They usually involve complex political intrigue. Take the 'MI5' series. It delves deep into the political undercurrents and power plays that impact the operations of the intelligence agency. There are often multiple layers of secrecy and betrayal.
The 'MI5' series by Stella Rimington is also quite recent. These novels draw on her own experiences in the British intelligence service, offering an insider's view into the operations and challenges of MI5. They are full of intrigue and political drama.
One of the top British spy novels is 'Smiley's People' also by John le Carré. It continues the story of George Smiley and his investigations into the world of espionage. 'Our Man in Havana' by Graham Greene is also notable. It's a satirical take on the spy world, where a vacuum cleaner salesman gets caught up in the world of international intrigue.
Classic British spy novels often feature complex characters. For example, in John le Carré's works, spies are not just heroic figures but also morally ambiguous. They usually have a lot of political intrigue, like in 'The Spy Who Came in from the Cold' which is set during the Cold War. Another characteristic is the sense of secrecy and paranoia. Characters are constantly looking over their shoulders.
New British spy novels often feature complex characters. They usually have spies who are not just one - dimensional action heroes but have their own moral dilemmas and personal lives. For example, in some novels, the spy might be struggling with loyalty to his country versus his own sense of right and wrong.
Often, they are set against a backdrop of international conflict, like the Cold War. For instance, in 'Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy', the story unfolds with the backdrop of the power struggle between the East and the West.
British hacker spy novels often feature complex characters. They are usually intelligent and resourceful, like the hackers and spies in the stories. For example, in many of these novels, the hacker characters can break into highly secure systems with their brilliant minds. Another characteristic is the detailed and often gritty settings. London, with its mix of old and new architecture and technology, is a common backdrop. The plots are full of twists and turns as the spies and hackers try to outmaneuver their opponents.