If you’re anything like me, you love a good adventure story—especially if it involves treasure hunts! I enjoy books that have everything: action, mystery, sunken ships, lost treasure, and that perfect mix of humor and high-stakes adventure.
Here are some book suggestions:
The Dirk Pitt Series – Clive Cussler
Let’s start with the obvious—Sahara is based on one of Clive Cussler’s Dirk Pitt novels. If you enjoyed the movie, you’ll love the books. Dirk Pitt is basically Indiana Jones meets James Bond, and his adventures are always fast-paced and full of historical mysteries. Start with Sahara if you haven’t read it yet, or check out Raise the Titanic! and Treasure for more globe-trotting, treasure-hunting fun.
The Hunt for Atlantis – Andy McDermott
Archaeologist Nina Wilde and ex-SAS soldier Eddie Chase team up in a race to uncover the lost city of Atlantis before a secretive organization gets to it first. This one has the same action-packed feel as Sahara, with plenty of twists and big action sequences.
Amazonia – James Rollins
A missing scientist returns from the Amazon jungle—except he was presumed dead years ago. What follows is an expedition into the depths of the rainforest, full of hidden dangers, a lost civilization, and a deadly secret. This one gives off major Sahara jungle-exploration vibes.
The Solomon Curse – Clive Cussler & Russell Blake
This one is from Cussler’s Fargo Adventures series and features treasure hunters Sam and Remi Fargo. The story follows a legendary sunken treasure in the South Pacific, mysterious disappearances, and a conspiracy that threatens anyone who gets too close to the truth.
The Atlantis Gene – A.G. Riddle
This book takes treasure hunting into the realm of conspiracy and sci-fi, blending history with a high-stakes modern-day adventure. Think Sahara meets The Da Vinci Code, with an ancient mystery that could change the world.
Valhalla Rising – Clive Cussler
Dirk Pitt meets Viking legends and high-tech villains in this adventure, which involves a missing ship, a powerful oil company, and a link to an ancient Norse treasure. If you love historical connections in your adventure books, this one’s for you.
If you love adventure but also want a little romance with your treasure hunt, here are some great picks:
Something Wilder – Christina Lauren
If you haven’t read this one yet, it’s a must! A second-chance romance set against the backdrop of a treasure hunt in the Utah wilderness. Think cowboy adventure, puzzles, and old maps, mixed with humor and heart.
The Amber Room – Steve Berry
Ex-lovers are forced to work together to track down a legendary lost treasure before deadly enemies catch up with them. A great mix of history, adventure, and slow-burn romance.
The Last Camel Died at Noon – Elizabeth Peters
A mix of historical adventure, romance, and archaeology, this follows Amelia Peabody and her husband on a dangerous expedition in Egypt. It has wit, treasure, and slow-burn romance.
The Smoke Thieves – Sally Green
A fantasy adventure with multiple POVs, a forbidden romance, and a hunt for powerful magic. A great pick if you love treasure hunts with an epic twist.
Beyond the Highland Mist – Karen Marie Moning
A time-travel romance featuring hidden treasures, Scottish warriors, and adventure across centuries.
The Map of True Places – Brunonia Barry
A woman returns home and discovers family secrets tied to an old treasure map. This one has more emotional depth while still delivering an engaging adventure.
If you want old-school adventure with that timeless treasure-hunting feel, these are must-reads:
Treasure Island – Robert Louis Stevenson (The original pirate treasure hunt!)
King Solomon’s Mines – H. Rider Haggard (A daring search for lost African treasure.)
The Count of Monte Cristo – Alexandre Dumas (Revenge, hidden treasure, and a thrilling escape.)
Journey to the Center of the Earth – Jules Verne (Not treasure hunting exactly, but an underground adventure like no other.)
If you want a true story that reads like an adventure novel, check these out:
The Lost City of Z – David Grann (The real-life search for a lost Amazonian city.)
The Lost City of the Monkey God – Douglas Preston (An expedition to find an ancient Honduran city.)
If you love books filled with historical mysteries, secret societies, and high-stakes treasure hunts, these picks will be perfect:
The Da Vinci Code – Dan Brown
Obviously, this one is the gold standard for historical treasure-hunting thrillers. If you somehow haven’t read it yet, it’s a must! Robert Langdon deciphers symbols and codes hidden in famous artwork while running from dangerous enemies who want to suppress an explosive historical secret.
Angels & Demons – Dan Brown
Before The Da Vinci Code, there was Angels & Demons. This one involves an ancient Illuminati conspiracy, Vatican secrets, and a race against time to stop a catastrophe.
The Eight – Katherine Neville
A dual-timeline thriller about a legendary chess set with mysterious powers. If you love The Da Vinci Code, you’ll love this blend of history, adventure, and puzzles.
The Last Templar – Raymond Khoury
A fast-paced thriller involving the lost secrets of the Knights Templar, a mysterious coded manuscript, and a chase across continents.
The Secret Keeper of Jaipur – Alka Joshi
This one has a slower, more atmospheric historical mystery vibe, but it still involves treasure, secrets, and adventure.
Have you read any of these? Or do you have a favorite adventure novel I should check out? Let me know in the comments!