Nora Kelly Books in Order

Below is the complete list of Nora Kelly books in order of publication. This is the recommended reading sequence for the series by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child.

Nora Kelly Series
By Douglas Preston, Lincoln Child

1. Thunderhead (1999)
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2. Old Bones (2019)
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3. The Scorpion’s Tail (2021)
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4. Diablo Mesa (2022)
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5. Dead Mountain (2023)
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6. Badlands (2025)
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About Nora Kelly Series

Lincoln Child’s Nora Kelly series blends archaeological mystery with investigative suspense, combining the intellectual intrigue of historical discovery with modern criminal investigations. The novels follow Nora Kelly, a talented archaeologist who works as a curator at the Santa Fe Archaeological Institute. Her academic expertise frequently pulls her into dangerous situations when ancient artifacts, forgotten settlements, or long-lost treasures intersect with modern crime.

Nora Kelly first appeared in earlier novels co-written by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child, particularly in stories connected to the Aloysius Pendergast universe. In this newer series, however, she takes center stage as the primary protagonist. Her scientific background, combined with a strong sense of curiosity and determination, makes her uniquely suited to unravel mysteries buried deep within history.

A major dynamic in the series is Nora’s partnership with FBI Special Agent Corrie Swanson. Corrie, another character who originated in the broader Preston & Child novels, brings investigative experience and law enforcement authority to cases that often involve both archaeological discoveries and criminal activity. The collaboration between Nora’s academic expertise and Corrie’s investigative instincts creates a balance that drives the stories forward.

The series begins with Old Bones (2019), co-written by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child. The novel centers on a legend surrounding the ill-fated Donner Party, a group of American pioneers who became trapped in the Sierra Nevada mountains during the winter of 1846–1847. Rumors persist that part of the group may have hidden a cache of gold before their tragic fate unfolded. When evidence emerges suggesting the treasure might actually exist, Nora is asked to lead an expedition to search for it.

What begins as a historical investigation quickly becomes far more dangerous. The search site appears to be cursed, with strange accidents and violent events surrounding the expedition. As Nora attempts to uncover the truth behind the Donner Party legend, Corrie Swanson begins a parallel investigation that links the archaeological dig to modern-day murders.

The second novel, The Scorpion’s Tail (2021), takes Nora into the harsh desert landscapes of New Mexico. While excavating the remains of a long-lost ghost town, she discovers the skeleton of a man who appears to have died under unusual circumstances many decades earlier. The remains are found alongside an ancient artifact and an unusual relic that suggests the death may be tied to a hidden historical mystery.

As Nora continues investigating the discovery, the case draws the attention of the FBI. Corrie Swanson joins the investigation, and together they uncover connections between the long-forgotten death and a series of dangerous secrets tied to Cold War–era military activity. The story blends archaeology, local history, and modern criminal investigation, creating a mystery that stretches across generations.

The third installment, Diablo Mesa (2022), once again places Nora and Corrie in the center of a complex investigation. An archaeological excavation in a remote region of New Mexico uncovers the remains of a decades-old plane crash. The discovery leads to questions about the aircraft’s mysterious cargo and why certain powerful individuals appear determined to keep the past buried.

As the investigation unfolds, the characters discover links between the crash and secret government experiments conducted during the early years of nuclear research. The case brings together historical secrets, dangerous adversaries, and the ongoing partnership between Nora and Corrie as they work to uncover the truth.

Across the Nora Kelly novels, Lincoln Child and Douglas Preston combine historical intrigue with modern suspense. The archaeological discoveries at the heart of each story often reveal hidden chapters of American history while triggering events that place the characters in immediate danger.

Reading the series in publication order allows the evolving partnership between Nora Kelly and Corrie Swanson to develop naturally. Each book builds upon the trust and teamwork established in earlier investigations while introducing new historical mysteries that bridge the past and present.