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The Forgotten
David Baldacci

The Forgotten

Quick Answer

"The Forgotten" is an optional companion work. It can be read at any time, though it is usually best enjoyed after reading the first few core novels of the John Puller Series.

Quick Verdict

🟡 Optional side story — not required for main plot

âť“ Can I skip this book?
✅ Yes — Optional

This is a companion work that enriches the lore but is not strictly necessary to follow the main plot.

Verdict Insight: While this novella provides deeper world-building, it is a standalone story and can be read at any stage.

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2024140 ppNovellaOptional Side StoryWikidataSource
When Army Special Agent John Puller finds his aunt dead in Florida, he suspects it’s no accident . . . and as local police dismiss the case, the cracks begin to show in a picture-perfect town. Army Special Agent John Puller is the best there is. A combat veteran, Puller is the man the U. S. Army relies on to investigate the toughest crimes facing the nation. Now he has a new case–but this time, the crime is personal: His aunt has been found dead in Paradise, Florida. A picture-perfect town on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Paradise thrives on the wealthy tourists and retirees drawn to its gorgeous weather and beaches. The local police have ruled his aunt’s death an unfortunate, tragic accident. But just before she died, she mailed a letter to Puller’s father, telling him that beneath its beautiful veneer, Paradise is not all it seems to be. What Puller finds convinces him that his aunt’s death was no accident…and that the palm trees and sandy beaches of Paradise may hide a conspiracy so shocking that some will go to unthinkable lengths to make sure the truth is never revealed.
Next Recommended Book

The Escape

Book #3 of 4 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 John Puller Series 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 The Forgotten?

This is a companion work that enriches the lore but is not strictly necessary to follow the main plot.

Can I read The Forgotten before Zero Day?

Yes. The Forgotten is an optional side story and can be read at any time without spoiling the main series plot.

Is The Forgotten required reading for the John Puller Series?

No, it is a companion work that enriches the lore but is not essential to the central storyline.

What comes after The Forgotten in the reading order?

The next recommended book after The Forgotten is The Escape (Book #3).