12 Authors Like Jack Carr for Action-Packed Reads

The following 12 authors like Jack Carr deliver the same pulse-pounding thrill, grit and realism that fans of military and espionage fiction crave.

Whether it’s a lone operator on a covert mission or a global crisis unfolding behind the scenes, these writers bring intense storytelling backed by real-world experience and sharp insight.

Each author brings something unique to the table. Some dive deep into psychological battles while others focus on fast-paced action or geopolitical intrigue.

If you’ve finished the latest James Reece novel and are looking for your next great read, these names deserve a spot on your bookshelf.

12 Authors Like Jack Carr

1. Brad Thor

Writing Style & Themes:
Brad Thor delivers fast-paced thrillers centered around Scot Harvath, a former Navy SEAL turned counterterrorism operative. 

His stories are rich in geopolitical intrigue, covert missions and authentic military details.​

Notable Books/Series:

• The Lions of Lucerne
• The First Commandment
• Backlash
• Black Ice
• Shadow of Doubt​

Why Readers Will Love Him:
Thor’s novels offer relentless action and intricate plots, immersing readers in the world of elite counterterrorism operations.​

Brad Thor’s Website: https://bradthor.com

2. Mark Greaney

Writing Style & Themes:
Greaney crafts high-octane thrillers featuring Court Gentry, a former CIA operative turned assassin. 

His stories blend intense action with intricate geopolitical plots.

Notable Books/Series:

• The Gray Man
• On Target
• Back Blast
• One Minute Out
• Burner​

Why Readers Will Love Him:
Greaney’s novels offer relentless action and complex characters, immersing readers in the world of espionage.​

Mark Greaney’s Website: https://markgreaneybooks.com 

3. Lee Child

Writing Style & Themes:
Child’s thrillers follow Jack Reacher, a former military policeman who drifts across America, confronting injustice with sharp intellect and brute force.​

Notable Books/Series:

• Killing Floor
• Die Trying
• The Enemy
• One Shot
• The Midnight Line​

Why Readers Will Love Him:
Child’s storytelling delivers fast-paced action and an enigmatic hero.​

Lee Child’s Website: https://www.jackreacher.com​

4. Kyle Mills

Writing Style & Themes:
Mills continues the Mitch Rapp series, weaving contemporary threats with high-stakes action and political intrigue.​

Notable Books/Series:

• The Survivor
• Order to Kill
• Red War
• Total Power
• Oath of Loyalty​

Why Readers Will Love Him:
Mills maintains the series’ intensity while introducing fresh timely plots.​

Kyle Mills’ Website: https://www.kylemills.com​

5. Vince Flynn

Writing Style & Themes:
Vince Flynn’s novels center on Mitch Rapp, a CIA operative tackling terrorism and political corruption with decisive action.​

Notable Books/Series:

• American Assassin
• Transfer of Power
• Consent to Kill
• Act of Treason
• The Last Man​

Why Readers Will Love Him:
Flynn’s gripping narratives offer a deep dive into counterterrorism operations.​

Vince Flynn’s Website: https://www.vinceflynn.com​

6. Tom Clancy

Writing Style & Themes:
Clancy’s techno-thrillers feature detailed military and intelligence operations, often involving geopolitical conflicts.​

Notable Books/Series:

• The Hunt for Red October
• Patriot Games
• Clear and Present Danger
• The Sum of All Fears
• Executive Orders​

Why Readers Will Love Him:
Clancy’s meticulous research and complex plots offer an immersive experience into global espionage.​

Tom Clancy’s Website: https://tomclancy.com

7. David Morrell

Writing Style & Themes:
Morrell’s novels blend intense action with deep psychological insight, often exploring themes of survival and the human psyche.​

Notable Books/Series:

• First Blood
• Rambo: First Blood Part II
• The Brotherhood of the Rose
• Creepers
• Murder as a Fine Art​

Why Readers Will Love Him:
Morrell’s storytelling offers a raw emotional depth combined with gripping action.​

David Morrell’s Website: https://davidmorrell.net 

8. Nick Petrie

Writing Style & Themes:
Petrie’s Peter Ash series features a veteran protagonist dealing with PTSD, blending personal struggles with action-packed narratives.​

Notable Books/Series:

• The Drifter
• Burning Bright
• Light It Up
• Tear It Down
• The Wild One​

Why Readers Will Love Him:
Petrie’s novels combine emotional depth with thrilling action sequences.​

Nick Petrie’s Website: https://nickpetrie.com​

9. Brad Taylor

Writing Style & Themes:
Taylor’s Pike Logan series is rooted in his Special Forces experience, delivering authentic military operations and global threats.​

Notable Books/Series:

• One Rough Man
• Operator Down
• End of Days
• The Devil’s Ransom
• Dead Man’s Hand​

Why Readers Will Love Him:
Taylor’s firsthand military knowledge brings realism to his high-stakes thrillers.​

Brad Taylor’s Website: https://bradtaylorbooks.com​

10. Daniel Silva

Writing Style & Themes:
Daniel Silva’s Gabriel Allon series combines espionage with art restoration, weaving historical and geopolitical threads into intricate plots.​

Notable Books/Series:

• The Kill Artist
• The English Assassin
• The Messenger
• The Rembrandt Affair
• Portrait of a Spy​

Why Readers Will Love Him:
Silva’s narratives offer a sophisticated blend of art, history and espionage.​

Daniel Silva’s Website: https://danielsilvabooks.com​

11. Jason Matthews

Writing Style & Themes:
Matthews, a former CIA operative, infuses his Red Sparrow trilogy with authentic spycraft and complex characters.​

Notable Books/Series:

• Red Sparrow
• Palace of Treason
• The Kremlin’s Candidate​

Why Readers Will Love Him:
Matthews’ insider knowledge provides a realistic glimpse into modern espionage.

Jason Matthews’ Goodreads Profile: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6903512.Jason_Matthews 

12. Don Bentley

Writing Style & Themes:
Bentley’s Matt Drake series features a former CIA operative navigating dangerous missions, reflecting his military and FBI background.​

Notable Books/Series:

• Without Sanction
• The Outside Man
• Hostile Intent
• Forgotten War
• Weapons Grade​

Why Readers Will Love Him:
Bentley’s action-packed narratives are enriched by his real-world experience in military operations.​

Don Bentley’s Website: https://donbentleybooks.com

Final Word on the Authors Similar to Jack Carr

The above 12 writers like Jack Carr each offer their own gripping take on action, espionage and high-stakes conflict, yet all share that same magnetic pull that keeps readers turning pages late into the night.

From Brad Thor’s high-octane Scot Harvath series to the emotional intensity of Nick Petrie’s Peter Ash novels, there’s a wealth of thrilling stories to dive into.

Fans of deep military insight will appreciate Brad Taylor and Don Bentley, while those who love intricate spycraft will find much to enjoy with Daniel Silva or Jason Matthews.

No matter your preference, these authors like Jack Carr deliver the adrenaline and heart you’re looking for.