If you enjoy reading novels by Alistair MacLean then you might also like the following authors:
Desmond Bagley wrote suspenseful stories packed with action and adventure. If you like Alistair MacLean, you might enjoy his books. In “Running Blind,” a spy is forced into a deadly mission in Iceland, navigating betrayal and danger.
“The Golden Keel” follows a man uncovering a long-hidden fortune while dodging ruthless enemies. His books often focus on ordinary men caught in extraordinary situations, with sharp twists and unpredictable plots.
Hammond Innes wrote adventure stories that often explore people facing challenges in remote or harsh environments. In “Atlantic Fury,” the plot centers around a doomed military operation on a stormy Scottish island.
“The Wreck of the Mary Deare” tells the story of a mysterious ship found abandoned at sea and the secrets it holds. Another of his novels, “Campbell’s Kingdom,” follows a man trying to prove the existence of oil in a remote Canadian valley against all odds.
Ken Follett wrote exciting stories packed with action and suspense. “Eye of the Needle” is about a German spy in World War II trying to deliver crucial secrets while being hunted.
“The Key to Rebecca” involves espionage in North Africa during the same war, where a spy uses a novel as a codebook.
For something different, “Fall of Giants” explores personal and political struggles during World War I. Fans of Alistair MacLean will appreciate the tension and fast-paced plots in his books.
Frederick Forsyth is known for his thrilling stories rooted in real-world events. His novel “The Day of the Jackal” follows an assassin hired to kill the French president. “The Odessa File” uncovers a journalist’s search for a hidden Nazi network.
In “The Dogs of War,” the focus shifts to a mercenary hired to topple an African government for corporate gain. His books are fast-paced and full of sharp details.
Wilbur Smith writes action-packed adventures with fast-paced plots and strong characters. If you enjoy Alistair MacLean, you might like Smith’s style. “River God” is set in ancient Egypt and follows a slave navigating betrayal and power struggles.
“When the Lion Feeds” is about a young man charting his destiny in South Africa during turbulent times. His books pull you into dangerous, unpredictable worlds full of vivid settings and high stakes.
Jack Higgins wrote thrillers filled with action and suspense. In “The Eagle Has Landed,” he tells the story of a daring Nazi mission during World War II. “The Midnight Bell” follows a secret agent caught in deadly plots and betrayals.
Another well-known book, “Thunder Point,” dives into a hunt for a hidden Nazi document that could change the world.
Trevanian is known for smart, engaging thrillers that mix action with deeper themes. “The Eiger Sanction” tells the story of an art professor who works as an assassin and takes on a deadly mission tied to a mountain climb.
“Shibumi” is about a retired assassin caught up in a global conspiracy, blending espionage with personal philosophy. Trevanian’s work brings action-packed stories with sharp characters and unexpected twists, perfect for fans of Alistair MacLean’s style.
Eric Ambler wrote thrillers packed with international intrigue and danger. “A Coffin for Dimitrios” follows a writer who gets tangled in the dangerous life of a dead criminal while tracing his story across Europe.
In “Journey into Fear,” an engineer finds himself the target of assassins during World War II and must figure out how to survive. These stories often throw ordinary people into unexpected and high-stakes situations.
Len Deighton wrote sharp, witty spy novels with a twist of dry humor. If you like Alistair MacLean’s fast-paced stories, you might enjoy Deighton’s “The Ipcress File” and “Funeral in Berlin.”
Both follow a tough, unpolished British agent navigating Cold War intrigue, with plenty of double-crosses and danger. “SS-GB,” set in an alternate history where Germany won World War II, explores resistance and survival under Nazi occupation.
His books mix suspense with smart storytelling.
Clive Cussler wrote action-filled adventure stories with plots that often revolved around treasure hunts and historical mysteries. In “Raise the Titanic!”, a secret mission focuses on salvaging the famous ship to recover a rare mineral.
“Sahara” follows Dirk Pitt as he uncovers a dangerous conspiracy tied to a deadly environmental disaster. Another popular book, “Cyclops,” involves a race to uncover a hidden space station and protect a billion-dollar secret. His books are fast-paced and fun.
Douglas Reeman wrote a lot about war at sea, focusing on the bravery and challenges of those who served. “The Destroyers” tells the story of a young officer facing danger and responsibility during World War II.
“HMS Ulysses” is about the crew of a naval ship pushing through brutal conditions and enemy attacks. Fans of Alistair MacLean might enjoy these tales, as both writers explore courage under pressure.
Colin Forbes wrote fast-paced thrillers with plenty of action and suspense. In “The Stone Leopard,” a secret agent races to uncover a plot that threatens the safety of Europe. “Double Jeopardy” follows a group of spies as they work to stop a dangerous conspiracy.
His books often focus on shadowy organizations, danger, and high-stakes missions.
Adam Hall wrote fast-paced spy thrillers that fans of Alistair MacLean might enjoy. His Quiller series is well-known for its tense plots and clever protagonists.
In “The Quiller Memorandum,” an undercover agent takes on a dangerous mission in post-war Germany, facing threats at every turn. Another book, “The Ninth Directive,” puts Quiller in Bangkok, where he must protect a foreign leader while navigating a maze of betrayal and violence.
Hall’s work is filled with action and sharp twists, keeping the focus on survival and strategy.
Craig Thomas wrote thrillers that often mixed espionage and action. One of his well-known novels is “Firefox,” which follows a pilot sent to steal a cutting-edge Soviet fighter jet. Another is “Snow Falcon,” a story that combines Cold War politics with personal conflict.
His books often focus on political tension and the chase for advanced technology.
Gerald Seymour writes tense, action-filled stories with a focus on spies, soldiers, and the darker side of international conflict. In “Harry’s Game,” he tells the story of an undercover mission in Northern Ireland, where a British agent must take down an IRA assassin.
“The Waiting Time” dives into Cold War secrets and betrayal, weaving the past into a dangerous present. For readers who enjoy Alistair MacLean, Seymour’s books bring the same sense of danger and high stakes.