BookPath
Hour Game
David Baldacci

Hour Game

Quick Answer

Read "Hour Game" as the 2nd book in the King and Maxwell sequence. This follows the recommended publication order to preserve character development.

Sequence Warning

⚠️ Do NOT read before "Split Second" (Book 1)

❓ Can I skip this book?
❌ No — Required

This book is essential to the core narrative and character development.

Verdict Insight: As the 2nd installment, this volume is critical for following the central narrative progression and plot development.

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2004448 ppWikidataSource
He's copying famous serial killers and the game has just begun. A woman is found murdered in the woods. It seems like a simple case but it soon escalates into a terrible nightmare. Someone is replicating the killing styles of the most infamous murderers of all time. No one knows this criminal's motives...or who will die next. Two ex-Secret Service agents, Sean King and Michelle Maxwell, have been hired to defend a man's innocence in a burglary involving an aristocratic, dysfunctional family. Then a series of secrets leads the partners right into the frantic hunt that is confounding even the FBI. Now King and Maxwell are playing the Hour Game, uncovering one horrifying revelation after another and putting their lives in danger. For the closer they get to the truth, the closer they get to the most shocking surprise of all.
Next Recommended Book

Simple Genius

Book #3 of 6 in Series

Complete Series Reading Order

Publication Order

Preserves character reveals and plot twists exactly as the author intended.

Chronological Order

May spoil surprises but improves timeline clarity for deep lore fans.

Order Confidence

high Confidence

Why this order?

Our team of curators analyzes publication history, author interviews, and internal narrative continuity to establish the definitive reading sequence. This ensures zero spoilers and maximum narrative impact.

Why This Order Is Confusing

Many reading lists for King and Maxwell conflict because early publishers often labeled short story collections as standalone novels, or rearranged internal chronologies for marketing. This guide follows original author intent and narrative continuity to settle the debate for good.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I skip reading Hour Game?

This book is essential to the core narrative and character development.

Can I read Hour Game before Split Second?

No. We recommend reading Split Second first. Hour Game is the 2th book in the series and follows the core narrative established in earlier volumes.

Is Hour Game required reading for the King and Maxwell?

Yes, it is a core installment in the series reading order and contains critical character development and plot progression.

What comes after Hour Game in the reading order?

The next recommended book after Hour Game is Simple Genius (Book #3).