Reading novels can be an exciting adventure, as they offer a unique way to explore various emotions, realities, and experiences. This becomes even more thrilling when these narratives are part of a series, unfolding a saga of intricate plots and dynamic characters.
The ‘Private’ series by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro, renowned authors in the field of thriller novels, is a perfect embodiment of such gripping narratives. This series weaves tales of a global investigative firm, ‘Private’, that solves intricate crimes while dealing with the personal lives of its members.
Now, let’s dive into the captivating world of ‘Private’ by exploring the series in order.
The ‘Private’ Series in Order
- Private (2010)
- Private: #1 Suspect (2012)
- Private Games (2012)
- Private: London (2012)
- Private Berlin (2013)
- Private L.A. (2014)
- Private Down Under (2014) (also known as Private Oz)
- Private India: City on Fire (2014)
- Private Vegas (2015)
- Private Sydney (2015) (also known as Private Down Under)
- Private Paris (2016)
- Private Rio (or The Games) (2016)
- Private: Missing (2016)
- Private Delhi (or Count to Ten) (2017)
- Private Princess (2018)
- Private Moscow (2020)
- Private Rogue (2021)
- Private Beijing (2022)
Here’s a Summary for every book!
1. Private (2010)
In the inaugural novel of the series, we meet Jack Morgan, an ex-CIA operative, who inherits a renowned investigation agency, “Private,” from his father. The agency is known for its technologically advanced resources and high-profile clients. In this book, Jack is faced with several high-stake cases.
These include the murder of his best friend’s wife, a powerful NFL gambling scandal, and a serial killer who targets schoolgirls. Simultaneously, Jack also has to deal with his twin brother’s release from jail and the memories of his traumatic past.
2. Private: #1 Suspect (2012)
In this sequel, Jack Morgan becomes a suspect himself when his former lover is found dead in his bed. As he sets out to clear his name, he finds himself entangled in a web of lies, deceit, and dangerous secrets.
At the same time, the elite investigative agency is handling cases involving a luxury car dealership’s unsolved murders, a major drug company’s deadly clinical trials, and a ruthless group of criminals stealing precious artworks.
3. Private Games (2012)
Set in the backdrop of the 2012 Olympic Games in London, this story revolves around a ruthless killer who calls himself “Chronos.” He aims to destroy the Olympics and restore the glory of the ancient games. Peter Knight, a Private investigator, is called to track down Chronos before he can execute his devastating plan.
This gripping narrative is a fusion of historical intrigue, high-stakes suspense, and unexpected twists and turns.
4. Private: London (2012)
This book takes us across the Atlantic to Private’s London branch, helmed by former Royal Military Police Sergeant Dan Carter. The story kicks off with the disappearance of Carter’s friend’s wife and the murder of Hannah Shapiro, a student at an elite school.
As Carter delves into these cases, he finds a link to a series of seemingly unrelated incidents, leading him to an international crime ring.
5. Private Berlin (2013)
Set in Europe’s most dangerous city, Berlin, this installment follows investigator Chris Schneider. One day, Chris mysteriously disappears, and Mattie Engel, his colleague, and ex-lover, steps in to find him. Mattie discovers that Chris was working on a case involving a serial killer who takes his inspiration from Berlin’s darkest period World War II.
As Mattie digs deeper, she is thrust into a world of twisted obsessions and grim history.
Each book in the Private series delves into distinct settings and mysteries while maintaining the core theme of high-stakes, private investigations led by the complex yet charismatic character, Jack Morgan, and his global team. Each page-turner unfolds not just intriguing crime plots, but also the personal lives and internal struggles of its characters.
6. Private L.A. (2014)
In this installment, Jack Morgan and his Private investigative team are brought into two high-profile cases in Los Angeles. The first involves the disappearance of a Hollywood power couple, while the second surrounds a series of systematic, brutal executions.
As the story unfolds, these two seemingly separate cases begin to intertwine, leading Jack and his team into a deadly mix of corruption, organized crime, and scandalous secrets that stretch from the city’s underworld to its most influential power players.
7. Private Down Under (2014) (also known as Private Oz)
Jack Morgan opens a new branch of Private in Sydney, Australia. The firm is soon entangled in a high-stakes world of corruption and murder. The plot involves investigating the murder of the wife of a wealthy businessman and a string of high-profile robberies that appear connected.
As the body count rises, Jack and his team must find the killer before the entire city descends into chaos.
8. Private India: City on Fire (2014)
In Mumbai, India, a serial killer is leaving a trail of gruesomely strangled bodies with seemingly random objects carefully arranged with the corpses. Jack’s Private India branch, led by top agent Santosh Wagh, must race against time to catch the killer before he strikes again.
The investigation is complicated by a deadly threat from within, leading to a climax that puts Mumbai on the brink of disaster.
9. Private Vegas (2015)
In the city of Sin, Las Vegas, Jack Morgan is confronted with two high-intensity cases. The first involves a murder investigation of a woman with links to a top-secret government research facility. The second surrounds a notorious playboy’s bachelor party that spirals out of control.
As Jack navigates these challenging cases, he’s also dealing with personal turmoil, including a love interest who may not have his best interests at heart.
10. Private Sydney (2015) (also known as Private Down Under)
Jack’s team in Sydney, led by investigator Craig Gisto, is drawn into a complex case when a disgraced businessman approaches them. His son has been murdered, and his daughter-in-law, a renowned investigative journalist, is being pursued by unknown attackers.
As the team digs into the case, they uncover links to a criminal underworld and a plot that reaches up into the highest levels of society and power.
Quick Fact: Each book in the Private series offers a blend of intriguing characters, international settings, and thrilling plotlines, all centered around the highly skilled and resourceful team of Private investigators.
11. Private Paris (2016)
When the estranged lover of Jack Morgan’s friend is found dead and mutilated in her Parisian apartment, Morgan promises to track down her murderer. Concurrently, a youthful, extremist group known as the “Nationalists” is killing influential figures throughout the city.
As Jack works with Private’s Paris branch manager, Louis Langlois, they must race against time to stop the terror before it hits too close to home.
12. Private Rio (or The Games) (2016)
In Rio de Janeiro, the Private branch is plunged into chaos just as the city prepares to host the Olympics. Jack is called to investigate the disappearance of top clients, and the case quickly escalates when a major sponsor is murdered. Jack and his team must navigate Rio’s seedy underworld to solve the cases, as the world’s eyes are trained on the city for the Games.
13. Private: Missing (2016)
This thriller follows Jack Morgan and his Private agency as they embark on a high-stakes search for the missing wife of a Chinese billionaire. Their search takes them from the luxury estates of Los Angeles to the bustling streets of Shanghai. Simultaneously, a high-tech lab that may hold the secrets to a dangerous weapon has gone silent. Jack must track the woman and the truth about the lab before it’s too late.
14. Private Delhi (or Count to Ten) (2017)
In this installment, Santosh Wagh, head of Private’s Indian branch, battles his personal demons as he investigates a series of horrifying murders in Delhi. The crimes are connected to an illegal organ trade racket that extends to foreign shores. With the help of Jack Morgan, Santosh must navigate through a maze of political power play and dangerous liaisons to unearth the truth.
15. Private Princess (2018)
When a royal princess disappears from a celebration in Saint Tropez, Jack Morgan is called in to find her. But the princess is no ordinary client; she’s a friend, making the case deeply personal. Jack’s search takes him to the dark corners of her past and leads to a shocking revelation about one of the world’s most influential families.
16. Private Moscow (2020)
In this book, Jack Morgan’s attention is drawn toward Russia when a former army colleague’s son is brutally murdered. Jack quickly learns that oligarchs and criminals alike are vying for control over Moscow’s shadowy markets. As he navigates the city’s complex power structures, he uncovers a deadly conspiracy that could transform the world’s political order.
17. Private Rogue (2021)
This latest installment focuses on a cyber-terrorism event that exposes secrets of the U.S. government. As the CIA’s chief of cyber-intelligence goes missing, Jack Morgan teams up with former SEAL and Brothers in Arms member, Ned McCormick, to investigate. The duo uncovers a conspiracy that threatens national security, leading to a thrilling showdown.
Each installment of the Private series not only offers a unique crime thriller plot but also provides readers with a deep look into different cultures and global cities. The series captures the essence of each location while spinning intricate stories of crime and justice.
What order does the private series go in?
The ‘Private’ series, written by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro, progresses in the following order:
- Private (2010)
- Private: #1 Suspect (2012)
- Private Games (2012)
- Private: London (2012)
- Private Berlin (2013)
- Private L.A. (2014)
- Private Down Under (2014) (also known as Private Oz)
- Private India: City on Fire (2014)
- Private Vegas (2015)
- Private Sydney (2015) (also known as Private Down Under)
- Private Paris (2016)
- Private Rio (or The Games) (2016)
- Private: Missing (2016)
- Private Delhi (or Count to Ten) (2017)
- Private Princess (2018)
- Private Moscow (2020)
- Private Rogue (2021)
- Private Beijing (2022)
Do you need to read the private series in order?
While each book in the ‘Private’ series does contain a self-contained story, reading the books in order can provide a richer experience. This is because there are overarching character arcs, relationships, and themes that progress from book to book. There are also references to previous cases and events that make more sense if you’ve read the earlier books.
However, if you were to pick up a book out of order, you would still be able to follow the primary plot of that individual novel.
What are the books in the private series?
The ‘Private’ series, by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro, includes the following novels:
- Private: Jack Morgan, an ex-CIA operative, inherits the renowned investigation agency, “Private,” from his father, which deals with high-profile and high-stakes cases.
- Private: #1 Suspect: Jack Morgan becomes the primary suspect in a murder case, and he must clear his name while managing other critical cases.
- Private Games: In the backdrop of the 2012 Olympic Games, a Private investigator must stop a killer known as “Chronos,” who plans to destroy the games.
- Private: London: Dan Carter, the head of the London branch, deals with seemingly unconnected crimes that lead to an international crime ring.
- Private Berlin: A case takes a dangerous turn when an investigator in Private’s Berlin office disappears while working on a case involving a sadistic serial killer.
- Private L.A.: The disappearance of a Hollywood power couple and a series of brutal executions lead Jack and his team into a deadly mix of corruption and crime.
- Private Down Under: The Sydney branch of Private is entangled in corruption and murder involving a wealthy businessman and high-profile robberies.
- Private India: City on Fire: A serial killer leaves a trail of gruesomely murdered bodies across Mumbai, leading the local branch of Private on a dangerous chase.
- Private Vegas: In Las Vegas, Jack deals with a murder linked to a top-secret government research facility and a playboy’s bachelor party that spirals out of control.
- Private Sydney: The Sydney branch handles a case involving a disgraced businessman’s murdered son and a pursued daughter-in-law.
- Private Paris: Jack and the Paris branch manager work together to solve a series of murders perpetrated by an extremist group known as the “Nationalists.”
- Private Rio: As Rio de Janeiro prepares to host the Olympics, Private’s branch in the city deals with high-stakes cases involving influential clients.
- Private: Missing: Jack and his team are on a high-stakes search for the missing wife of a Chinese billionaire and a silent high-tech lab.
- Private Delhi: Private’s Indian branch investigates a series of horrifying murders connected to an illegal organ trade racket.
- Private Princess: Jack is personally involved in a case where a royal princess and his friend go missing from a celebration in Saint Tropez.
- Private Moscow: A murder case involving a former army colleague’s son leads Jack into the complex power structures of Russia’s capital city.
- Private Rogue: The latest installment focuses on a cyber-terrorism event that exposes secrets of the U.S. government, leading Jack into a conspiracy threatening national security.
- Each novel offers a unique crime thriller plot set in a different global city, each capturing the essence of the location while providing thrilling and complex stories of crime and justice.
Is Private Sydney missing the same book?
No, “Private Sydney” and “Private: Missing” are not the same book. They are separate installments in James Patterson’s Private series. “Private Sydney,” also known as “Private Down Under,” is the 10th book in the series, while “Private: Missing” is the 13th installment.
How to read the Secret series in order?
Regarding the Secret Series, if you are referring to the children’s book series by Enid Blyton, the reading order is as follows:
- “The Secret Island” (1938)
- “The Secret of Spiggy Holes” (1940)
- “The Secret Mountain” (1941)
- “The Secret of Killimooin” (1943)
- “The Secret of Moon Castle” (1953)
This series follows a group of children who encounter numerous adventures and mysteries.
If you are referring to the “Secret Series” by Pseudonymous Bosch, the reading order is as follows:
- “The Name of this Book Is Secret” (2007)
- “If You’re Reading This, It’s Too Late” (2008)
- “This Book Is Not Good for You” (2009)
- “This Isn’t What It Looks Like” (2010)
- “You Have to Stop This” (2011)
The “Secret Series” by Pseudonymous Bosch is a five-book series that follows two children, Cass and Max-Ernest, as they attempt to investigate the mysterious death of a magician and the whereabouts of the magician’s diary, which is said to contain a secret to immortality.
This series is known for its metafictional format, with the author directly addressing the reader in many instances.
Expert Tip: To get the best out of either series, it’s advisable to read them in order as they follow a linear progression of the story and characters.
Who is the main character of the ‘Private’ series and what is his background?
Jack Morgan, an ex-CIA operative, is the main character of the ‘Private’ series. He inherits the renowned global investigation agency “Private” from his father. The agency is known for its top-notch forensics lab, highly skilled investigators, and clientele that includes some of the most powerful people in the world.
Do you need to read the ‘Private’ series in chronological order?
While each book in the ‘Private’ series is a standalone novel with its own unique plot, reading them in chronological order can enhance your understanding of the series’ broader context. Character development, overarching themes, and references to previous cases progress from book to book. Still, each individual novel can be understood and enjoyed independently.
What types of cases does the ‘Private’ agency handle?
The ‘Private’ agency deals with high-profile and high-stakes cases, often involving wealthy or influential individuals and entities. These range from investigating murders and disappearances to tracking down serial killers and uncovering large-scale criminal conspiracies. The cases span a multitude of international locales, reflecting the global presence of the ‘Private’ agency.
Are there recurring characters throughout the ‘Private’ series?
Yes, there are recurring characters throughout the ‘Private’ series. Jack Morgan, as the head of ‘Private’, is the constant in the series. Other characters, such as Justine Smith, his right-hand woman, and other agency operatives make regular appearances. However, each novel also introduces new characters specific to the geographical location and case at hand.
How does the ‘Private’ series showcase different global cities?
Each book in the ‘Private’ series is set in a different city around the world, such as Los Angeles, London, Berlin, Sydney, Paris, and more. These books don’t just use the cities as backgrounds but often weave the city’s unique culture, politics, and crime patterns into the storyline, creating a vivid sense of place.
How do the ‘Private’ series balance crime-solving and character development?
The ‘Private’ series delivers thrilling, complex crime narratives while also focusing on character development. Jack Morgan’s character arc, relationships, and personal struggles are explored throughout the series. Similarly, the series explores the lives and experiences of other recurring characters, adding depth to their characters while maintaining a fast-paced plot.
What can readers expect from the ‘Private’ series in terms of genre and style?
The ‘Private’ series blends elements of crime, thriller, and mystery genres. The books are characterized by fast-paced narratives, intricate plotlines, and a variety of intriguing characters. Readers can expect plot twists, high-stakes scenarios, and detailed investigations.
The series also employs a global perspective, providing cultural insights into different cities around the world.
How is the ‘Private’ series distinct from other crime-thriller series?
The ‘Private’ series is distinct in its blend of character-driven narratives, high-stakes crime cases, and international settings. Each book is not just a crime-thriller, but also a unique cultural exploration of its setting, be it Paris, Sydney, Rio, or Moscow.
Additionally, the protagonist, Jack Morgan, has a rich character arc, adding a personal dimension to the thrilling crime narratives.
Is there an overarching narrative or connection between the books in the ‘Private’ series?
While each book features a standalone story and can be enjoyed independently, there are overarching narratives and character relationships that progress across the series. Notably, the evolution of protagonist Jack Morgan, his relationships, and the development of the ‘Private’ agency are threads that run throughout the series.
What is the significance of the different locations in the ‘Private’ series?
Each book in the ‘Private’ series is set in a different city around the world, each with its unique cultural, political, and social landscape. The locations are integral to the plots, as the authors weave local culture, geography, and socio-political context into the narratives. This provides an extra layer of depth and makes each book a unique cultural exploration.
Can a newcomer to the series start with any book, or is it recommended to start from the first book?
Although each book in the ‘Private’ series can be read as a standalone novel, starting with the first book, “Private,” would provide a better understanding of the main character, Jack Morgan, and the foundation of the ‘Private’ agency. This understanding can enhance the reading experience of subsequent books.
The authors maintain continuity and consistency in the ‘Private’ series by developing recurring characters and overarching narrative threads. They also keep the core aspects of the ‘Private’ agency consistent. Each novel’s location-specific elements are carefully researched to maintain authenticity.
What kind of readers would enjoy the ‘Private’ series?
The ‘Private’ series will likely appeal to readers who enjoy fast-paced, plot-driven narratives, particularly in the crime and thriller genres. Additionally, readers who appreciate international settings, cultural insights, and character-driven narratives will find the series engaging.
The blend of crime-solving, global exploration, and character development caters to a wide range of reader preferences.
Are there any common themes or motifs in the ‘Private’ series?
The ‘Private’ series frequently explores themes of justice, morality, and the often-blurred line between right and wrong. The concept of ‘private’ justice, as provided by the agency, is also a recurring motif, as are themes of personal demons, past traumas, and the impact of power and wealth on justice.
Conclusion
The ‘Private’ series by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro offers readers an immersive journey into the world of international crime-solving, through the eyes of engaging characters and across a rich tapestry of global settings.
Whether you’re intrigued by intricate crime narratives, drawn to character development, or captivated by cultural exploration, this series provides a compelling blend of all these elements. Each book is a new adventure, making the ‘Private’ series a must-read for any thriller enthusiast.