Vince Flynn
Vince Flynn (1966–2013) was a #1 New York Times bestselling thriller author and the creator of Mitch Rapp — one of the most popular counterterrorism characters in fiction. Flynn was born in St. Paul, Minnesota, the fifth of seven children, and graduated from the University of St. Thomas with a degree in economics. He dreamed of becoming a Marine aviator but was medically disqualified from the program. After a string of rejections from publishers, he self-published his debut novel Term Limits in 1997 and sold it from the trunk of his car until it attracted the attention of a major publisher. The book became a New York Times bestseller. Flynn went on to write thirteen Mitch Rapp novels before his death from prostate cancer in 2013 at the age of 47. He was one of the most prolific and beloved political thriller authors in America, and his books were praised by politicians, military leaders, and intelligence officials for their authenticity. After his death, his estate chose Kyle Mills to continue the series, followed by Don Bentley who took over in 2024.
Where to Start with Vince Flynn
Best starting point for new readers: Start with American Assassin — the prequel that tells Mitch Rapp's origin story. Written later in the series but chronologically first, it explains how Rapp was recruited by the CIA after his girlfriend was killed in the Pan Am 103 bombing and is the best introduction to who Rapp is and why he does what he does. It was adapted into a 2017 film starring Dylan O'Brien and Michael Keaton.
If you prefer publication order: Vince Flynn himself recommended reading in publication order, starting with Transfer of Power (1999) — Rapp's first appearance. This drops you in with an experienced, already-legendary Rapp and the White House siege plot is one of the finest in the series.
Standalone first: Read Term Limits (1997) — Flynn's debut and the same universe as Mitch Rapp, though Rapp doesn't appear. A group of anonymous assassins begin targeting corrupt politicians in Washington. A good way to assess whether you like Flynn's style before committing to the full series.
The Mitch Rapp Series — Chronological Reading Order
This is the recommended order for new readers — following Rapp's life from his recruitment to his most recent missions.
1. American Assassin (published 2010, set ~1988-1990) — Rapp's origin story. After his girlfriend is killed in the Pan Am 103 bombing, Rapp is recruited by the CIA and transformed into an elite assassin. The basis for the 2017 film starring Dylan O'Brien. Buy on Amazon
2. Kill Shot (published 2012, set ~1990) — In the year since his training, Rapp has been working through a list of terrorists. He sets out on a mission in Paris that goes terribly wrong. Buy on Amazon
3. Denied Access (published 2025 by Don Bentley, set ~1991) — Completes the prequel trilogy. Rapp is caught between the CIA and Russian intelligence in the final days of the Cold War. Buy on Amazon
4. Transfer of Power (1999) — Terrorists storm and seize the White House. Rapp must infiltrate to save the President and the hostages. Rapp's debut in the series and one of the finest political thrillers of its era. Buy on Amazon
5. The Third Option (2000) — Rapp is sent on a mission that is actually a trap. Someone inside the CIA wants him dead. Buy on Amazon
6. Separation of Power (2001) — A nuclear crisis in the Middle East. Rapp must prevent Saddam Hussein from obtaining nuclear weapons. Buy on Amazon
7. Executive Power (2003) Buy on Amazon
8. Memorial Day (2004) — A self-contained nuclear terrorism plot set around Memorial Day weekend. One of the best standalone entries in the series for new readers. Buy on Amazon
9. Consent to Kill (2005) — A powerful enemy puts a contract out on Rapp. He becomes the hunted. One of the most popular books in the series and considered by many fans as Flynn's finest. Buy on Amazon
10. Act of Treason (2006) — A car bomb explodes during a presidential campaign motorcade. Rapp investigates who ordered it. Buy on Amazon
11. Protect and Defend (2007) Buy on Amazon
12. Extreme Measures (2008) — A new character, Special Forces operator Mike Nash, joins Rapp's world. Buy on Amazon
13. Pursuit of Honor (2009) — The aftermath of a devastating terrorist attack on Washington. Buy on Amazon
14. Capture or Kill (published 2024 by Don Bentley, set 2011) — Prequel set during the hunt for Osama bin Laden. Rapp is tasked with capturing or killing the world's most wanted terrorist. Buy on Amazon
15. The Last Man (2012) — The final Vince Flynn novel written entirely by Flynn himself. Rapp must find a missing CIA station chief in Afghanistan. Buy on Amazon
The Kyle Mills Era (2015–2023)
After Vince Flynn's death in 2013, his estate selected Kyle Mills — also a bestselling thriller author — to continue the series. Mills read the entire Mitch Rapp series chronologically and wrote 150 pages of notes about Flynn's style, characters, and language before writing his first book. He completed nine novels before stepping down in 2023.
16. The Survivor (2015) — Mills completes the novel Flynn had begun. Rapp pursues a former colleague-turned-traitor. Buy on Amazon
17. Order to Kill (2016) Buy on Amazon
18. Enemy of the State (2017) Buy on Amazon
19. Red War (2018) — Rapp tasked with preventing a catastrophic war in Europe. Buy on Amazon
20. Lethal Agent (2019) — Rapp must capture an ISIS leader planning a biological attack on the United States. Buy on Amazon
21. Total Power (2020) — A cyberattack takes down America's power grid. Buy on Amazon
22. Enemy at the Gates (2021) Buy on Amazon
23. Oath of Loyalty (2022) Buy on Amazon
24. Code Red (2023) — Kyle Mills' final Mitch Rapp novel. Buy on Amazon
The Don Bentley Era (2024–Present)
Don Bentley — a former Army helicopter pilot and Delta Force operator, and author of the Matt Drake series — took over the Mitch Rapp series in 2024. His books have focused on prequel stories set earlier in Rapp's career.
25. Capture or Kill (2024) — Set in 2011 during the hunt for bin Laden. (Also listed as #14 in chronological order above.) Buy on Amazon
26. Denied Access (2025) — Set in 1991, completing the prequel trilogy. (Also listed as #3 in chronological order above.) Buy on Amazon
Term Limits — The Standalone
Term Limits (1997) — Flynn's debut novel. A series of anonymous assassinations targeting corrupt politicians throws Washington into crisis. Mitch Rapp does not appear, but the book is set in the same universe and is worth reading for fans who want to experience the beginning of Flynn's career. Buy on Amazon
The American Assassin Film (2017)
The prequel novel American Assassin was adapted into a film in 2017, directed by Michael Cuesta and starring Dylan O'Brien as Mitch Rapp, Michael Keaton as his trainer Stan Hurley, and Sanaa Lathan as CIA Deputy Director Irene Kennedy. The film diverges from the novel in several significant ways but captures the essential premise of Rapp's transformation from grieving civilian to CIA assassin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I read in publication order or chronological order? Vince Flynn himself recommended publication order — starting with Transfer of Power — because that's how the character's legend was built. However, most new readers today find chronological order (starting with American Assassin) more satisfying as an introduction to who Rapp is.
Is the series worth continuing after Vince Flynn's death? Most longtime fans consider Kyle Mills' additions to be faithful and high-quality continuations. Don Bentley's books have received more mixed reviews — readers who loved the human side of Flynn's writing sometimes find Bentley's style more technical.
Do the books need to be read in order? Each book contains a complete plot that resolves within that novel. However, character relationships — particularly between Rapp, Irene Kennedy, and Stan Hurley — deepen significantly across the series and reading in order gives you the full payoff.
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