Reading order
| # | Title | Published | Author | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | King of Queens | 2017 | Jack Patterson / R.J. Patterson | Buy |
| 2 | To Catch a Spy | 2017 | Jack Patterson / R.J. Patterson | Buy |
| 3 | Whispers of Treason | 2018 | Jack Patterson / R.J. Patterson | Buy |
| 4 | Shadow of Lies | 2018 | Jack Patterson / R.J. Patterson | Buy |
| 5 | The Man from Leningrad | 2018 | Jack Patterson / R.J. Patterson | Buy |
The Ed Maddux series is R.J. Patterson’s foray into historical espionage fiction. Set during the Cold War, the five novels follow American spy Ed Maddux as he navigates the dangerous world of intelligence operations against the Soviet Union. The series began with King of Queens in 2017 and concluded with The Man from Leningrad in 2018.
Unlike Patterson’s modern-day action thrillers, the Maddux books trade satellite surveillance and drone strikes for dead drops, double agents, and the constant threat of nuclear escalation. The Cold War setting adds a layer of tension that comes from the era itself, where a single misstep could trigger catastrophe. Readers who enjoy classic spy fiction will appreciate Patterson’s take on the genre.