SSG: Spy/Spec-Ops Group discussion

I'm looking for a good spy novel or series I've read almost nothing as far as the genre goes. I'm much more of a Urban Fantasy/Fantasy/Science fiction kind of guy. Also don't mind if I make references to TV shows I've much more experience with them as far as the spy genre goes.

First the book should be told from the First Person perspective and stick with a single character 90% of the time.

It should if possible not have any overt obvious political/social leanings, I know a character must have some but you can tell when the character genuinely has one and when the author is just using the character as a soap box to preach from.

It should not be the real gadget heavy or portray hacking as a video game simulation or something equally implausible. I want something that is very down to earth and when a spy uses a gadget to do all his real spying it's not very interesting to me. So ya not like the show Chuck.

Also if possible I'd like there to be an audio version so I can listen to it at work, if there isn't no big deal. Now have you got any suggestions for me?

Synobal wrote: "I'm looking for a good spy novel or series I've read almost nothing as far as the genre goes. I'm much more of a Urban Fantasy/Fantasy/Science fiction kind of guy. Also don't mind if I make referen..."

read the John Corey series by Nelson DeMille and/or the John Sutter series by the same author. does not satisfy all your asks but they are all good reads.

Colin Forbes' Tweed series are very satisfying reads. If you're not familiar, he was an English Ludlum, but a better writer and not quite as verbose. First in series was "Double Jeopardy."

Bill Granger's "The November Man" is the first of 13 or 14. The opener was infamous for being banned in Britain for years due to the perception that the IRA used the novel as a blueprint to assassinate Lord Mountbatten in 1979. Not the most lovable character, but nonetheless, you care about him.

Also, John Lawton's Inspector Troy is the first of at least seven with the character. First novel is "Black Out." Have yet to read one of Lawton's that wasn't superb.

Last but not least, if you have not yet read the three Bernard Samson trilogies by Len Deighton, start now. Cold War intrigue and hair raising tales. "Berlin Game" starts off the Game, Set, Match trilogy. Closely followed by the (Spy) Hook, Line and Sinker trilogy. The last three are Faith, Hope and Charity, by the end of which, you'll be drained and stunned.

Cheers.

Matthew Dunn Spycatcher - he was MI6 and this is his first book. However, Vince Flynn is definetly my favorite but he is a conservative.

If you're looking for urban fantasy/spy/corporate espionage type of book, check out Shepherd's Moon

Shepherd's Moon

Michael wrote: "Matthew Dunn Spycatcher - he was MI6 and this is his first book. However, Vince Flynn is definetly my favorite but he is a conservative."

I hate to break it to you, but almost all authors in this genre are conservative, since liberals tend not to believe in things like patriotism, loyalty, duty to country.

I thought you were trying to sell books, you just offended most of your potential audience. BTW, which side did you spy for?

I'm a conservative and i only mentioned the politics of the author because he was looking for a non political leaning book (if possible).

I don't think i would be that interested in a liberal espionage thriller - maybe a legal thriller.

I recommend thrillers by Joseph Badal:
The Pythagorean Solution
Terror Cell
The Nostradamus Secret
Evil Deeds

Brotherhood of the Rose by David Morrell

Try it

Stella Rimington has written some great books. Also, try Alan Furst.

Devin Kerins has two very funny spy/counter terrorism spoofs out, Aim High and Patriot Plan. I would highly recommend them and its a pity not many people have heard of him. I'd also recommend Tom Knox. I'm currently reading "Lost Goddess" and it's pretty gripping.

Typhoon by Charles Cummings. It's a bit old (2006) but a worthy heir to John Le Care

Take a look at BLAST RINGS OF TERROR, you can read a synopsis at georgecoriaty.com Let me know what you think, I value your input.Former military, I have thick skin.
George

Go to georgecoriaty.com