J. Kevin Tumlinson
Welcome to the Kotlerverse. You have no idea how happy I am that you’re here. Click around and find out.
I’m often asked for the definitive reading order for the “Kotlerverse” (the books and stories that are set in the same universe as my Dan Kotler series). Here is the reading order that combines books from Dan Kotler, Quake Runner, and Historic Crimes. For a complete list of my books, even outside of the Kotlerverse, visit my books page.
Kotlerverse Reading Order
The Brass Hall (May 2016) - Dan Kotler - Short story, often considered #0.5 in the series.
The Coelho Medallion (May 2016) - Dan Kotler - Kotler's first full adventure introduces the archaeological mystery format.
The Atlantis Riddle (May 2017) - Dan Kotler - Expands Kotler's world of historical riddles and secret organizations. Sets up future exploration of ancient technologies.
The Girl in the Mayan Tomb (January 22, 2018) - Dan Kotler - Introduces significant Mayan history ties that will echo in future archaeological discoveries.
The Devil's Interval (March 2018) - Dan Kotler - Features high stakes and introduces themes that lead to The God Extinction.
The Antarctic Forgery (August 2018) - Dan Kotler - First major clue about hidden artifacts of global significance, foreshadowing The God Resurrection.
The Stepping Maze (November 2018) - Dan Kotler - Critical events unfold, tying back to The Coelho Medallion and setting the stage for Jani's appearance.
The Jani Sigil (March 2019) - Dan Kotler - A FREE short story, first appearance of the Jani, a significant antagonist group. This leads directly into their presence in The God Extinction.
The God Extinction (August 2019) - Dan Kotler - The Jani's influence becomes central, tying back to The Jani Sigil. Introduces global-scale stakes.
The Spanish Papers (November 2019) - Dan Kotler - A standalone mystery that deepens the Jani backstory and hints at unresolved dangers explored later.
The Hidden Persuaders (March 2020) - Dan Kotler - A psychological mystery that connects with the artifacts uncovered in earlier adventures.
The Man Below (May 2020) - Crossover: Dan Kotler & Alex Kayne - Kotler and Kayne team up for the first time, setting up cross-series cooperation.
The Bones of Saint Nicholas (August 2020) - Dan Kotler - Short story exploring religious relics and connections to The Demon Core.
Shaken (September 2020) - Alex Kayne - Alex Kayne's first solo adventure introduces the tech-focused thriller style of the series.
Triggered (October 2020) - Alex Kayne - Builds on Shaken, with Kayne’s conflict against powerful enemies escalating.
The Sleeper's War (November 2020) - Dan Kotler - Introduces a deeper geopolitical conspiracy that re-emerges in later books like The Forgotten Rune.
The Demon Core (February 2021) - Dan Kotler - Ties together threads from The Bones of Saint Nicholas and The God Extinction.
Compromised (August 2021) - Alex Kayne - Kayne faces significant personal stakes that lead into the events of Aftershock.
The God Resurrection (November 2021) - Dan Kotler - Follows the Jani arc from The God Extinction and introduces revelations about their true goals.
Aftershock (April 2022) - Alex Kayne - Kayne confronts the fallout from Compromised, with events directly setting up The Outsiders Gambit.
The Outsiders Gambit (September 2023) - Crossover: Dan Kotler & Alex Kayne - Second major crossover. Kayne and Kotler uncover secrets that reshape both their worlds.
The Templar Tunnel (March 2024) - Dan Kotler - Short story, leads up to the events of The Forgotten Rune. A crucial archaeological clue emerges.
The Forgotten Rune (May 15, 2024) - Dan Kotler - A turning point for Kotler, tying back to The Templar Tunnel and setting up future discoveries.