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.
If you liked Jackdaws, here are the top 64 books to read next:
- #1
Save:Set during World War II in Nazi-occupied Denmark, "Hornet Flight" follows the story of Harald Olufsen, a young Danish student who discovers a German radar installation that is aiding in shooting down British bombers. Harald becomes involved with the Danish resistance in an effort to pass on vital information to the British, leading to a harrowing escape with his Jewish girlfriend to England. The book is praised for its well-developed characters, compelling storyline, and historical accuracy, providing an engaging mix of espionage, romance, and wartime drama. Despite some predictable elements, readers find the writing style to be enjoyable and the pacing to be gripping, making it a worthwhile read for fans of war novels and spy thrillers.
It was a Danish-made Nimbus motorcycle with a sidecar. That in itself was an unusual sight, because there was no petrol for anyone except doctors and the police and, of course, the German troops occup... - #2
Save:'The Lost Girls of Paris' by Pam Jenoff is a historical fiction novel that intertwines the lives of women involved in espionage during WWII. The story follows Grace in post-war New York City, Eleanor in London during 1943, and Marie in occupied France in 1944. Grace stumbles upon a suitcase filled with photographs of female spies, sparking her curiosity to uncover the fate of these women. As the narrative shifts between timelines, readers delve into the world of female SOE agents and the sacrifices they made for the war effort. The book explores themes of friendship, courage, sacrifice, and the untold stories of these lost heroines.
At nine twenty on a Tuesday morning, Grace should have been headed south on the first of two buses she took to get downtown, commuting from the rooming house in Hell’s Kitchen to the Lower East Side o... - #3
Save:'Madame Fourcade's Secret War: The Daring Young Woman Who Led France's Largest Spy Network Against Hitler' by author Lynne Olson is a gripping biography that delves into the incredible life of Marie Madeleine Fourcade, a woman who led a large spy network in France during World War II. The book highlights Fourcade's remarkable accomplishments as she masterminded the biggest spy ring across occupied France, providing essential information to the Allies and putting her agents in incredible danger. Olson's narrative reads like an espionage thriller, bringing to life the bravery and sacrifices of Fourcade and her Alliance members as they navigated the dangerous world of espionage during wartime.
The biography not only documents Fourcade's extraordinary journey but also sheds light on the complexities and challenges faced by women in the French Resistance during World War II. Olson's detailed research and compelling storytelling offer a vivid portrayal of Fourcade's resilience, determination, and unwavering commitment to the cause. The book captures the essence of a woman who defied societal norms, overcame obstacles, and played a pivotal role in the fight against the German forces, ultimately becoming a symbol of courage and leadership in a time of turmoil.
Her sister’s drawing room was already crowded when Marie-Madeleine Fourcade arrived. In one corner, Georges, her brother-in-law, was deep in discussion with a cluster of male guests. Spotting her sist... - #4
Save:"The White Mouse" by Nancy Wake is an autobiographical account of Nancy Wake's experiences during WWII as a fearless resistance courier, spy, and leader. Readers found it engaging, interesting, and authentic as Nancy shares her story in her own words. The writing style is described as frank, realistic, and honest, keeping readers hooked throughout the book. Nancy's courage, sacrifices, and contributions to the war effort, particularly in aiding the Resistance against the Nazis in France, are highlighted, showcasing her tenacity and resourcefulness.
This is the story of a naive and rather sensitive young Australasian romantic who arrived in Paris in 1934 determined not to be uncouth, and of how her experiences made her the woman who K.O.’d a wait... - #5
Save: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.
It was the five-year-old white bull he had bought in Gialo, the youngest and strongest of the three beasts, and the least ill-tempered: he liked the animal as much as a man could like a camel, which i... - #6
Save: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.
Some of them are real—I was given four at birth alone—but most are carefully constructed personas to get me through checkpoints and across borders. They are lies scribbled on forged travel documents. ... - #7
Save: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 ... "A Life in Secrets: Vera Atkins and the Missing Agents of WWII" by Sarah Helm delves into the clandestine work of the Special Operations Executive (SOE) during World War II, focusing on the story of Vera Atkins, who played a crucial role in recruiting and training agents for dangerous missions behind enemy lines. Through meticulous research and investigative journalism, Sarah Helm uncovers the hidden truths and sacrifices made by these agents, particularly the female operatives who faced grave risks and often went missing or were captured by the enemy. weaves together the history of SOE operations in France, Vera Atkins' relentless search to uncover the fate of the missing agents, and a revealing biography of Vera Atkins herself, showcasing her unconventional and mysterious past.
I wish to thank most profoundly each one of Vera's SOE colleagues and their families, as well as those who worked with her on war crimes investigation. Tim Buckmaster readily advised on his father's w...- #9
Save:'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.
The SS colonel eased shut the high, heavy door. The portal closed with a hiss and a soft tap. How many trees went into this, he wondered, lives sacrificed out of the forest to make one of Hitler’s cas...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series WWII ) - #10
Save:The Unlikely Spy by Daniel Silva is a World War II spy thriller set in the days leading up to the Normandy invasion. The plot revolves around a network of spies and counter-spies from both the German Abwehr and British MI5, with a focus on the desperate attempt to keep the location of the planned invasion of Europe a secret. The book features a mix of real and fictional characters, including a university professor turned spy catcher, a German sleeper agent posing as a Dutch tourist, and a master spy trainer struggling with his loathing of Hitler. The narrative is filled with twists and turns, espionage, deception, and the race to uncover crucial information that could determine the outcome of the war.
Twenty minutes before her death she stood at the dreary bus stop and read the timetable in the dim light of the village’s single streetlamp. In a few months the lamp would be extinguished to conform w...
