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The President Is Missing
James Patterson

The President Is Missing

Quick Answer

Read "The President Is Missing" as the 27th book in the Standalone Novels sequence. This follows the recommended publication order to preserve character development.

Sequence Warning

⚠️ Do NOT read before "Rogue Lawyer" (Book 26)

❓ Can I skip this book?
❌ No — Required

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

Verdict Insight: As the 27th installment, this volume is critical for following the central narrative progression and plot development.

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2018528 pp
*The President Is Missing* confronts a threat so huge that it jeopardizes not just Pennsylvania Avenue and Wall Street, but all of America. Uncertainty and fear grip the nation. There are whispers of cyberterror and espionage and a traitor in the Cabinet. Even the President himself becomes a suspect, and then he disappears from public view. The plot centers around a computer virus termed the "Dark Ages" created by a Turkish group called the Sons of Jihad who, contrary to their name, are not Muslim jihadists but are “secular extreme nationalists.” The main character, Jonathon Lincoln Duncan, is the president of the United States and widower to character Rachel Carson, named as a homage to the famous 20th century biologist and author of Silent Spring. President Duncan's background is that of an Army Ranger who was tortured in an Iraqi prison yet heroically refused to break protocol. President Duncan's presidency is later threatened with impeachment due to events caused by the "Dark Ages" computer virus. The action of the novel features other characters such Nina, an Eastern European woman who both created and leaked information about the computer virus, and her hacker cohort, Augie, the only other person aware of the "Dark Ages" plot, Davis, the Secret Service agent who smuggles the President in disguise out of the White House, and white-hat hackers whose mission it is to prevent the "Dark Ages" computer virus from destroying the country. Set over the course of three days, *The President Is Missing* sheds a stunning light upon the inner workings and vulnerabilities of our nation. Filled with information that only a former Commander-in-Chief could know, this is the most authentic, terrifying novel to come along in many years.
Next Recommended Book

Tumor

Book #27 of 524 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 Standalone Novels 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 President Is Missing?

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

Can I read The President Is Missing before Rogue Lawyer?

No. We recommend reading Rogue Lawyer first. The President Is Missing is the 27th book in the series and follows the core narrative established in earlier volumes.

Is The President Is Missing required reading for the Standalone Novels?

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

What comes after The President Is Missing in the reading order?

The next recommended book after The President Is Missing is Tumor (Book #27).