Best Spy Novels (1387 books)

Listopia > Best Spy Novels

The best spy novels from the 20th and 21st centuries.

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1	Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy (George Smiley, #5; Karla Trilogy, #1) by John le Carré 4.06 avg rating — 107,497 ratings score: 41,407, and 423 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
2	The Spy Who Came In from the Cold (George Smiley, #3) by John le Carré 4.09 avg rating — 129,978 ratings score: 37,748, and 386 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
3	The Bourne Identity (Jason Bourne, #1) by Robert Ludlum 4.05 avg rating — 442,528 ratings score: 35,767, and 365 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
4	The Day of the Jackal by Frederick Forsyth 4.27 avg rating — 147,362 ratings score: 30,557, and 313 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
5	The Hunt for Red October (Jack Ryan, #3) by Tom Clancy 4.12 avg rating — 390,396 ratings score: 28,195, and 289 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
6	The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo (Millennium, #1) by Stieg Larsson 4.18 avg rating — 3,480,575 ratings score: 24,536, and 253 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
7	Eye of the Needle by Ken Follett (Goodreads Author) 4.22 avg rating — 171,540 ratings score: 19,518, and 202 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
8	Smiley's People (George Smiley, #7; Karla Trilogy, #3) by John le Carré 4.29 avg rating — 42,527 ratings score: 17,954, and 188 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
9	American Assassin (Mitch Rapp, #1) by Vince Flynn 4.25 avg rating — 102,497 ratings score: 13,400, and 138 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
10	Patriot Games (Jack Ryan, #1) by Tom Clancy 4.17 avg rating — 214,837 ratings score: 12,922, and 138 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
11	Gorky Park (Arkady Renko, #1) by Martin Cruz Smith 4.04 avg rating — 70,298 ratings score: 12,701, and 136 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
12	The Odessa File (Odessa #1) by Frederick Forsyth 4.15 avg rating — 64,366 ratings score: 12,690, and 134 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
13	Our Man in Havana by Graham Greene 3.94 avg rating — 41,971 ratings score: 12,602, and 132 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
14	The Da Vinci Code (Robert Langdon, #2) by Dan Brown (Goodreads Author) 3.94 avg rating — 2,548,105 ratings score: 11,838, and 125 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
15	The Girl Who Played with Fire (Millennium #2) by Stieg Larsson 4.26 avg rating — 994,424 ratings score: 11,164, and 119 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
16	Clear and Present Danger (Jack Ryan, #5; Jack Ryan Universe, #6) by Tom Clancy 4.15 avg rating — 144,620 ratings score: 10,741, and 114 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
17	The Kill Artist (Gabriel Allon, #1) by Daniel Silva really liked it 4.00 avg rating — 101,582 ratings score: 10,612, and 112 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
18	Casino Royale (James Bond, #1) by Ian Fleming 3.74 avg rating — 97,833 ratings score: 10,246, and 111 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
19	From Russia with Love (James Bond, #5) by Ian Fleming 3.91 avg rating — 39,380 ratings score: 10,068, and 108 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
20	The Bourne Ultimatum (Jason Bourne, #3) by Robert Ludlum 4.08 avg rating — 67,584 ratings score: 10,019, and 106 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
21	The Honourable Schoolboy (George Smiley, #6; Karla Trilogy, #2) by John le Carré 3.99 avg rating — 26,670 ratings score: 9,957, and 107 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
22	The Cardinal of the Kremlin (Jack Ryan, #4) by Tom Clancy 4.10 avg rating — 61,325 ratings score: 9,797, and 104 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
23	Red Storm Rising by Tom Clancy 4.21 avg rating — 85,373 ratings score: 9,677, and 103 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
24	The Quiet American by Graham Greene 3.98 avg rating — 73,005 ratings score: 9,412, and 102 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
25	The Eagle Has Landed (Liam Devlin, #1) by Jack Higgins 4.18 avg rating — 58,775 ratings score: 9,333, and 101 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
26	The 39 Steps (Richard Hannay, #1) by John Buchan 3.59 avg rating — 47,288 ratings score: 9,077, and 99 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
27	The Russia House by John le Carré 3.91 avg rating — 26,142 ratings score: 8,860, and 97 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
28	A Perfect Spy by John le Carré really liked it 4.00 avg rating — 23,382 ratings score: 8,513, and 93 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
29	Red Sparrow (Red Sparrow Trilogy, #1) by Jason Matthews 3.95 avg rating — 58,795 ratings score: 7,757, and 82 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
30	I Am Pilgrim by Terry Hayes 4.30 avg rating — 203,255 ratings score: 7,612, and 79 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
31	The Charm School by Demille Nelson 4.29 avg rating — 41,487 ratings score: 7,558, and 80 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
32	Nonofficial Asset by William Sewell (Goodreads Author) 3.77 avg rating — 253 ratings score: 7,304, and 74 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
33	Absolute Power by David Baldacci (Goodreads Author) 4.21 avg rating — 115,179 ratings score: 7,161, and 79 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
34	Without Remorse (John Clark, #1; Jack Ryan Universe Publication Order, #6) by Tom Clancy 4.22 avg rating — 77,449 ratings score: 6,853, and 75 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
35	Goldfinger (James Bond, #7) by Ian Fleming 3.83 avg rating — 27,649 ratings score: 6,711, and 75 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
35	Berlin Game (Bernard Samson, #1) by Len Deighton 4.07 avg rating — 14,701 ratings score: 6,711, and 77 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
37	The Little Drummer Girl by John le Carré 3.99 avg rating — 16,972 ratings score: 6,220, and 69 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
38	The Sum of All Fears (Jack Ryan, #6) by Tom Clancy 4.08 avg rating — 67,181 ratings score: 6,122, and 68 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
39	The Dogs of War by Frederick Forsyth 3.99 avg rating — 25,488 ratings score: 5,777, and 65 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
40	Transfer of Power (Mitch Rapp, #3) by Vince Flynn 4.35 avg rating — 61,252 ratings score: 5,772, and 62 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
41	Memorial Day (Mitch Rapp, #7) by Vince Flynn 4.33 avg rating — 53,227 ratings score: 5,650, and 61 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
42	The Key to Rebecca by Ken Follett (Goodreads Author) 3.97 avg rating — 43,909 ratings score: 5,601, and 64 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
43	The Camel Club (The Camel Club, #1) by David Baldacci (Goodreads Author) 4.07 avg rating — 99,048 ratings score: 5,585, and 62 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
44	Portrait of a Spy (Gabriel Allon, #11) by Daniel Silva 4.26 avg rating — 33,393 ratings score: 5,507, and 61 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
45	The Secret Agent by Joseph Conrad 3.59 avg rating — 25,159 ratings score: 5,426, and 61 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
46	Plum Island (John Corey, #1) by Nelson DeMille 4.07 avg rating — 60,037 ratings score: 5,352, and 60 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
47	The Faithful Spy (John Wells, #1) by Alex Berenson (Goodreads Author) 4.03 avg rating — 18,139 ratings score: 5,277, and 57 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
48	Separation of Power (Mitch Rapp, #5) by Vince Flynn 4.33 avg rating — 52,435 ratings score: 5,115, and 56 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
49	The Company by Robert Littell 4.27 avg rating — 6,427 ratings score: 5,105, and 56 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
50	On Her Majesty's Secret Service (James Bond, #11) by Ian Fleming 3.98 avg rating — 22,615 ratings score: 5,084, and 59 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
51	The Innocent (Will Robie, #1) by David Baldacci (Goodreads Author) 4.19 avg rating — 122,544 ratings score: 5,057, and 57 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
52	Six Days of the Condor by James Grady (Goodreads Author) 4.08 avg rating — 19,588 ratings score: 4,982, and 56 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
53	Live and Let Die (James Bond, #2) by Ian Fleming 3.63 avg rating — 37,387 ratings score: 4,858, and 58 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
54	The English Assassin (Gabriel Allon, #2) by Daniel Silva 4.17 avg rating — 45,362 ratings score: 4,717, and 53 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
55	CRUISE by Jerry Johnson (Goodreads Author) 4.93 avg rating — 45 ratings score: 4,700, and 47 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
56	The Tourist (Milo Weaver, #1) by Olen Steinhauer (Goodreads Author) 3.78 avg rating — 14,347 ratings score: 4,660, and 52 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
57	The Tailor of Panama by John le Carré 3.51 avg rating — 10,209 ratings score: 4,545, and 53 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
58	The Looking Glass War (George Smiley, #4) by John le Carré 3.73 avg rating — 19,064 ratings score: 4,506, and 54 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
59	Doctor No (James Bond, #6) by Ian Fleming 3.81 avg rating — 26,911 ratings score: 4,488, and 54 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
60	The Ipcress File (Secret File, #1) by Len Deighton 3.91 avg rating — 18,163 ratings score: 4,481, and 52 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
61	Consent to Kill (Mitch Rapp, #8) by Vince Flynn 4.41 avg rating — 53,310 ratings score: 4,442, and 50 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
62	Night Soldiers (Night Soldiers, #1) by Alan Furst 3.95 avg rating — 13,092 ratings score: 4,403, and 50 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
63	Call for the Dead (George Smiley, #1) by John le Carré 3.85 avg rating — 49,024 ratings score: 4,339, and 53 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
64	The Fourth Protocol by Frederick Forsyth 4.05 avg rating — 35,821 ratings score: 4,321, and 51 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
65	The Third Option (Mitch Rapp, #4) by Vince Flynn 4.28 avg rating — 51,089 ratings score: 4,208, and 48 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
66	The Scarlet Pimpernel by Emmuska Orczy 4.07 avg rating — 142,724 ratings score: 4,200, and 46 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
67	The Constant Gardener by John le Carré 3.83 avg rating — 31,336 ratings score: 4,155, and 50 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
68	Executive Orders (Jack Ryan, #8) by Tom Clancy 4.12 avg rating — 54,046 ratings score: 4,081, and 48 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
69	The Bourne Trilogy (Jason Bourne, #1-3) by Robert Ludlum 4.33 avg rating — 4,211 ratings score: 4,034, and 45 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
70	The Defector (Gabriel Allon, #9) by Daniel Silva 4.33 avg rating — 37,245 ratings score: 3,884, and 45 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
71	The Bourne Supremacy (Jason Bourne, #2) by Robert Ludlum 4.11 avg rating — 182,653 ratings score: 3,841, and 45 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
72	In Pursuit of Platinum: The Shocking Secret of World War II (Ben Peters WWII Thriller series #1) by Vic Robbie (Goodreads Author) 3.67 avg rating — 519 ratings score: 3,707, and 38 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
73	Debt of Honor (Jack Ryan, #7) by Tom Clancy 4.11 avg rating — 52,367 ratings score: 3,705, and 44 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
74	Shibumi by Trevanian 4.17 avg rating — 19,923 ratings score: 3,665, and 41 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
75	The Neighbor from Geneva by F. David Ford (Goodreads Author) 4.92 avg rating — 36 ratings score: 3,600, and 36 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
76	Mexico Set (Bernard Samson, #2) by Len Deighton 4.10 avg rating — 9,460 ratings score: 3,586, and 42 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
77	Moscow Rules (Gabriel Allon, #8) by Daniel Silva 4.25 avg rating — 29,470 ratings score: 3,556, and 41 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
78	The Night Manager by John le Carré 3.85 avg rating — 24,273 ratings score: 3,487, and 42 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
79	Extreme Measures (Mitch Rapp, #11) by Vince Flynn 4.34 avg rating — 56,956 ratings score: 3,434, and 41 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
80	A Murder of Quality (George Smiley, #2) by John le Carré 3.66 avg rating — 25,919 ratings score: 3,392, and 42 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
81	The Third Man by Graham Greene 3.78 avg rating — 16,896 ratings score: 3,283, and 40 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
82	The Riddle of the Sands by Erskine Childers 3.63 avg rating — 7,751 ratings score: 3,245, and 38 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
83	MANTRA-6: OP BRIMSTONE by Russel Hutchings (Goodreads Author) it was amazing 5.00 avg rating — 50 ratings score: 3,208, and 33 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
84	Thunderball (James Bond, #9) by Ian Fleming 3.84 avg rating — 18,821 ratings score: 3,203, and 40 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
85	The Fallen Angel (Gabriel Allon, #12) by Daniel Silva 4.22 avg rating — 30,606 ratings score: 3,103, and 36 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
86	The Rembrandt Affair (Gabriel Allon, #10) by Daniel Silva 4.33 avg rating — 37,979 ratings score: 2,978, and 35 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
87	The Last Man (Mitch Rapp, #13) by Vince Flynn 4.37 avg rating — 41,882 ratings score: 2,945, and 35 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
88	The Mask of Dimitrios (Charles Latimer, #1) by Eric Ambler 3.91 avg rating — 12,302 ratings score: 2,926, and 36 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
89	The Messenger (Gabriel Allon, #6) by Daniel Silva 4.26 avg rating — 32,933 ratings score: 2,853, and 34 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
90	The Hard Way (Jack Reacher, #10) by Lee Child (Goodreads Author) 4.20 avg rating — 95,855 ratings score: 2,841, and 35 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
91	The Foreign Correspondent (Night Soldiers, #9) by Alan Furst 3.88 avg rating — 5,213 ratings score: 2,831, and 35 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
92	Term Limits by Vince Flynn 4.34 avg rating — 38,666 ratings score: 2,802, and 35 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
93	The Saladin Strategy by Norm Clark (Goodreads Author) 4.08 avg rating — 119 ratings score: 2,701, and 28 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
94	The Polish Officer (Night Soldiers, #3) by Alan Furst 4.07 avg rating — 6,640 ratings score: 2,600, and 30 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
95	Red Rabbit (Jack Ryan, #2) by Tom Clancy 3.76 avg rating — 35,039 ratings score: 2,544, and 32 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
96	NITRATE (MANTRA-6) by Russel Hutchings (Goodreads Author) it was amazing 5.00 avg rating — 37 ratings score: 2,539, and 26 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
97	Up Country by Nelson DeMille 4.09 avg rating — 21,298 ratings score: 2,368, and 29 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
98	The Lion's Game (John Corey, #2) by Nelson DeMille 4.23 avg rating — 40,512 ratings score: 2,365, and 28 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
99	MANTRA-6: OP BRIMSTONE by Russel Hutchings (Goodreads Author) it was amazing 5.00 avg rating — 34 ratings score: 2,342, and 24 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
100	The Unlikely Spy by Daniel Silva 4.25 avg rating — 27,152 ratings score: 2,285, and 28 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

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1,387 books · 2,431 voters · list created February 16th, 2011 by Emma (votes) .

Tags: action, action-and-adventure, action-thriller, adventure, best, best-spy-novels, bestseller, bestsellers, bond, bourne, cia, classics, cold-war, espionage, fiction, international, international-thriller, intrigue, james-bond, jason-bourne, mens-adventure, mi6, mystery, series, spies, spy, spy-adventure, spy-fi, spy-mystery, spy-novels, spy-stories, spy-thriller, techno-thriller, thriller, trilogy

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message 1: by Lobstergirl (new)

Jun 18, 2013 09:34PM

Removed Control Switch On which is nonfiction.

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message 2: by Susanna - Censored by GoodReads (new)

Jun 20, 2013 04:13PM

Is there a list he hasn't put his list on?!

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message 3: by Cindy (new)

Jul 08, 2013 12:09PM

Although I enjoy the Jack Reacher novels, I personally don't consider them to be spy novels, and several of the other books that I have read definitely don't fall into this category, such as the Camel Club. It's disappointing to me that so many of the named books don't fall into this category.

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message 4: by Lobstergirl (new)

Aug 20, 2013 08:45PM

Deleted The Executioner's Song which is not a spy novel.

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message 5: by Robert (new)

Sep 07, 2013 06:04PM

Cindy (above, msg 3) is correct. Jack Reacher is not a spy.

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message 6: by Steven (new)

May 01, 2014 03:52AM

Robert Langdon...the spy??

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message 7: by Celia (new)

Aug 21, 2014 02:33PM

Weeded out the obvious... There are some that don't look right but since I haven't actually read them and didn't want to take the time to read through all the summaries I just left them in to be safe.

Leave a comment including book title and position number if there's a book that you know is wrong.

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message 8: by Cindy (last edited Aug 21, 2014 05:44PM) (new)

Aug 21, 2014 05:43PM

These books should be removed:
Lee Child books #38-The Killing Floor; #68 Die Trying; #75 One Shot; #81 Bad Luck & Trouble; #88 61 Hours; #90 The Hard Way; #100 The Affair
Baldacci #72 The Camel Club

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message 9: by Celia (new)

Aug 22, 2014 10:41AM

I will remove the Jack Reacher books, but The Camel Club does seem to have an element of espionage to it based on the summary. It's not that I don't believe you, but I don't want to risk losing my librarian privileges. :/

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message 10: by Butch (new)

Oct 12, 2014 11:10AM

Camel Club series of novels by David Baldacci is his best, I think. All the Daniel Silva 'Gabriel Allon' series of novels should be included!

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message 11: by Emma (new)

Oct 31, 2014 01:46AM

Ghee I started this list some 3 years ago. Some people obviously do not know what a spy novel is and guys and dolls! do not go by author, go by the contents of the book.

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message 12: by Zee (new)

Feb 07, 2015 01:47AM

the Millennium trilogy by Stig Larsson has nothing to do with spies as well.

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message 13: by Jeff (last edited Aug 05, 2015 05:26PM) (new)

Aug 05, 2015 04:52PM

The Stieg Larsson books are not spy novels.

To Kill a Mockingbird?!?!? Catcher in the Rye?!?!?!? Huh?

Where the heck is Quiller? ...OK, found one. Bravo -- the Quiller series is super well written.

Now recommending the Slough House series by Mick Herron.

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message 14: by Cindy (new)

Aug 09, 2015 12:21PM

Jeff wrote: "The Stieg Larsson books are not spy novels.

To Kill a Mockingbird?!?!? Catcher in the Rye?!?!?!? Huh?

Where the heck is Quiller? ...OK, found one. Bravo -- the Quiller series is super well writte..."
Jeff, thanks for the recommendation. I'll add Mick Herron's Slough House series to my to read section.

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message 15: by Carol (last edited Aug 17, 2015 10:22AM) (new)

Aug 17, 2015 10:21AM

I want to know more about this best spy novels

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message 16: by Leslie (new)

Sep 25, 2015 08:42AM

Removed To Kill a Mockingbird.

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message 17: by Terelyn (new)

Oct 05, 2015 12:32PM

Catcher in the Rye? Games of Thrones? Rebecca?

None of those are spy novels!

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message 18: by Bob (new)

Jan 07, 2016 01:11PM

@Terelyn Beg to differ RE Key to Rebecca. Not only was it a spy story, it was based on a real life spy in England...
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Key...

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message 19: by Cindy (new)

Jan 07, 2016 04:43PM

Celia wrote: "I will remove the Jack Reacher books, but The Camel Club does seem to have an element of espionage to it based on the summary. It's not that I don't believe you, but I don't want to risk losing my ..."
Celia, looks like the Jack Reacher books are still listed.

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message 20: by Terelyn (new)

Jan 08, 2016 03:55AM

Bob wrote: "@Terelyn Beg to differ RE Key to Rebecca. Not only was it a spy story, it was based on a real life spy in England...
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Key..."

I wasn't questioning Key to Rebecca, but Rebecca by Daphne DuMaurier. Definitely NOT a 'spy novel.'

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message 21: by Bob (new)

Jan 13, 2016 08:51AM

I think we agree.. I'm guessing Rebecca was pulled from the list after you wrote, and I only saw The Key to Rebecca in the list

PS
Game of thrones is still there :)

I wasn't question..."

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message 22: by Nicole (new)

Mar 03, 2016 12:52PM

Disclaimer: Per GR, Listopia is not for purposes of promotion and/or advertising. Genuine readers only.

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message 23: by mr. (new)

Mar 09, 2016 01:37PM

Rannazora wrote: "the Millennium trilogy by Stig Larsson has nothing to do with spies as well."

somebody didn't read well...

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message 24: by Jim (new)

Feb 27, 2017 07:38AM

The 39 Steps is on the list twice, #28 and #553

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message 25: by BookLovingLady (deceased Jan. 25, 2023...) (last edited Feb 27, 2017 07:43AM) (new)

Feb 27, 2017 07:42AM

Jim wrote: "The 39 Steps is on the list twice, #28 and #553"

Should be fixed now, as I let the system perform a duplicate check.

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message 26: by Wayne (new)

Sep 25, 2017 09:50AM

Deighton should be at the top. Especially the Bernard Sampon character.

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message 27: by Vicki (new)

Nov 07, 2017 06:00PM

In what way is The Da Vinci Code a spy novel? Conspiracy, yes. Thriller, yes. But who's the spy?

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message 28: by Lost Planet Airman (new)

Mar 08, 2018 08:32AM

Removed:
Proof of Heaven: A Neurosurgeon's Journey into the Afterlife

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message 29: by Greg (new)

May 06, 2018 03:01PM

Vicki wrote: "In what way is The Da Vinci Code a spy novel? Conspiracy, yes. Thriller, yes. But who's the spy?"

Well, I guess if you think about spys and the way they have to decode or intercept messages, then Langdon does indeed decode messages from the past. Yes, that's a stretch, but remember, this is goodreads, where the best book ever published, listed on this site, a social media group of which we are a member, is "Hunger Games #1"....or it might be "Twilight", they switch places. So these lists are for fun, no more and no less.

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message 30: by Lee (new)

Jul 09, 2019 06:16PM

Where is Helen MacInnes on the list? She was the first "Queen of the Spy Story" and several of her novels were made into films.

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message 31: by BookLovingLady (deceased Jan. 25, 2023...) (last edited Jul 09, 2019 09:48PM) (new)

Jul 09, 2019 09:13PM

Jeff wrote: "Catcher in the Rye?!?!?!? Huh?..."

Thought it was just me, as I couldn't remember anything to do with a spy 🙂 There are a couple of books I've read that I couldn't remember having anything to do with being 'spy' novels.
Rebecca (#227)
The Naive and Sentimental Lover (#336)
The Catcher in the Rye (#339)
Foucault's Pendulum (#942)

I agree with Terelyn on this one. And I'd like to quote Vicki for Foulcault's Pendulum: 'Conspiracy, yes. Thriller, yes. But who's the spy?'

I haven't removed any of the books I mentioned, by the way. Sort of 'each to his own', although I personally would never have added them.

Haven't read If on a Winter's Night a Traveller (#938) yet, so I can't judge, but having read some of Italo Calvino's other books, I very much doubt this is a 'spy' novel. Same goes for The Prague Cemetery (#518): Haven't read it yet, but judging by Umberto Eco's other books it would surprise me if this suddenly is a 'spy' novel.

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message 32: by Donna (new)

May 10, 2020 12:26AM

The system found and removed 19 duplicates.

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message 33: by Jeremy Hollingshead (new)

Sep 13, 2020 07:29PM

No Ross Thomas novels make the top 100 spy novels, but a bunch of suspense and mystery stories that have nothing to do with spies do. That makes perfect sense, said no one ever.

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message 34: by Donna (new)

Sep 13, 2020 10:17PM

System found and removed 3 duplicates.

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message 35: by David (new)

Jan 05, 2021 02:44PM

Jack Reacher novels are great fun, but they are definitely NOT "spy novels."

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message 36: by David (new)

Jan 05, 2021 02:58PM

Lee wrote: "Where is Helen MacInnes on the list? She was the first "Queen of the Spy Story" and several of her novels were made into films."

You're correct. She wrote somewhat breezy period pieces.

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message 37: by David (new)

Jan 05, 2021 02:59PM

Jeremy Hollingshead wrote: "No Ross Thomas novels make the top 100 spy novels, but a bunch of suspense and mystery stories that have nothing to do with spies do. That makes perfect sense, said no one ever."

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message 38: by ~☆~Autumn (new)

Mar 27, 2021 07:26PM

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message 39: by Sarah (new)

Feb 08, 2022 09:10PM

Removed the Lee Child Jack Reacher books (again).

Also deleted some non-fiction found on the list (i.e. A Woman of No Importance: The Untold Story of the American Spy Who Helped Win World War II, Washington's Spies: The Story of America's First Spy Ring, various books by Ben Macintyre)

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message 40: by Chris (new)

Apr 08, 2022 12:44PM

The Gate House is NOT a spy novel. #162

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message 41: by Chris (new)

Apr 08, 2022 12:45PM

The Gold Coast - NO, Rebecca - NO.

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message 42: by Chris (new)

Apr 08, 2022 12:47PM

Nine Princes in Amber - NO!

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message 43: by Chris (new)

Apr 08, 2022 12:48PM

Lord Valentine's Castle - NO.

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message 44: by Sarah (new)

Apr 08, 2022 01:20PM

Removed:
Rebecca
Nine Princes in Amber
Lord Valentine's Castle
A Game of Thrones
A Spy Among Friends: Kim Philby and the Great Betrayal
Agent Zigzag: A True Story of Nazi Espionage, Love, and Betrayal

I wasn't sure about the Nelson DeMille books listed above so I left those as is for now.

I also agree with removing The Da Vinci Code but I have also left as is.

Not sure that Murder on the Orient Express or Gravity's Rainbow makes sense for this list either.

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message 45: by ~☆~Autumn (new)

Apr 08, 2022 06:04PM

Chris wrote: "The Gold Coast - NO, Rebecca - NO."

I am so glad you pointed this out as I was surprised to see it here. Why on earth would anyone think it was a spy novel?

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message 46: by K.J. (new)

Nov 14, 2025 04:44AM

Where Sunflowers Stand A Traitor in Ukraine. A Spy in Russia. A CIA Man. And the Fight for Freedom. by K. J. Backford

"Where Sunflowers Stand" is a 2025 espionage thriller by K.J. Backford, set during the Russia-Ukraine war, that follows CIA operative Alex Curtner as he races to protect a high-level Russian informant from Russian counterintelligence.

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