20 Best Espionage Authors: Masters of Spy-Craft in Literature

Discover the best espionage authors and immerse yourself in the realm of spy fiction with thrilling tales of intrigue and deceit.

We have created a list of the best espionage authors to satisfy your inner spook! Behold the world of secret intelligence, where the heroic and dastardly trade secrets in a calculated game of cat and mouse.

Many consider James Fenimore Cooper’s 1821 book The Spy: A Tale of Neutral Ground the first espionage novel. It certainly set the tone for the many excellent spy novels that followed.

Spy fiction became more attractive to authors in the First World War and saw its heyday during the Cold War. Nonetheless, it remains a popular genre with readers, particularly among fans of crime and thrillers, the two most popular fiction genres at this time.

In the words of globally acclaimed espionage author John le Carré, “A spy, like a writer, lives outside the mainstream population. He steals his experience through bribes and reconstructs it.”

Read on as we unmask the masters of fictional espionage and reveal how their enthralling narratives keep us turning pages way past our bedtime!

Check out our list of the best spy novels to add to your must-read list!

Best Espionage Authors Ranked

1. John le Carré, 1931 – 2020

We start our list with one of the best-known authors of the postwar era, David John Moore Cornwell (nom de plume John le Carré). This former British MI5 and MI6 intelligence officer turned his real-life experiences into gripping tales of intrigue.

As a reader, one cannot help but admire the intricacy of le Carré’s plots, his keen understanding of human nature, and the deft way he weaves ethical dilemmas into his narratives.

The authenticity that le Carré brings to his stories has earned him many honors, including the Olof Palme Prize and the Goethe Medal. His works aren’t just confined to the printed page, either. Several of his novels, including Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy, have been adapted into successful films and television series, further amplifying his reach and influence.

Le Carré has 26 books to his name, including The Night Manager, Smiley’s People, and The Spy Who Came In From The Cold. If you are new to this author, we strongly recommend you check out his novels prior to watching any film or TV adaptations. As his official website states, “For over half a century, he has lived by his pen.” As such, we feel he deserves to be appreciated in the original medium.

“The more identities a man has, the more they express the person they conceal.”

John le Carré, Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy

Check out our list of the best war books of all time!

2. Len Deighton, 1929 –

Leonard Cyril Deighton has enjoyed over half a century of success since he penned his first novel, The Ipcress File. This renowned spy novel features the anti-hero smuggler-turned-spy, Harry Palmer. He’s tasked with finding a missing nuclear scientist during the Cold War, setting the stage for a grimy, unglamorized version of espionage. Many find the book amusing, relating to the “working man” Palmer, who’s far from the steely spies of most espionage novels.

The English author served in the Royal Air Force and is fond of incorporating his intensive research into his writing. But what draws readers in is his characters’ natural and clever dialogue. Many of Deighton’s novels have film adaptations, such as The Ipcress File, Funeral in Berlin (1966), and Spy Story (1976). In 2022, The Ipcress File became a thriller TV mini-series.

As always, though, we recommend you enjoy Deighton’s work in written format. As all bookworms appreciate, no director can visualize the narrative as well as your own imagination.

“But after a little while I got used to the tedium, understanding that these parts of my work were as essential to the arabesques of the final pattern as the rest bars are to a symphony.”

Len Deighton, The Ipcress File

3. Ian Fleming, 1908 – 1964

You’re not a true fan of spy fiction if you haven’t encountered Ian Fleming’s works in one form or another. In case you’ve been living under a rock, Fleming’s the mind behind the suave James Bond, starting with his 1952 novel Casino Royale. Thanks to his 14-novel collection on the character, we have 27 Agent 007 films we can binge-watch today.

Fleming’s stint as a British Naval Intelligence Officer during World War II breathed authenticity into his writing. Inspired by the war, fellow officers, and soldiers, Fleming created the M16 agent, James Bond.

As a military officer and journalist, Fleming’s narration is descriptive but succinct. This brevity makes it easy for readers to immerse themselves in his high-stakes world of spy thrillers. If you’re longing for an adventurous plunge into the world of spies with a side serving of high-class glamour, there’s nothing like a Fleming novel to satisfy your craving.

“Surround yourself with human beings, my dear James. They are easier to fight for than principles.”

Ian Fleming, Casino Royale

4. Charles McCarry, 1930 – 2019

Often hailed as the “American John le Carré,” Charles McCarry is renowned for his realistic and engaging depiction of international espionage. McCarry believed that “a novel is a collaboration between the writer and the reader,” — and he demonstrated it in his brisk, descriptive writing. He was a master concocter of suspense, political intrigue, and drama.

He’s best remembered for his Paul Christopher series, particularly his 1974 novel, The Tears of Autumn. It centers around the most scandalous political murder of the 20th century — President John F. Kennedy’s assassination. McCarry’s theory on the incident may never be proven true, but his logical speculation still ensnares readers.

At age 88, McCarry died of cerebral hemorrhage complications, but he left a legacy that’s sure to continue for years to come.

“Idealists make brave agents, but they are bad intelligence officers. They cannot exist for long without the company of like minds; they have a need to speak their beliefs and to hear their beliefs spoken.”

Charles McCarry, Tears of Autumn

5. David Ignatius, 1950 –

From the bustling newsroom to the heart-thumping world of international espionage, David Ignatius threads intricate tales of deception and intrigue. He said he writes fiction “because it was the only way to tell all the intricacies of a real-life spy story.” Why I Write: By David Ignatius

Ignatius’s work inspired his 11 novels, mainly his time working for multiple news outlets. His experience with the International Herald Tribune, The Wall Street Journal, and The Washington Post gifted him many tales to share. As a correspondent, he delved into confidential (and controversial) subjects, including information about the Middle East, the Pentagon, and the Justice System.

His 40-plus years in journalism have sharpened Ignatius’ genius in infusing his tales with real-world political intricacies. This skill is reflected in his spy novels like Agents of Innocence and Body of Lies, adapted into a 2008 film starring Leonardo DiCaprio.

“Fear your enemy once, fear your friend a thousand times.”

David Ignatius, Agents of Innocence

6. Paul Vidich, 1989 –

Paul Vidich, an acclaimed author of spy novels, uses his entertainment industry insights to pen tension-filled plots. Expect his books to transport you into the murky world of Cold War-era espionage as you experience clandestine operations and covert dealings.

Such is demonstrated in his debut novel, An Honorable Man, where he borrowed facts from James Speyer Kronthal’s life. Kronthal was “a brilliant young deputy of Allen Dulles who had worked in the OSS with Dulles in the Bern Station during [the] World War II.” Kronthal was blackmailed by the Soviets, who held incriminating information about his personal life, and, as a result, he became a Soviet mole in the CIA.

Vidich is praised for his meticulous attention to detail, layered characters, and atmospheric, noirish storytelling. His bibliography includes Beirut Station, The Good Assassin, and The Coldest Warrior.

“Don’t let your imagination take you to a place where we’ll have to lie to each other.”

Paul Vidich, The Good Assassin

7. Mick Herron, 1963 – 

British novelist Mick Herron published his debut book in 2003, titled Down Cemetery Road. But what made his literature most memorable is the scruffy and rude Jackson Lamb of his Slough House series. In 2010, he released the franchise’s first installment, Slow Horses, and readers welcomed espionage — in all its deglamorized glory. Twelve years later, it’s now an award-winning 2022 TV series.

Herron’s writing style involves gradually building scenarios with deftly crafted, flawed characters readers find refreshingly relatable. In an interview with Ian Fleming, Herron shared that he has chosen the spy thriller genre for its versatility, where he can delve into various subjects and tones, from political to personal to global.

Herron’s work has been recognized by prestigious institutions, with accolades such as being shortlisted for the CWA Gold Dagger for Best Crime Novel in 2018, winning the Steel Dagger Award in 2017, and bagging the Capital Crime Best Thriller Award in 2019. Other popular titles by Herron include This is What Happened, Down Cemetery Road, and Smoke and Whispers.

“Fear lives in the guts. That’s where it makes its home. It moves in, shifts stuff around; empties a space for itself — it likes the echoes its wingbeats make.”

Mick Herron, Slow Horses

8. W. Somerset Maugham, 1874 – 1965

In his 91-year lifespan, Maugham gave the world an array of literary masterpieces, imbuing his espionage fiction with his experiences as an MI6 agent during the First World War. He’s also believed to be the first real spy who wrote books about spies, making him one of the critical pillars of the genre. These books did not only show off his literary talents. They also influenced many espionage giants that would follow, including Ian Fleming and John Le Carré.

To this day, readers and writers praise his professional, idiomatic narrative and astute understanding of the human psyche. His most notable contribution was his 1927 book, Ashenden: Or the British Agent. This collection contains 16 loosely linked stories and was a required reading material for those entering the Secret Service. In 1991, it became a TV mini-series titled Ashenden.

Other notable works include The Painted Veil, The Moon and Sixpence, and The Magician.

“All sensible people know that vanity is the most devastating, the most universal, and the most ineradicable of the passions that afflict the soul of man, and it is only vanity that makes him deny its power.”

W. Somerset Maugham, Ashenden, or The British Agent

9. Alan Furst, 1941 –

As a historical spy fiction author, Alan Furst’s protagonists lack James Bond’s fancy gadgets and guns. Moreover, Furst’s literature focuses on “accidental” spies — everyday people who can’t bear to sit idle in the face of turmoil. With his writing prowess, many hail him as an heir to Eric Ambler and Graham Greene.

His 1987 tale, Night Soldiers, began his best-known series. However, the 15-book collection, set between 1933 and 1944, can be read as standalone novels, each one a thrilling immersion into the gritty realities of wartime espionage.

His bibliography includes A Hero of France, Spies of the Balkans, and Dark Voyage.

In an interview with Politico, Furst shared that he writes at a very high level “Because it’s what I like. You’re always writing the book you’d want to read if you’re a writer.”

“Live today, for tomorrow we die.”

Alan Furst, Night Soldiers

10. Graham Greene, 1904 – 1991 

Graham Greene died of Leukemia in 1991, but his literary legacy will live on. As novelist William Golding said, “Greene will be read and remembered as the ultimate chronicler of 20th-century man’s consciousness and anxieties.”

Greene’s writing is straightforward and realistic. He pens characters trapped in seedy situations, letting readers in on their internal monologues to demonstrate their decision-making process.

His masterpiece, The Quiet American, is a poignant exploration of the First Indochina War. Here, Greene picks apart the often overlooked moral complexities of war through a love triangle between an American, an Englishman, and a Vietnamese woman.

This novel, like many of his works, was adapted into a 2002 film with the same title.

Greene wrote across genres, but other notable spy fiction by this author include The Spy’s Bedside Book, Stamboul Train, and The Confidential Agent.

“Innocence is a kind of insanity”

Graham Greene, The Quiet American

11. Joseph Conrad, 1857 – 1924

Although born in Poland, Joseph Conrad made his mark in the English literary world with his piercing insight into the human condition. This enthusiasm made him a prominent figure in literary impressionism.

Conrad’s works are deliberately complex and written from multiple perspectives, with anti-hero protagonists.

His time as a sailor roused his creativity, eventually leading to 43 fictional tales. One of his best is The Secret Agent, which presents a chillingly accurate depiction of anarchism, terrorism, and the exploitation of the innocents. The 1894 Greenwich Bombing inspired the novel. Later, it was adapted into a 1996 film.

“Madness alone is truly terrifying, inasmuch as you cannot placate it by threats, persuasion, or bribes.”

Joseph Conrad, The Secret Agent

12. Eric Ambler, 1909 – 1998

Eric Ambler, a British author, revolutionized the espionage genre by trading the clichéd patriotic super-spy of his time for more realistic, relatable protagonists. 

Ambler’s narratives are rich in atmospheric detail. He also plants seeds of curiosity in his characters’ dialogues to compel readers to become armchair spies. This technique is something he honed from his career as a copywriter.

His 1939 novel, The Mask of Dimitrios, was turned into a movie in 1944. His literary portfolio inspired several films and TV adaptations. Ambler won many accolades during his lifetime, both for his novels and screen adaptations.

His bibliography includes Uncommon Danger, Cause for Alarm, and The Intercom Conspiracy.

“In a dying civilization, political prestige is the reward not of the shrewdest diagnostician, but of the man with the best bedside manner.”

Eric Ambler, The Mask of Dimitrios

13. Charles Cumming, 1971 –

Though he was approached by a family friend back in the 1990s to be part of the MI6, Charles Cumming quickly realized he was just not what the government agency was looking for. With that out of the way, the Ayr-born Scot has no hindrances to fulfilling his dream of becoming a novelist.

But he also did not let that brush with MI6 go to waste. In 2001, he penned his first book, A Spy By Nature, blending fiction and his real-life experience with the failed recruitment process.

One of his 12 New York Times bestsellers is BOX 88, about an elite transatlantic black ops outfit. Other notable titles include A Spy by Nature, Typhoon, and The Trinity Six.

“There’s no point in asking me these questions. I’m not a politician, Ramin. I’m just a guy who reads the Economist and the New York Times.”

Charles Cumming, BOX 88

14. Robbert Littell, 1935 –

As a Jewish man born during the onset of the Cold War, Robert Littell is no stranger to the tension of war and espionage. After graduating from university, he served in the US Navy and later became a journalist. Despite being a naval navigator and warfare officer, Littell’s literature focuses on the CIA and the Soviet Union.

He has penned over 20 novels, with The Company being one of his most famous. This 2002 novel has been adapted into a 2007 TV mini-series. Like his other works, it’s well-received for its top-grade portrayal of the inner workings of secret intelligence agencies. Other famed novels from this author are The Defection of A.J.Lewinter, The Once and Future Spy, and Mother Russia.

“If you want to keep a big secret, disguise it as a boring and inconsequential secret rather then try to convince people it is not a secret at all.”

Robert Littell, The Company

15. John Buchan, 1875 – 1940

John Buchanan was a politician, historian, and diplomat. He was also a publisher and wrote as a distraction from illness and the war. Although he only wrote during his free time, the 15th Governor General of Canada penned at least 50 fiction books during his lifetime.

Though he was in office for almost five years, Buchan is most revered for his thrilling novels, particularly The Thirty-Nine Steps —  a tale about a man framed for murder. This book was adapted into a classic 1935 film, The 39 Steps, directed by Alfred Hitchcock.

Other noteworthy reads from Buchan are Greenmantle and Mr. Standfast. Both books are a part of the Richard Hannay series.

“I believe everything out of the common. The only thing to distrust is the normal.”

John Buchan, The Thirty-Nine Steps

16. James Hilton, 1900 – 1954

James Hilton was truly a man of multiple talents. Born in Leigh, England, Hilton was a journalist, novelist, and Academy Award-winning screenwriter.

He gained attention in espionage fiction with his book Knight Without Armour, a.k .a. Without Armor in the US. It’s about an Englishman, A.J. Fothergill, a British spy exiled to Siberia. Here, Hilton focused on his protagonist’s character development. His writing is brisk, realistic, and absorbing, making the readers root for Fothergill’s survival. The novel was adapted into a 1937 film.

Another work that put Hilton in the literary spotlight is the 1942 classic war film Mrs. Miniver. The film centers around a family coping with war, a very apt subject at the time. It won six Oscars.

“Villages were safer than towns; the people in them were usually more kindly, less terrified of the authorities, and less likely to be inquisitive.”

James Hilton, Knight Without Armour

17. Viet Thanh Nguyen, 1971 –  

Viet Thanh Nguyen, a Vietnamese-American author, catapulted to fame with his 2015 novel The Sympathizer. It clinched the 2016 Pulitzer Prize and Edgar Award for Best First Novel.

Following such a bold entrance to the espionage genre, Nguyen has consistently produced enthralling spy adventures underpinned by sharp socio-political commentary. His Nothing Ever Dies (2016) and The Committed (2021) continue to impress critics and fans.

His characters navigate through murky moral grounds, providing readers with nail-biting suspense and intimate glimpses into the human psyche. His books, though intense, are easily digestible and compelling, making them a must-read for any espionage genre enthusiast.

“Nothing… is ever so expensive as what is offered for free.”

Viet Thanh Nguyen, The Sympathizer

18. James Church, 1947 – 

The identity of the American author behind the pseudonym “James Church” remains a mystery. Church is an ex-CIA intelligence officer who served in East Asia for many years.

He’s the author of the Inspector O series, a six-novel collection featuring a North Korean police officer caught in sinister schemes and coverups. Church’s inspiration for his tales comes from his many trips to Asia, specifically the Hermit Kingdom.

The first installment in his Inspector O series is A Corpse in the Koryo, was published in 2006. Here, Church demonstrated his knowledge of North Korea’s culture, society, and politics, immersing readers in his narrative. Chicago Tribune labeled it as one of the best crime fiction of 2006.

The subsequent books in the series, like Hidden Moon, Bamboo and Blood, are equally riveting reads.

“Curious, I thought, the way nature provided for eyelids, but not lids for the ears.”

James Church, Bamboo and Blood

19. Keigo Higashino, 1958 –

Keigo Higashino won the prestigious Edogawa Rampo Prize at age 27. He uses simple, precise language in his tales, then imbues them with elements of psychology to make his plot twists more unpredictable. His style is quite unique.

For instance, in his 2017 novel The Devotion of Suspect X, which bagged the Naoki Prize in 2005, Higashino revealed the culprit in the early chapters. The rest of the novel is dedicated to discovering if and how the culprit can escape their evil act. In 2017, the book was adapted into a movie.

“Sometimes, all you had to do was exist in order to be someone’s saviour.”

Keigo Higashino, The Devotion of Suspect X

20. James Fenimore Cooper, 1789 – 1851

Saving the best for last, we present James Fenimore Cooper, an American writer and one of the founders of espionage fiction.

Cooper wrote his first novel, Precaution, at the urging of his wife. This 1820 novel was set in the UK, with British characters and with British literary elements. The “British Everything” novel made Cooper realize that America needed a book that screamed “American.”

So, a year later, he wrote his second novel titled The Spy. It’s set during the American Revolutionary War and centers around Harvey Birch, a patriot accused of being a British spy. The book was a commercial success, furthering Cooper’s writing career and spearheading an important literary genre — espionage fiction.

Aside from paving the way for another literary feat, Cooper was also an advocate for the importance of nationalism. His writing, both fiction and nonfiction, echoed his sentiments. We can say today that Cooper is one of those who used his pen to set his fellow Americans’ patriotism ablaze, giving credence to the saying that ‘the pen is mightier than the sword.’

Borrowing The Atlantic’s words: “No one of our great writers is more thoroughly American than Cooper.“

“The uniform of his corps was always a passport to the best tables, and this, though somewhat tarnished by faithful service and unceremonious usage, was properly brushed and decked out for the occasion.”

James Fenimore Cooper, The Spy

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