Spy novel ( suggestions)

[michael_JCWS]

Just about to finish I am pilgrim, really enjoying it so far. Looking for my next read. I have not read any of the classic spy novels and was just looking for some suggestions also are there many modern ones worth a read?

Cheers

Michael

[themanalive]

I must be one of only a small number of people who mourn the end of the cold war, as in my mind it brought about the end of the spy novel. I loved the whole East vs West spy novel genre, KGB vs SIS vs CIA etc. The post 9-11 stuff fighting jihadists just doesn't do it for me, so hopefully Putin's return to the Red Bear mentality will help get the genre back on track.

Anyway, great spy novel recommendations. One of my favourite's is a heavy literary tome Harlot's Ghost by Norman Mailer. The Company by Robert Littell. Any of Clancy's early stuff, but I really liked Cardinal of the Kremlin.

[mph1977]

not strictly spy novel (s) ,but has cold war and espionage themes in in

the CHallenge trilogy by warwick collins

http://forums.sailinganarchy.com/index.php?showtop...

[shirt]

for the classics, try 'the spy who came in from the cold'. its much shorter than tinker tailor and will set you up nicely for the smiley books if you like le carre's style. a murder of quality is also a good introduction, but not a spy novel.

[michael_JCWS]

Anyone read any Stella rimington novels?

[droopsnoot]

michael_JCWS said:

Anyone read any Stella rimington novels?

I've read one that was on clearance at WHS - I seem to recall it wasn't terrible, but I can't remember much more than that, other than it possibly has Audi quattro content as well.

[IanA2]

droopsnoot said:

michael_JCWS said:

Anyone read any Stella rimington novels?

I've read one that was on clearance at WHS - I seem to recall it wasn't terrible, but I can't remember much more than that, other than it possibly has Audi quattro content as well.

Agreed, not terrible but not great and certainly nowhere near John Carré's standard.

Can recommend Red Sparrow by Jason Matthews an ex CIA man. Still can't quite work out how he got it cleared.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Red-Sparrow-Jason-Matthews...


http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/02/books/review/red...

[Huff]

Try books by Henry Porter, starting with Remembrance Day but especially try 'A Spy's life'. Contemporary, very well-written and engaging spionage-based thrillers.

[sparkythecat]

themanalive said:

I must be one of only a small number of people who mourn the end of the cold war, as in my mind it brought about the end of the spy novel.

You and me both. Early Tom Clancy is a good recommendation.

[Munka01]

michael_JCWS said:

Just about to finish I am pilgrim, really enjoying it so far. Looking for my next read. I have not read any of the classic spy novels and was just looking for some suggestions also are there many modern ones worth a read?

Cheers

Michael

I found all the books by Jake Needham very good (as reviews on the below suggest also). All modern. Especially good if you have ever spent any time in Asia.

http://www.amazon.com/Jake-Needham/e/B001JWS1ZE

[Legend83]

The Day of the Jackal?

[michael_JCWS]

Ordered red sparrow and the first lee child novel

[truck71]

Having made my way through forsyth and le carre I've moved to Charles cumming, very robust style and no sugar coating present. Excellent read.

[944fan]

shirt said:

for the classics, try 'the spy who came in from the cold'. its much shorter than tinker tailor and will set you up nicely for the smiley books if you like le carre's style. a murder of quality is also a good introduction, but not a spy novel.

I found le carres novels to be very hit or miss. Some are epic page turners and some are a real struggle.

The good ones are:
Tinker tailor
the spy who came in from the cold
murder of quality
smileys people
call for the dead

ones to skip:
The honorable school boy
looking glass war
a small town in Germany