The Greatest British "Fiction, Crime, Spy" Books Since 1900

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 300 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

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Fiction

Crime

The "Crime" category of books typically includes stories that revolve around criminal activities, investigations, and the pursuit of justice. These books may feature detectives, police officers, or other law enforcement officials as main characters, as well as criminals and their victims. Crime novels often involve suspenseful plot twists and turns, as well as complex character development. The genre can encompass a wide range of subgenres, including mystery, thriller, and true crime, and may explore themes such as morality, ethics, and the human condition. Overall, the "Crime" category offers readers a thrilling and engaging look into the darker side of human nature and the justice system.

Spy

The "Spy" category of books typically involves stories of espionage, covert operations, and intelligence gathering. These books often feature protagonists who are highly skilled and trained in the art of espionage, and who work for various government agencies or private organizations. The plots are often complex and involve intricate schemes and high-stakes missions, with the threat of danger and betrayal always looming. Spy books can be set in various time periods and locations, and can range from action-packed thrillers to more cerebral and nuanced stories of espionage.

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  1. 1. The Spy Who Came in From the Cold by John le Carré

    This novel is a fascinating tale of espionage during the Cold War, centered around a British intelligence officer who is seemingly ready to end his spy career. However, he is given one last mission before his retirement: to bring down the head of East German Intelligence. As he navigates the dangerous world of spies and double agents, he is forced to confront his own past and the sacrifices he has made for his country. The story is a complex exploration of morality, loyalty, and the personal cost of political conflict.

  2. 2. Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy by John le Carré

    In this espionage thriller, a semi-retired British intelligence officer is tasked with uncovering a Soviet mole within the highest ranks of the British Secret Service. As he delves deeper into the investigation, he uncovers a web of betrayal and deceit that reaches far beyond the mole, threatening the very fabric of the British intelligence community. The novel is a masterful blend of suspense, intrigue, and complex characterization that explores themes of loyalty, identity, and the murky world of international espionage.

  3. 3. Riddle of the Sands by Erskine Childers

    This novel is a classic early 20th-century spy thriller that follows two British yachtsmen who stumble upon a German plot to invade England while on a sailing trip in the North Sea. The duo must use their wits and sailing skills to outmaneuver the Germans and alert the British government of the impending attack. The book is notable for its attention to detail and realism, particularly in its descriptions of sailing and the North Sea coastline.

  4. 4. A Perfect Spy by John le Carré

    This espionage novel follows the life of Magnus Pym, a high-ranking British intelligence officer who disappears after attending his father's funeral, causing a massive manhunt. As the intelligence service scrambles to find him, the narrative dives into Pym's past, revealing his complex relationship with his conman father and his recruitment into the world of espionage. The story is a complex exploration of betrayal, identity, and the blurry line between loyalty and deception.

  5. 5. From Russia with Love by Ian Fleming

    In this thrilling spy novel, British secret agent James Bond is targeted by a Russian intelligence group, who lures him into a trap using a beautiful cipher clerk as bait. The plot thickens as Bond falls for the clerk and must navigate a series of dangerous encounters with Russian operatives, including a deadly face-off with a sadistic killer. The story is a blend of action, suspense, and romance, set against the backdrop of the Cold War.

  6. 6. The Guns Of Navarone by Alistair MacLean

    In this thrilling World War II adventure, a team of Allied commandos is tasked with an almost impossible mission: to destroy a seemingly impregnable German fortress that houses massive guns on the island of Navarone. These guns control the sea channels to the Aegean Sea, preventing the rescue of British troops stranded on nearby islands. The diverse group of experts must scale sheer cliffs, confront traitors within their ranks, and battle the elements to complete their mission and turn the tide of the war in the Allies' favor. Their journey is fraught with danger, action, and suspense, testing the limits of their skills and courage.

  7. 7. Smiley's People by John le Carré

    In this espionage thriller, a retired British intelligence officer, known for his bespectacled and unassuming demeanor, is called back into action when one of his former assets, a Soviet general, is found murdered. The investigation leads him across Europe, rekindling old rivalries and uncovering a complex web of betrayal and deception. As he delves deeper into the case, he must confront his own past and a formidable Soviet spymaster, ultimately leading to a high-stakes game of intelligence and counterintelligence, where the stakes are not just personal, but have far-reaching implications for the security of the West.

  8. 8. The Eagle Has Landed by Jack Higgins

    In this gripping World War II thriller, a group of German paratroopers is given a secret mission to kidnap Winston Churchill from a remote village in England. As they meticulously plan their operation, tensions rise within the team, and unexpected alliances are formed. With a race against time and the fate of the war hanging in the balance, the paratroopers must navigate treacherous obstacles and face their own inner demons to complete their daring mission.

  9. 9. Cause for Alarm by Eric Ambler

    "Cause for Alarm" is a thrilling novel set in the backdrop of pre-World War II Europe. The protagonist, a British engineer, gets entangled in a dangerous world of espionage and international politics when he is sent to Italy for work. He unknowingly becomes a pawn in the deadly game between British and Italian intelligence agencies, leading to a series of thrilling and suspenseful events. The book is a gripping exploration of the world of spies, secret agents, and the looming war.

  10. 10. The Quiller Memorandum by Adam Hall

    In this espionage thriller, a seasoned British secret agent is dispatched to West Berlin during the Cold War to infiltrate a neo-Nazi organization. Tasked with uncovering the group's plans and leadership, the agent navigates a treacherous world of deception and danger. As he delves deeper into the shadowy underworld, he must rely on his wits and training to survive, while contending with the moral complexities of his mission and the realization that he cannot trust anyone, not even his own superiors. The narrative is marked by intense psychological drama and a meticulous depiction of spycraft in a divided Berlin.

  11. 11. Moonraker by Ian Fleming

    In this thrilling spy novel, British Secret Service agent James Bond, also known by his code number 007, is tasked with uncovering the truth behind the mysterious "Moonraker" project, led by the enigmatic industrialist Sir Hugo Drax. When suspicions arise about Drax's true intentions for his nuclear missile program, which is ostensibly for Britain's defense, Bond goes undercover to infiltrate the project. Alongside the resourceful police officer Gala Brand, Bond discovers a nefarious plot that threatens the heart of London. Racing against time, Bond must use his wits, charm, and skill to thwart Drax's plans and prevent a catastrophic attack.

  12. 12. Shooting Script by Gavin Lyall

    In "Shooting Script," the protagonist, a former Royal Air Force pilot, finds himself entangled in a dangerous adventure after agreeing to fly a plane to the Caribbean for a film shoot. What begins as a seemingly straightforward job quickly spirals into a perilous mission involving smuggling, treachery, and murder. As he navigates the treacherous world of criminals and double-crosses, the pilot must use his wits and flying skills to outmaneuver his enemies and uncover a conspiracy that threatens more than just his life. The novel is a thrilling blend of action, suspense, and aerial exploits, delivering a gripping tale of intrigue in exotic locales.

  13. 13. The Key To Rebecca by Ken Follett

    The novel is a gripping World War II espionage thriller set in North Africa, where an elusive German spy, armed with a powerful secret code named after a classic novel, is transmitting critical information to Rommel's Afrika Korps in their campaign against the British. The British intelligence is in a desperate race against time to intercept and decode the messages, and they deploy a resourceful and determined young officer to track down the spy. Amidst the backdrop of war-torn cities and treacherous desert landscapes, a deadly game of cat and mouse ensues, with the fate of the North African campaign hanging in the balance.

  14. 14. Game, Set & Match by Len Deighton

    "Game, Set & Match" is a trilogy of espionage novels that follows the story of Bernard Samson, a middle-aged and somewhat jaded intelligence officer working for the British Secret Service. Set during the Cold War, Samson becomes embroiled in a complex web of intrigue, betrayal, and personal drama as he navigates the treacherous waters of intelligence operations between London and Berlin. The narrative delves into the gritty realities of fieldwork, office politics, and the emotional toll of a life spent in the shadows, while Samson confronts challenges to his professional loyalties and his personal life, uncovering startling revelations about his colleagues and loved ones along the way.

  15. 15. The Little Drummer Girl by John le Carré

    The novel revolves around a young English actress who is recruited by Israeli intelligence to infiltrate a Palestinian terrorist organization. As she becomes more deeply involved in her role, she is torn between her sympathies for the Palestinians' cause and her loyalty to the Israelis who have manipulated her into the dangerous assignment. The story explores themes of identity, loyalty, and the moral complexities of espionage, set against the backdrop of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The protagonist's journey is fraught with emotional and ethical dilemmas, leading to a gripping narrative that blurs the lines between love, betrayal, and the harsh realities of international espionage.

  16. 16. Diamonds Are Forever by Ian Fleming

    This novel follows a British secret agent who is tasked with infiltrating a diamond smuggling ring. The agent travels from London to New York, Las Vegas, and eventually Africa, facing various threats and challenges along the way. As he delves deeper into the operation, he uncovers a sinister plot involving a ruthless American gangster and a deadly assassin. The agent must use his cunning and skills to survive and stop the criminals.

  17. 17. Harry’s Game by Gerald Seymour

    This gripping thriller is set against the backdrop of the Troubles in Northern Ireland, where a British Cabinet minister is assassinated by the IRA. In response, the British government dispatches an undercover agent, Harry, to infiltrate the IRA and identify the assassin. As Harry delves deeper into the dangerous world of political violence and espionage, he finds himself caught in a deadly game of cat and mouse, where trust is scarce and his true identity is constantly at risk of being uncovered. The novel explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the moral complexities of warfare, delivering a tense and compelling narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

  18. 18. The Honourable Schoolboy by John le Carré

    In this gripping spy thriller, a British intelligence officer named Jerry Westerby is sent on a perilous mission to uncover a complex web of corruption and espionage in Southeast Asia. As he delves deeper into the dangerous world of international politics, Westerby must navigate treacherous alliances and betrayals, risking his life to uncover the truth. With intricate plotting and masterful characterization, this novel explores the moral ambiguity and high stakes of the espionage game.

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

Download

If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download