Good spy novels

=adrian=

I come here for help.

I need a bit of a change. I've been reading books about Vietnam war for the past few months. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed every single one so far. However, I think it is time for a change.

For the past 45 minutes I was browsing through spy novels on Amazon. There are some that look interesting, but so far, I can't find one that would grip me from the start.

Few points:
- I will be buying paperback version (no Kindle)
- I would prefer if the story was based anywhere outside London or Britain
- I would love if the book was genius and got me right back into reading novels
- Fast pace is fine Modern is fine too
- Please no JK Rowling in disguise

To sum it all up in one question: if you had to choose your one must-read spy novel, what would it be?

Thank you in advance

pittsy46

Look at vince flying on Amazon or wherever,  the mitch rapp series of books are really good.

EndlessWaves

Personally I'd go for an early Tom Clancy novel, although depending on your definition they may be more of a thriller or an adventure novel than a spy novel. There's the occasional street-level spy vs. spy scene but a lot of it is bigger picture stuff. I particularly like the submarine stuff in The Hunt for Red October and SSN, but Red Storm Rising, Clear and Present Danger and Rainbow Six are all good novels too.

Of course, if you haven't read Ian Fleming's novels then that would be an obvious place to start. They can be a bit more unpleasant than the films, but if you've been reading about Vietnam war of the 1960s then that shouldn't put you off. The 39 steps and the george smiley series are both considered classics as well, although I don't have personal experience of either.

=adrian=

Thank you Pitssy46 and EndlessWaves.

I will go through your recommendation when I get a spare moment to jump on my PC.

It's been a while since I read any good spy novels, but I remember I read quite a few of Tom Clancy novels before.

The Hunt for Red October I loved and read many times as well. The others, not sure. I'll check.

Thanks

FruitBat

It would have to be a Le Carré, so I'll say Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy. Not everyone's cup of tea though.

=adrian=

That was one of the one I was looking at on Amazon yesterday. It looks interesting. Thanks

=adrian=

Just to go back to your comment. Could you tell me please, why you said it is "not everyone's cup of tea"? What is unusual about it?

I was seriously considering buying it before I created this thread, but read few first pages on Amazon preview and it seemed quite slow paced (I know I was probably impatient to get some action).

pittsy46

It is a bit of a slow burner,  it all depends on what you are looking for,  personally I like some action with my political intrigue.
If you like them with more action there is also Brad Thor to consider.

Andrew777

Around the WWII era there are the Alan Furst  or David Downing novels.

EarthRod

Len Deighton is a good spy writer. He has written several spy novels, his first being 'The IPCRESS File' which was made into a film. Here's a few other I've read:

An Expensive Place to Die
Spy Story
Berlin Game
Mexico Set
London Match

But there are many more.