Books Like...

Shibumi by Trevanian is a geopolitical thriller featuring one of the most blatant Gary Stu characters outside of James Bond. The story revolves around Nicholai Hel, a European with Asian consciousness, who is the world's most wanted man and an accomplished assassin. The plot delves into themes of international espionage, personal excellence, and the battle between ruthless power and corruption. The writing style includes well-researched and convincing details about post-war Japan, Go, caving, and the Basque Pyrenees, alongside offensive cultural stereotyping and elitist pontificating on living a worthwhile life.

'The Ninja' by Eric Van Lustbader is a martial arts mystery thriller that delves into the world of Nicholas Linnear, a man with a multicultural background and exceptional martial arts skills. The book intricately weaves together elements of Japanese and Chinese history, providing readers with a captivating insight into Eastern culture. The story follows Nicholas Linnear as he navigates through a world of action, philosophy, and intrigue, all while being targeted by a mysterious killer. Lustbader's writing style is described as masterful, with heavy imagery and atmosphere that sets the tone for a thrilling narrative.

The plot of 'The Ninja' unfolds with a mix of drama, history, character building, and intense action sequences, all expertly crafted by Lustbader. Readers are taken on a journey of self-discovery and mastery in the secretive ninja arts, as Nicholas Linnear faces challenges that test his skills and beliefs. The book immerses readers into a world of ancient traditions, mysticism, and the art of the ninja, offering a riveting blend of suspense, deep insights, and unexpected twists that keep them eagerly turning the pages.

'Sensei' by John Donohue is a martial arts thriller series that follows the story of Connor Burke, an academic and martial artist who finds himself entangled in a suspenseful plot involving a mystery assassin targeting well-known martial art masters. The narrative skillfully weaves together elements of Japanese martial arts culture, action-packed fighting scenes, and intriguing mysteries, all set in the backdrop of modern-day Manhattan. Readers praised the author's ability to capture the essence of Japanese martial arts and the cultural nuances while delivering a gripping crime thriller.

The writing style of 'Sensei' combines suspenseful storytelling with detailed insights into the world of martial arts, providing readers with a refreshing blend of action and intellectual stimulation. The protagonist, Connor Burke, is portrayed as a complex character balancing his academic pursuits with his dedication to martial arts, creating a compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.

'The Venetian Affair' by Helen MacInnes is a traditional cold war espionage thriller set in post-WWII Venice, focusing on the dangers of totalitarianism and the erosion of freedom. The plot involves a visitor from New York who becomes entangled in a web of espionage, encountering Nato, the CIA, and a host of problems as he follows the money trail to Venice. The book is known for its well-paced and exciting narrative, with jaded heroes, intelligent heroines, nasty villains, skulduggery, evil plots, betrayals, and intrigues typical of MacInnes' writing style.

'What a Carve Up!' by Jonathan Coe is a satirical novel that delves into the lives of the wealthy and ruthless Winshaw family, showcasing their greed, manipulation, and impact on various aspects of British society during the Thatcher era. The narrative weaves together multiple storylines, including a murder mystery, social commentary, and political analysis, all while exploring themes of family dynamics, power, and corruption. Coe's writing style is described as multi-layered, outrageous, and filled with dark humor, cleverly connecting disparate storylines through ridiculous coincidences and Machiavellian machinations.

Throughout the book, readers encounter a cast of exaggerated and caricatured characters, each representing different facets of the darker side of late Thatcherite Britain. Despite some criticisms of the blunt satire and fragmented storytelling, the novel is praised for its engaging plot, witty writing, and poignant moments that blend comedy with social critique. Coe's exploration of themes like greed, political ambition, and media power, combined with his intricate plotting and clever narrative twists, make 'What a Carve Up!' a compelling and thought-provoking read.

'Quiller' in the series 'Quiller' by author Adam Hall is a spy thriller set in Berlin during the Cold War, following the protagonist Quiller, a British secret agent, as he navigates a world of double-crosses, Nazi hunting, and espionage. The narrative delves deep into Quiller's inner thoughts and thought processes, providing a unique perspective on the events unfolding in the story. The plot is described as standard for spy novels, with a focus on the mental state of the super agent, rather than physical attributes or appearance.

'Raise the Titanic!' by Clive Cussler follows the adventures of Dirk Pitt, a marine artifact hunter, who is on a mission to raise the Titanic in order to retrieve a rare radioactive element stored on the ship. Set against the backdrop of brutal storms and Soviet spies, Pitt embarks on a thrilling quest that combines historical references, maritime suspense, and a faceoff with the Russians, all leading to a blockbuster of action and suspense. The story is fast-paced, combining elements of adventure, intrigue, and romance, making it an exciting read for fans of Clive Cussler's thrilling novels.

The plot of 'Raise the Titanic!' is a mix of action, adventure, and historical fiction, with Dirk Pitt facing off against various challenges to secure a mineral that holds the key to the safety of the free world. The narrative weaves through different time periods and continents, involving international politics, secret missions, and high-stakes scenarios. Despite its far-fetched and sometimes unbelievable plot, the book keeps readers engaged with its intricate storyline, fast-paced action, and elements of mystery and romance, making it a captivating journey for those who enjoy a thrilling adventure tale.

In 'The Brotherhood of the Rose', the story follows two orphans, Chris and Saul, who were raised by a mentor to become highly trained assassins. When their mentor turns against them, the brothers team up to seek revenge on those who betrayed them, leading to a fast-paced and action-packed thriller. Despite some logic and believability issues, the novel is praised for its engaging concept of trained assassins operating as a cohesive unit and the well-developed characters of Chris and Saul.

"Incident at Twenty-Mile" by Trevanian is a Western novel with a twist, described as a spoof by the author himself. The story takes place in a dying town named Twenty Mile, where a criminally insane killer named Lieder, along with his two sidekicks, terrorizes the residents with his racist and sadistic behavior. The town's only hope lies with a young drifter named Matthew, who dreams of becoming the town's marshal and saves the day with his ancient blunderbuss. The author weaves a gripping tale filled with Western stereotypes, intense action, and unexpected twists, creating an earthy and authentic portrayal of the lawless and violent Wild West.

The writing style of Trevanian in "Incident at Twenty-Mile" is described as masterful and engaging, with vivid descriptions that bring the historical setting to life. The author's ability to blend elements of a classic Western revenge novel with satirical undertones adds depth to the story, making it more than just a typical genre piece. delves into themes of immigration, conspiracy theories, and the struggle for survival in a harsh and unforgiving landscape, offering readers a unique and thought-provoking take on the Western genre.

'The Ipcress File' by Len Deighton is a gritty spy novel set in the Cold War era, following an unnamed working-class spy who is tasked with unraveling a dark conspiracy involving the kidnapping of scientists and suspicions of espionage. The protagonist, in contrast to the suave James Bond, is relatable and flawed, navigating through a world of bureaucratic incompetence and moral ambiguity. Deighton's writing style is characterized by humor, sarcasm, and a first-person narrative that enhances the reader's engagement with the story.