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'Our Kind of Traitor' by John le Carre is a spy thriller that follows a young couple, Perry and Gail, who get caught up in a web of power, money, violence, and corruption when they meet a Russian money launderer named Dima in Antigua. Dima wants to defect and share information with British Intelligence about British politicians in exchange for protection for his family. The novel is praised for its well-developed characters, tense plot, and a critical view of international politics and big business. The story unfolds with intrigue and betrayal at high levels, leaving readers with more questions than answers at the end, which is a signature of John le Carre's writing style.

If you liked Our Kind of Traitor, here are the top 16 books to read next:

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Showing 1 - 10 of 16 
  1. #1

    The Night Manager by John le Carré
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    'The Night Manager' by John le Carre is a post-Cold War spy thriller that follows the story of Jonathan Pine, a former soldier turned night manager at a luxurious hotel. Pine gets entangled in the dark world of arms dealing and espionage when he encounters Richard Roper, a wealthy arms dealer, at his hotel. Pine is recruited by British Intelligence to infiltrate Roper's operation and bring him down, navigating through a web of deceit, betrayal, and dangerous alliances. The novel is praised for its intricate plot, detailed characterizations, and the transition from old-school espionage to modern intelligence operations, all depicted with a cool, tight grace and emotional restraint.

    On a snow-swept January evening of 1991, Jonathan Pine, the English night manager of the Hotel Meister Palace in Zürich, forsook his office behind the reception desk and, in the grip of feelings he ha...

  2. #2

    The Constant Gardener by John le Carré
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    The Constant Gardener by John le Carre is a gripping political thriller that delves into the dark world of pharmaceutical companies testing drugs on unsuspecting African populations. The story follows Justin Quayle, a British diplomat, as he investigates the murder of his wife Tessa, who was killed while uncovering the corruption and cover-up surrounding the drug testing. The novel is praised for its realistic and heartbreakingly realistic portrayal of the fight against corporate and political corruption, while also highlighting the complex relationships and moral dilemmas faced by the characters.

    The writing style of The Constant Gardener is described as captivating, compelling, and complex, with rich characters and detailed locations that bring the story to life. The book is commended for its sharp dialogue, socially conscious themes, and the ability to blend elements of suspense, thriller, and romance seamlessly, making it an engaging and thought-provoking read.

    The news hit the British High Commission in Nairobi at nine-thirty on a Monday morning. Sandy Woodrow took it like a bullet, jaw rigid, chest out, smack through his divided English heart. He was stand...

  3. #3

    A Most Wanted Man by John le Carré
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    A young abused Chechen immigrant named Issa Karpov arrives illegally in Hamburg seeking an inheritance to donate to Muslim charitable causes. He is represented by an idealistic lawyer, Annabelle Richter, who works for a German organization assisting illegals. The plot unfolds with interactions between Issa, Annabel, and a British banker, Tommy Brue, as they navigate through the complexities of illegal immigration, private banking, and terrorism. The story delves into the struggles between intelligence services, the battle between creating assets and preventing terrorism, and the cynicism within the world of espionage. The writing style is described as tightly woven, with rich dialogue, vivid details, and a steady pace that draws readers into a world of spies, secrets, and danger.

    A Turkish heavyweight boxing champion sauntering down a Hamburg street with his mother on his arm can scarcely be blamed for failing to notice that he is being shadowed by a skinny boy in a black coat...

  4. #4

    Nightmare Alley by William Lindsay Gresham
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    Nightmare Alley by William Lindsay Gresham is a noir novel that delves into the dark world of carnivals, conmen, and spiritual manipulations. The story follows the rise and fall of Stanton Carlisle, a cunning mentalist who uses his skills to deceive and manipulate for personal gain. The book is structured around tarot trumps, reflecting the protagonist's journey through a series of cons and schemes that eventually lead to his downfall. Gresham's writing style captures the gritty atmosphere of the carny underworld, blending vivid descriptions with a mix of stream of consciousness and external observations.

    This geek was a thin man who wore a suit of long underwear dyed chocolate brown. The wig was black and looked like a mop, and the brown greasepaint on the emaciated face was streaked and smeared with ...

  5. #5

    The Little Drummer Girl by John le Carré
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    The Little Drummer Girl by John le Carre is a spy novel set in the late 1970s Middle East, revolving around the story of an English actress named Charlie who is recruited by Israeli intelligence to infiltrate a Palestinian terrorist cell. The book explores themes of espionage, terrorism, and the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The plot unfolds as Charlie is drawn into a dangerous game where she must navigate between her role as a double agent and her growing sympathies towards the Palestinian cause, all while being entangled in a web of deceit and manipulation.

    The writing style of John le Carre in The Little Drummer Girl is praised for its meticulous attention to detail and intricate plot development. The author expertly weaves together a narrative that delves deep into the psychological complexities of the characters, particularly Charlie, and provides a nuanced portrayal of the espionage world and the moral dilemmas faced by those involved. The book offers a thought-provoking exploration of loyalty, betrayal, and the blurred lines between reality and fiction in the realm of international intrigue.

    It was the Bad Godesberg incident that gave the proof, though the German authorities had no earthly means of knowing this. Before Bad Godesberg, there had been growing suspicion; a lot of it. But the ...

  6. #6

    Call for the Dead - George Smiley by John le Carré
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    "Call for the Dead" by John le Carre is the first novel in the George Smiley series, introducing the character of Smiley as a complex and introspective spy. The book combines elements of a murder mystery and spy thriller, set against the backdrop of the Cold War era. The writing style is described as vivid, detailed, and engaging, with a focus on human intelligence rather than gadgets, keeping readers guessing with its intricate plots and suspenseful storytelling.

    When Lady Ann Sercomb married George Smiley towards the end of the war she described him to her astonished Mayfair friends as breathtakingly ordinary. When she left him two years later in favour of a ...

  7. #7
    Authority
    Book 2 in the series:Southern Reach

    Authority - Southern Reach by Jeff VanderMeer
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    Authority, the second book in the Southern Reach trilogy by Jeff VanderMeer, shifts focus from the explorers of Area X to the bureaucrats and scientists of the Southern Reach agency, responsible for studying and protecting the mysterious Area X. The storyline revolves around John Rodriguez, known as Control, who becomes the acting director of Southern Reach. The book delves into the complexities of the agency, the politics, the intrigue, and the mysteries surrounding Area X, providing a different perspective than the first book, Annihilation. The writing style is described as methodical, heavy on bureaucratic infighting, and at times chaotic and paranoid, creating a creepy and unsettling atmosphere.

    Control stood beside the assistant director of the Southern Reach, behind smudged one-way glass, staring at the three individuals sitting in the interrogation room. Returnees from the twelfth expediti...

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Southern Reach )

  8. #8

    A Perfect Spy by John le Carré
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    A Perfect Spy by John le Carre is a complex and introspective novel that delves into the life of Magnus Pym, a double spy, as he navigates his personal and professional struggles. The book intertwines elements of espionage, coming-of-age, and autobiography, offering a deep insight into the life of a spy and the psyche of the protagonist. The narrative spans over generations, exploring Pym's relationships, betrayals, and the impact of his father's shadow on his life.

    The writing style of A Perfect Spy is described as intricate and thoughtful, with a nonlinear structure that immerses readers into the minds of the characters. John le Carre masterfully crafts a story that is more of a character study than a traditional thriller, highlighting the complexities of human nature and the moral dilemmas faced by spies. The novel is praised for its depth, well-developed characters, and the way it breaks away from the conventional spy genre to offer a more realistic and poignant narrative.

    In the small hours of a blustery October morning in a south Devon coastal town that seemed to have been deserted by its inhabitants, Magnus Pym got out of his elderly country taxicab and, having paid ...

  9. #9

    The Spy Who Came in from the Cold - George Smiley by John le Carré
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    'The Spy Who Came in from the Cold' by John le Carre is a classic spy novel set during the Cold War era, focusing on the protagonist Alec Leamas, a British spy navigating a complex world of espionage and counter-espionage. The plot revolves around Leamas' final assignment in East Germany, filled with twists and turns, moral dilemmas, and unexpected outcomes. The writing style is described as taut, gripping, and masterfully crafted, with a focus on subtle deception, intricate character development, and a sense of paranoia that reflects the mood of the Cold War era.

    ‘Shut up,’ said Leamas from the window. One of the policemen left the hut and walked to the sandbag emplacement two feet short of the white demarcation which lay across the road like the base line of ...

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series George Smiley )

  10. #10

    Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy - George Smiley by John le Carré
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    Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy by John le Carre is a cold war spy novel set in the world of British intelligence, focusing on the hunt for a mole within MI6. The plot unfolds through dialogue and recounts of interactions with the Russian intelligence mastermind Karla, revealing a complex and twisty storyline. The protagonist, George Smiley, comes out of retirement to investigate and unravels the knot of betrayal and mistrust within the Circus, MI6's top intelligence unit.

    The writing style of the book is described as dense, with packed pages of jargon, digressions, and names, creating a paranoid and isolated world of espionage. The conversations among characters are full of arch and Circus jargon, providing a detailed insight into the world of spies and the game played by schoolboys with real consequences in the intelligence community.

    The truth is, if old Major Dover hadn’t dropped dead at Taunton races Jim would never have come to Thursgood’s at all. He came in mid-term without an interview, late May it was though no one would hav...

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