Ten Best Spy Novels

The Independent shares their ten best spy novels…I love a good spy novel, how about you? I loved, loved, loved The Bourne Identity by Robert Ludlum when I read it oh, years ago. Has a very nice romantic subplot too. Too bad it’s still not digitized. Check out the list if you have an interest.

Update: Here is the list from the Independent (not my list and I copied/pasted for your convenience):

1. THE THIRTY-NINE STEPS BY JOHN BUCHAN
2. THE SPY WHO CAME IN FROM THE COLD BY JOHN LE CARRÉ
3. THE BOURNE ULTIMATUM BY ROBERT LUDLUM
4. RESTLESS BY WILLIAM BOYD
5. THE RIDDLE OF THE SANDS BY ERSKINE CHILDERS
6. THE SECRET AGENT BY JOSEPH CONRAD
7. FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE BY IAN FLEMING
8. THE MAN WHO WAS THURSDAY BY G.K. CHESTERTON
9. EPITAPH FOR A SPY BY ERIC AMBLER
10. CARTE BLANCHE BY JEFFERY DEAVER (interesting that this one made the list)

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About Keishon

She loves reading crime fiction set outside the U.S (preferably ). Police procedurals are her first love. Favorite crime fiction writers include but are not limited to: Jo Nesbø, Åsa Larsson, Johan Theorin and Colin Cotterill. Recommendations are always welcome.

14 thoughts on “Ten Best Spy Novels”

  1. VacuousMinx

    Oooh, thanks for this. I really need to read the Ambler.

    I have never loved 39 Steps as much as other people do, but I keep trying. I’ve read the Le Carre half a dozen time and it always gets me. Amazing that it doesn’t feel dated, even now.

    And I can’t believe I haven’t read the Boyd. I call myself a fan of his, too.

  2. Darlynne

    The Boyd book did sound good. I am a fan of The 39 Steps, but struggled with Ambler’s works. Spy novels? Hmmm, probably Daniel Silva’s series about Gabriel Allon, art restorer and supremely reluctant Israeli spy.

    1. Keishon Post author

      I’ve been curious of Silva’s books and I have the first one in that series….The English Spy ( think that’s the title)

      1. Nish

        I didn’t much care for Daniel Silva or Gabriel Allon. I read one book – Moscow Rules and thought it was very average. I suppose the other books in the series are better.

        1. Keishon Post author

          Thanks Nish for sharing your thoughts. If you are checking this thread, please list some of your favorite spy novels? I’m looking for recommendations. Thanks.

  3. roger croft

    Buy ‘The Wayward Spy’, acclaimed as a truly ‘new age’ spy novel. It conflates the best of Deighton, Le Carre with a dash of Marias’ quirky MI6 trilogy.

    1. Keishon Post author

      I added them to the post, Bruce. I got the list from the link to the Independent that’s in my article. They have the book covers in a gallery form if you want to check it out.

  5. Jane

    I have just finished maga read by John Coventry,I was I am I will be. This is such a hot read.A true life spy story that comes to life as you read it. Its rare that you can these days get such a good spy thriller that holds your attention.

  7. Brent

    If you haven’t tried Alex Berenson yet, you should. The Faithful Spy is his first and is very good.

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