SSG: Spy/Spec-Ops Group discussion

I recently have gotten into the Daniel Silva novels, especially the Allon series. However, I have just started the last of the Allon series and was wondering if anyone had any suggestions for similar series? I prefer series as I like to follow the characters development but stand alone novels are good as well. I really liked the Silva novels so anything that is similar should be good.

Thanks

SAY FAR AS SERIES GO BRAD THOR AND VINCE FLYNN BOTH HAVE GREAT SERIES

Shane wrote: "SAY FAR AS SERIES GO BRAD THOR AND VINCE FLYNN BOTH HAVE GREAT SERIES"

Thanks

I agree with Shane - Vince Flynn and Brad Thor each write a great series.

YOU CAN ALSO TAKE A LOOK AT ANDREW BRITTON AND ALEX BRENSON OR TED BELL ALL ARE GREAT

I just bought the first two by Andrew Britton, but haven't read them yet. They look like they could be good.

I BELIVE U WILL BE VERY PLEASED WITH THEM THEY MOVE ALONG AT A FAST PACE AND DRAW U IN THE SAD PARTS IS THAT BACK IN 08 BRITTON PASSED AWAY HE HAS 4 BOOKS OUT TOTAL SO I DONT KNOW IF SOMEONE WILL PICK UP THE STORIE OR JUST LET IT END

What a shame. I didn't realize he had passed away.

In addition to the above posted authors, I'd suggest Robert Littell (Legends), Kyle Mills (Fade), Barry Eisler and Tom Rob Smith.

Shane wrote: "YOU CAN ALSO TAKE A LOOK AT ANDREW BRITTON AND ALEX BRENSON OR TED BELL ALL ARE GREAT"

I have recently read Brenson and Bell and agree they are very good. Thanks for the information

David Rollins' Vin Cooper series is a good read. Paula

Daniel Silva has a new book coming out in July. I'm looking forward to reading it. He's definitely one of my favorite authors. -Heather

I am looking to pre-order Silva's new book, was reading some teaser's on Facebook, it looks to be interesting. I thought his last book was one of the best of the whole series.

Thank you for posting this question. Daniel Silva is my very favorite author, and I have been searching in vain for another similar author. Based on some of the replies, I have started reading Vince Flynn's books, and am thrilled with them!

The Rembrandt Affair was definitely my all time favorite book!

Rumor has it that Silva is coming out with a new book this summer! Nor sure if it's true or not, but I'll be getting it the first day.

Yes, it is true. I believe it is coming out on July 19th. I too, will be getting it the first day. You can get on his email list and he will send you updates on when it is coming out, his signing tour, etc. Go to www.danielsilvabooks.com to sign up.

I also read The Rembrant Affair, my first Silva novel and throughly enjoyed it. I also read every book by Vince Flynn and Brad Thor and am convinced you will enjoy them equally.
BTW I am reading The Jungle by Cussler and like it very much. It is a page turner with many twists and turns, international intrigue and a disturbing look into the future of computers...

I have read every one of Daniel Silva's books, and they are all terrific. So far, I am really enjoying the Vince Flynn books. I just read American Assassin and am now reading Extreme Measures. I will look for the Cussler book you mentioned. It definitely sounds like something I would like!

If you enjoy stories with conspiracies, covert-ops, hidden agendas, espionage, and betrayal, then you'll enjoy Pandora's Succession and Unsavory Delicacies.

I just started Vince Flynn's Term Limits and so far I can't put it down. I'm glad that there are plenty more of his books to keep me busy reading for a while.

Ryan wrote: "I just started Vince Flynn's Term Limits and so far I can't put it down. I'm glad that there are plenty more of his books to keep me busy reading for a while."

That's one of his better books. It was the first from him that I read too. I enjoyed them all up to Extreme Measures, which I couldn't finish, sadly.

KILLER by John Wilde was hilarious !! I think its one of the best comedy spy series books that I have read in a looong time !

My favorites are David Balducci, James Rollins, Vince Flynn, Brad Metzer, Lee Child, Steve Berry and Tom Clancy.

Jillian-I agree with your comment except I have not read Metzer and Berry. I will put them on my to read list. Thanks.

Jillian, What Berry have you read? And which Child should I start with? Thanks. Joann

Joann-
You must start with The Killing Floor as Child introduces the reader to the main character, Joe Reacher. I personally think this is Child's best book but his last two were pretty good also. Enjoy the journey.

It's not a series, but I love Daniel Dick's first novel "The Damascus Letter"
I recommend reading the free Kindle sample first. It has gotten mixed reviews, but the sample convinced me to buy the whole book.

Thank you, Sally. I'll get back to you after I meet Joe!

Bob wrote: "Jillian-I agree with your comment except I have not read Metzer and Berry. I will put them on my to read list. Thanks."
Bob, I believe his name is M-E-L-T-Z-E-R.

Check out Barry Eisler's books, starting with Rain Fall and work your way up to Paris Is A Bitch -- A Rain/Delilah Short Story. I believe you'll enjoy this series.

Russell Brooks

Lee Child has the Jack Reacher series. Great read!!

Olen Steinhauer's Series starting with The Tourist then Nearest Exit and American Spy (Spring 2012). I think these books are fantastic, in the vein of LeCarre.

I'm glad I found this group. I've been looking for books similar to Daniel Silva. I've read Steve Berry too and love both series...I've seen some suggestions in previous posts I'm definitely going to look into (Barry Eisler, Andrew Britton and Robert Littell)...Thank you.

To be honest, I have been disappointed with the recent releases by Vince Flynn and Brad Thor. The characters which were once strong and dominant in their portrayal have become place markers in the series. While not specifically in the spy genre, I'd start at the beginning of Lee Child's series. His character , Jack Reacher, is as good as Mitch Rapp or Scott Harvath. Oh and just as an aside Tom Cruise will never be Jack Reacher.

I think it must be tough for an author to keep the main character interesting over the years/books. Jack Reacher in "A Wanted Man" is not the same as he was in "Killing Floor" and why should he be-he's 15 years older! I also don't see Tom Cruise as Jack Reacher. Of course, I should mention that I didn't see Matt Damon as Jason Bourne either when the first movie came out.

I never read any of the Jason Bourne series by Robert Ludlum until after I had seen the series so I was was not jaded by Matt Damon playing the lead character. Unfortunately, I have read everyone of Lee Child's books and therefore must admit that I am biased. I suppose that's why I enjoy reading, I can use my imagination.

Try these authors - Matt Hilton
Mike Lawson
Jack Coughlin

I'd say go get Vince Flynn's new novel " The Last Man " , but you'd miss out on the development of the characters. As you read through his series look forward to this novel - it is the old Vince Flynn and what you'd expect from Mitch Rapp.

Looking forward to reading the new Flynn book!

Somewhere I came across a reference to John D McDonald and his character Travis McGee. So after having read many of the above mentioned authors, I took a flyer and read a Travis McGee book. Loved it. This author and his character, to me are like the predecessors for many of the authors and the characters mentioned above. Much of the McGee series takes place back in the 60's, which is one of my favorite things about this author as the character has to do all sorts of stuff without any of the high tech gadgets that Rapp and Harvath, etc. all have. Love JDM's writing. His book has one of the few five star rating I have given to any of my Goodreads-listed books.

I think Clive Cussler and his Oregon series, based on Juan Castillo and his crew aboard their ship are very much worth a mention. The Oregon/Juan Castillo books kept me up very late every time I read one.

I think Jack du Brul has a great series of books built around his character Phillip (sp?) Mercer. Mercer is a geologist who roams the world, fighting spies and bad guys left and right. Great page turners. Loved all of du Brul's books.

H. Terrel Griffin has a great character Matt Royal. I've enjoyed all of his books.

Finally James Rollins and his characters Painter Crowe and Gray (sp?) Pierce are great reads too! One of his books (Black Order I think) I thought did a fantastic job working quantum mechanics into the plot line. It was fascinating.

Okay, I'm not Ludlum, and I'm sure as hell not LeCarre. But if you're willing to try a new indie series, take a look at my Richard Paladin books. Just got a review of the second.
Benjamin's review of Clean Coal Killers

I work for a publisher, and if you're interested in any of our spy stories, let me know. I can gift to you if you have a kindle.

Bill wrote: "I recently have gotten into the Daniel Silva novels, especially the Allon series. However, I have just started the last of the Allon series and was wondering if anyone had any suggestions for simil..."

W.E.B Griffin, The Presidential Series are good reads. Griffin spins a good story.

I Read "The Last Man" and I agree with you completely, I'm a huge Mitch Rapp fan, read all the books. I just started the Jack Reacher Series and enjoyed killing floor. Which series do you favor?

Has anyone read the last man. I just got it yesterday and will start it as soon as i finish killing floor.

I agree 100%. Every novel is great and I hate that I have to wait for a new one. But they are worth it.

I just finished killing floor and the development was good. I requested the next book from my local library and want to tell them to get it already. I've been waiting 2 weeks. The Last Man was good but I'll let you read it before I give you any spoilers.

I've read all of Child's books over the last 15 years and liked them all. So, I wondered how Hollywood would
portray Jack Reacher as I had my own mental image of him and Tom Cruise wasn't it. Have any of you seen the movie, Jack Reacher, yet? I went to see it with many reservations but I was pleasantly surprised. I think Tom Cruise did a good job with the character and I see him continuing this series if the movie does well at the box office. Anyone have a review of the movie as far as liking it or not?

Sally wrote: "I've read all of Child's books over the last 15 years and liked them all. So, I wondered how Hollywood would
portray Jack Reacher as I had my own mental image of him and Tom Cruise wasn't it. Have..."

Hey Sally, I have read some of Lee Child's books and I also have this image of Jack Reacher and Tom Cruise is not it. I haven't seen the movie but I was wondering how Tom Cruise could pull it off. I must see the movie so I can post my thoughts.

Sharon wrote: "Sally wrote: "I've read all of Child's books over the last 15 years and liked them all. So, I wondered how Hollywood would
portray Jack Reacher as I had my own mental image of him and Tom Cruise w..."
I've also read some, and thought them quite good. But given the example of such books previously turned into movies, the film will not be as good as the novel.