022 | Personal loyalty and professional responsibilities become increasingly difficult to separate. |
| 22 | Code Red | Kyle Mills | 2023 | Rapp faces another international threat involving chemical weapons; this is Mills’s final series novel. |
| 23 | Capture or Kill | Don Bentley | 2024 | Bentley takes over with a story returning to an earlier period in Rapp’s career. |
| 24 | Denied Access | Don Bentley | 2025 | A prequel exploring an earlier stage of Rapp’s development as a covert operative. |
| 25 | Double Tap | Don Bentley | 2026 | A young Rapp undertakes a deep-cover mission involving a kidnapped Pakistani chemical weapons scientist. |
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Why choose publication order? It lets readers experience the series as readers originally encountered it. You see how Flynn introduced Rapp, developed his relationships with CIA leadership, and expanded the political and international conflicts. It also provides a natural way to experience the transition between authors.
Mitch Rapp Books in Chronological Order
Chronological order follows Mitch Rapp’s fictional life rather than the dates when the novels appeared. Several newer novels return to earlier periods of his career.
| No. | Book title | Author | Year | Short description |
| 1 | American Assassin | Vince Flynn | 2010 | This prequel explores Rapp’s origins, recruitment, and transformation into a CIA operative. |
| 2 | Kill Shot | Vince Flynn | 2012 | Continuing the early-career storyline, Rapp faces a dangerous operation in Europe. |
| 3 | Denied Access | Don Bentley | 2025 | A prequel exploring an earlier stage of Rapp’s development as a covert operative. |
| 4 | Double Tap | Don Bentley | 2026 | A young Rapp undertakes a deep-cover mission involving a kidnapped Pakistani chemical weapons scientist. |
| 5 | Transfer of Power | Vince Flynn | 1999 | Terrorists seize the White House, introducing Mitch Rapp and his uncompromising approach to counterterrorism. |
| 6 | The Third Option | Vince Flynn | 2000 | Rapp faces a complicated intelligence operation involving international interests and political pressure. |
| 7 | Separation of Power | Vince Flynn | 2001 | Political tensions and national security concerns collide as Rapp navigates intelligence agencies and government leadership. |
| 8 | Executive Power | Vince Flynn | 2003 | A high-stakes operation brings covert intelligence work into conflict with Washington politics. |
| 9 | Memorial Day | Vince Flynn | 2004 | A potential terrorist threat creates an urgent national security challenge. |
| 10 | Consent to Kill | Vince Flynn | 2005 | Rapp becomes the target of an organized attempt at revenge, putting his personal life under pressure. |
| 11 | Act of Treason | Vince Flynn | 2006 | A politically sensitive assassination investigation places Rapp in the middle of a dangerous conspiracy. |
| 12 | Protect and Defend | Vince Flynn | 2007 | International tensions create another serious challenge for American intelligence. |
| 13 | Extreme Measures | Vince Flynn | 2008 | A dangerous international security situation pushes Rapp and his colleagues into a difficult operation. |
| 14 | Pursuit of Honor | Vince Flynn | 2009 | A major terrorist threat creates another race against time for Rapp and his team. |
| 15 | Capture or Kill | Don Bentley | 2024 | Bentley takes over with a story returning to an earlier period in Rapp’s career. |
| 16 | The Last Man | Vince Flynn | 2012 | A missing CIA operative becomes the center of a troubling investigation. |
| 17 | The Survivor | Vince Flynn and Kyle Mills | 2015 | Mills completes Flynn’s unfinished manuscript in a story involving a dangerous adversary and intelligence crisis. |
| 18 | Order to Kill | Kyle Mills | 2016 | Rapp becomes involved in an international operation connected to Russian interests. |
| 19 | Enemy of the State | Kyle Mills | 2017 | Political and intelligence interests collide, putting Rapp under extraordinary pressure. |
| 20 | Red War | Kyle Mills | 2018 | Tensions involving Russia threaten to escalate into a major geopolitical crisis. |
| 21 | Lethal Agent | Kyle Mills | 2019 | A biological threat creates an urgent counterterrorism challenge. |
| 22 | Total Power | Kyle Mills | 2020 | An attack on America’s electrical infrastructure creates a major national emergency. |
| 23 | Enemy at the Gates | Kyle Mills | 2021 | Rapp confronts a threat that places national security and international stability at risk. |
| 24 | Oath of Loyalty | Kyle Mills | 2022 | Personal loyalty and professional responsibilities become increasingly difficult to separate. |
| 25 | Code Red | Kyle Mills | 2023 | Rapp faces another international threat involving chemical weapons; this is Mills’s final series novel. |
Important chronological-order differences
- Denied Access (2025) belongs near the beginning of Mitch Rapp’s fictional story, after Kill Shot.
- Double Tap (2026) is identified by the official author website as the fourth chronological installment. It takes place after Denied Access and before Transfer of Power.
- Capture or Kill (2024) returns to an earlier period in Mitch’s career. It belongs after Pursuit of Honor and before The Last Man in the chronological sequence.
These placements explain why arranging the novels by publication year does not reproduce the story’s actual timeline.
Should You Read Mitch Rapp Books in Chronological or Publication Order?
| Reading approach | Best for | Advantages | Potential drawback |
| Publication order | First-time readers | Preserves original release experience and author development | Starts after some early-career events |
| Chronological order | Readers interested in Mitch’s life from the beginning | Follows the fictional timeline | Moves between books written in different periods and by different authors |
Related Post:
- Brad Thor Books in Order: Complete Reading List and Guide
- Jason Bourne Books in Order: Complete Reading List
Reading in publication order
Choose this approach to experience the series as readers originally encountered it. It introduces Rapp through Transfer of Power, then develops his role within the CIA and his relationships with important characters.
Reading in chronological order
Chronological order is ideal if you want to understand Mitch’s development from his earliest missions. Beginning with American Assassin, you follow his recruitment, training, and transformation into a counterterrorism operative.
Which order is better?
For most newcomers, publication order is the safer recommendation. It preserves the original storytelling progression. If your main interest is understanding Mitch’s career from the beginning, the official chronological order is equally valid.
Where Should You Start with the Mitch Rapp Series?
- For the original publication experience: Start with Transfer of Power (1999), the novel that introduced Mitch Rapp.
- For Mitch’s story from the beginning: Start with American Assassin (2010), which explores his early life and recruitment.
- If you already know Vince Flynn: Continue with the next unread novel in publication order.
- If you are new to political thrillers: Start with Transfer of Power, which introduces the character through a high-stakes political crisis.
Can you start with Double Tap? You can, because it explores an early chapter of Mitch’s career, but it is not the strongest introduction to the entire franchise.Vince Flynn vs. Kyle Mills vs. Don Bentley: Who Wrote the Mitch Rapp Books?
Vince Flynn: The creator of Mitch Rapp
Vince Flynn (1966–2013) was an American bestselling thriller author who created Mitch Rapp. He introduced the character in Transfer of Power in 1999. His writing combined political intrigue, international terrorism, intelligence operations, and fast-paced action. Flynn wrote the first 13 published Mitch Rapp novels, ending with The Last Man in 2012.
Kyle Mills: Continuing Flynn’s legacy
Kyle Mills took over the series after Flynn’s death and completed the unfinished manuscript for The Survivor. Published in 2015, it was based on Flynn’s unfinished work. Mills subsequently wrote Order to Kill, Enemy of the State, Red War, Lethal Agent, Total Power, Enemy at the Gates, Oath of Loyalty, and Code Red. In 2023, Mills announced that Code Red would be his final Mitch Rapp novel and that Don Bentley would become the next author.
Don Bentley: The current Mitch Rapp author
Don Bentley became the next writer of the franchise, beginning with Capture or Kill in 2024. His background includes military service and federal law enforcement. His Mitch Rapp contributions are Capture or Kill (2024), Denied Access (2025), and Double Tap (2026).
Which author’s books should you read?
You do not need to choose one author over another. The series is designed to preserve continuity across the different writing eras. Readers interested in the complete Mitch Rapp experience should read all three authors’ contributions.
Mitch Rapp Books: Spoiler-Free Summaries
1. Transfer of Power (1999)
Author: Vince Flynn. Terrorists seize the White House, introducing Mitch Rapp and his uncompromising approach to counterterrorism.
2. The Third Option (2000)
Author: Vince Flynn. Rapp faces a complicated intelligence operation involving international interests and political pressure.
3. Separation of Power (2001)
Author: Vince Flynn. Political tensions and national security concerns collide as Rapp navigates intelligence agencies and government leadership.
4. Executive Power (2003)
Author: Vince Flynn. A high-stakes operation brings covert intelligence work into conflict with Washington politics.
5. Memorial Day (2004)
Author: Vince Flynn. A potential terrorist threat creates an urgent national security challenge.
6. Consent to Kill (2005)
Author: Vince Flynn. Rapp becomes the target of an organized attempt at revenge, putting his personal life under pressure.
7. Act of Treason (2006)
Author: Vince Flynn. A politically sensitive assassination investigation places Rapp in the middle of a dangerous conspiracy.
8. Protect and Defend (2007)
Author: Vince Flynn. International tensions create another serious challenge for American intelligence.
9. Extreme Measures (2008)
Author: Vince Flynn. A dangerous international security situation pushes Rapp and his colleagues into a difficult operation.
10. Pursuit of Honor (2009)
Author: Vince Flynn. A major terrorist threat creates another race against time for Rapp and his team.
11. American Assassin (2010)
Author: Vince Flynn. This prequel explores Rapp’s origins, recruitment, and transformation into a CIA operative.
12. Kill Shot (2012)
Author: Vince Flynn. Continuing the early-career storyline, Rapp faces a dangerous operation in Europe.
13. The Last Man (2012)
Author: Vince Flynn. A missing CIA operative becomes the center of a troubling investigation.
14. The Survivor (2015)
Author: Vince Flynn and Kyle Mills. Mills completes Flynn’s unfinished manuscript in a story involving a dangerous adversary and intelligence crisis.
15. Order to Kill (2016)
Author: Kyle Mills. Rapp becomes involved in an international operation connected to Russian interests.
16. Enemy of the State (2017)
Author: Kyle Mills. Political and intelligence interests collide, putting Rapp under extraordinary pressure.
17. Red War (2018)
Author: Kyle Mills. Tensions involving Russia threaten to escalate into a major geopolitical crisis.
18. Lethal Agent (2019)
Author: Kyle Mills. A biological threat creates an urgent counterterrorism challenge.
19. Total Power (2020)
Author: Kyle Mills. An attack on America’s electrical infrastructure creates a major national emergency.
20. Enemy at the Gates (2021)
Author: Kyle Mills. Rapp confronts a threat that places national security and international stability at risk.
21. Oath of Loyalty (2022)
Author: Kyle Mills. Personal loyalty and professional responsibilities become increasingly difficult to separate.
22. Code Red (2023)
Author: Kyle Mills. Rapp faces another international threat involving chemical weapons; this is Mills’s final series novel.
23. Capture or Kill (2024)
Author: Don Bentley. Bentley takes over with a story returning to an earlier period in Rapp’s career.
24. Denied Access (2025)
Author: Don Bentley. A prequel exploring an earlier stage of Rapp’s development as a covert operative.
25. Double Tap (2026)
Author: Don Bentley. A young Rapp undertakes a deep-cover mission involving a kidnapped Pakistani chemical weapons scientist.
Who Is Mitch Rapp?
Mitch Rapp is the central character of Vince Flynn’s political thriller franchise. He is introduced as a young man whose life changes following a devastating personal tragedy. He enters a specialized counterterrorism program and develops into a highly capable covert operative.
Throughout the novels, Rapp works with the CIA and becomes involved in operations designed to prevent terrorist attacks and address threats to national security.
- International terrorist organizations
- Hostile intelligence networks
- Political conspiracies
- Covert military and intelligence operations
- High-risk assassination assignments
- National security emergencies
Rapp’s relationships, personal losses, loyalty to colleagues, and changing understanding of responsibility are important elements of his character development.
What Is the Mitch Rapp Series About?
The Mitch Rapp series combines political fiction, espionage, and counterterrorism action. Most novels involve a major security threat that requires intelligence gathering, covert operations, and difficult decisions.
Espionage and intelligence operations
Many stories involve CIA missions, intelligence networks, undercover assignments, and covert activities.
Counterterrorism
Counterterrorism is one of the defining themes. Rapp frequently faces terrorist organizations and threats that require urgent intervention.
Political intrigue
Government officials, intelligence leaders, and political interests often influence decisions surrounding Rapp’s missions.
International conflict
The novels explore geopolitical tensions, hostile foreign powers, and conflicts that can affect international stability.
Loyalty and sacrifice
Personal relationships and professional responsibilities create difficult situations for Rapp and the people working alongside him.
National security
Many books explore how far intelligence agencies and government officials should go to protect national security.
These themes make the series appealing to readers who enjoy fast-paced political thrillers, CIA fiction, military action, and international espionage stories.
Is the American Assassin Movie Based on the Book?
Yes. The 2017 film American Assassin is based on Vince Flynn’s novel of the same name. Directed by Michael Cuesta, it stars Dylan O’Brien as Mitch Rapp and Michael Keaton as Stan Hurley, alongside Sanaa Lathan, Taylor Kitsch, and Shiva Negar. The film was released on September 15, 2017.
How is the movie different from the book?
The film adapts the novel’s central premise and characters but makes changes to storytelling, pacing, and action sequences. Some events are condensed or rearranged to fit a feature-length film. It should be treated as a separate adaptation rather than an exact replacement for the novel.
Does the movie cover the entire Mitch Rapp series?
No. The movie focuses on the early part of Mitch’s fictional career. It does not adapt all 25 novels or cover the complete development of the character.
Books Similar to the Mitch Rapp Series
Jack Reacher by Lee Child
Best for readers who enjoy highly capable protagonists, dangerous investigations, physical action, and fast-moving plots. Reacher generally operates independently rather than within a CIA counterterrorism structure. Suggested starting book: Killing Floor.
Jack Ryan by Tom Clancy
A strong choice for readers interested in intelligence agencies, military strategy, geopolitical tensions, and national security. The stories often emphasize military and strategic analysis. Suggested starting book: The Hunt for Red October.
Gabriel Allon by Daniel Silva
Recommended for readers who appreciate intelligence operations, international espionage, and complex political situations. The series also combines espionage with art restoration. Suggested starting book: The Kill Artist.
Scot Harvath by Brad Thor
Suitable for readers who enjoy covert missions, terrorism-related threats, political conspiracies, and action-driven narratives. Harvath’s stories frequently feature a former Navy SEAL. Suggested starting book: The Lions of Lucerne.
Orphan X by Gregg Hurwitz
A good recommendation for readers who enjoy highly trained operatives, secret programs, dangerous enemies, and personal missions. Suggested starting book: Orphan X.
Jason Bourne by Robert Ludlum
Recommended for readers who enjoy secret identities, international conspiracies, intelligence networks, and dangerous espionage missions. The stories emphasize identity, memory, and psychological uncertainty. Suggested starting book: The Bourne Identity.
FAQs About Mitch Rapp Books in Order
1. What order should I read the Mitch Rapp books?
For first-time readers, publication order is recommended. Start with Transfer of Power (1999). To follow Mitch’s fictional life from the beginning, start with American Assassin (2010).
2. Do you need to read Mitch Rapp books in order?
Individual novels can be read independently, but reading them in order provides a better understanding of recurring characters, relationships, and ongoing storylines.
3. How many books are in the Mitch Rapp series?
There are 25 published Mitch Rapp novels as of November 2026. The newest installment is Double Tap, written by Don Bentley and released September 22, 2026.
4. What is the first Mitch Rapp book?
The first published novel is Transfer of Power (1999). American Assassin is the first novel in the character’s chronological storyline.
5. Is American Assassin the first Mitch Rapp book?
It is the first chronological novel, but not the first published novel. Transfer of Power was released in 1999 and American Assassin in 2010.
6. What is the difference between chronological and publication order?
Publication order follows release dates. Chronological order follows fictional events in Mitch Rapp’s life.
7. Who wrote the Mitch Rapp books?
The series was created by Vince Flynn and subsequently continued by Kyle Mills and Don Bentley.
8. Did Vince Flynn write all the Mitch Rapp novels?
No. Flynn wrote the original 13 novels. Kyle Mills completed Flynn’s unfinished The Survivor and wrote subsequent installments through Code Red. Don Bentley took over with Capture or Kill in 2024.
9. Who writes the Mitch Rapp books now?
Don Bentley is the author continuing the franchise. His published contributions include Capture or Kill, Denied Access, and Double Tap.
10. What is the latest Mitch Rapp book?
The latest published novel is Double Tap by Don Bentley, released September 22, 2026, and designated Mitch Rapp #25.
11. Is there a new Mitch Rapp book coming in 2026?
Double Tap was the 2026 release and was published September 22, 2026. A confirmed publication date for another subsequent novel has not been established in the official information reviewed for this guide.
12. Is Mitch Rapp’s story finished?
There is no verified announcement that the entire franchise has ended. Don Bentley has continued the series, but an ongoing franchise is not the same as a formally confirmed future release.
13. Will there be a Mitch Rapp Book 26?
Double Tap is the 25th novel. A confirmed title and publication date for book 26 have not been established in the official information reviewed for this guide.
14. What is Double Tap about?
Double Tap follows a young Mitch Rapp on a deep-cover mission involving a kidnapped Pakistani chemical weapons scientist. It takes place after Denied Access and before Transfer of Power in the chronological sequence.
15. Is Term Limits part of the Mitch Rapp series?
No. Term Limits (1997) is a separate Vince Flynn political thriller and is not counted among the 25 Mitch Rapp novels.
16. Is the American Assassin movie based on a book?
Yes. The 2017 film is based on Vince Flynn’s novel American Assassin. Dylan O’Brien plays Mitch Rapp and Michael Keaton plays Stan Hurley.
17. What should I read after Mitch Rapp?
Consider Jack Reacher by Lee Child, Jack Ryan by Tom Clancy, Gabriel Allon by Daniel Silva, Scot Harvath by Brad Thor, Orphan X by Gregg Hurwitz, or Jason Bourne by Robert Ludlum.
Final Thoughts: The Best Way to Read the Mitch Rapp Books
The Mitch Rapp franchise offers 25 novels covering the development of one of political fiction’s recognizable counterterrorism characters. For newcomers, starting with Transfer of Power and following publication order provides the clearest introduction to Vince Flynn’s original storytelling and the later contributions of Kyle Mills and Don Bentley.
Readers who prefer to follow Mitch’s fictional life from the beginning can choose chronological order, starting with American Assassin. Whichever approach you choose, keeping a consistent reading list makes it easier to understand the characters, follow recurring storylines, and appreciate how the franchise has developed.
Hi, I’m Nisbah – a blogger with over 2 years of experience creating content and a fantasy enthusiast who loves exploring magical worlds, fantasy books, captivating stories, and unforgettable characters. I share book recommendations, reviews, fantasy insights, and story discussions and creating guides to help readers discover their next great adventure.
