Order of Nelson DeMille Books

There are authors who write thrillers. And then there’s Nelson DeMille—a man who doesn’t just craft a story; he builds a world so sharp-edged and sarcastically intelligent that you start questioning your own wit. Born on August 23, 1943, in Jamaica, Queens, New York, DeMille is the literary equivalent of a seasoned detective: skeptical of the system, unsparingly honest, and just a little too clever for the room. He writes with swagger, elegance, and a brand of dark humor that turns espionage into art.

Raised in Long Island, DeMille's early life was deeply rooted in the culture and geography that would later serve as rich backdrops for many of his novels. He attended Elmont Memorial High School, where, one imagines, the seeds of his rebellious literary spirit were first planted. But real life interrupted fiction when DeMille enlisted in the U.S. Army. He served as a First Lieutenant in Vietnam with the First Cavalry Division, and that experience—raw, gritty, unvarnished—seeps through his characters. They don’t just fight battles; they wrestle with their own code of ethics in a corrupt world.

After returning home, DeMille pursued higher education at Hofstra University, majoring in Political Science and History. That’s when things started to click. With a deep understanding of American power structures and a personal view of war and politics, he began writing. And oh, did he write.

Before becoming a household name, DeMille tested the waters with paperback thrillers under pseudonyms, sharpening his skills in the pulp trenches. But it wasn’t long before the literary world met the real DeMille—bold, unapologetically satirical, and unmistakably original. His breakout success came with By the Rivers of Babylon (1978), and he’s never looked back. Novels like The Charm School, The Gold Coast, Plum Island, and The Lion's Game became bestsellers, earning him legions of fans and the begrudging admiration of critics.

What makes Nelson DeMille so compelling isn’t just his knack for nail-biting plots or explosive action—though he has both in spades. It’s the voice. That trademark DeMille voice: cynical, sardonic, always a step ahead. His protagonists, especially the unforgettable John Corey, are reflections of the author himself—smart-mouthed, fearless, and allergic to political correctness. They’re the kind of characters who can dismantle a bomb, outwit a terrorist, and still throw in a killer one-liner.

DeMille's work is often infused with military and intelligence themes, but there’s a beating heart beneath the grit. He explores the morality of power, the gray zones of justice, and the fragility of truth in a world where secrets are currency. Each novel doesn’t just thrill—it provokes, teases, and dares the reader to ask, “What would I do?”

He’s also a member of the American Mensa Society, which frankly seems unfair when you realize he’s already this good at writing. With multiple awards under his belt—including the prestigious ThrillerMaster Award from the International Thriller Writers Association—DeMille isn’t just prolific; he’s iconic.

As of now, Nelson DeMille is still alive, still brilliant, and still writing novels that leave readers biting their nails and grinning at the same time. His works have sold over 50 million copies worldwide, and each new book release is a literary event. He currently lives on Long Island (naturally), where he continues to observe the world with a sharp eye and sharper pen.

So, what happens when you mix war experience, academic prowess, razor-sharp wit, and a healthy dose of Long Island sarcasm? You get Nelson DeMille—a legend in letters, a provocateur in prose, and an author whose next sentence might just knock you out cold.

And the best part? He’s just getting started.

Ready to dive into the world of John Corey, CIA conspiracies, and cold-blooded irony? Wait till you see what’s coming in the books...