Joanna Penn is a bestselling thriller author known for her ARKANE series as well as practical nonfiction such as How to Market a Book. Her work blends suspense, history, and smart research, while her guidance for writers has made her a trusted voice in publishing.
If you enjoy Joanna Penn's novels, these authors are well worth adding to your reading list:
James Rollins is an excellent pick for readers who enjoy Joanna Penn's mix of high-stakes suspense and historical mystery. His novels combine science, history, religion, and action in stories that move at an exhilarating pace.
His novel Map of Bones is packed with twists and centers on ancient secrets concealed within religious artifacts. Like Penn, Rollins has a knack for pairing big ideas with page-turning momentum.
Steve Berry is a strong choice if you like historical thrillers layered with international intrigue. His books often revolve around mysteries rooted deep in the past, with modern consequences that keep the tension high.
His novel, The Amber Room, sends readers on a dangerous hunt involving lost treasure, conspiracy, and relentless pursuit. Berry skillfully threads real historical detail into his fiction, much like Penn does.
If the historical puzzles and rapid pacing in Joanna Penn's books appeal to you, Dan Brown is an easy recommendation. He is known for thrillers built around hidden codes, ancient secrets, and globe-spanning adventure.
His bestselling novel, The Da Vinci Code, launches readers into a tense quest filled with symbolism, religious intrigue, and cryptic clues. Brown's accessible style and steady suspense make his books hard to put down.
Matthew Reilly is ideal if you're looking for nonstop action and cinematic intensity. His novels race from one set piece to the next, delivering the same kind of breathless energy that Joanna Penn readers often enjoy.
In his thriller Ice Station, a military mission in Antarctica uncovers secrets buried beneath the ice. It's a high-octane read full of danger, momentum, and escalating stakes.
If you love adventure stories that mix history, mystery, and daring escapes, Clive Cussler is well worth exploring. His novels are filled with hidden treasures, sunken ships, and memorable larger-than-life exploits.
His novel, Raise the Titanic!, follows Dirk Pitt on an ambitious mission to recover the legendary wreck.
Cussler's storytelling is vivid and entertaining, carrying readers through perilous missions, fascinating history, and plenty of old-fashioned adventure.
If you're a Joanna Penn fan in search of another adrenaline-fueled read, Jeremy Robinson is a great option. He blends thriller, adventure, and speculative elements into inventive, fast-moving stories.
His book Project Nemesis delivers a gripping mix of suspense, science-fiction intrigue, and explosive action. It's a strong choice for readers who enjoy bold concepts and high-energy storytelling.
Boyd Morrison will appeal to readers who enjoy Joanna Penn's blend of history and adventure. His thrillers are tightly constructed and often center on archaeological mysteries, hidden knowledge, and dangerous discoveries.
Check out The Ark, a suspenseful adventure that combines ancient legend, sharp pacing, and intriguing historical detail.
Scott Mariani is another author Joanna Penn readers may appreciate, especially if you like conspiracy-driven plots and historical mysteries. His books balance action, suspense, and international adventure with a strong narrative pull.
One standout is The Mozart Conspiracy, a thriller that merges historical intrigue with modern danger and plenty of momentum.
Andy McDermott is a smart pick if you enjoy Joanna Penn's fast-moving plots and globe-trotting atmosphere. His thrillers frequently feature archaeological hunts, hidden artifacts, and dangerous expeditions.
The Hunt for Atlantis highlights his signature style with vivid settings, big action sequences, and an engaging sense of adventure.
Graham Brown writes adventurous thrillers filled with suspense, mystery, and strong forward momentum. Like Joanna Penn, he often combines modern technology with ancient secrets and larger-than-life stakes.
Try Black Rain for a tense, fast-paced story packed with danger and surprising revelations.
Chris Kuzneski crafts thrillers that bring together ancient mysteries and modern adventure. His books feature clever puzzles, hidden histories, and fast pacing, which makes them a natural fit for fans of Joanna Penn.
Check out The Hunters, where a skilled team races to uncover legendary treasures while facing fierce opposition and unexpected twists.
A.G. Riddle mixes suspense, science fiction, and thriller elements in stories driven by big questions and dangerous discoveries. His novels often explore scientific mysteries and world-changing possibilities, which should appeal to readers who enjoy Penn's more thought-provoking side.
A great place to start is The Atlantis Gene, a fast-paced thriller about hidden secrets that could reshape human history.
Lincoln Child writes suspenseful thrillers set in unusual locations and built around unsettling mysteries. His work shares the intensity and plot-driven appeal that Joanna Penn fans often look for.
One novel to try is Deep Storm, which explores a secretive undersea facility hiding discoveries that could alter the world—or destroy it.
Will Adams specializes in archaeological thrillers packed with historical riddles and international intrigue. If you enjoy Joanna Penn's combination of secret histories and modern-day danger, his novels should be a strong match.
Try The Alexander Cipher, an exciting treasure hunt centered on Alexander the Great's lost tomb, with danger and surprising clues at every turn.
Brad Thor is best known for fast-paced political thrillers built around global danger and international conspiracy.
His books feature crisp prose, capable protagonists, and high-pressure missions, making them a good fit for readers who enjoy Joanna Penn's suspense and strong sense of momentum.
Try The Lions of Lucerne, an action-packed story of kidnapping, conspiracy, and mounting tension.
