Most espionage novels are certainly thrillers. They keep you on the "edge of your seat" with action and adventure. What makes them different than the thriller sub-genre novels of suspense? Generally speaking, the difference is in tone. Suspense thrillers are darker in tone, evoking a sense of dread in the reader as they follow an unfolding crime. The tone of adventure espionage is more adventure driven. Protagonists know their enemy and engage in exciting ways. Many espionage novels feature well known and loved characters and exist as part of a series. Look to popular spy movies to better understand this genre of literature: Jason Bourne, James Bond, Sydney Bristow, Jane Smith (Mr. & Mrs. Smith, even Harriet the Spy. They all started with an espionage novel.
- The Agency by Y.S. Lee
- Check out Spy in the House by Y.S. Lee (Series: The Agency)
- The Selection series by Siera Cass: The Selection | The Elite | The One
- Dancer, Daughter, Traitor, Spy by Elizaberth Kiem
- I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You by Ally Carter
The Classics:
- Kim by Rudyard Kipling
- The Secret Agent by Joseph Conrad
- Red Harvest by Dashell Hammett
- The Quiet American by Graham Green
Modern Literary Novels:
- Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy by John le Carre
- The Spy Who Came in from the Cold by John le Carre
- The Hunt for Red October by Tom Clancy
- American Spy by Lauren Wilkinson
Popular Spy Series
- Alex Rider by Anthony Horowitz
- Jack Ryan by Marc Cameron
- The Borne Identity by Robert Ludlum
- The Agency by Y.S. Lee
- The Selection series by Siera Cass
- Etiquette & Espionage Series by Gale Carriger