J

Jack Olsen

Bestselling Author • 2 Series • 35 Books

2
Series
35
Books
2
Active

🎯 Where Should I Start?

Best Starting Point
Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books
Start with: Over The Fence Is Out (1961)

About Jack Olsen

Jack Olsen is an award-winning author of more than thirty novels that have been published in eleven languages and in fifteen countries. Since 1968, Olsen has been listed as a Who’s Who in America in addition to being described as an American treasure by “The Philadelphia Inquirer.” His greatest passion was to make the world better than what it was and this is evident in works such as “Give a Boy a Gun and Son.” Olsen would later parlay his passion for injustice particularly among minority communities to write crime and mystery novels. After publishing more than 30 works, Olsen has received much critical acclaim. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, Jack Olsen 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 Jack Olsen

Publication Order of Standalone Novels
6 books 1974–1982
1

Alphabet Jackson

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Alphabet Jackson, another outstanding contribution from Jack Olsen.

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1974
2

Massy's Game

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Massy's Game, another outstanding contribution from Jack Olsen.

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1976
3

The Secret of Fire 5

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Secret of Fire 5, another outstanding contribution from Jack Olsen.

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1977
4

Night Watch

Night Watch continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Jack Olsen's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1979
5

Missing Persons

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Missing Persons, another outstanding contribution from Jack Olsen.

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1981
6

Have You Seen My Son?

Have You Seen My Son? continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Jack Olsen's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1982
Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books
29 books 1961–2015
1

Over The Fence Is Out

Over The Fence Is Out is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Jack Olsen have come to expect.

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1961
2

The Mad World of Bridge

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with The Mad World of Bridge, another outstanding contribution from Jack Olsen.

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1962
3

The Climb Up to Hell

The Climb Up to Hell is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Jack Olsen have come to expect.

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1962
4

Black is Best

Black is Best is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Jack Olsen have come to expect.

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1967
5

The Black Athlete

The Black Athlete is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Jack Olsen have come to expect.

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1968
6

Cassius Clay

Cassius Clay continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Jack Olsen's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1968
7

Night of the Grizzlies

Night of the Grizzlies is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Jack Olsen have come to expect.

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1969
8

The Bridge at Chappaquiddack

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with The Bridge at Chappaquiddack, another outstanding contribution from Jack Olsen.

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1970
9

Aphrodite: Desperate Mission

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with Aphrodite: Desperate Mission, another outstanding contribution from Jack Olsen.

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1970
10

Slaughter the Animals, Poison the Earth

Slaughter the Animals, Poison the Earth is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Jack Olsen have come to expect.

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1971
11

The Girls in the Office

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with The Girls in the Office, another outstanding contribution from Jack Olsen.

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1972
12

Girls on Campus

Girls on Campus continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Jack Olsen's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1974
13

The Man With The Candy

The Man With The Candy continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Jack Olsen's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1974
14

Sweet Street

Sweet Street is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Jack Olsen have come to expect.

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1974
15

Son

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with Son, another outstanding contribution from Jack Olsen.

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1983
16

Give a Boy a Gun

Give a Boy a Gun continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Jack Olsen's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1985
17

Cold Kill

A gripping mystery unfolds in Cold Kill as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series showcases Jack Olsen's mastery of suspense.

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1987
18

Doc

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

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1989
19

Predator

Predator continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Jack Olsen's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1991
20

The Misbegotten Son

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with The Misbegotten Son, another outstanding contribution from Jack Olsen.

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1993
21

Charmer

Charmer continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Jack Olsen's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1994
22

Salt of the Earth

Salt of the Earth is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Jack Olsen have come to expect.

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1996
23

Hastened to the Grave

Hastened to the Grave continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Jack Olsen's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1998
24

Last Man Standing

Last Man Standing is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Jack Olsen have come to expect.

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2000
25

Silence on Monte Sole

Silence on Monte Sole continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Jack Olsen's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2002
26

I: The Creation of a Serial Killer

A gripping mystery unfolds in I: The Creation of a Serial Killer as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series showcases Jack Olsen's mastery of suspense.

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2002
27

The Happy Face Killer

A gripping mystery unfolds in The Happy Face Killer as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series showcases Jack Olsen's mastery of suspense.

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2008
28

The Pitcher's Kid

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with The Pitcher's Kid, another outstanding contribution from Jack Olsen.

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2011
29

The Last Coyote

The Last Coyote continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Jack Olsen's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2015

? Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Jack Olsen?

Jack Olsen is a bestselling author known for 2 book series containing over 35 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Standalone Novels, Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.

What is the best Jack Olsen series to start with?

For readers new to Jack Olsen's work, the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 29 books. Begin with Over The Fence Is Out to start from the very beginning.

How many books has Jack Olsen written?

Jack Olsen has written over 35 books across 2 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.

Should I read Jack Olsen books in order?

Yes, reading Jack Olsen'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 Jack Olsen write in?

Jack Olsen writes primarily in fiction. With 2 series across 35 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.

Are Jack Olsen's books standalone or must they be read as a series?

Most of Jack Olsen'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 Jack Olsen's most popular book?

Based on reader reviews and sales data, Jack Olsen's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series. The first book, Over The Fence Is Out, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.