SSG: Spy/Spec-Ops Group discussion
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Moscow Rules
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Looking for a good spy series
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Charles
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Oct 05, 2013 09:09AM
Charles Faddis, "Caffa", "Barbarossa" and "Codename Aphrodite"
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The author said somewhere that this novel - Hell Scrolls - is the beginning of a series. The next - Spy Watchers - is supposed to come out next year.
I released book one of my spy thriller series "The Black Lion" earlier this year. I am currently half way through writing book two. If you're interested in a spy thriller which deals with dark -- but real life -- themes, it is available here:
Can't remember if the Grey Man series by Mark Greaney has been mentioned, but I found the books extremely entertaining. Unfortunately, no matter what I read nothing quite matches Vince Flynn's best work as far as overall character depth and plot. I keep hoping one day someone will suck me into their world in the way that he could. As much as I have found a few other authors that produce great reads, I still find myself re-reading Flynn's books once enough time has gone by that I forget enough details to make it exciting again.
All that said, there was one book I read recently, which was the first 5 star rating I have given in quite some time. It's not a series, but I hope it will turn into one: Sniper Elite: One-Way Trip: A Novel
by Scott McEwen and Thomas Koloniar.
I agree on Greaney books. Very solid writing, excellent stories, and great (fiction) realism. Big fan, and love what he has done for Clancy series.
I recommend the Victor The Assassin series. Top notch writing, the action is stylish yet brutally realistic where it matters and it has a anti-hero that actually is an anti-hero, a man who doesn't dress his deeds up by taking the moral high ground or fall for any of the old cliché's that have been done to death so many times.
Hi, I’m A.C. Frieden, author of legal and spy thrillers, including the Jonathan Brooks series. My latest—THE SERPENT’S GAME—is set in Katrina-ravaged New Orleans, Panama and Venezuela and is available in Kindle, Nook and paperback. Perfect if you like globetrotting intrigue and a literary adrenaline rush.Delighted to be part of this group. Cheers!
Novelist A.C. Frieden
www.acfrieden.com
I would like to recommend my debut book to you, if you are interested. Agency Rules - Never an Easy Day at the Office is a fast-paced spy thriller that goes behind the headlines to show you the how Pakistan got to where it is today. 
You can get it on Amazon for Kindle or from agencyrules.com if you would like PDF or ePub.
Looking over the last few strings, I'm surprised at the exclusion of Ted Bell's novels featuring Alex Hawke. http://tedbellbooks.com/
On a related note, if you are interested in a fast-pace, realistic crime novel, check out A Choice of Darkness by Jon D. Kurtz, a retired Lt. Colonel with the PA State Police. www.jondkurtz.com
http://www.amazon.com/Choice-Darkness... (currently enjoying a 5-star rating)
Regarding Kindle books:Don't laugh or roll your eyes, but I just have never seen a Kindle in real life. I understand the concept, and after these last two posts from the gentlemen, I see the advantage of owning one. Yet, I wonder what it is like reading on a screen like that versus a book? Can you lay back and look up and read it like a book?
What do you do with all the books that are downloaded to your Kindle? Are they stored in a "cloud?" Do they eat up memory on the Kindle?
Lastly, can you share your Kindle books like you can hand off a real book?
Finally, do the Kindle books have illustrations? Links?
Typically e-books(Kindle, Apple, etc) are stored on your device (reader, tablet, computer), at your store (Amazon, Apple, etc.), and/or a cloud. You can access the book through virtually any device and it remains your property. While stored on a device, it does utilize memory. There is limited sharing of e-books, and time restrictions apply. Having said that, most books will be available in both electronic and printed format from venders such as Amazon.
I have a similar thread like this that I started recently myself. The difference was that I had just finished all the Vince Flynn novels, was already reading Brad Thor and looking ahead to my next author. I was suggested Daniel Silva, and am now moving onto him. So you and I started at opposite ends here! Please, please, please do yourself the favor of reading Vince Flynn's novels. I HIGHLY recommend starting at the beginning oh his series (by chronological order)and reading from there on.
Flynn's hero is Mitch Rapp, by far my favorite character of any book or series I've ever read, and it's not even close! Rapp is awesome, and Vince Flynn truly is - in my opinion - the gold standard of this genre. Well, he and Clancy, but I enjoy Flynn much more to tell you the truth.
If you start at the beginning with "American Assassin" and read from there, you will fall in love with Rapp and what he does for the country. Flynn is a master story teller, he writes fast paced stories with lots of action and excitement. You will truly be so glad you checked him out. Please do, and let us know how you like him. Good luck!
I second A.R. on Le Carre, although I favor his cold war books over his more recent writings. I began reading him when his true identity and background were not public. Having done a lot of surveillance myself, I found his "watchers" to be eminently real and believable. Your right, good stuff.
Samuel wrote: " I recommend the Victor The Assassin series. Top notch writing, the action is stylish yet brutally rea..."
Samuel, These look like great reads. Thanks!
I just finished reading Graveyard of Memories by Barry Eisler. It's a prequel to the John Rain series, and it's a good one.
Those Wood books are great, and Eisler adds a lot of great elements from his Agency past.
I completed Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy last night, and just absolutely enjoyed it. A perfect story and with writing that puts you there in person.I have one question though, please don't laugh but I just am not sure:
Was Jim Prideaux Haydon's killer in the end? Was he the "shadow" that had been following Smiley?
Suzie. ***Spoiler Warn***
I think it was only implied because of the betrayal but I don't think we know. I assumed Smiley was tracking (or had ordered) while looking for the mole and seeing if Hayden and Prideaux were "closer".
I also had that thought. Remember when Smiley was interrogating Toby in that flat, and he kept asking Toby if he had brought a babysitter? Toby denied it more than once. That was after Smiley had met with Jim. From that point forward, Smiley kept seeing the shadow.At the end, it seems that Jim would be the only one to kill Haydon at the Nursery, right?
I wouldn't say "only" one, as that is the beauty of the wilderness of mirrors...
But who else had he introduced that was so well versed in the whole excellence of shadowing someone that even Smiley himself wasn't sure?
Watched the movie last night. I was disappointed. A handful of good parts only.
I have just finished reading a new indie book by Michael Reagan called the Devil's Handshake which is currently free on Amazon kindle.If you like Daniel Silva and Jack Higgins then your enjoy this geo-political thriller as it takes the reader on a journey through what is actually happening in the world today in the new cold war that is being fought between the US and Russia over the battle for the world's Natural Resources. The hero is a billionaire anglo-Russian Oligarch with a Homeric code who tries to tread a path between the two nations whilst protecting his friends and family.
Packed full of facts and the behind the curtain deals. It worth a gander.
My new World War II spy novel, A Strange Murder in the Persian Corridor, is now available on Amazon in paperback and as a Kindle e-book. Tom O'Brien, an intelligence officer with the OSS, has been sent to Iran to help the Secret Service prepare for the Tehran Conference and to do some subtle spying on the Russians, who along with the British have occupied Iran for the duration of the war. The historic conference passes without incident, and as part of his cover O'Brien finds himself searching for an African American soldier accused of murdering an American contractor suspected of spying for the Nazis. But what was supposed to be a humdrum assignment turns deadly as O'Brien unexpectedly runs into a Soviet NKVD agent seeking personal revenge for O'Brien having "kneecapped" him earlier in the year.
This is the third novel in the O'Brien series that recounts his exploits with the OSS as America gears up for the war, and the specter of the post-victory Cold War begins to appear on the horizon.
Just finished The Envoy by Edward Wilson. Well written and with all the twists and turns you would expect from an espionage novel, but this book stunningly cynical. And I thought I was a cynic.I would stick with Daniel Silve but I have read them all.
Mod
Wow... 800 views.Okay, then, I have four espionage technothrillers now out, with the fifth to be released in late June 2015. My thrillers are peopled with spies, mercenaries, hackers and politicians, with focus on the Chinese CSIS, the Russian Mafiya, MI-6, the Mossad, and an unnamed intelligence agency of the United States.
Out now:
Bloodridge, Book 1 of the Spies Lie series - AMAZON BESTSELLER (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00K0029J0)
“A globe-trotting spy thriller dense with intriguing insider's knowledge.” —Kirkus Reviews
https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-re...
DeathByte, Book 2 of the Spies Lie series - AMAZON BESTSELLER (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00L2LLKSC)
“A dizzying spy story for readers with clear minds and steely constitutions.” —Kirkus Reviews
https://www.kirkusreviews.com/indie/d...
Swiftshadow, Book 3 of the Spies Lie series - AMAZON BESTSELLER (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MJ5KXKG)
GrayNet, Book 4 of the Spies Lies series (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00P8HRT9U)
coming in June 2015:
Baksheesh, Book 5 of the Spies Lie series
planned for release in November 2015
ProxyWar, Book 6 of the Spies Lie series.
Mod
So, Graynet Book 4 is still your latest?
and Book 5 on the way soon? I will update your entry on our front page...when the new GR link to the new GR book page is available, just send me word..
Can anyone recommend a good book featuring military drones' operation?
Oscar wrote: "Can anyone recommend a good book featuring military drones' operation?"
Only one in the business right now is Mr Mike Maden. It concerns Troy Pearce, former CIA Special Activities Division officer who has moved into running his own Private Military Corporation with a twist. It barely employs any human shooters. Instead, it's an automated Armed Services. Land, sea and air, Pearce Systems has a drone for every occasion and every kill.
The first book started decently enough with an excellent plot but the final act was a catastrophic let down and ruined the story.
Second book was a bit average but got better in the last acts due to Pearce losing someone he loved.
Third book is a home run. Action, geopolitics and UAV technology are thrown into the real life backdrop of the Diaoyu island dispute between the PRC and ROJ.
Fourth book involves the Islamic State using drones to conduct a sophisticated terrorist campaign on CONUS. Pearce being the leading UAV expert in America is assigned an entire government department and the powers that go along with it to help his PMC counter the threat.
Head on over to The Real Book Spy website. Ryan will help you find a good series to read.
Samuel wrote: "Oscar wrote: "Can anyone recommend a good book featuring military drones' operation?" [bookcover:..."
Thanks a lot, Samuel.
I'll check 'em out.
Mod
H'mmm. I can't say that guy appeals to me, at first glance. It's a rather loud, screaming website. I'd suggest instead, our buddy Samuel and his Goodreads group, 'Orion Team'. Samuel and his members are sure to have the low-down on contemporary titles. They live, eat, sleep, and breathe military action.
Feliks wrote: "Roger wrote: "Head on over to The Real Book Spy website. Ryan will help you find a good series to read."H'mmm. I can't say that guy appeals to me, at first glance. It's a rather loud, screaming w..."
I agree. The Orion Team is a great group. Have you checked out TW Barton's site? It might appeal to you. He reviews action thrillers specifically in the spy and assassin sub-genres. http://twbarton.com/reviews.html
Mod
I haven't read a thriller in months; and its not just the demands of my day-job. When I have leisure time, I'm always head-down in research material for my own projects or (hopefully) I'm immersed in writing my own projects.
I have a horror lately of passivity. Or non-productivity. That's why I don't watch TV and barely attend 1 theatrical movie per yr.
I feel like I need to get more of my own ideas on paper. I'm doing so, but there's zero attention-span leftover.
Still, although things are quiet, at least there's no spam and no miscreants. I can at least police that.
Did you guys check out the 'Underground Knowledge' group? Had some zany fun over there this past month. I picked up at least one great idea for a techno-thriller.
You could always try one of Dale Brown's books. They're not strictly about drones, but cover air combat with modified equpment.Sky Masters
Night of the Hawk
Battle Born
Dreamland
Hi, I also like the Allon series very much. Novels that I also enjoyed comprise Barry Eisler's John Rain (action), Harry Tates spy books from Adrian Magson, Samuel Carver from Tom Cain, the Tourism series from Olen Steinhauer, the Egorova and Nash series from Jason Matthews, the books from Charles Cummings (Alec Milius in the Spanish Game is great) and the Mark Sava series from Dan Mayland.
Hope that helps,
Martin
Greg Hurwitz has a series of books a guy called Evans Mark the first one is orphan X the second is the nowhere man and the third is hellbent to be a block of five series Read them you will not be disappointed apparently they’re making a TV series should’ve been a film but not bothered as long as I see on the TV you will really really enjoy them gripping evidence Mark is a legend
I’m always a big fan of Greaney Gray Man series and Victor the Assassin.
Surprisingly, I haven't read very much lately. I devoured the Gabriel Allon books, but other than Clancy, Ludlum, and Silva, I can't really recommend. I'll just lurk for suggestions. I've been told I should read Vince Flynn.
Jordyn wrote: "Surprisingly, I haven't read very much lately. I devoured the Gabriel Allon books, but other than Clancy, Ludlum, and Silva, I can't really recommend. I'll just lurk for suggestions. I've been told..."
I think you would like Vince Flynn. I love the Gabriel Allon books!
I think you would like Vince Flynn. I love the Gabriel Allon books!
I would definitely recommend Vince Flynn. Even though Vince died in 2013 Kyle Mills has continued the Mitch Rapp series. A new author, Karen Cleveland, a former CIA analyst, has written Need to Know which I read in one day. Sam Capra series by Jeff Abbott is good. Scot Harvath series by Brad Thor is another suggestion.
Sally wrote: "I would definitely recommend Vince Flynn. Even though Vince died in 2013 Kyle Mills has continued the Mitch Rapp series. A new author, Karen Cleveland, a former CIA analyst, has written Need to Kno..."Good author- I would also recommend John le Carre, Alan Furst, and Jack Higgins.
Stacey wrote: "Sally wrote: "I would definitely recommend Vince Flynn. Even though Vince died in 2013 Kyle Mills has continued the Mitch Rapp series. A new author, Karen Cleveland, a former CIA analyst, has writt..."
I haven't read any buy John le Carre or Jack Higgins. I need to check those out.
I haven't read any buy John le Carre or Jack Higgins. I need to check those out.
Mod
I'm pretty surprised to hear that! You have a long and winding road ahead of you, for sure.
With LeCarre, only one piece of advice: you need to read chronologically. Starting with 'Call for the Dead'.
With Jack Higgins, he has over sixty titles and some of them were just 'phoned-in'. Very uneven output. First, try his best, The Eagle Has Landedand then see if you're keen enough on his style to seek out his others. He writes according to formula, for the most part.
Our group bookshelf has scads and scads of classic action/espionage authors to browse among.
p.s. Just a memo 'in general': this thread was kinda intended to be a place where readers could come asking for a series, "when they aren't sure what they really want". You know the kind of deal. Used to happen a lot more frequently, I admit. Someone might have a few meager parameters for what they have in mind, based on something they've encountered before, and the rest of us would suggest a few recommendations. Now, if you want to rave or praise a series "impromptu", then, 'Random Chatter' is a better discussion for that. This isn't a strict rule at all, though. I'm just sayin' :D
As you were!
SSG: Spy/Spec-Ops Group
Books mentioned in this topic
The Eagle Has Landed (other topics)Call for the Dead (other topics)
Sky Masters (other topics)
Dreamland (other topics)
Night Of The Hawk (other topics)
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