H

Hank Messick

Bestselling Author • 1 Series • 14 Books

1
Series
14
Books
1
Active

🎯 Where Should I Start?

Best Starting Point
Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books
Start with: Syndicate Wife: The Story Of Ann Drahmann Coppola (1968)

About Hank Messick

Hank Messick was an American author and investigative journalist who was best known for his spectacular biography of Meyer Lansky and the combination of historical fiction with crime mysteries. Messick was an expert in organized crime and his later novels would continue in the same vein as his journalistic writing. He was born in Happy Valley North Carolina in 1922 and went to the University of Iowa, from where he graduated with a master’s degree. After graduating from college, he went on to work as a professor at Colorado A & M College where he taught journalism for a time. He then got a job at the Waynesville Mountaineer, a weekly where he worked as a reporter. From there, he would work for several newspapers in the state before he changed direction. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, Hank Messick has since expanded their repertoire to include numerous successful works across various genres. Their writing style, characterized by compelling narratives and memorable characters, has earned them a dedicated global readership with millions of fans worldwide.

📚 All Book Series by Hank Messick

Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books
14 books 1968–1995
1

Syndicate Wife: The Story Of Ann Drahmann Coppola

Syndicate Wife: The Story Of Ann Drahmann Coppola continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Hank Messick's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1968
2

The Syndicate Abroad

The Syndicate Abroad is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Hank Messick have come to expect.

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1969
3

Lansky

Lansky is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Hank Messick have come to expect.

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1971
4

The Mobs and the Mafia: The Illustrated History of Organized Crime

The investigation intensifies in The Mobs and the Mafia: The Illustrated History of Organized Crime, as this installment of the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series takes readers deeper into the criminal underworld of Hank Messick's creation.

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1972
5

The Beauties and the Beasts: The Mob in Show Business

The Beauties and the Beasts: The Mob in Show Business is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Hank Messick have come to expect.

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1973
6

Gangs and Gangsters. The Illustrated History of Gangs from Jesse James to Murph the Surf

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with Gangs and Gangsters. The Illustrated History of Gangs from Jesse James to Murph the Surf, another outstanding contribution from Hank Messick.

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1974
7

The Private Lives of Public Enemies

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with The Private Lives of Public Enemies, another outstanding contribution from Hank Messick.

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1974
8

Kidnapping: The Illustrated History

Kidnapping: The Illustrated History is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Hank Messick have come to expect.

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1974
9

King's Mountain: The epic of the Blue Ridge "mountain men" in the American Revolution

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with King's Mountain: The epic of the Blue Ridge "mountain men" in the American Revolution, another outstanding contribution from Hank Messick.

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1976
10

The Only Game in Town: An Illustrated History of Gambling

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with The Only Game in Town: An Illustrated History of Gambling, another outstanding contribution from Hank Messick.

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1976
11

The Politics of Prosecution: Jim Thompson, Marje Everett, Richard Nixon & the Trial of Otto Kerner

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with The Politics of Prosecution: Jim Thompson, Marje Everett, Richard Nixon & the Trial of Otto Kerner, another outstanding contribution from Hank Messick.

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1978
12

Of Grass and Snow: The Secret Criminal Elite

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with Of Grass and Snow: The Secret Criminal Elite, another outstanding contribution from Hank Messick.

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1979
13

Desert Sanctuary

Desert Sanctuary is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Hank Messick have come to expect.

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1987
14

Razzle Dazzle

Razzle Dazzle is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Hank Messick have come to expect.

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1995

? Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Hank Messick?

Hank Messick is a bestselling author known for 1 book series containing over 14 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.

What is the best Hank Messick series to start with?

For readers new to Hank Messick's work, the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 14 books. Begin with Syndicate Wife: The Story Of Ann Drahmann Coppola to start from the very beginning.

How many books has Hank Messick written?

Hank Messick has written over 14 books across 1 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.

Should I read Hank Messick books in order?

Yes, reading Hank Messick's series in publication order is strongly recommended. Most series feature evolving character arcs, ongoing story threads, and references to earlier events that are most rewarding when experienced in sequence. Our complete reading order guides are listed above.

What genre does Hank Messick write in?

Hank Messick writes primarily in fiction. With 1 series across 14 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.

Are Hank Messick's books standalone or must they be read as a series?

Most of Hank Messick's books are part of ongoing series and deliver the most satisfying experience when read in order. However, several standalone novels and short story collections provide excellent entry points without requiring prior knowledge of other series.

What is Hank Messick's most popular book?

Based on reader reviews and sales data, Hank Messick's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series. The first book, Syndicate Wife: The Story Of Ann Drahmann Coppola, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.