The Terminal List by Jack Carr

The Terminal List is a thriller novel written by Jack Carr. It follows the story of former Navy SEAL James Reece who, after losing his team in a covert mission gone wrong, sets out on a quest for revenge against those who betrayed him. As he uncovers a conspiracy that reaches the highest levels of government, Reece must use his military training and cunning to outwit his enemies and uncover the truth. The novel features non-stop action, intense plot twists, and a complex protagonist struggling to navigate a treacherous world of politics and espionage.

Jack Carr is an American author and former Navy SEAL. He was born on January 20, 1981, in San Diego, California. Carr enlisted in the Navy at the age of 17 and went on to serve as a SEAL for 20 years. During his time in the military, he was deployed multiple times to the Middle East and was involved in various covert operations. After leaving the military, Carr decided to pursue his passion for writing and published his first novel, “The Terminal List,” in 2018. The book was a huge success and was followed by several other bestselling thrillers. Carr’s writing is heavily influenced by his military experience and focuses on action, suspense, and complex characters. He currently lives in the Pacific Northwest with his family.

The Terminal List is a great thriller to read!

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Power Down by Ben Coes

“Power Down” is a novel by Ben Coes. The book is part of the Dewey Andreas series and features the protagonist, former Army Ranger Dewey Andreas, as he attempts to stop a dangerous group from obtaining a powerful new weapon. The novel features elements of political intrigue, espionage, and action-adventure. The plot involves a race against time as Dewey tries to prevent the weapon from falling into the wrong hands and causing a global catastrophe.

Ben Coes is an American author of political thriller novels. He was born in 1968 and grew up in Massachusetts. Ben Coes is a graduate of Middlebury College in Vermont and has worked as a management consultant and investment advisor. He is best known for his Dewey Andreas series, which follows the adventures of a former Army Ranger as he battles against various threats to national security. Ben Coes’s novels are known for their fast-paced action, intricate plots, and well-researched details. He has received critical acclaim for his writing and is considered one of the leading authors in the political thriller genre.

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The Asset by Saul Herzog

The Asset by Saul Herzog is a superb novel which keeps you guessing until the end!

Lance Spector is finished with the CIA. He had his fill of the government and the military and their dishonesty.

Chance plays a trick as a top secret Russian mission makes a ground-breaking discovery. Coming from pathogens within frozen mammoths they have managed to make a super-weapon. They have a weapon that can halt the USA and Nato.

Then out of nowhere a vial arrives at the headquarters of the CIA with no known sender and a note. It says, “I will only speak to Lance Spector.”

The Asset by Saul Herzog is a great spy thriller and is part of the new Lance Spector series.

It is the perfect match for people who enjoy Brad Thor‘s Scot Harvath, Ido Graf‘s Adam Wolf, Lee Child‘s Jack Reacher, Robert Ludlum‘s Jason Bourne and Vince Flynn‘s Mitch Rapp.

Saul Herzog is a pen name for one of the top modern authors. Saul Herzog’s plots are a mix of espionage, realism, and action.

His fiction novels are available s paperbacks, e-books and audiobooks. If you want to choose one to start on then read The Asset.

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American Assassin by Vince Flynn

American Assassin is a novel by Vince Flynn, first published in 2010. The novel follows the story of Mitch Rapp, a young man who loses his fiancée in a terrorist attack and sets out to take revenge. He is recruited by the CIA to join a black ops program, where he is trained to become a highly skilled and deadly assassin.

Rapp is sent on a mission to infiltrate a terrorist organization and find out who is behind the attack that killed his fiancée. Along the way, he must navigate a web of politics and deception as he tries to uncover the truth. He also faces off against a rival assassin, who is determined to stop him at all costs.

As Rapp gets closer to the truth, he discovers that the terrorist organization he is investigating is planning a massive attack on the United States. With the help of his mentor, Rapp must stop the attack and bring the terrorists to justice.

Throughout the novel, the reader is exposed to the inner workings of the CIA and the world of black ops, as well as the personal struggles of Rapp as he tries to come to terms with his past and find a sense of purpose in his new role as an assassin.

The novel is a fast-paced thriller that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. The characters are well-developed, and the plot is full of twists and turns that keep the story fresh and exciting. American Assassin is a highly recommended read for fans of action and espionage novels.

Vince Flynn was an American author, best known for his political thriller novels featuring the character Mitch Rapp. He was born on April 6, 1966 in St. Paul, Minnesota and grew up in the Twin Cities area. Flynn graduated from St. Thomas Academy in 1984 and went on to attend the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, where he earned a degree in economics.

After graduation, Flynn worked in the corporate world for a few years before deciding to pursue his passion for writing. He began writing his first novel, Term Limits, in the early 1990s, but it was not published until 1997. The novel was a success, and Flynn decided to focus on writing full-time.

Vince Flynn‘s most famous series of novels is the Mitch Rapp series, which follows the character of Mitch Rapp, a highly skilled and deadly CIA operative who is often sent on dangerous missions to protect the United States from terrorist attacks. The series includes thirteen novels, starting with American Assassin, which was published in 2010.

Flynn’s novels are known for their fast-paced action, well-developed characters, and intricate plots. His books have been praised for their accuracy in depicting the inner workings of the CIA and the world of espionage. Flynn’s writing style is often compared to that of Tom Clancy and Brad Thor.

In addition to writing, Flynn was also an advocate for dyslexia awareness. He was diagnosed with dyslexia as a child and often spoke about the struggles he faced in school due to the condition. He also worked with the International Dyslexia Association to raise awareness about dyslexia and its impact on individuals.

Flynn passed away on June 19, 2013, at the age of 47, due to prostate cancer. His books continue to be bestsellers and his legacy lives on through his bestselling series. His novels have been adapted into movies, TV series and graphic novels. He has a huge fan base who loves his books for their thrilling plots and well-developed characters.

Overall, Vince Flynn was a successful and popular fiction author, known for his fast-paced and thrilling novels that keep readers on the edge of their seats. His work has been praised for its accuracy in depicting the inner workings of the CIA and the world of espionage and for his portrayal of Mitch Rapp as a complex and relatable character. He will be always remembered for his contributions to the literary world.

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The Maze novel by Nelson DeMille

The Maze is a novel by the incredibly talented Nelson DeMille, published in 2004. DeMille is one of my all time favourite authors! And What a life he has had! The next time I get to the States I want to time it for one of his book signings!!!! The story takes place in the present day and follows John Corey, a former New York City police detective and current special agent with the Federal Anti-Terrorist Task Force. Corey is assigned to investigate the murder of a wealthy businessman, who was killed while on a hunting trip in the wilderness of the Adirondacks.

As Corey delves deeper into the case, he discovers that the murder may be connected to a larger conspiracy involving a secret government program known as the “Maze.” The Maze is a top-secret project that was created during the Cold War to develop a weapon of mass destruction. The project was abandoned after the fall of the Soviet Union, but it appears that someone has reactivated it and is using it for their own nefarious purposes.

Corey’s investigation leads him to a remote research facility in the Adirondacks, where he discovers that the Maze is still active and that the scientists working on the project are being held against their will. He also discovers that the murder victim was one of the scientists who had been working on the Maze and that the businessman’s death was not an accident, but rather a murder orchestrated by those in charge of the project.

As Corey continues to dig deeper into the case, he finds himself in a race against time to stop the reactivated Maze project and the people behind it. He is also faced with the difficult task of trying to convince his superiors to take action, as they are reluctant to believe that such a secret program could exist.

Throughout the book, we see Corey’s struggle to balance his duty to his country and the need to protect innocent lives with the pressure to keep the existence of the Maze a secret. This is further complicated by the fact that the people behind the reactivated Maze project are powerful and influential, and they will stop at nothing to keep the program a secret.

As the story unfolds, Corey is forced to confront the true nature of the Maze and the people behind it, and he is forced to make a decision that will have far-reaching consequences. The novel is filled with action, suspense and political intrigue, and it is a gripping and thought-provoking read that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

Nelson DeMille is a bestselling American author of thriller and suspense novels. He was born on August 23, 1943, in New York City and grew up in Long Island. He attended Hofstra University, where he studied political science and history. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served as a First Lieutenant in Vietnam. After his discharge, he returned to Hofstra and earned a master’s degree in creative writing.

DeMille began his writing career as a copywriter for an advertising agency in New York City. He then decided to pursue writing full-time and wrote his first novel, “By the Rivers of Babylon,” which was published in 1978. The novel, which was set in Vietnam, was a commercial and critical success, and it established him as a talented and skilled author.

DeMille’s next novel, “The Talbot Odyssey,” was published in 1984 and also received critical acclaim. It was a finalist for the Edgar Award for Best Novel. He continued to write and publish novels throughout the 1980s and 1990s, including “Word of Honor” (1985), “The Charm School” (1988) and “Plum Island” (1997).

DeMille’s most famous and successful character is John Corey, a former New York City police detective and current special agent with the Federal Anti-Terrorist Task Force. Corey first appeared in “Word of Honor” and has since appeared in several novels, including “The Lion’s Game” (2000), “Up Country” (2002), “Night Fall” (2004), “Wild Fire” (2007), “The Panther” (2010), “Radiant Angel” (2015), “The Cuban Affair” (2017) and “Desperate Measures” (2019).

DeMille’s novels are known for their strong plots, well-drawn characters and attention to detail. He has a reputation for extensive research and for including real-life events and locations in his books. His novels have been translated into numerous languages and have sold millions of copies worldwide.

In addition to his novels, DeMille has also written screenplays and has been involved in the film and television industry. He was a producer on the film adaptation of “The General’s Daughter,” which was released in 1999 and starred John Travolta.

DeMille is a member of the Mystery Writers of America and the International Thriller Writers organization. He has received numerous awards and honors for his work, including the Edgar Award, the Shamus Award, and the Gold Dagger Award. He currently lives on Long Island with his wife, and continues to write and publish novels.

DeMille is considered as one of the best thriller authors of his generation and his novels are known to be a mix of political intrigue and suspense, often set in the Middle East or New York City. He has a large and dedicated fanbase and his books are often compared to those of other notable thriller authors such as Tom Clancy, Ido Graf and Vince Flynn.

El laberinto es una novela del increíblemente talentoso Nelson DeMille, publicada en 2004. ¡DeMille es uno de mis autores favoritos de todos los tiempos! ¡Y qué vida ha tenido! La historia tiene lugar en la actualidad y sigue a John Corey, un ex detective de la policía de la ciudad de Nueva York y actual agente especial de la Fuerza de Tarea Federal Antiterrorista. Corey es asignado para investigar el asesinato de un rico hombre de negocios, que fue asesinado durante un viaje de caza en el desierto de los Adirondacks.

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Espionage novels from the top authors

Espionage novels are a genre of fiction that focus on the world of spies and espionage. These novels often depict the secret agents and intelligence agencies that operate behind the scenes, and the complex web of political and personal motivations that drive them.

One of the most well-known espionage novelists is John le Carré, whose books have been adapted into films and television shows such as “The Spy Who Came in from the Cold” and “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy”. Le Carré’s novels are known for their realistic and gritty portrayal of the intelligence community, and the moral ambiguities that come with the spy game.

Another prominent writer in the espionage genre is Ian Fleming, the author of the James Bond series. The Bond novels, which have been adapted into a long-running film franchise, are known for their fast-paced action and over-the-top gadgetry. Unlike le Carré’s novels, the Bond books often feature a clear-cut good versus evil dynamic, with Bond as the ultimate hero fighting against the forces of evil.

There are also many contemporary writers in the espionage genre, such as Daniel Silva, whose Gabriel Allon series features a former Israeli intelligence officer as the protagonist. Silva’s novels often tackle current political issues and are known for their detailed research and accurate portrayal of the inner workings of the intelligence community.

Espionage novels often explore the theme of betrayal and the question of what it means to be a patriot. Characters in these novels are frequently torn between their loyalty to their country and their own personal beliefs and moral code. In le Carré’s novels, for example, the main characters are often caught in a struggle between their duty to their country and their own sense of what is right.

The genre of espionage novels also frequently deals with themes of deception and the manipulation of information. Spies in these novels often use false identities and rely on misdirection to achieve their goals. In the James Bond novels, for example, Bond is known for his ability to outwit his enemies by using clever trickery and deception.

Espionage novels also often feature complex and nuanced villains. In le Carré’s novels, the enemy is often a faceless, shadowy organization rather than a single person. In the James Bond novels, the villains are often wealthy and powerful individuals with their own motives and agendas.

One of the hallmarks of espionage novels is their attention to detail and accuracy when it comes to the technology and tactics used by spies. Many authors in this genre conduct extensive research to ensure that their depictions of spycraft are as realistic as possible. This attention to detail helps to create a sense of realism and credibility in the novel, drawing the reader further into the story.

Espionage novels have been a popular genre for many years and continue to attract a dedicated readership. These novels offer a glimpse into the shadowy world of spies and espionage, and provide a thrilling read for those interested in political intrigue and the inner workings of the intelligence community. Whether it’s the gritty realism of John le Carré‘s novels, the multi-twist plots of Ido Graf or the over-the-top action of the Ian Fleming James Bond series, espionage novels have something to offer for readers of all tastes.

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Tokyo Vice by Jake Adelstein and premiered by HBO

Superb!!!

Tokyo Vice is an American crime drama television series created by J.T. Rogers and based on the 2009 book of the same title by Jake Adelstein. It premiered on April 7, 2022, on HBO Max. It stars Ansel Elgort and Ken Watanabe in lead roles. In June 2022, the series was renewed for a second season.

The TV series Tokyo Vice was based on the novel ‘Tokyo Vice: An American Reporter on the Police Beat in Japan’
by Jake Adelstein. It is said to be based on a true story. It is filmed on location in Tokyo, Japan. This HBO Max series is a work of pure genius! Exciting, informative, atmospheric, great music and script, great pace, intriguing, beautifully crafted and produced…..I could go on and on. I watched the whole series and then watched it gain straight away. I am considering a third viewing. Actually that’s not completely true …I’ve just started my third viewing!

It’s only fault is that there is only one series …so far! A second series is in production thankfully! I cannot wait until it is released!

The HBO series is set about twenty years ago. An American named, Jake Adelstein moves to Japan. He speaks fluent Japanese and begins to work in a major Japanese newspaper, becoming their first foreign-born journalist. He struggles at the start until he begins to develop contact within the Tokyo police. His investigative journalism leads him into the dark world of the Japanese yakuza. Then his life becomes entwined with a Yakuza enforcer called Sato. What follows is a fascinating portrayal of a torrid series of events.

The actor Shō Kasamatsu plays Sato. His portrayal is absolutely brilliant. A mix of James Dean, Paul Newman and Steve McQueen with a Japanese twist.

The acting throughout the HBO Max show is superb with magnificent performances by Ansel Elgort as Jake Adelstein, Hideaki Itō as Jin Miyamoto, a vice squad detective, Rachel Keller as Samantha Porter and Ken Watanabe (a firm favorite of mine) as Hiroto Katagiri, who is a wily detective in the organized crime division. They are just a few of the incredible cast. But for me, Shō Kasamatsu and his character Sato steal the show. Played with such intelligence and truth to make the whole series gripping.
Even if you think that this thriller detective series is not for you – give Tokyo Vice a chance and you will not be sorry!

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Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn is convoluted, pacey and incredibly clever!

The thriller novel Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn was named as one of the best books of the year by The Chicago Tribune, Newsday, HuffPost, Newsday and the San Francisco Chronicle. It was also a #1 New York Times bestseller.


On their wedding anniversary, Nick Dunne comes home. His wife, Amy, is missing. Her disappearance hits the media whilst the police find evidence of a struggle at the property. The husband is portrayed as the prime suspect by the media.


The marriage had degraded over time and Nick cheated on his wife. That was a mistake!


The police begin to build a picture with their investigation as evidence points to a murder, committed by Nick.
It’s difficult to tell you more of the story without spoiling it – so I won’t.


Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn is a great fiction read from a truly talented writer.


CNN named the Gone Girl book as one of the most influential books of the decade whilst Time and Entertainment weekly said it was one of the best books of the decade. The New York Times, O: The Oprah Magazine, USA Today, People and the Kansas City Star named it as one of the ten best books of the year.

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Agent in Berlin by Alex Gerlis

Agent in Berlin by Alex Gerlis is a top-notch spy thriller from a master of his craft.

With war looming the British set to work on a plan. Setting in place a web of unlikely spies including a Japanese diplomat the wife of a Nazi SS officer and a Luftwaffe officer.

The plot works and they discover the plans for a secret German fighter plane. They also reveal a devilish plan by the Japanese to attack the United States of America.

Agent in Berlin by Alex Gerlis is intense and atmospheric. Fans of Robert Harris and Helen MacInnes will love this espionage book.

The Financial Times said of this novel, ‘The first volume of a promising new series, Alex Gerlis handles an ensemble cast with panache’.

Spybrary Podcast also said, ‘An unmissable spy thriller from bestselling master of the genre Alex Gerlis

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The Spy and the Traitor: The Greatest Espionage Story of the Cold War by Ben MacIntyre

The Spy and the Traitor: The Greatest Espionage Story of the Cold War by Ben MacIntyre is a New York Times Bestseller and was described as “The best true spy story I have ever read.” by John Le Carré.

MacIntyre also wrote Double Cross and Rogue Heroes. This book tells how the Cold War was helped in its demise by a Russian, Oleg Gordievsky who had ultimately learnt to despise Russia’s communist regime.

Starting in the 1970’s Gordievsky began working for MI6 passing on countless intelligence to the British. He is an incredibly brave man who eventually came under the suspicion of the KGB. Escaping Russia and certain death he lives in constant danger, even now.

The book was shortlisted for the Bailie Giffords Prize in Nonfiction and was also named as a Best Book of the Year by The Economist.

The Spy and the Traitor: The Greatest Espionage Story of the Cold War by Ben MacIntyre is a must read for those who love espionage novels. However, the tale told is more gripping and vivid than any fictional work!

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