S

Stephen Mertz

Bestselling Author • 11 Series • 63 Books

11
Series
63
Books
11
Active

🎯 Where Should I Start?

Best Starting Point
Publication Order of Cody's Army Books
Start with: Cody's Army (1986)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Cody's War Books
Start with: Dragonfire! (2019)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Kilroy Mystery Books
Start with: Some Die Hard (1979)

About Stephen Mertz

Stephen Mertz is a bestselling American fiction author that has made his name writing mainstream suspense and thriller novels. His novels cover a wide range of writing styles from hardboiled noir, to historical speculative thrillers, and paranormal dark suspense novels. The author was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, which is where he spent most of his childhood. As a child, he had a very ordinary middle-class upbringing in a loving but small family. When his mother and father discovered that he had a love for books and storytelling they encouraged his creativity. They used to bring him all manner of fiction and non-fiction books that fulled his love for books even further. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Cody's Army Books series, Stephen Mertz 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 Stephen Mertz

Publication Order of Cody's Army Books
7 books 1986–1988
1

Cody's Army

Conflict and courage define Cody's Army, an action-packed entry in the Publication Order of Cody's Army Books series by Stephen Mertz that puts the heroes through their toughest challenges yet.

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1986
2

Assault into Libya

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Cody's Army Books with Assault into Libya, another outstanding contribution from Stephen Mertz.

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1986
3

Philippine Hardpunch

Philippine Hardpunch is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Cody's Army Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Stephen Mertz have come to expect.

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1987
4

Belfast Blitz

Belfast Blitz continues the Publication Order of Cody's Army Books story arc with Stephen Mertz's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1987
5

D.C. Firestrike

D.C. Firestrike is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Cody's Army Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Stephen Mertz have come to expect.

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1987
6

Hellfire in Haiti

Hellfire in Haiti is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Cody's Army Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Stephen Mertz have come to expect.

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1988
7

Sword of the Prophet

Epic adventure awaits in Sword of the Prophet, a landmark entry in the Publication Order of Cody's Army Books series that raises the stakes across the realm Stephen Mertz has built.

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1988
Publication Order of Cody's War Books
10 books 2019–2023
1

Dragonfire!

Epic adventure awaits in Dragonfire!, a landmark entry in the Publication Order of Cody's War Books series that raises the stakes across the realm Stephen Mertz has built.

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2019
2

Camp David Has Fallen!

Camp David Has Fallen! continues the Publication Order of Cody's War Books story arc with Stephen Mertz's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2019
3

The Fires of Allah

The Fires of Allah is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Cody's War Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Stephen Mertz have come to expect.

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2019
4

Day of Reckoning

Day of Reckoning is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Cody's War Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Stephen Mertz have come to expect.

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2019
5

The Last Refuge

The Last Refuge is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Cody's War Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Stephen Mertz have come to expect.

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2019
6

Cody's Return

Cody's Return is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Cody's War Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Stephen Mertz have come to expect.

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2022
7

Lethal Assault

Lethal Assault is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Cody's War Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Stephen Mertz have come to expect.

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2022
8

Final Strike

Final Strike is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Cody's War Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Stephen Mertz have come to expect.

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2022
9

Afghanistan Payback

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Cody's War Books with Afghanistan Payback, another outstanding contribution from Stephen Mertz.

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2022
10

Hellfire in Syria

Hellfire in Syria continues the Publication Order of Cody's War Books story arc with Stephen Mertz's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2023
Publication Order of Kilroy Mystery Books
4 books 1979–2019
1

Some Die Hard

Some Die Hard continues the Publication Order of Kilroy Mystery Books story arc with Stephen Mertz's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1979
2

Cold In The Grave

Cold In The Grave is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Kilroy Mystery Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Stephen Mertz have come to expect.

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2018
3

The Devil's Music

The Devil's Music continues the Publication Order of Kilroy Mystery Books story arc with Stephen Mertz's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2019
4

Sweet Blackmail

Sweet Blackmail is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Kilroy Mystery Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Stephen Mertz have come to expect.

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2019
Publication Order of M.I.A. Hunter Books
17 books 1985–2014
1

Stone

Stone continues the Publication Order of M.I.A. Hunter Books story arc with Stephen Mertz's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1985
2

Cambodian Hellhole

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of M.I.A. Hunter Books with Cambodian Hellhole, another outstanding contribution from Stephen Mertz.

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1985
3

Hanoi Deathgrip

A gripping mystery unfolds in Hanoi Deathgrip as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of M.I.A. Hunter Books series showcases Stephen Mertz's mastery of suspense.

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1985
4

Mountain Massacre

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of M.I.A. Hunter Books with Mountain Massacre, another outstanding contribution from Stephen Mertz.

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1985
5

Exodus From Hell

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of M.I.A. Hunter Books with Exodus From Hell, another outstanding contribution from Stephen Mertz.

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1986
6

Blood Storm

A gripping mystery unfolds in Blood Storm as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of M.I.A. Hunter Books series showcases Stephen Mertz's mastery of suspense.

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1986
7

Saigon Slaughter

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of M.I.A. Hunter Books with Saigon Slaughter, another outstanding contribution from Stephen Mertz.

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1987
8

Escape from Nicaragua

Escape from Nicaragua continues the Publication Order of M.I.A. Hunter Books story arc with Stephen Mertz's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1987
9

Invasion U.S.S.R.

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of M.I.A. Hunter Books with Invasion U.S.S.R., another outstanding contribution from Stephen Mertz.

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1988
10

Miami War Zone

Conflict and courage define Miami War Zone, an action-packed entry in the Publication Order of M.I.A. Hunter Books series by Stephen Mertz that puts the heroes through their toughest challenges yet.

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1988
11

Crossfire Kill

A gripping mystery unfolds in Crossfire Kill as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of M.I.A. Hunter Books series showcases Stephen Mertz's mastery of suspense.

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1988
12

Desert Death Raid

A gripping mystery unfolds in Desert Death Raid as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of M.I.A. Hunter Books series showcases Stephen Mertz's mastery of suspense.

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1989
13

L.A. Gang War

Conflict and courage define L.A. Gang War, an action-packed entry in the Publication Order of M.I.A. Hunter Books series by Stephen Mertz that puts the heroes through their toughest challenges yet.

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1990
14

Back To 'Nam

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of M.I.A. Hunter Books with Back To 'Nam, another outstanding contribution from Stephen Mertz.

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1990
15

Heavy Fire

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of M.I.A. Hunter Books with Heavy Fire, another outstanding contribution from Stephen Mertz.

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1991
16

China Strike

China Strike continues the Publication Order of M.I.A. Hunter Books story arc with Stephen Mertz's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1991
17

Hostage Town

Hostage Town is an essential installment in the Publication Order of M.I.A. Hunter Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Stephen Mertz have come to expect.

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2014
Publication Order of McShan Books
1 books 2018–2018
1

Say It Was Murder

A gripping mystery unfolds in Say It Was Murder as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of McShan Books series showcases Stephen Mertz's mastery of suspense.

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2018
Publication Order of Night Wind Books
2 books 2002–2017
1

Night Wind

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Night Wind Books with Night Wind, another outstanding contribution from Stephen Mertz.

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2002
2

Devil Creek

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Night Wind Books with Devil Creek, another outstanding contribution from Stephen Mertz.

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2017
Publication Order of Steve Madison Mysteries Books
2 books 1979–2004
1

The Vampire Chase

The Vampire Chase is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Steve Madison Mysteries Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Stephen Mertz have come to expect.

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1979
2

Fade to Tomorrow

Fade to Tomorrow continues the Publication Order of Steve Madison Mysteries Books story arc with Stephen Mertz's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2004
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
11 books 1989–2021
1

Blood Red Sun

A gripping mystery unfolds in Blood Red Sun as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series showcases Stephen Mertz's mastery of suspense.

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1989
2

Sudden Death

A gripping mystery unfolds in Sudden Death as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series showcases Stephen Mertz's mastery of suspense.

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1995
3

The Korean Intercept

The Korean Intercept continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Stephen Mertz's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2005
4

Dragon Games

Epic adventure awaits in Dragon Games, a landmark entry in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series that raises the stakes across the realm Stephen Mertz has built.

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2010
5

Hank & Muddy

Hank & Muddy is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Stephen Mertz have come to expect.

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2011
6

The Castro Directive

The Castro Directive is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Stephen Mertz have come to expect.

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2012
7

Sherlock Holmes: Zombies Over London

Sherlock Holmes: Zombies Over London is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Stephen Mertz have come to expect.

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2015
8

Jimi After Dark

Jimi After Dark continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Stephen Mertz's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2017
9

The Moses Deception

The Moses Deception continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Stephen Mertz's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2017
10

North Of Tombstone

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with North Of Tombstone, another outstanding contribution from Stephen Mertz.

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2020
11

Homicide: Saigon

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Homicide: Saigon, another outstanding contribution from Stephen Mertz.

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2021
Publication Order of Collections
2 books 2015–2018
1

The King Of Horror & Other Stories

The King Of Horror & Other Stories is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Stephen Mertz have come to expect.

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2015
2

The Dark of Midnight & Other Stories

The Dark of Midnight & Other Stories is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Stephen Mertz have come to expect.

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2018
Publication Order of Blaze! Western Books
4 books 2015–2016
1

Blaze!

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Blaze! Western Books with Blaze!, another outstanding contribution from Stephen Mertz.

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2015
2

Blaze! Zombies Over Yonder

Blaze! Zombies Over Yonder continues the Publication Order of Blaze! Western Books story arc with Stephen Mertz's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2015
3

Blaze! A Son of the Gun

Blaze! A Son of the Gun is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Blaze! Western Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Stephen Mertz have come to expect.

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2016
4

Blaze! The Christmas Journey

Blaze! The Christmas Journey continues the Publication Order of Blaze! Western Books story arc with Stephen Mertz's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2016
Publication Order of Anthologies
3 books 2009–2013
1

Son of Retro Pulp Tales

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Son of Retro Pulp Tales, another outstanding contribution from Stephen Mertz.

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2009
2

Blood & Tacos #3

A gripping mystery unfolds in Blood & Tacos #3 as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series showcases Stephen Mertz's mastery of suspense.

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2012
3

Blood & Tacos: The Beginning

A gripping mystery unfolds in Blood & Tacos: The Beginning as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series showcases Stephen Mertz's mastery of suspense.

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2013

? Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Stephen Mertz?

Stephen Mertz is a bestselling author known for 11 book series containing over 63 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Cody's Army Books, Publication Order of Cody's War Books, Publication Order of Kilroy Mystery Books. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.

What is the best Stephen Mertz series to start with?

For readers new to Stephen Mertz's work, the Publication Order of Cody's Army Books series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 7 books. Begin with Cody's Army to start from the very beginning.

How many books has Stephen Mertz written?

Stephen Mertz has written over 63 books across 11 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.

Should I read Stephen Mertz books in order?

Yes, reading Stephen Mertz'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 Stephen Mertz write in?

Stephen Mertz writes primarily in fiction. With 11 series across 63 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.

Are Stephen Mertz's books standalone or must they be read as a series?

Most of Stephen Mertz'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 Stephen Mertz's most popular book?

Based on reader reviews and sales data, Stephen Mertz's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Cody's Army Books series. The first book, Cody's Army, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.