Books Like...

In 'Jackdaws' by Ken Follett, the story is set in Nazi-occupied France during World War II, focusing on a group of British women who are sent on a secret mission to destroy a strategic target. The plot revolves around the mission to blow up a Nazi telephone exchange in a small town, with the protagonist, Flick, leading the team of female spies. The narrative is fast-paced, with a mix of action, suspense, and historical details that provide an engaging look at the women of the Resistance and the agents of the SOE who supported them. The writing style is described as well-crafted, with a good balance between familiar plot elements and unique perspectives, particularly the switch between the German and British sides of the story.

The book is praised for its portrayal of strong female characters, the gripping storyline that keeps readers invested in the outcome of the daring mission, and the well-researched historical background that adds depth to the narrative. Readers appreciate the suspenseful nature of the plot, the detailed descriptions that bring the WWII setting to life, and the way the author weaves together different perspectives to create a compelling and immersive reading experience. The book is commended for its blend of suspense, historical accuracy, and engaging characters, making it an enjoyable and memorable read for fans of historical fiction and WWII-themed novels.

Winter of the World, the second book in Ken Follett's Century Trilogy, continues the saga of five interlinked families against the backdrop of World War II and its aftermath. The novel delves into the lives of characters from various countries, including the United States, England, Germany, and Russia, as they navigate the tumultuous events of the mid-twentieth century. Readers are taken on a journey through the complexities of war, love, suffering, and resilience, all intricately woven into the historical events of the era.

Follett's writing style in Winter of the World is described as compelling and immersive, with a focus on intertwining the personal lives of characters with the grand stage of global conflict. The novel is praised for its attention to historical accuracy and the depth of emotions portrayed, offering a vivid depiction of the impact of World War II on individuals from different walks of life.

"A Dangerous Fortune" by Ken Follett follows the lives of the Pilaster Family, particularly focusing on Hugh, over a span of 30 plus years. The story revolves around family conflict, tensions, and manipulation set against the backdrop of the late 1800s English banking scene. The plot includes elements of mystery, intrigue, treachery, and character development, with a narrative that spans generations and intertwines various relationships and events.

delves into themes of deception, family dynamics, financial chicanery, loveless marriages, murder, and the impact of individual decisions on the future. It is described as a page-turner with a fast-paced plot, rich and believable characters, and a blend of suspense, greed, retribution, and complex relationships. The writing style is praised for its detail, historical accuracy, and the ability to engage readers with a well-crafted storyline that balances darkness with humor.

Front Lines by Michael Grant is an alternate history novel set during World War II, where women are allowed to serve in the US armed forces. The story follows three young women from different backgrounds who decide to join the war effort for various reasons. The book explores their experiences from training to facing combat in North Africa, highlighting the challenges they face due to prejudice and the camaraderie they develop along the way.

The narrative style of Front Lines is engaging, with multiple viewpoints providing a comprehensive look at the lives of the female soldiers. The author skillfully blends fact and fiction to create a gritty and believable alternative world, delving into themes of strength, perseverance, and the role of women in the military during wartime.

In "The Key to Rebecca" by Ken Follett, the story is set in Cairo during World War II, where a German spy named Alex Wolff is on a mission to steal British military plans to aid Field Marshall Rommel's invasion of Egypt. The protagonist, Major William Vandam, is a British intelligence officer dedicated to catching Wolff. The cat-and-mouse game between the spy and the intelligence officer unfolds against the backdrop of the war in Africa, with themes of espionage, romance, and betrayal intertwining in the plot. The writing style is described as tightly written with good characterization, capturing the essence of big cities in the Near East, and keeping the reader riveted till the end.

'Last Citadel: A Novel of the Battle of Kursk' by David L. Robbins is a historical fiction novel set during WWII, focusing on the Battle of Kursk. The book delves into the bravery and tenacity of the Russians, the tank battles, and the intricate details of individual characters like tank driver Dimitri Berko and double agent Colonel Abram Breit. The writing style immerses the reader in the history through appealing fictional and some non-fictional characters, taut writing, and a wonderful sense of place.

Code Name Helene by Ariel Lawhon is a historical novel that fictionalizes the life of Nancy Wake, a remarkable woman who played multiple roles during World War II, including being a journalist, spy, and military leader. The book portrays Nancy's bravery and heroism as she helps Jewish people escape from France and becomes a powerful leader in the French resistance. Through a blend of real historical events and fictional storytelling, the author paints a vivid picture of Nancy's life and her contributions to the war effort.

Set during World War II, 'Eye of the Needle' by Ken Follett is a thrilling spy novel that follows the story of a German spy known as 'The Needle' who holds crucial information that could change the course of the war. As British Military Intelligence races to stop him from reaching Hitler with the information, the suspense builds up relentlessly to a thrilling climax. The novel expertly blends historical events surrounding the lead-up to D-Day with a gripping spy narrative, keeping readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish.

Follett's writing style in 'Eye of the Needle' is described as fast-paced, suspenseful, and full of action and adventure. The characters are starkly drawn, the intensity is palpable, and the plot keeps readers engaged with its twists and turns. The author successfully creates a sense of realism and intrigue, providing insight into the life and times during World War II while delivering a compelling spy mystery that captures the imagination of readers.

"The Winds of War" by Herman Wouk is a historical fiction novel set during World War II, following the Henry family as they navigate the tumultuous events leading up to the war and the early years of the conflict. The book expertly blends historical facts with a family saga, offering vivid portrayals of famous figures like Hitler, Churchill, Roosevelt, and Stalin, while also delving into the personal lives and challenges of the characters. Wouk's writing style combines fiction and nonfiction elements, captivating readers with a compelling story that transports them back in time to the era of the war.

The plot of "The Winds of War" is sprawling and epic, reminiscent of James Michener's works, as it covers a wide range of events and locations related to World War II. Through the lens of the Henry family, readers are provided with a comprehensive view of the lead-up to the war, the impact on American families, and the historical backdrop of the conflict. The book's engaging storytelling and inclusion of both fictional and real-life characters make it a captivating read that offers insights into the scale and scope of World War II.

'The Spy and the Traitor' by Ben Macintyre is a gripping account of the Cold War espionage story of Oleg Gordievsky, a KGB double agent who worked for MI6. The narrative delves into Gordievsky's life as a spy, detailing his recruitment, spy work, and eventual betrayal, leading to a nail-biting exfiltration operation. Macintyre's precise and meticulous writing style, along with well-chosen photos, makes the book consistently compelling and suspenseful, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as the story unfolds.

Macintyre's narrative not only covers the espionage aspects of Gordievsky's story but also provides insights into the inner workings of the KGB and MI6 during the Cold War era. offers a riveting account of how Gordievsky's actions helped defuse a potential nuclear escalation between the West and the USSR, highlighting the high stakes and real-world consequences of espionage activities during that period.