Tim Rackley
thriller
Series · thriller
Sean King & Michelle Maxwell
The Sean King & Michelle Maxwell series by David Baldacci has 6 known books (6 published) and is best read in publication order, starting with Split Second (2003). The latest book with a fully recorded publication date is King and Maxwell.
- Books
- 6 known books (6 novels)
- Published
- 6
- First published
- 2003
- Status
- completed
- Shelved under
- Thriller
- Last checked
Start here: Split Second (2003) — then read straight through in publication order.
Reading order
The date order of published books and any announced future entries — the default way to read the series.
- Book 1:
Split Second
David Baldacci opened Sean King & Michelle Maxwell with Split Second in 2003, a 448-page debut introducing two disgraced former Secret Service agents -- King forced out after failing to stop a presidential assassination attempt, Maxwell after a lapse during a protection detail -- rebuilding their lives as small-town Virginia private investigators.
Alternative text for cover: Cover of Split Second - Book 2:
Hour Game
Hour Game followed in 2004, the second book at 476 pages, continuing King and Maxwell's partnership as private investigators whose shared history with catastrophic professional failure keeps drawing them into cases bigger than expected.
Alternative text for cover: Cover of Hour Game - Book 3:
Simple Genius
Simple Genius didn't appear until 2007, three years after Hour Game, as the third entry at 432 pages, continuing David Baldacci's series of Sean King and Michelle Maxwell's growing partnership -- and will-they-won't-they romantic tension.
Alternative text for cover: Cover of Simple Genius - Book 4:
First Family
At 480 pages, First Family is the longest book in the series; Baldacci published it in 2009 as the fourth installment, continuing the former Secret Service agents' work as private investigators in small-town Virginia.
Alternative text for cover: Cover of First Family - Book 5:
The Sixth Man
The Sixth Man arrived in 2011, the fifth book, running 451 pages, continuing Sean King and Michelle Maxwell's partnership as David Baldacci's series builds toward its close.
Alternative text for cover: Cover of The Sixth Man - Book 6:
King and Maxwell
King and Maxwell closed the completed series in 2013 at 422 pages, its shortest entry and sixth book, bringing the two disgraced-agents-turned-investigators' partnership and romantic tension to its resolution.
Alternative text for cover: Cover of King and Maxwell
About the Sean King & Michelle Maxwell series
Sean King and Michelle Maxwell are both disgraced former Secret Service agents — King forced out after failing to stop a presidential assassination attempt, Maxwell after a lapse during a protection detail — who rebuild their lives as private investigators in small-town Virginia and end up drawn into cases far bigger than they expect. David Baldacci launched the series with Split Second in 2003, pairing two wounded, highly capable professionals whose shared history with catastrophic failure gives their working partnership (and eventually their will-they-won't-they relationship) real emotional stakes beneath the conspiracy plotting.
Across six novels the pair investigate everything from small-town murders that unravel into national conspiracies to a case involving Sean's own adopted son, with Baldacci's trademark web of political corruption, hidden government programs and Washington power plays running through nearly every book. The series wrapped with King and Maxwell (2013), which was also adapted into a short-lived TV series of the same name. Fans of Baldacci's Camel Club and Will Robie books, or of investigator-duo procedurals with a slow-burn romance, are the natural audience.
Frequently asked questions
How many Sean King & Michelle Maxwell books are there?
There are 6 novels, from Split Second (2003) to King and Maxwell (2013).
What order should I read the Sean King & Michelle Maxwell books in?
Publication order, starting with Split Second. Each case is largely self-contained, but the partnership and relationship between King and Maxwell develops across the series.
Is the King and Maxwell series finished?
Yes. No new entry has been announced since King and Maxwell (2013), and the series is generally considered complete.
Was Sean King & Michelle Maxwell adapted for TV?
Yes. King & Maxwell aired for one season on TNT in 2013, loosely adapting the characters.
Does this series connect to Baldacci's other books?
It shares Baldacci's wider Washington-thriller universe and tone with the Camel Club and Will Robie series, though it has no direct crossovers.
If you like the Sean King & Michelle Maxwell series
Reading order last verified .