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W.E.B. Griffin Books in Order

Find every W.E.B. Griffin book and series in order, with quick summaries, reading-order tips, background notes, and suggestions on where to start.

Last updated: January 13, 2026

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140 books

The Attack

by W.E.B. Griffin

2023

A teenage girl’s body is found in the Delaware River, and the evidence points to something more complicated than a random crime. Matt Payne follows a trail of lies, money, and fear, trying to stop a predator who blends into plain sight.

Rogue Asset

by W.E.B. Griffin

2021

When the U.S. Secretary of State is kidnapped in Cairo, the Presidential Agent program is revived. Charley Castillo guides a new team into a fast-moving hunt across hostile territory, trying to locate the hostage before diplomacy and violence collide.

The Enemy of My Enemy

by W.E.B. Griffin

2018

In a world where yesterday’s enemies can become today’s temporary partners, a new mission forces uneasy cooperation. Operatives navigate betrayal, shifting intelligence, and the reality that alliances are tools, not friendships, when the stakes involve national survival.

Death at Nuremberg

by W.E.B. Griffin

2017

A death connected to the Nuremberg-era world pulls a clandestine team into an investigation loaded with history and danger. As they chase answers through postwar politics, they learn that some crimes do not end when the trials do.

Curtain of Death

by W.E.B. Griffin

2016

Behind the growing divide of the Cold War, operatives face a case where one mistake can trigger international fallout. The team fights to protect an asset and expose a deadly plot, all while the political “curtain” closes and options disappear.

Broken Trust

by W.E.B. Griffin

2016

The death of a well-connected woman is written off as self-inflicted, but the details do not sit right. Matt Payne digs into a life built on secrets, and discovers how far someone will go to keep a version of the story in place.

The Hunting Trip

by W.E.B. Griffin

2015

A hunting trip becomes cover for a high-stakes clandestine operation. While the public story stays polite, the real mission is a scramble of secrets, shifting loyalties, and urgent decisions, as the team tries to outmaneuver rivals who are hunting them too.

Deadly Assets

by W.E.B. Griffin

2015

A rising body count and a politically charged inquiry put the Philadelphia PD under a microscope. Matt Payne is caught between solving violent crimes and surviving the public battle over policing, as agitators and power players use the chaos for their own ends.

Top Secret

by W.E.B. Griffin

2014

A top-secret problem lands on a clandestine team’s desk, and solving it means moving fast before enemies and allies alike react. The mission mixes bureaucracy, tradecraft, and danger on the ground, where the wrong paperwork can be as deadly as a bullet.

The Assassination Option

by W.E.B. Griffin

2014

A looming assassination threat forces operatives to weigh hard choices, including whether removing one person could prevent a larger disaster. The plot hinges on surveillance, competing agendas, and the moral unease of choosing an “option” that cannot be discussed openly.

The Last Witness

by W.E.B. Griffin

2013

When the last person who can identify a dangerous criminal vanishes, Matt Payne’s investigation becomes a race against time. Protecting a witness is never simple in Philadelphia, especially when the threat comes from both the street and the system.

Hazardous Duty

by W.E.B. Griffin

2013

With violence spilling across borders and new crises erupting at sea, the President needs Charley Castillo back in the field. Castillo and his allies face ruthless opponents, conflicting agendas, and missions where every option carries risk and collateral damage.

The Spymasters

by W.E.B. Griffin

2012

In the early Cold War, a new American intelligence effort faces its first truly tangled case. Rival spymasters play for advantage in Europe, and a small team must protect sources, secure information, and survive the politics of a service still finding its footing.

Empire and Honor

by W.E.B. Griffin

2012

As the postwar world reshapes itself, Frade confronts power structures that reach farther than he expected. The stakes widen from individual missions to international influence, and he has to protect his people while navigating a system that rewards ruthless ambition.

Victory and Honor

by W.E.B. Griffin

2011

A hard-won victory brings new complications for Frade and his allies. Old enemies regroup, new players seize opportunities, and the price of success becomes clear. The novel balances covert operations with the political reality that victories are rarely clean.

Covert Warriors

by W.E.B. Griffin

2011

A bloody attack on a U.S. diplomatic convoy triggers a kidnapping with impossible demands. Charley Castillo suspects a deeper game, and his team dives into Mexico’s violent power struggles to find the hostage before a public crisis turns into open war.

The Vigilantes

by W.E.B. Griffin

2010

Philadelphia is rattled by a wave of killings that look like justice, but feel like something darker. Matt Payne and his colleagues must untangle who is hunting whom, and stop a cycle of retaliation before it consumes the city.

The Outlaws

by W.E.B. Griffin

2010

Charley Castillo’s team goes after a target that official channels cannot touch without creating a scandal. The mission turns into a chase across jurisdictions, with criminals, informants, and bureaucrats all pulling in different directions while time runs out.

The Traffickers

by W.E.B. Griffin

2009

Matt Payne teams up with outside allies to take on a trafficking network that reaches far beyond Philadelphia. Following the trail means stepping into unfamiliar territory, where the criminals are organized, the violence is calculated, and one mistake can be fatal.

The Honor of Spies

by W.E.B. Griffin

2009

With Argentina and the wider world in flux, Frade’s network is tested by spies who know how to hide in plain sight. The story turns on intelligence work, betrayal, and the constant question of who is truly serving which country.

The Shooters

by W.E.B. Griffin

2008

A kidnapped agent and a politically sensitive crisis force Charley Castillo into a rescue that cannot be publicly acknowledged. Working in the shadows, his team races to find the captors, keep the mission off the radar, and bring everyone home alive.

Death and Honor

by W.E.B. Griffin

2008

Cletus Frade faces a new wave of danger as espionage and politics tighten their grip. When lives are lost and alliances shift, he has to decide what honor looks like in a world where every side claims the moral high ground.

Black Ops

by W.E.B. Griffin

2008

A new threat pushes Charley Castillo’s off-the-books team into action, where the enemy is hard to identify and trust is scarce. As they trace a dangerous plot, Castillo must move faster than both foreign adversaries and Washington politics.

The Hunters

by W.E.B. Griffin

2007

A financial scandal and a series of suspicious deaths point to something bigger than simple corruption. Charley Castillo follows the money and the motives across borders, hunting for the people behind the violence while his enemies work to keep the investigation buried.

The Double Agents

by W.E.B. Griffin

2007

A case of double agents forces the characters to question every report and every ally. The investigation becomes a deadly contest of deception, where proof is scarce and the wrong accusation can destroy a mission. Trust has to be rebuilt one fact at a time.

The Saboteurs

by W.E.B. Griffin

2006

Saboteurs and double games complicate a wartime operation, turning a clear mission into a maze of traps. The team must identify who is undermining them while staying focused on the bigger objective, because one unseen enemy can do more damage than an army.

The Hostage

by W.E.B. Griffin

2006

A kidnapping and a murder in Argentina pull Charley Castillo into an ugly web of power and revenge. As official channels stall, Castillo and his team chase leads through diplomatic pressure and street-level danger, trying to recover a hostage before the trail goes cold.

By Order of the President

by W.E.B. Griffin

2004

When a hijacked plane becomes the opening move in a larger threat, the President turns to Charley Castillo for answers. Castillo’s hunt for the truth crosses borders and agencies, and forces him to act fast before politics slows everything down.

Retreat, Hell!

by W.E.B. Griffin

2003

A retreat is not an option, even when the situation turns ugly. Marines dig in, regroup, and fight through a desperate stretch where exhaustion and cold reality test their limits. The novel emphasizes grit, discipline, and the stubborn refusal to quit.

Under Fire

by W.E.B. Griffin

2002

With pressure coming from both the enemy and the clock, the unit fights to complete a mission while under constant fire. The story focuses on endurance, leadership, and the way stress exposes weaknesses in people and plans alike.

Final Justice

by W.E.B. Griffin

2002

As old cases refuse to stay quiet, Matt Payne faces the kind of investigation that can wreck careers and relationships. With victims demanding answers and powerful figures guarding their interests, the team pushes for a conclusion that will hold up under scrutiny.

Special Ops

by W.E.B. Griffin

2001

An elite mission draws Marines into a high-risk operation where secrecy matters as much as firepower. The team has to rely on training, improvisation, and trust, because one leak, or one misread signal, could turn the whole job into a disaster.

The Wheel of a Fast Car

by W.E.B. Griffin

2000

A fast car becomes a symbol of freedom and temptation for a young protagonist who wants more than his current life offers. Learning what makes a machine run also teaches him about responsibility, pride, and the danger of chasing speed without thinking.

Secret Honor

by W.E.B. Griffin

2000

As the war and its politics shift, Cletus Frade finds himself guarding secrets that powerful people would kill to control. The novel centers on intelligence work, divided loyalties, and the personal cost of doing the right thing when nobody agrees on what “right” is.

In Danger's Path

by W.E.B. Griffin

1999

A new assignment puts the characters directly in danger’s path, with conflicting orders and hidden agendas complicating every move. As pressure rises, they have to decide what matters most, protecting the mission, protecting each other, or protecting the truth.

The Investigators

by W.E.B. Griffin

1998

A complicated case tests the detectives on both sides of the line, the people investigating and the people being investigated. Matt Payne has to protect the integrity of the search for justice while the department’s own problems threaten to derail everything.

Blood and Honor

by W.E.B. Griffin

1996

Cletus Frade’s work deepens as the espionage battle around Argentina intensifies. Allies demand favors, enemies test boundaries, and personal relationships become leverage. The story blends spycraft with family drama, as Frade tries to stay loyal without being used.

Behind the Lines

by W.E.B. Griffin

1996

An operation sends the team behind the lines, where cover stories and careful planning are all that stand between success and capture. The characters face betrayal, shifting objectives, and the brutal fact that extraction is never guaranteed, even when the mission is “done.”

The Murderers

by W.E.B. Griffin

1994

A series of killings forces Matt Payne and his squad to sift through motives, alibis, and shifting alliances. The deeper they dig, the clearer it becomes that more than one person is willing to kill to keep a secret buried.

Honor Bound

by W.E.B. Griffin

1994

In wartime Argentina, Cletus Frade is pulled into intelligence work that mixes diplomacy, family pressure, and dangerous secrets. Navigating a neutral country filled with competing interests, he learns that loyalties shift quickly, and that information can be as lethal as a weapon.

The Assassin

by W.E.B. Griffin

1993

A planned hit turns Philadelphia into a battlefield of surveillance, misdirection, and last-second decisions. Matt Payne’s team has to identify the shooter and the target, while navigating politics that could bury the case if it goes wrong.

Close Combat

by W.E.B. Griffin

1993

Close combat means there is no room for mistakes and nowhere to hide. As the unit fights through a dangerous operation, the novel highlights teamwork, fear, and the discipline it takes to keep moving when everything is chaotic and personal.

The Witness

by W.E.B. Griffin

1992

When a crucial witness becomes the key to a major case, Matt Payne must keep them alive long enough to talk. With pressure from above and threats from the street, the detectives race to close in before the truth disappears.

Line of Fire

by W.E.B. Griffin

1992

A mission places Marines directly in the line of fire, forcing quick choices with lives on the line. The story balances action with the realities of command, showing how planning, communication, and morale can fail at the exact moment they are needed most.

The Victim

by W.E.B. Griffin

1991

A brutal crime puts Matt Payne and the Philadelphia detectives on a tense hunt for answers. The investigation crosses social boundaries and hidden connections, and Payne discovers that protecting witnesses can be as dangerous as catching the killer.

Battleground

by W.E.B. Griffin

1991

The Marines are sent into a brutal battleground where terrain, weather, and exhaustion can be as deadly as gunfire. As the fighting drags on, leadership is tested, loyalties tighten, and survival depends on small decisions made under relentless pressure.

Wrecker Driver

by W.E.B. Griffin

1990

A kid-friendly look at a wrecker driver’s work, from tricky recoveries to safety and teamwork on the road. It highlights problem-solving under pressure and explains why towing and recovery take more skill, and patience, than most people expect.

Counterattack

by W.E.B. Griffin

1990

Starting at Pearl Harbor and racing toward the hard fighting of the Pacific, this novel follows Marines and Raiders as they train, deploy, and strike back. It combines front-line action with planning and intelligence work, as a new kind of war takes shape.

Special Operations

by W.E.B. Griffin

1989

Matt Payne is pulled into an elite assignment where the rules are looser and the risks are higher. Tracking dangerous criminals across jurisdictions forces him and his partners to balance procedure, power, and the thin line between justice and revenge.

The Aviators

by W.E.B. Griffin

1988

Air operations add a new layer of danger and responsibility as Marine aviators and their allies take on missions that can change a campaign. The book focuses on training, risk, and teamwork, showing how a pilot’s split-second choice affects everyone on the ground.

Men in Blue

by W.E.B. Griffin

1988

Philadelphia cop Matt Payne wants to move up, but a string of violent cases drags him into the department’s inner circle. As politics and street crime collide, he learns how hard it is to stay clean and stay alive.

The New Breed

by W.E.B. Griffin

1987

War creates new units and new leaders, and a group of Marines has to prove itself in high-risk assignments. The story blends action with the practical reality of building a fighting force, where mistakes are punished immediately and success is never guaranteed.

The Fighting Agents / Into Enemy Hands

by W.E.B. Griffin

1987

This edition brings together two linked wartime adventures centered on clandestine missions and high-stakes rescues. Operatives and Marines push behind enemy lines, where betrayal is common and capture is a constant threat, and getting home can be harder than winning.

Call to Arms

by W.E.B. Griffin

1987

With the war widening, Marines are called into operations that demand more than courage, they demand planning and discipline. The characters face early tests of leadership, learning that the biggest threats are not always the ones you can see coming.

The Soldier Spies / Give Me Liberty

by W.E.B. Griffin

1986

This collection pairs two WWII-era spy stories driven by undercover work and dangerous improvisation. Operatives move people and information through contested territory, balancing patriotism with survival, and learning how thin the line is between heroism and disaster.

The Generals

by W.E.B. Griffin

1986

Now at the top of the ladder, the generals have to steer an institution in a tense, changing world. Personal rivalries and old favors collide with national strategy, and the decisions made in offices and briefings carry consequences for everyone below.

Semper Fi

by W.E.B. Griffin

1986

A young Marine is thrown into the early days of World War II, where training turns into combat faster than anyone expects. As a new generation forms bonds under pressure, the novel sets up a long-running saga of service, loyalty, and hard-earned competence.

The Secret Warriors

by W.E.B. Griffin

1985

A covert team expands its reach, taking on missions that blend sabotage, intelligence gathering, and fragile alliances. As the risks rise, the operatives discover that secrecy has a price, and that even success can create enemies who will not forget.

The Last Heroes

by W.E.B. Griffin

1985

In World War II, a small group of operatives is asked to do work that cannot be publicly acknowledged. Moving through danger and deception, they take on missions where bravery is necessary, but survival depends on preparation, luck, and the ability to read people fast.

The Berets

by W.E.B. Griffin

1985

Special operations and unconventional warfare pull the officers into a new kind of fight. Training, secrecy, and moral compromise become part of daily life, and the men learn that elite status does not protect you from bad orders or worse enemies.

The Majors

by W.E.B. Griffin

1983

Promotion brings bigger responsibility, and the officers now have to manage missions and people, not just follow orders. Rivalries sharpen, reputations harden, and the choices they make as majors will shape who ends up running the Army later.

The Colonels

by W.E.B. Griffin

1983

As careers climb, the colonels face decisions with real political weight. Command is no longer theoretical, and a single error can ruin years of work. The novel tracks ambition, loyalty, and the high cost of protecting an institution’s image.

The Selkirks

by W.E.B. Griffin

1982

A multi-generation family story built on strong personalities and long memories. As the Selkirks fight over love, money, and loyalty, the novel follows how one choice in one era can echo through the next, for better and for worse.

The Lieutenants

by W.E.B. Griffin

1982

Newly commissioned officers step into the uncertain world after World War II, where occupation duty and politics replace clear battle lines. As friendships form and ambitions clash, the lieutenants learn that careers are shaped by both competence and connections.

The Captains

by W.E.B. Griffin

1982

The same circle of officers moves up a rank, and the stakes rise with it. Missions become more complex, loyalties are tested, and the Army’s internal politics start to matter as much as the enemies everyone expects to face.

Moose, the Thing, and Me

by W.E.B. Griffin

1982

At Ludwell School, life is never quiet when a huge new kid nicknamed Moose shows up. The narrator tries to survive the social chaos, balance friendships, and make sense of a mysterious “Thing,” all while the year spirals into memorable trouble.

Hot Wire

by W.E.B. Griffin

1982

A quick, tense story centered on a “hot wire” problem, where a small technical issue becomes a bigger personal and moral test. As pressure builds, a young protagonist has to choose between an easy shortcut and the harder right thing.

A Member of the Family

by W.E.B. Griffin

1982

A new arrival changes a family’s routine and forces everyone to renegotiate what belonging means. Told in a clear, youth-friendly voice, the story focuses on trust, jealousy, and the small moments that turn strangers into family.

The Air Freight Mystery

by W.E.B. Griffin

1981

A young reader mystery built around air freight, where missing cargo and suspicious clues point to something bigger than a mix-up. The investigators follow a trail through airports and paperwork, learning that solving a case means asking the right questions.

Flunking Out

by W.E.B. Griffin

1981

A student on the edge of flunking out tries to bluff through one more crisis, then realizes he cannot outrun the truth forever. The story balances school pressures with family tension, and shows how a turnaround begins with a hard conversation.

The Wiltons

by W.E.B. Griffin

1980

A sweeping family saga that follows the Wiltons across decades, tracing ambition, pride, and the costs of building power. As each generation inherits both privilege and problems, the story asks what a family owes its own name, and what it destroys to keep it.

Slaughter by Auto

by W.E.B. Griffin

1980

A hard-hitting, accessible story that explores how cars can become deadly when responsibility disappears. Whether the cause is recklessness, distraction, or bad choices, the narrative stays focused on consequences, and on how quickly ordinary life can fracture.

Leroy and the Old Man

by W.E.B. Griffin

1980

Leroy forms an unlikely friendship with an older man who sees more in him than others do. Their bond becomes a steadying force as Leroy faces trouble, learns patience, and discovers that guidance can come from unexpected places.

Under the Influence

by W.E.B. Griffin

1979

A cautionary story about peer pressure and impaired judgment, told in a straightforward, youth-friendly way. As one bad decision spirals into bigger consequences, the characters learn how quickly a moment of influence can change everything.

The Hotel Mystery

by W.E.B. Griffin

1979

A mystery in a hotel setting, where a routine stay turns into a puzzle of missing items, suspicious guests, and half-heard conversations. The young sleuth has to pay attention to small details and act before the culprit slips away.

The Tank Driver

by W.E.B. Griffin

1978

A youth-oriented look at the job of a tank driver, focusing on training, teamwork, and the demands of operating heavy armor. The book highlights responsibility and coordination, showing that a tank is as much about crew discipline as it is about power.

Next Stop, Earth

by W.E.B. Griffin

1978

A science-fiction flavored adventure for young readers, built around a journey that points straight toward Earth. Curiosity and danger travel together, and the story asks what happens when a strange visitor and an ordinary kid meet at the worst possible time.

M*A*S*H Goes to Texas

by W.E.B. Griffin

1977

Texas is bigger, louder, and more complicated than the M*A*S*H crew bargained for. Their visit turns into a string of clashes and capers, with medicine and mischief riding side by side until they finally find a way out.

M*A*S*H Goes to Moscow

by W.E.B. Griffin

1977

Moscow is not the place for casual mistakes, especially for Americans with a history of stirring things up. The M*A*S*H crew navigates a tense setting where curiosity and compassion can both be dangerous, and one wrong move has serious consequences.

M*A*S*H Goes to Montreal

by W.E.B. Griffin

1977

A trip to Montreal looks like a harmless change of pace, but the M*A*S*H gang cannot keep things quiet. New friends, old habits, and a few risky choices add up to another adventure that tests their patience and their friendship.

Hi-Fi

by W.E.B. Griffin

1977

A compact history of recorded sound, tracing the path from early phonographs to modern high-fidelity systems. It explains how audio technology evolved and why it mattered, using clear examples that make speakers, records, and equipment feel approachable.

The Roper Brothers and Their Magnificent Steam Automobile

by W.E.B. Griffin

1976

Two brothers unexpectedly end up with a valuable old steam automobile. One wants the money immediately, the other wants to restore it first. Their tug-of-war turns into a funny, tense lesson in family, pride, and what memories are worth.

Mighty Minicycles

by W.E.B. Griffin

1976

A kid-focused look at minicycles, how they work, and why they became popular. Safety, maintenance, and responsible riding are part of the story, along with the simple appeal of a small machine that feels like freedom on two wheels.

M*A*S*H Goes to Vienna

by W.E.B. Griffin

1976

In Vienna, the M*A*S*H crowd runs into a city with elegant manners and sharp edges. A trip with professional stakes turns sideways, and their mix of compassion and troublemaking puts them in the middle of complications they did not expect.

M*A*S*H Goes to San Francisco

by W.E.B. Griffin

1976

San Francisco should be an easy stop, but the M*A*S*H crew brings their own weather. Between medical favors and personal entanglements, they find themselves juggling promises, tempers, and one situation that quickly spirals beyond control.

M*A*S*H Goes to Morocco

by W.E.B. Griffin

1976

A swing through Morocco becomes another offbeat adventure for the M*A*S*H doctors and friends. Sun, scams, and culture clash collide with their medical instincts, and they learn that you can take the team out of trouble, but not the other way around.

M*A*S*H Goes to Miami

by W.E.B. Griffin

1976

Miami gives the M*A*S*H veterans sun, speed, and too many distractions. A seemingly casual trip becomes a run of comic crises, as their loyalty to each other keeps pulling them into trouble they would rather avoid.

M*A*S*H Goes to Las Vegas

by W.E.B. Griffin

1976

Las Vegas promises easy fun, but the M*A*S*H gang cannot help turning it into a case study in bad decisions. Gambling, showbiz, and old rivalries create a whirlwind where someone always needs rescuing, usually from themselves.

M*A*S*H Goes to Hollywood

by W.E.B. Griffin

1976

Hollywood attracts the M*A*S*H crew with bright lights and questionable opportunities. As they brush up against fame, egos, and behind-the-scenes deals, their knack for honest chaos threatens to expose more than one fragile secret.

Careers in the Services

by W.E.B. Griffin

1976

A straightforward guide to careers in the armed services, written for curious young readers. It explains different roles, training paths, and the daily reality behind uniforms, emphasizing commitment, responsibility, and the many jobs that keep a military running.

M*A*S*H Goes to Paris

by W.E.B. Griffin

1975

Paris sounds like a vacation until the M*A*S*H veterans arrive and nothing stays simple. Between late nights, professional obligations, and their talent for making enemies, the group stumbles into a mess that demands quick thinking.

M*A*S*H Goes to New Orleans

by W.E.B. Griffin

1975

A trip to New Orleans pulls the M*A*S*H gang into a stew of music, medicine, and trouble they did not plan for. What starts as a change of scenery becomes a string of misunderstandings and fast improvisation.

M*A*S*H Goes to London

by W.E.B. Griffin

1975

In London, the M*A*S*H crew finds that wartime habits die hard. A seemingly straightforward visit turns into a tangle of social expectations, professional favors, and near disasters, as their sense of humor keeps landing them in the wrong situations.

Black Gold

by W.E.B. Griffin

1975

A readable introduction to petroleum, explaining where oil comes from, how it is found, and why it changed modern life. It balances science and history with clear examples of how “black gold” connects to transportation, industry, and politics.

Tires & Other Things

by W.E.B. Griffin

1974

A practical, youth-friendly explanation of tires and the technology around them, from rubber and treads to traction and safety. It connects everyday objects to engineering choices, showing how small design details affect how vehicles behave.

Return to Daytona

by W.E.B. Griffin

1974

A trip back to Daytona means unfinished business for a racing-minded kid. With old rivals and new pressure waiting, he has to prove he belongs on a big stage, and learn that luck favors preparation more than bravado.

Dave White & The Electric Wonder Car

by W.E.B. Griffin

1974

Dave White builds an electric car that feels like it belongs in the future, and the project pulls in friends, skeptics, and plenty of obstacles. The story mixes invention with determination, showing how hard it is to make a bold idea run.

Yankee Driver

by W.E.B. Griffin

1973

A young driver with something to prove takes on a racing challenge that feels bigger than him. The story mixes competition with growing up, as he learns that discipline and preparation matter more than swagger on race day.

Sky-Jacked!

by W.E.B. Griffin

1973

A flight turns terrifying when criminals take control, and ordinary passengers are forced to think fast. With limited options and rising danger, one person has to act on instinct and courage to keep the situation from ending in disaster.

Race Car Team

by W.E.B. Griffin

1973

A season on a race car team shows how much work happens off the track. When pressure builds, the driver and crew must solve mechanical problems, handle rival teams, and stay focused, because every mistake shows up at speed.

The Narc

by W.E.B. Griffin

1972

A young protagonist gets tangled up in a drug investigation, where trust is hard to find and mistakes can be dangerous. The story shows the costs of secrecy and the tension of living with a role you cannot explain to friends.

Team Racer

by W.E.B. Griffin

1972

Racing is rarely a solo act, and this story leans into the team behind the driver. From mechanics to strategists, every decision matters, and one weak link can ruin a day at the track. The lesson is collaboration under pressure.

M*A*S*H Goes to Maine

by W.E.B. Griffin

1972

After Korea, the M*A*S*H crew tries to settle into civilian life, but a quiet corner of Maine is not ready for their personalities or their methods. Medicine, mischief, and old loyalties turn a fresh start into chaos.

Long Ride on a Cycle

by W.E.B. Griffin

1972

A long bike ride becomes a test of endurance, planning, and attitude. As the miles add up, the rider faces setbacks, temptation to quit, and the small victories that come from sticking with a hard goal.

Dateline: Talladega

by W.E.B. Griffin

1972

Set around a major Talladega race, this book captures the intensity of NASCAR culture and the pressures that surround it. Behind the spectacle are rivalries, risks, and the constant push for speed, even when safety and judgment say slow down.

Yankee Boy

by W.E.B. Griffin

1971

A boy tagged as the outsider learns to navigate new friendships and old prejudices. As he tries to prove himself, he discovers that belonging is less about where you come from and more about what you do when people are watching.

The High Wind

by W.E.B. Griffin

1971

An introduction to NASCAR racing that explains how stock car competition grew, what drivers face on the oval, and why speed is only part of the challenge. It covers the sport’s culture, risks, and the teamwork behind a win.

Road Racer

by W.E.B. Griffin

1971

A young racer discovers the difference between raw speed and real control. Learning road racing means mastering strategy, patience, and mechanical know-how, and he finds that one bad decision on a course can undo months of preparation.

Return to Racing

by W.E.B. Griffin

1971

After setbacks, a young driver gets another chance to compete. The return means rebuilding confidence, repairing machines, and proving that lessons were actually learned. Rivalries flare again, but this time he knows what a mistake can cost.

My Father's Quite a Guy

by W.E.B. Griffin

1971

A humorous, heartfelt story told by a kid trying to understand a larger-than-life father. Family mishaps and small adventures add up to a clearer picture of love, embarrassment, and the weird ways parents show they care.

Drag Race Driver

by W.E.B. Griffin

1971

A straightforward look at drag racing and the people who do it, from the starting lights to the engineering that makes a car launch clean. It shows how much planning and teamwork sits behind a run that lasts only seconds.

Crazy to Race

by W.E.B. Griffin

1971

While his father plans a family camping trip, a boy and his friend would rather chase micro-midget racing. Their scheme leads to a scramble of lies, timing, and mechanical chaos, until they have to choose between a dream and the truth.

The Twelve Cylinder Screamer

by W.E.B. Griffin

1970

A high-performance car with a roaring engine becomes the center of a young driver’s dreams. As tuning and racing heat up, the story highlights the craft of mechanics and the temptation to push past safe limits.

The Fastest Funny Car

by W.E.B. Griffin

1970

A young reader’s tour of funny car drag racing, from the roar of the engines to the split-second timing on the strip. The story emphasizes the teamwork and discipline behind the spectacle, and the risks that come with chasing speed.

Susan and Her Classic Convertible

by W.E.B. Griffin

1970

Susan falls in love with a classic convertible and commits to bringing it back to life. The restoration turns into an adventure in problem-solving, patience, and pride, as she learns that every fix has a story behind it.

Steve Bellamy

by W.E.B. Griffin

1970

Steve Bellamy is a kid with big plans and more confidence than experience. When he takes on a challenge that seems simple at first, he discovers the hard way that skill is earned, and mistakes have a cost.

Moving West on 122

by W.E.B. Griffin

1970

A family move sends a young narrator into unfamiliar territory, where new schools and new neighbors bring awkward moments and unexpected friendships. The journey becomes a lesson in adapting, letting go, and finding confidence in a new place.

Marty and the Micro-Midgets

by W.E.B. Griffin

1970

Marty gets a shot at micro-midget racing, where tiny cars and huge nerves share the same track. Learning the mechanics, the rules, and the pressure of competition, he discovers that courage is not the same thing as recklessness.

Fast and Smart

by W.E.B. Griffin

1970

A bright, restless kid tries to be both fast and smart, and learns that shortcuts usually backfire. Whether he is chasing a goal on wheels or in school, he has to balance ambition with judgment and honesty.

Stop and Search

by W.E.B. Griffin

1969

Set against small-boat warfare in Vietnam, this story follows a crew running dangerous patrols where every stop could be a trap. The tension comes from tight quarters, uncertain rules, and the constant possibility that the next contact turns lethal.

Racing to Glory

by W.E.B. Griffin

1969

A determined young driver chases a breakthrough in competitive racing, learning that winning is as much about preparation as talent. Rivalries, mechanical setbacks, and pressure from the sidelines force hard choices about risk and responsibility.

Grand Prix Driver

by W.E.B. Griffin

1969

A clear-eyed introduction to Grand Prix racing that explains how drivers train, how teams operate, and what makes the sport so demanding. It balances high speed with the behind-the-scenes work that keeps a car competitive and safe.

Fast Green Car

by W.E.B. Griffin

1969

A car-obsessed teen gets his hands on a green machine and pushes it toward racing glory. Tuning, testing, and chasing speed bring pride and problems, and he has to learn where the line is between bold and reckless.

Redline 7100

by W.E.B. Griffin

1968

A teen with an obsession for speed gets pulled deeper into the world of cars and racing. Tinkering and ambition collide with real consequences, as he learns that pushing an engine to the redline can be thrilling, and risky.

Orders to Vietnam

by W.E.B. Griffin

1968

A young serviceman receives orders to Vietnam and discovers that combat is equal parts boredom, fear, and sudden violence. Facing leadership tests and moral strain, he learns how quickly plans change when reality hits.

L'il Wildcat

by W.E.B. Griffin

1967

A young reader story about a scrappy machine nicknamed L'il Wildcat and the people determined to make it work. The challenge becomes more than mechanical, testing patience, courage, and the kind of confidence you earn the hard way.

Helicopter Pilot

by W.E.B. Griffin

1967

A kid-friendly look at what it takes to fly helicopters, from training and safety to the kinds of missions pilots handle. It keeps the focus on real-world skills, responsibility, and the teamwork that keeps a crew in the air.

Bryan's Dog

by W.E.B. Griffin

1967

Bryan wants a dog badly, but caring for one is harder than he expects. As the bond grows, he faces choices about responsibility, trust, and what it means to put an animal’s needs ahead of his own.

Air Evac

by W.E.B. Griffin

1967

An accessible, youth-oriented look at air medical evacuation, focusing on the crews who use aircraft to move injured people quickly. The book highlights the planning, training, and split-second decisions that can make the difference in an emergency.

Stock Car Racer

by W.E.B. Griffin

1966

A college student with big racing dreams fights for a chance behind the wheel. With help from friends and family, he learns about sponsors, mechanics, and pressure, and discovers that talent matters, but so does patience and teamwork.

Make War In Madness

by W.E.B. Griffin

1965

A hard-driving military thriller built around a mission that spirals into confusion and chaos. As plans fall apart and tensions rise, the characters face the unsettling truth that war can turn rational people into desperate ones.

Warrior's Way

by W.E.B. Griffin

1964

An early, gritty story about a man shaped by discipline and conflict, forced to decide what his own rules are when violence and loyalty collide. The plot turns on pride, pressure, and the price of refusing to back down.

Once More with Passion

by W.E.B. Griffin

1964

A relationship that should be over refuses to stay quiet. This standalone follows two people drawn back together by desire and unfinished business, even as old mistakes and new temptations make a clean restart almost impossible.

The Love-Go-Round

by W.E.B. Griffin

1962

A witty, messy romance about people who keep circling back to the same mistakes. Misunderstandings, jealousy, and attraction spin the plot forward, as the characters learn that love can feel like a ride you cannot get off.

The Girl in the Black Bikini

by W.E.B. Griffin

1962

A mid-century paperback romance with a mystery edge, built around a striking woman and the trouble that follows sudden attraction. A flirtation turns complicated fast, and a simple getaway becomes a lesson in how quickly secrets surface.

The Court-Martial

by W.E.B. Griffin

1962

A serious charge leads to a court-martial where careers and reputations are on the line. As testimony reveals hidden motives and command politics, the accused and the people around him fight for a verdict that will not destroy them.

Hell on Wheels

by W.E.B. Griffin

1962

A fast-moving standalone that revolves around speed, swagger, and the trouble that follows hard living. When a crew pushes machines and nerves past the limit, a rough ride turns into a fight to survive the consequences.

Hot Seat

by W.E.B. Griffin

1961

A man under pressure lands in the hot seat, facing risky choices that could cost his job, his freedom, or his relationships. As trouble tightens around him, he has to decide whether to keep lying or take the hit for the truth.

No French Leave

by W.E.B. Griffin

1960

In this early, hard-edged standalone, a serviceman makes one choice he cannot take back and finds himself cornered by authority, temptation, and bad luck. The story moves quickly through discipline, desire, and consequences that keep escalating.

Comfort Me with Love

by W.E.B. Griffin

1960

An early character-driven novel about young adults trying to hold on to love while life keeps pushing them into messy decisions. Relationships strain under pressure, and small compromises add up until someone has to admit what they really want.

Where should I start?

If you want police procedurals: Men in BlueSpecial OperationsThe Victim
If you want modern covert ops: By Order of the PresidentThe HostageThe Hunters
If you want WWII Marines action: Semper FiCall to ArmsThe New Breed
If you like WWII spy stories: The Last HeroesThe Secret WarriorsThe Soldier Spies / Give Me Liberty
If you want WWII-era Argentina intrigue: Honor BoundBlood and HonorThe Honor of Spies

Author bio

W.E.B. Griffin was the pen name of William Edmund Butterworth III, the writer behind a long run of military and law-enforcement thrillers that read like you are sitting in on the briefing. His books are known for crisp dialogue, big casts of recurring characters, and chapters that pin you to a time and a place. He was born on November 10, 1929, in Newark, New Jersey, and grew up around New York City and the Philadelphia area, a city that later became one of his most familiar backdrops.

In 1946, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was sent to postwar Germany. He worked in counterintelligence and with the U.S. Constabulary, a front-row seat to black markets, shifting alliances, and the day-to-day grind of an occupying force. He also studied in Germany at Philipps-Universität Marburg, where his life briefly looked more like a student’s than a soldier’s.

Korea interrupted that chapter. In 1951 he was recalled to active duty and served there as a war correspondent and later as a public information officer with X Corps. He earned the Combat Infantryman Badge, but just as important for his fiction, he learned how decisions get made under stress and how the story that reaches the public can differ from what the people on the ground are living.

He wrote like someone who had heard both the official version and the hallway version.

After Korea, Butterworth kept writing for the Army, including work connected to Fort Rucker in Alabama. He was good at explaining complicated systems clearly, and he carried that same habit into fiction, where the gear, the paperwork, and the chain of command are never just background scenery. In his novels, a radio frequency or a report number is usually there because it changes what a character can do next.

His first novel, Comfort Me with Love, appeared in 1960. A few more early books followed quickly, and he made the jump from military publications to full-time storytelling, settling in Fairhope, Alabama. Along the way he wrote under several names and also produced books for younger readers, including stories and nonfiction tied to cars, racing, and how things work.

The pen name stuck.

As W.E.B. Griffin, he built long-running casts and let them age, get promoted, make mistakes, and carry grudges. Many readers start with The Lieutenants (the opening of the Brotherhood of War saga) or Semper Fi (the start of The Corps), then keep going because the people feel like a unit you know. Even when the action is loud, the books make room for the politics, the rivalries, and the small acts of competence that keep everyone alive.

His series cover a wide stretch of American life. The Men at War novels lean into WWII espionage and sabotage. The Honor Bound books move through Argentina and international intelligence during and after the war. Later he shifted that same approach into modern settings, including the Badge of Honor police procedurals, which begin with Men in Blue, and the Presidential Agent thrillers, which start with By Order of the President and head into global crises and interagency turf fights.

In his later years he worked closely with his son, William E. Butterworth IV, who helped edit and co-write several later installments, including novels in the Clandestine Operations and Badge of Honor lines. Griffin died on February 12, 2019, in Daphne, Alabama, but his worlds, and the reading habits he created, have kept going.

Edited by

Richard Reis

Software engineer whose passion for tracking book recommendations from podcasts inspired the creation of MRB.

Anurag Ramdasan

Lead investor at 3one4 Capital whose startup expertise and love for books helped shaped MRB and its growth.

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All 140 W.E.B. Griffin Books in Order (Complete List 2026)