I would say that 'The 39 Steps' by John Buchan is a popular one. It's an early example of spy fiction that has a fast - paced plot with the main character being wrongly accused and on the run while uncovering a spy plot. It has been adapted into many movies over the years.
The Bourne Identity by Robert Ludlum is a very popular spy fiction book. It features Jason Bourne, a man with amnesia who discovers he has a dangerous past in the world of espionage. It's full of high - octane action and mystery.
One of the best spy fiction books is 'Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy' by John le Carré. It's a complex and engaging story filled with intricate espionage plots and well - developed characters. Another great one is 'The Spy Who Came in from the Cold', also by le Carré. It shows the gritty and morally ambiguous side of the spy world. And 'Casino Royale' by Ian Fleming is a classic, introducing the iconic James Bond character with all his charm and dangerous adventures.
One of the best spy fiction books is 'Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy' by John le Carré. It's a complex and engaging tale of Cold War espionage. Another great one is 'The Bourne Identity' by Robert Ludlum. The story of Jason Bourne's amnesia and his discovery of his spy past is full of action and mystery. Also, 'Casino Royale' by Ian Fleming is a classic. Bond's adventures in this book are both thrilling and sophisticated.
One of the best spy fiction books is 'Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy' by John le Carré. It's a classic that delves deep into the world of Cold War espionage with complex characters and a convoluted plot. Another great one is 'The Spy Who Came in from the Cold'. It shows the gritty and morally ambiguous side of spying. Also, 'Red Sparrow' by Jason Matthews is highly recommended. It has a strong female lead and offers a fascinating look into modern - day espionage.
One of the best is 'Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy' by John le Carré. It's a classic that delves deep into the world of Cold War espionage with complex characters and a convoluted plot. The way le Carré weaves the story, slowly revealing the mole within the British intelligence, is masterful.
One of the best selling spy fiction books is 'The Bourne Identity' by Robert Ludlum. It features a man with amnesia who discovers he has extraordinary skills. Another is 'Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy' by John le Carré. It's a complex tale of Cold War espionage. And 'The Hunt for Red October' by Tom Clancy is also very popular, with its exciting submarine - based spy story.
One of the best is 'The Spy Who Came in from the Cold' by John le Carré. It's a classic that delves deep into the Cold War espionage world. The story is filled with moral ambiguity and complex characters. Another great one is 'Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy'. It's a complex web of intrigue within the British intelligence service. And 'Mata Hari: The True Story' is also excellent, which tells the story of the famous spy Mata Hari based on historical research.
For beginners, 'The 39 Steps' by John Buchan is a great start. It's a fast - paced adventure with a lot of mystery and espionage elements. It's not too complex and gives a good introduction to the genre. Another good choice is 'The Ipcress File' by Len Deighton. It has an engaging plot and a cool, no - nonsense protagonist.
The settings in these spy fiction books from 2016 are likely to be diverse. Some might be set in big cities like London or New York, with their bustling streets and high - rise buildings providing a backdrop for the espionage activities. Others could be in more exotic locations, such as a remote island or a war - torn country. The settings help to create an atmosphere of mystery and danger, which is a key part of the spy fiction genre.
Typically, they have complex plots. For example, there are often multiple layers of deception and hidden agendas among the characters.
Some well - known ones might be 'The Spy Who Came in from the Cold' by John le Carré. It's a classic that delves deep into the moral ambiguities of the Cold War espionage world.