Treasure Hunts, Ancient Mysteries & Pulse-Pounding Global Adventures
Do you love books by Clive Cussler, James Rollins, or Dan Brown? Are you a fan of movies like Indiana Jones, National Treasure, or Lara Croft: Tomb Raider?
If yes, you're an action-adventure and archaeological thriller fan, and in this definitive guide, I share 35+ incredible series you can binge read right now for your next pulse-pounding escape.
These books combine:
- Modern-day treasure hunts with ancient mystery
- Historical intrigue and archaeological discoveries
- Relentless action and global conspiracies
- Daring protagonists facing formidable adversaries
- Exotic locations from lost ruins to secret vaults
Whether you're deciphering ancient codes, exploring forgotten ruins, or thwarting global conspiracies, the stakes are always high and the action never stops.
In this list, you'll discover:
- Series with ex-military heroes turned treasure hunters
- Archaeological mysteries rooted in real history
- Religious conspiracies and ancient artifacts
- Scientific thrillers blending cutting-edge tech with ancient secrets
- Strong female protagonists in the tradition of Lara Croft
- Fast-paced adventures perfect for binge reading
The Essential Series (Top 10)
(1) Sigma Force Series by James Rollins (18 books)
Genre: Military thriller, archaeological adventure, scientific mystery
The Sigma Force novels follow a covert team of former Special Forces operatives with expertise in various scientific disciplines, tasked with protecting the world from emerging threats by uncovering scientific secrets and ancient mysteries. Each mission plunges them into high-stakes situations that blend cutting-edge technology with historical intrigue.
Start with: Sandstorm (Book 1)
Perfect for: Readers who love science-based thrillers with archaeological mysteries
Bonus: Check out Rollins' The Order of the Sanguines series (co-written with Rebecca Cantrell)—supernatural religious thriller with the same fast-paced adventure.
(2) Robert Langdon Series by Dan Brown (6 books)
Genre: Religious thriller, art mystery, symbology
Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon unravels complex codes and ancient mysteries hidden within famous works of art and historical monuments. A perfect mix of fast-paced action adventure, ancient mysteries, and religious conspiracy.
Books in order: Angels & Demons, The Da Vinci Code, The Lost Symbol, Inferno, Origin, The Secret of Secrets
Perfect for: Readers fascinated by secret societies, religious history, and art mysteries
These books inspired my ARKANE thriller series.
(3) ARKANE Series by J.F. Penn (13 books)
Genre: Archaeological thriller, religious conspiracy, supernatural mystery
Morgan Sierra, ex-military psychologist, joins ARKANE, a secret British agency investigating supernatural mysteries and ancient religious artifacts around the world. Each mission is a modern-day, fast-paced thriller inspired by historical artifacts and places, religious conspiracy, and archaeology.
Why readers love it: Strong female lead, authentic archaeological detail, globe-trotting adventures, supernatural elements grounded in history
Start with: Stone of Fire (Book 1) - Hunt for sacred stones from Pentecost
Latest: Spear of Destiny (Book 13)
Perfect for fans of: Dan Brown's Robert Langdon, James Rollins' Sigma Force, Indiana Jones/Lara Croft adventures
➡️ Shop the complete ARKANE series | Read Stone of Fire (Book 1)
(4) Dirk Pitt Series by Clive Cussler (27+ books)
Genre: Maritime adventure, underwater archaeology, action thriller
The iconic NUMA series follows Dirk Pitt, a marine engineer and adventurer, as he uncovers ancient mysteries and thwarts sinister plots across the globe. With its mix of historical intrigue and high-octane action, this series defined the archaeological thriller genre.
Start with: Pacific Vortex! or Raise the Titanic!
Perfect for: Underwater adventure fans, maritime history enthusiasts
(5) Cotton Malone Series by Steve Berry (18+ books)
Genre: Historical thriller, conspiracy, rare book mystery
Former Justice Department operative turned antiquarian book dealer Cotton Malone delves into conspiracies rooted in historical secrets. Each novel combines intense action with fascinating historical puzzles.
Start with: The Templar Legacy (Book 1)
Perfect for: History buffs who love intricate plots and rare manuscript mysteries
(6) Gabriel Allon Series by Daniel Silva (25 books)
Genre: Spy thriller, art restoration, international espionage
Gabriel Allon, an art restorer and Israeli intelligence officer, balances covert operations with a passion for art. While not as breakneck-paced as some series, the blend of European culture, art history, and religious themes makes this essential reading.
Start with: The Kill Artist (Book 1)
Perfect for: Readers who appreciate sophisticated thrillers with art and European settings
(7) Jack West Jr. Series by Matthew Reilly (7 books)
Genre: Action-adventure, puzzle thriller, ancient mysteries
Jack West Jr., a former SAS soldier, embarks on global quests filled with ancient puzzles and deadly adversaries. Extremely fast-paced with elaborate puzzles to solve, combining historical mysteries with explosive action.
Start with: Seven Deadly Wonders (Book 1)
Perfect for: Readers who love non-stop action and intricate ancient puzzles
(8) Ben Hope Series by Scott Mariani (29+ books)
Genre: Action thriller, historical mystery, religious conspiracy
Ex-SAS operative turned rescue specialist Ben Hope takes on missions that blend historical and religious mysteries with modern-day threats. Fast-paced with a compelling hero.
Start with: The Alchemist's Secret (Book 1)
Perfect for: Fans of religious conspiracies and ex-military protagonists
(9) James Acton Thrillers by J. Robert Kennedy (40+ books)
Genre: Archaeological thriller, conspiracy, academic adventure
Professor James Acton, an archaeologist and historian, finds himself entangled in dangerous missions involving ancient artifacts and modern conspiracies. Prolific series with deep historical research.
Start with: The Protocol (Book 1)
Perfect for: Readers who want extensive backlist to binge
(10) Joe Ledger Series by Jonathan Maberry (10+ books with two linked series)
Genre: Bioterrorism thriller, military horror, scientific conspiracy
Joe Ledger, a former Baltimore cop and Army Ranger, leads a covert task force (DMS) against global threats involving bioterrorism, ancient conspiracies, and advanced technologies—sometimes with supernatural edge.
Start with: Patient Zero (Book 1)
Perfect for: Readers who love military thrillers with horror/sci-fi elements
More Thrilling Series to Discover
(11) Dane Maddock Adventures by David Wood (20+ books)
Genre: Treasure hunt, underwater adventure, cryptozoology
Dane Maddock, a former Navy SEAL turned treasure hunter, embarks on quests to uncover lost artifacts and ancient secrets with partner Bones Bonebrake.
Start with: Dourado (Book 1)
(12) Sean Wyatt Series by Ernest Dempsey (23+ books)
Genre: Archaeological thriller, secret agent, treasure hunt
Archaeologist and former secret agent Sean Wyatt races against time to find and protect ancient treasures with deep historical research.
Start with: The Secret of the Stones (Book 1)
(13) Nina Wilde and Eddie Chase Series by Andy McDermott (17+ books)
Genre: Archaeological adventure, humor, action
Archaeologist Dr. Nina Wilde and her ex-SAS bodyguard Eddie Chase race to uncover ancient artifacts and prevent global disasters.
Start with: The Hunt for Atlantis (Book 1)
(14) Matt Drake Series by David Leadbeater (35+ books)
Genre: Action thriller, ex-military, lost civilizations
Ex-SAS soldier Matt Drake takes on high-stakes adventures around the world searching for ancient artifacts and lost treasures.
Start with: The Bones of Odin (Book 1)
(15) Payne & Jones Series by Chris Kuzneski (9 books)
Genre: Treasure hunt, ex-Special Forces, ancient puzzles
Jonathon Payne and David Jones, former Special Forces operatives turned treasure hunters, solve ancient puzzles and thwart global conspiracies.
Start with: The Plantation (Book 1)
(16) Vanessa Michael Munroe Series by Taylor Stevens (6 books)
Genre: Thriller, mercenary, psychological depth
Vanessa Michael Munroe, a skilled information hunter and mercenary, takes on dangerous global assignments with deadly combat and complex conspiracies.
Start with: The Informationist (Book 1)
(17) Sam Reilly Series by Christopher Cartwright (29+ books)
Genre: Maritime thriller, lost civilizations, puzzle solving
Former marine troubleshooter Sam Reilly follows clues from history to solve modern-day mysteries.
Start with: The Last Airship (Book 1)
(18) Dominic Grey Series by Layton Green (6+ books)
Genre: Religious phenomenology, occult mysteries, martial arts
Dominic Grey, a private investigator specializing in religious phenomena, investigates ancient rituals, secret societies, and dark conspiracies.
Start with: The Summoner (Book 1)
(19) Dan Kotler Archaeological Thrillers by Kevin Tumlinson (13+ books)
Genre: Archaeological mystery, ancient history, conspiracy
Dan Kotler, archaeologist and researcher, delves into historical mysteries with modern-day implications.
Start with: The Coelho Medallion (Book 1)
(20) Harvey Bennett Thrillers by Nick Thacker (15+ books)
Genre: Scientific thriller, ancient mysteries, reluctant hero
Harvey Bennett, former park ranger turned hero, tackles global threats linked to scientific discoveries and ancient mysteries.
Start with: The Enigma Strain (Book 1)
(21) Eden Black Archaeological Thrillers by Luke Richardson (7+ books)
Genre: Female archaeologist, treasure hunter, British settings
Archaeologist and treasure hunter Eden Black uncovers ancient secrets and faces modern dangers.
Start with: The Ark Files (Book 1)
(22) The Belial Series by R.D. Brady (14+ books)
Genre: Mythology, cutting-edge science, biblical archaeology
Archaeologist Delaney McPhearson uncovers secrets that could alter history, blending mythology and modern science.
Start with: The Belial Stone (Book 1)
(23) Phoenix Quest Series by K.T. Tomb (7+ books)
Genre: Female treasure hunter, amateur archaeologist, collectibles
Thalia Phoenix, collectibles shop owner and relic hunter, embarks on fast-paced adventures.
Start with: Tomb of the Queen (Book 1)
(24) VanOps Series by Avanti Centrae (3+ books)
Genre: Covert ops, historical intrigue, scientific thriller
The VanOps team, covert operatives, tackles threats linked to ancient mysteries and modern science.
Start with: VanOps: The Lost Power (Book 1)
(25) Tyler Locke Series by Boyd Morrison (4 books)
Genre: Engineering thriller, ancient puzzles, tech mystery
Engineer Tyler Locke uses his skills to solve ancient puzzles and prevent catastrophic events with innovative technology.
Start with: The Ark (Book 1)
(26) Alex Hunter Series by Greig Beck (11+ books)
Genre: Military sci-fi, enhanced soldier, cryptid horror
Alex Hunter (The Arcadian), an elite soldier with extraordinary abilities, leads a team against threats from ancient mysteries to scientific dangers.
Start with: Beneath the Dark Ice (Book 1)
(27) Chase Baker Thrillers by Vincent Zandri (11+ books)
Genre: Adventurer-writer, treasure hunt, Italian settings
Chase Baker, a writer and adventurer, travels the world uncovering ancient secrets and hidden treasures.
Start with: Chase Baker and the God Boy (Book 1)
(28) Thomas Lourds Series by Charles Brokaw (4 books)
Genre: Linguist hero, ancient texts, religious artifacts
Dr. Thomas Lourds, renowned linguist and archaeologist, uncovers ancient texts leading to thrilling adventures.
Start with: The Atlantis Code (Book 1)
(29) Jack Howard Series by David Gibbins (10+ books)
Genre: Marine archaeology, lost civilizations, underwater adventure
Marine archaeologist Jack Howard dives into history, uncovering lost civilizations and ancient artifacts.
Start with: Atlantis (Book 1)
(30) Sam Harris Adventures by P.J. Skinner (7+ books)
Genre: Geology thriller, mineral exploration, African settings
Geologist Sam Harris navigates treacherous mineral exploration and archaeological discoveries.
Start with: Fool's Gold (Book 1)
How to Choose Your Next Series
If You Love Dan Brown's Religious Mysteries:
→ Try: ARKANE Series, Dominic Grey, Thomas Lourds, Ben Hope
If You Want Military Thrillers:
→ Try: Sigma Force, Joe Ledger, Matt Drake, Jack West Jr.
If You Love Underwater Adventures:
→ Try: Dirk Pitt, Dane Maddock, Jack Howard, Sam Reilly
If You Want Strong Female Leads:
→ Try: ARKANE (Morgan Sierra), Nina Wilde, Eden Black, Vanessa Munroe, Phoenix Quest
If You Love Historical Depth:
→ Try: Cotton Malone, Gabriel Allon, Ethan Gage, Dan Kotler
If You Want Non-Stop Action:
→ Try: Jack West Jr., Matt Drake, James Acton, Harvey Bennett
Start Your Adventure Today
Ready to dive into pulse-pounding archaeological thrillers?
➡️ Discover my ARKANE thriller series
About the Author: J.F. Penn is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling thriller author. Her ARKANE series has been compared by readers to Dan Brown, James Rollins, and Indiana Jones meets Lara Croft. She's also the host of the Books and Travel Podcast.
The original version of this article was posted on JFPenn.com and updated for reposting in October 2025.
