James Patterson’s Private series is a dynamic collection of novels centered around the world’s most prestigious and technologically advanced private investigation firm, “Private.” The series begins with the book “Private,” introducing former US Marine Jack Morgan, who leads the agency. With branches globally, Private is known for handling cases that require utmost discretion and sophisticated investigative methods. The series offers a window into the high-stakes world of private investigation, where secrets of the influential are uncovered, and complex cases are solved using state-of-the-art forensic tools.
Each book in the series takes readers to different locations, from London and Berlin to Sydney and Mumbai, showcasing the global reach of the agency. The stories feature a variety of characters, including heads of Private’s international offices, who face unique challenges in their respective cities. These characters encounter everything from murder and kidnapping to high-profile scandals and international conspiracies.
As the series progresses, readers witness Jack Morgan and his team confronting increasingly dangerous and intricate cases. The stories intertwine personal dramas with professional challenges, illustrating the complexities of running a top-tier private investigation firm.
See also: James Patterson’s Travis McKinley Series in Order.
Private Series in Order
- Private (2010)
- Private:#1 Suspect (2012)
- Private Games (2012)
- Private London (2011)
- Private Berlin (2013)
- Private LA (2013)
- Private Down Under (2012)
- Private India (2014)
- Private Vegas (2015)
- Private Paris (2016)
- Private Rio (2016)
- Private Sydney (2016)
- Private Royals (2017)
- Private Delhi (2017)
- Private Gold (2017)
- Private Princess (2018)
- Private Moscow (2020)
- Private Rogue (2021)
- Private Beijing (2022)
- Private Rome (2024)
Similar Authors
- “The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency” by Alexander McCall Smith – Set in Botswana, this book introduces Mma Precious Ramotswe. It combines mystery with insights into African culture, focusing on narrative-driven stories and empathetic detective work.
- “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” by Stieg Larsson – This novel, part of the Millennium series, features journalist Mikael Blomkvist and hacker Lisbeth Salander. Set in Sweden, it presents a complex mystery involving family secrets and corruption.
- “Bangkok 8” by John Burdett – The first in a series featuring Royal Thai Police detective Sonchai Jitpleecheep. Set in Bangkok, this series is notable for its detailed setting, intricate plots, and a main character who brings a unique approach to crime solving.
See also: Harry Bosch Books in Order.
Best James Patterson Books
- Private Beijing (4.31 Goodreads score)
- Private Rome (4.30 Goodreads score)
- Private Rogue (4.30 Goodreads score)
- Private Moscow (4.27 Goodreads score)
- Private Rio (3.99 Goodreads score)
Awards
James Patterson, a celebrated author, has received numerous accolades, including the Literarian Award from the National Book Foundation in 2015 and 2022, the National Humanities Medal in 2019, and notable honors like the Edgar Award, the BCA Mystery Guild’s Thriller of the Year, the International Thriller of the Year, and the Children’s Choice Book Award for Author of the Year.
Upcoming Releases
James Patterson fans can look forward to a busy schedule of new releases. Kicking off with “Cross Out” on November 20, 2023, and quickly followed by “What Really Happens in Vegas” on December 4, 2023, the momentum continues into 2024. The new year begins with a double release on January 8: “Holmes, Miss Marple, and Poe Investigations” alongside “Middle School: Million Dollar Mess.” This exciting lineup is capped off with “Tiger, Tiger,” set to hit shelves on February 12, 2024, offering a range of thrilling narratives for readers to enjoy.
Book Summaries
Private
"Private" is a book about former US Marine Jack Morgan, who runs a renowned investigation company called Private. With branches all over the world, Private is the go-to place for those in need of maximum force and discretion. Jack and his team of investigators use advanced forensic tools to solve cases involving the secrets of influential individuals. In the midst of investigating a gambling scandal and unsolved murders, Jack receives devastating news: his best friend's wife, who is also his former lover, has been brutally murdered. Determined to find the killer, Jack goes all out, using all of Private's resources and breaking the rules along the way.
Private:#1 Suspect
"Private: #1 Suspect" is a book about Jack Morgan, the owner of the world's most successful detective agency. When his ex-lover is found dead in his bed, Jack becomes the prime suspect. With his team overwhelmed and his life in danger, Jack is forced by the mob to recover $30 million worth of stolen drugs. This puts him face to face with his most formidable enemies yet.
Private Games
"Private Games" is an Olympic thriller set in London. When Sir Denton Marshall, a member of the Olympic organising committee, is brutally murdered, Peter Knight, head of Private London, is called to the scene. As Private is working on security for the Games, Denton's murder hits close to home for Knight. It becomes clear that the killer is targeting the Games and everyone involved is in danger.
Private London
"Private London" follows the story of Hannah Shapiro, a young American student who is haunted by a terrifying past. When women start disappearing in London and their bodies are found mutilated, it becomes clear that there is a connection to Hannah's past. Former Royal Military Police Sergeant Dan Carter, head of Private London, must race against time to save Hannah and solve the gruesome mystery.
Private Berlin
"Private Berlin" takes readers on a suspenseful journey through the dark underbelly of the city. Mattie Engel, a rising star at Private Berlin, is faced with the shocking murder of her colleague and former fiancé, Chris. As she and her team investigate, they discover a masked killer who is targeting Chris's childhood friends and trying to cover up the crimes. Mattie must uncover the truth about a mysterious slaughterhouse and stay one step ahead of the killer before she becomes the next victim.
Private LA
Jack Morgan is having a tough week. His twin brother is trying to frame him for murder, and he receives a call from a client reporting burnt bodies on a beach. As he investigates, he discovers that a killer named No Prisoners is terrorizing the city. To make matters worse, a famous couple and their children have been kidnapped. The book explores whether Jack's agency, Private, can live up to their reputation and solve these cases.
Private Down Under
"Private Down Under' is a follows about P.I. Craig Gisto and his team at Private. During a glamorous launch party, their celebrations are interrupted by the arrival of a boy who has been kidnapped and brutally murdered. Alongside this case, they are also tasked with protecting a rock star who believes someone is trying to kill him. Additionally, they must solve a series of brutal murders targeting wealthy wives. If they don't catch the killer soon, someone close to Private could be the next victim.
Private India
"Private India" is a crime novel set in Mumbai. Santosh Wagh, the head of Private India, a renowned detective agency, is faced with the challenging task of solving a series of murders. Women are being killed in a mysterious ritual, with peculiar objects left at the crime scenes. As Santosh and his team race against time to catch the killer, they uncover a greater danger that could put the lives of countless innocent citizens at risk.
Private Vegas
"Private Vegas" follows Jack Morgan, the head of Private Investigations. Jack is facing numerous challenges, including a car bombing, his ex dating someone new, and his twin brother's ongoing attempts to ruin him. Despite these obstacles, Jack and his agency continue to work tirelessly for their clients, including the LAPD who need their help in catching criminals with diplomatic immunity. The story takes an even darker turn when a client confesses to murdering his wife. To make matters worse, Jack's best friend is falsely accused of a crime that could result in a lengthy prison sentence.
Private Paris
"Private Paris" is set in Paris. Jack Morgan, the protagonist, plans to have a relaxing trip filled with delicious food and sightseeing. However, his plans change when he receives a call from a client who needs Private, the detective agency, to find his granddaughter who is running away from a dangerous drug dealer. As Jack searches the city, he discovers that several influential members of Paris's cultural scene have been murdered in a shocking and symbolic manner. The French police seek Private's assistance in solving these crimes.
Private Rio
"Private Rio" takes place in Rio during the Olympic Games. Jack Morgan, a security consultant, uncovers evidence that suggests a catastrophic plan is in motion. With the death at the World Cup as a warning, the Olympic Games could be the stage for the most devastating atrocity ever witnessed.
Private Sydney
"Private Sydney" follows the elite team at Private Investigations as they take on the case of a missing man. Craig Gisto, the CEO of the agency, promises to find Eliza Moss's father, who has mysteriously disappeared. However, they soon discover that not only is the man missing, but all traces of him have vanished as well. As they search for him, they find themselves caught in a dangerous game with powerful figures who want him to remain hidden and others who are determined to find him. Alongside this investigation, the team also races against time to find a stolen baby and apprehend a brutal killer.
Private Royals
Jack Morgan pays a visit to his investigation agency, Private, in London. During a cocktail party, he receives a distressing phone call from the Duke of Aldershot, who informs him that his daughter, Abbie, has been kidnapped. The Duke urges Jack to handle the case discreetly, as any involvement from the police could endanger Abbie's life. With a tight deadline of 11:00 a.m. the following morning, Jack must locate Abbie before the situation escalates into a tragic murder.
Private Delhi
The story follows Jack Morgan, the head of the world's finest investigation agency, as he teams up with Santosh Wagh, the former head of Private India, to solve a high-stakes case. People are going missing one by one, and Jack and Santosh must find them before it's too late. The case takes them to Delhi, where they uncover plastic barrels containing dissolved human remains in a government-owned house. As they dig deeper, they realize that their investigation puts Santosh in danger of being eliminated.
Private Gold
"Private Johannesburg" tells the story of Joey Montague, who is closing down the branch of Private they had established in Johannesburg after the tragic suicide of his partner, Khosi. While packing up, Joey receives a call from an American woman who needs his assistance. What starts as a straightforward protection job quickly turns into a life-or-death situation for both his client and Joey himself.
Private Princess
"Private Princess" is a story about Jack Morgan, who is asked to help find a missing friend of Princess Caroline. Jack must use his skills and keep the search discreet before the media catches wind of it. However, as he delves deeper into the case, he realizes there is more to it than meets the eye. What secrets is the Princess hiding?
Private Moscow
"Private Moscow" follows Jack Morgan, a former US Marine, who is drawn into a dangerous conspiracy after receiving an invitation from an old friend. When a murder takes place, Jack is hired to find the killer and soon discovers a connection to another murder in Moscow. As he delves deeper into the investigation, Jack uncovers a conspiracy with potential global consequences. With powerful enemies against him, Jack must fight to survive.
Private Rogue
"Private Rogue" follows the story of a US Special Forces pilot who is shot down in Afghanistan and a mother who is forced to flee with her two young children in New York. When a wealthy businessman asks Jack Morgan, the head of Private, to find his missing daughter and grandchildren, Jack soon realizes that this is no ordinary missing persons case. As he digs deeper, he discovers that the daughter is being pursued by highly trained operatives. The trail leads Jack back to Afghanistan, where he must confront his own past in order to save the future of this family.
Private Beijing
"Private Beijing" is a book about a devastating attack in Beijing that leaves three agents dead and the team leader missing. The Beijing branch of Private is in chaos, prompting the owner and global head, Jack Morgan, to fly from LA to China. However, as soon as Jack arrives, another Private office is targeted, indicating that the entire organization is in danger. Jack must conduct a worldwide investigation from unfamiliar territory and rely on the loyalty of his team to overcome this threat.
Private Rome
In "Private Rome" a priest is murdered and a Private agent named Matteo Ricci becomes the prime suspect. Jack Morgan, another Private agent, is in Rome for the opening of a new office when he gets involved in the case. Jack believes in Matteo's innocence and sets out to prove it. However, as he investigates, he discovers a dangerous conspiracy that reaches the Vatican. With corruption surrounding him, Jack must determine who he can rely on before the city is consumed by chaos.
