Mick Herron writes spy fiction, notably the acclaimed Slough House series featuring dysfunctional MI5 agents. Novels such as Slow Horses and Dead Lions offer a fresh take on espionage.
If you enjoy reading books by Mick Herron then you might also like the following authors:
Fans of Mick Herron's sharp, witty spy stories may enjoy John le Carré. He writes espionage fiction known for its moral complexity, believable characters, and thoughtful atmosphere.
In his novel Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, le Carré introduces George Smiley, a deceptively mild British intelligence officer who navigates betrayal and suspicion within the highest ranks of British intelligence.
If you appreciate Herron's sardonic humor and clever plotting, Len Deighton should appeal to you. Deighton specializes in smart, detail-oriented espionage stories that combine realism with dry wit.
In The Ipcress File, he presents an unnamed British intelligence operative caught up in a tense, complex conspiracy. It's a classic spy thriller with a distinctive voice and style.
Charles Cumming's spy novels emphasize powerful storytelling, contemporary international settings, and nuanced characters. Readers who enjoy Herron will find Cumming's plotting equally sharp and engaging.
His novel A Foreign Country is a tightly woven spy thriller about MI6 officer Thomas Kell, who investigates the surprising disappearance of the soon-to-be-installed head of the British Secret Intelligence Service.
Fans of Mick Herron's multi-layered and morally ambiguous style will find much to admire in Graham Greene. His characters often struggle with conflicts of loyalty, guilt, and personal morality.
In The Quiet American, Greene explores conflicts of politics, romantic rivalries, and idealism set during the early days of America's involvement in Vietnam. Greene's mature and thoughtful approach to espionage drama continues to captivate readers.
Joseph Kanon writes historical spy thrillers filled with authentic atmosphere and complex ethical conflicts. Like Herron, Kanon develops vivid characters driven by moral tensions and personal loyalties.
In his novel The Good German, Kanon immerses readers in postwar Berlin, where journalist Jake Geismar returns to find a city of secrets, betrayal, and fractured loyalties, creating gripping suspense in a dark and atmospheric story.
Alan Furst writes atmospheric espionage novels set mostly in Europe around the period of World War II. His stories capture the tension, uncertainty, and moral ambiguity of spies operating in the shadows.
In Night Soldiers, he portrays a gripping tale of ordinary people caught in extraordinary situations, blending historical detail with suspenseful storytelling.
Daniel Silva creates suspenseful novels featuring intricate international intrigue and masterful spy drama, often centered around the complex world of intelligence and counterterrorism.
His character Gabriel Allon, an art restorer turned Mossad agent, offers depth and a unique mix of spy action and art-world insights. The Kill Artist, the first Gabriel Allon novel, showcases Silva's talent for tight plotting, intricate characters, and fast-paced storytelling.
Olen Steinhauer offers a thoughtful, character-driven approach to espionage fiction, probing deeply into the personal lives and moral dilemmas faced by spies. His novels explore nuanced politics, shifting allegiances, and human vulnerabilities.
In The Tourist, Steinhauer introduces Milo Weaver, a reflective spy struggling to navigate a complicated world of secrets, lies, and betrayals.
Jason Matthews, a former CIA officer himself, brings realism and authenticity to his spy thrillers. His writing is sharp, detailed, and filled with believable tradecraft and operational authenticity.
Red Sparrow introduces readers to Dominika Egorova, a Russian spy trained to use psychological manipulation and seduction, in a tense and believable portrayal of modern espionage.
Chris Pavone writes intricate thrillers that skillfully blend espionage with the day-to-day lives of seemingly ordinary people. His novels intrigue readers by combining suspicions, hidden identities, and rapid reveals of secrets beneath ordinary surfaces.
In The Expats, Pavone tells the story of an ordinary family whose relocation to Luxembourg unfolds into suspenseful twists, secrets, and unexpected layers of international intrigue.
If you like Mick Herron's spy stories, you might enjoy Stella Rimington's novels too. Rimington draws from her real-life experiences as the head of MI5, bringing authenticity and insight to the shadowy world of espionage.
Her plots feature quick pacing, espionage intrigues, and characters you can believe. Try her book At Risk, an exciting thriller about MI5 officer Liz Carlyle, who investigates a potential terrorist threat in Britain.
Henry Porter writes suspenseful spy thrillers grounded in contemporary political realities. His books have tightly woven plots, believable spycraft, and thoughtful explorations of civil liberties, privacy, and government power.
A good starting point is Firefly, a tense novel about an ex-MI6 officer tracking down a young refugee boy who holds key intelligence stretching across Europe.
Adam Brookes blends journalism experience with intelligent espionage fiction set in international locations. His stories feature engaging characters, realistic portrayals of espionage work, and intricate conspiracies involving hidden agendas.
Check out his book Night Heron, a spy thriller about a Chinese dissident who escapes from prison and tries to pass crucial secrets to British intelligence.
Paul Vidich crafts literary spy novels in the tradition of Cold War classics. His books have atmospheric settings, moral ambiguity, and careful attention to emotion rather than just action. You might try his novel An Honorable Man, about a CIA agent in 1950s
Washington trying to uncover and catch a Soviet spy within the agency.
Ross Thomas is known for sophisticated, witty novels about intrigue and corruption. Much like Mick Herron, Thomas creates clever dialogue, memorable characters, and filled his intrigue with sharp humor and smart observations about power and politics.
Try Briarpatch, a twisted story about corruption, murder, and political machinations in a small American city.