Quarry Books in Order

Quarry Series by Max Allan Collins

The Quarry series by Max Allan Collins is a gritty and fast-paced crime series that follows the life of a professional hitman named Quarry. Set in the 1970s and beyond, the series explores Quarry’s dangerous world of murder-for-hire, betrayal, and survival. With sharp dialogue, dark humor, and a morally complex protagonist, the Quarry books are a must-read for fans of noir and hardboiled crime fiction.

Publication Order of Quarry Books

1. Quarry (1976)
2. Quarry’s List (1976)
3. Quarry’s Deal (1976)
4. Quarry’s Cut (1977)
5. Quarry’s Vote (1987) (also published as Primary Target)
6. The Last Quarry (2006)
7. The First Quarry (2008)
8. Quarry in the Middle (2009)
9. Quarry’s Ex (2010)
10. The Wrong Quarry (2014)
11. Quarry’s Choice (2015)
12. Quarry in the Black (2016)
13. Quarry’s Climax (2017)
14. Killing Quarry (2019)
15. Quarry’s Blood (2022)
16. Quarry’s Return (2023)

1. Quarry (1976)

The series begins with Quarry, a Vietnam veteran turned hitman, working for a mysterious figure known as the Broker. When a job goes wrong, Quarry finds himself caught in a web of lies and betrayal. This book introduces readers to Quarry’s cold, calculating nature and sets the tone for the series with its dark and suspenseful storytelling.

2. Quarry’s List (1976)

After the Broker is killed, Quarry discovers a list of other hitmen and their targets. He decides to take matters into his own hands, hunting down the killers and uncovering a larger conspiracy. This book is a thrilling mix of action and intrigue.

3. Quarry’s Deal (1976)

Quarry takes on a new job, but things quickly spiral out of control when he realizes he’s been double-crossed. This installment showcases Quarry’s resourcefulness and his ability to outsmart his enemies.

4. Quarry’s Cut (1977)

Quarry is hired to protect a film director from a potential assassin. The job takes him into the world of adult filmmaking, where secrets and danger lurk behind the scenes. This book is a clever mix of noir and Hollywood drama.

5. Quarry’s Vote (1987) (also published as Primary Target)

Quarry is hired to eliminate a political candidate, but the job becomes complicated when he uncovers a deeper plot. This book explores themes of power, corruption, and loyalty.

6. The Last Quarry (2006)

Years after retiring, Quarry is pulled back into the business for one final job. This book offers a reflective look at Quarry’s life and the choices he’s made, while delivering the same sharp action and suspense.

7. The First Quarry (2008)

This prequel takes readers back to Quarry’s first job as a hitman. It explores his early days working for the Broker and sets the stage for the rest of the series.

8. Quarry in the Middle (2009)

Quarry finds himself caught between two rival crime bosses in a small town. As tensions rise, Quarry must navigate a dangerous game of loyalty and deception.

9. Quarry’s Ex (2010)

Quarry’s past comes back to haunt him when he encounters an old flame. The reunion leads to a deadly confrontation with a dangerous enemy.

10. The Wrong Quarry (2014)

Quarry is hired to track down a missing person, but things take a dark turn when he realizes his client may not be telling the whole truth. As Quarry digs deeper, he uncovers secrets that put him in the crosshairs of dangerous enemies. This book is a clever and suspenseful addition to the series, showcasing Quarry’s sharp instincts and moral ambiguity.

11. Quarry’s Choice (2015)

Set in Quarry’s early days as a hitman, this book takes readers to the Deep South, where Quarry is tasked with eliminating a rival crime boss. The job becomes complicated when Quarry discovers a tangled web of corruption, betrayal, and danger. This installment is filled with Southern noir atmosphere and intense action.

12. Quarry in the Black (2016)

Quarry is hired to kill a civil rights activist in the 1970s, but he begins to question the motives behind the job. As he investigates, Quarry finds himself caught in a dangerous political game. This book blends historical context with the series’ trademark suspense and moral complexity.

13. Quarry’s Climax (2017)

Quarry is hired to protect a strip club owner in Memphis, but the job becomes more complicated when he uncovers a plot to take over the business. This book is filled with twists, humor, and classic Quarry action.

14. Killing Quarry (2019)

Quarry’s past comes back to haunt him when he becomes the target of another hitman. As he tries to figure out who wants him dead, Quarry must rely on his wits and skills to survive. This book is a tense and action-packed thriller that keeps readers guessing until the end.

15. Quarry’s Blood (2022)

Years after retiring, Quarry is living a quiet life when a true-crime writer begins investigating his career. The attention brings old enemies out of the shadows, forcing Quarry to confront his past and protect his future. This book is a gripping and reflective continuation of the series.

16. Quarry’s Return (2023)

In the latest installment, Quarry is drawn back into the world of murder-for-hire when an old friend asks for his help. The job takes him to a small town filled with secrets, danger, and betrayal. This book delivers the same sharp writing and suspenseful storytelling that fans of the series have come to love.

Why You’ll Love Quarry

The Quarry series is perfect for readers who enjoy gritty crime stories with morally complex characters. Max Allan Collins’ writing is sharp, fast-paced, and filled with dark humor. Quarry is a fascinating anti-hero – cold, calculating, and surprisingly human. The series explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and survival, all set against the backdrop of a dangerous and unpredictable world. If you love noir fiction and stories about flawed but compelling characters, the Quarry series is a must-read.

Books Similar to Quarry

If you enjoyed the Quarry series, you might also like:

• The Parker Series by Richard Stark
  A classic crime series about a professional thief navigating a world of danger and betrayal.

• The Mike Hammer Series by Mickey Spillane
  A hardboiled detective series filled with action, suspense, and a tough-as-nails protagonist.

• The Jack Reacher Series by Lee Child
  A modern thriller series about a drifter and former military policeman who takes on dangerous cases.

• The Spencer Series by Robert B. Parker
  A detective series with sharp dialogue, complex characters, and plenty of action.

• The Keller Series by Lawrence Block
  A series about a hitman who struggles with the moral complexities of his work.