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Books matching: secret agent

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  1. #1

    The Dark Frontier by Eric Ambler
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    The Dark Frontier by Eric Ambler is a satirical take on the gentleman adventurer secret agent genre, where a mild-mannered and hypercautious physics professor experiences a nervous breakdown while reading a thriller. He awakens in the character of the hero and embarks on a mission to the Balkans to save the world from a superweapon, overthrow an authoritarian government, and even falls in love with a beautiful aristocrat, all without a plan, resources, or support. The book's writing style is described as staccato, resembling a station bookstall thriller of the time, with a narrative that alternates between the protagonist's point of view and that of an American newspaperman recruited by the protagonist.

    The plot of The Dark Frontier unfolds as the protagonist comically misinterprets all evidence that he is not a superhuman secret agent, bumbling his way through his imagined mission. The book is noted for its meta nature, where the protagonist initially reads a contemporary thriller about a superspy before becoming embroiled in his own adventure. Eric Ambler's first novel is seen as a parody of the spy genre, with elements of zaniness and humor that foreshadow his later works, such as 'A Coffin for Dimitrios'.


  2. #2
    Agent 21
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    Book 1 in the series:Agent 21

    Agent 21 - Agent 21 by Chris Ryan
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    'Agent 21' by Chris Ryan follows the story of Zak Darke, a young secret agent who embarks on thrilling missions involving high stakes and dangerous adversaries. Zak is trained in martial arts, firearms, and other essential skills before going undercover on a mission to uncover terrorists and solve mysteries. The plot is fast-paced, filled with action, and keeps readers engaged with unexpected twists and turns. The writing style is described as easy to follow, with well-developed characters and a plausible storyline that appeals to both young adult and older readers.

    Zak looked up. He’d been staring out of the window, where the late afternoon sun was glowing over the school football pitch. He had a pencil in his hand, which he twirled through his fingers. On his t...

  3. #3

    The Wolf's Hour - Michael Gallatin by Robert R. McCammon
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    Set during World War II, 'The Wolf's Hour' follows the story of Michael Gallatin, an operative with lycanthropic abilities working behind enemy lines to complete missions and rescue people. The novel seamlessly blends horror, espionage, and adventure, with flashbacks revealing Michael's origin story as a werewolf. The plot involves a race against time to thwart a Nazi plot and prevent the derailing of the Allied invasion during World War II, all while exploring themes of heroism, sacrifice, and the power of love.

    By February 1941, it had leaped like a firestorm from Europe to the shores of northwest Africa, where Hitler’s commander of German troops, a competent officer named Erwin Rommel, arrived in Tripoli in...

  4. #4
    The Vesuvius Club
    Book 1 in the series:Lucifer Box

    The Vesuvius Club - Lucifer Box by Mark Gatiss
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    When several British scientists turn up dead, Edwardian painter and secret agent Lucifer Box sets off across Europe to track down those responsible. Leaving his residence at 9 Downing Street, Box delves into all things seedy and debauched as he follows the clues and the dead bodies to Naples, leading him to the mysterious and deadly Vesuvius Club. The book is presented as a turn of the century adventure novel, with the style reminiscent of 'The Thirty Nine Steps', involving weird and wonderful characters, and a plotline similar to those found in James Bond novels.

    He was an imposing cove of sixty-odd, built like a pugilist, who had made a fortune in the diamond mines of the Cape. His declining years, he’d told me during the second sitting – when a client begins...

  5. #5

    Blood Oath - Nathaniel Cade by Christopher Farnsworth
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    Blood Oath by Christopher Farnsworth follows Nathaniel Cade, a vampire secret agent bound by a voodoo curse to serve the President of the United States. The book combines elements of thrillers, horror, action, and supernatural beings, presenting a unique take on vampires and other supernatural creatures. The plot revolves around Cade and his partner, Zach Barrows, as they uncover and thwart various supernatural threats, including a rogue's gallery of villains like an immortal alchemist creating super soldiers and young Jihadists plotting against the White House. The writing style is fast-paced, with short chapters resembling scenes from a film, filled with action, mystery, and a touch of political intrigue.

    That was before he was sent to Kosovo. He stepped off the plane and realized it was, in fact, possible for Hell to freeze over. The war in Kosovo, supposedly over for ten years, seemed to have been pr...

  6. #6

    The Chameleon Corps and Other Shape Changers by Ron Goulart
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    The Chameleon Corps and Other Shape Changers by Ron Goulart is a lively collection of short stories featuring Ben Jolson, a reluctant secret agent with shape-shifting abilities. Set in Goulart's imaginative Barnum System, the first five stories chronicle Jolson's humorous and bizarre missions as he grapples with the demands of his role in the Chameleon Corps. Each story brings not only clever antics but also quirky characters, creating a satirical portrayal of the secret agent genre interspersed with sharp social observations.

    Goulart's writing style is slick and modern, with a blend of humor and wit that has secured his place among the top comic science fiction writers. While some critics note a certain superficiality in character development, the overall tone remains entertaining and engaging. The remaining stories in the collection, while darker in themes, continue to deliver Goulart’s trademark humor, making this book a delightful read for fans of science fiction and comedy alike.

    “We’re hoping,” said Azeler, “your notorious instability won’t crop up on this assignment.” Jolson’s slump was making Azeler uneasy and he kept absently throw-tog his narrow shoulders back. “Once on P...

  7. #7

    Agent of Byzantium by Harry Turtledove
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    'Agent of Byzantium' by Harry Turtledove is a collection of short stories set in an alternate medieval world where the Byzantine Empire continued to thrive. The protagonist, Basil Argyros, is a member of an elite order of imperial secret agents, leading the readers through various adventures in his career. Turtledove's writing style jumps across decades in Argyros's life, presenting fragmented vignettes that paint a vivid picture of a historically accurate world filled with army combat scenes, political intrigues, and technological discoveries.

    The book combines elements of alternative history and classic science fiction, exploring a world where key historical figures like Muhammad became Christian monks and technological advancements are discovered in unexpected ways. The plot revolves around Argyros's role as a spy for the Byzantine Empire, uncovering secrets, navigating political landscapes, and engaging in strategic intelligence operations that shape the course of history in this unique timeline.

    Sections of this book have appeared in different form in the July 1985, November 1985, and January 1986 issues of Amazing Science Fiction Stories, and in the August 1986, March 1987, April 1987 and De...

  8. #8

    King of the Khyber Rifles by Talbot Mundy
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    'King of the Khyber Rifles' by Talbot Mundy is a high-adventure story set in British India during the period of the First World War. The plot revolves around Captain Athelstan King, a Secret Service agent sent to the North West Frontier to prevent a potential rebellion among the tribesmen. The narrative combines elements of intrigue, mystery, and atmosphere, depicting the challenges faced by King as he navigates a world of traitors, assassins, and a race against time to save the Raj from impending destruction. The book captures the essence of the Pulp Era storytelling with its vivid portrayal of India and its engaging storyline.

    The writing style of 'King of the Khyber Rifles' is reminiscent of the period it was written in, characterized by long descriptive passages and a formal tone. Talbot Mundy's firsthand experience in India is reflected in the dialogues, character relationships, and the overall setting of the story, providing readers with an authentic depiction of the British Empire's presence in the region during the Great Game era.


  9. #9

    The Secret Service of Tea and Treason - Dangerous Damsels by India Holton
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    'The Secret Service of Tea and Treason' by India Holton is a whimsical spy romance set in a fantastical world where agents Alice Dearlove and Daniel Bixby are tasked with stopping an assassination plot against Queen Victoria. As top agents of the secret service, they go undercover as a married couple of pirates to infiltrate the Wisteria Society, a group known for their outrageous antics. The book is filled with witty banter, bonkers situations, and clever prose, creating a fun and entertaining read for fans of the series.

    The writing style of India Holton in 'The Secret Service of Tea and Treason' is praised for its intelligent humor, sly innuendo, and references to famous literature. The story unfolds with a mix of fantasy elements, flying pirates, witches, and exploding gadgets, adding an exciting twist to the spy genre. Readers appreciate the development of the main characters, Alice and Daniel, as they navigate their undercover mission while also exploring their relationship amidst the chaos of the investigation.


    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Dangerous Damsels )

  10. #10

    Here and Now and Then by Mike Chen
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    'Here and Now and Then' by Mike Chen is a compelling blend of family drama, time travel, and emotional storytelling. The protagonist, Kin Stewart, a time traveler, gets stuck in the past for 18 years, creating a new life with a wife and daughter. When he is rescued and taken back to his original time, he is torn between the two families he loves. The book explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the complexities of family ties across different timelines. Chen's writing style seamlessly weaves together intricate world-building with emotional character development, creating a captivating narrative that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.

    From the way the fingers felt, he calculated the angle of the hand. His peripheral vision picked up two kneeling silhouettes—they were behind him. He was on the floor, facedown. Prone. He had to get t...

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