"The Riddle of the Sands: A Record of Secret Service is a 1903 novel by Erskine Childers. The book, which enjoyed immense popularity in the years before World War I, is an early example of the espionage novel and was extremely influential in the genre of spy fiction. It has been made into feature-length films for both cinema and television.The novel ""owes a lot to the wonderful adventure novels of writers like Rider Haggard, that were a staple of Victorian Britain"".[1] It was a spy novel that ""established a formula that included a mass of verifiable detail, which gave authenticity to the story - the same ploy that would be used so well by John Buchan, Ian Fleming, John le Carré and many others.""[1] All of the physical background is completely authentic - the various Frisian islands and towns named in the book actually exist and the descriptions of them accurate (often, from the author's own experience). The same is true for the various ""sands"" of the title - vast areas which are flooded at high tide but become mudflats at ebb. Navigating a small boat under these conditions requires a specialized kind of skilled seamanship - of which the character Davies is an unsurpassed master, and the descriptions of his feats are of abiding interest to yachting enthusiasts, quite apart from their role in the book's espionage plot."

a continuation of the celebrated story of intrigue, treachery and adventure at sea begun in Erskine Childers' epoch-making thriller The Riddle of the Sands, this affectionate tribute to the world's first spy novel is a brilliantly original, utterly enthralling thriller in its own right.

Erskine Childers' 'The Riddle of the Sands' is a gripping spy thriller that follows the exploits of two young men who stumble upon a German plot to invade England. Childers' meticulous attention to detail and realistic portrayal of the espionage tactics used make this novel a standout in the spy genre. Set in the early 20th century, the book provides a fascinating glimpse into the tensions and political machinations of the time, making it a compelling read for history buffs and espionage enthusiasts alike. Childers' writing style is both suspenseful and informative, keeping readers on the edge of their seats while also educating them on naval tactics and geography. With its intricate plot and well-developed characters, 'The Riddle of the Sands' is a must-read for fans of classic spy fiction. Erskine Childers, a former British diplomat, drew on his own experiences and knowledge of international relations to create this thrilling and thought-provoking novel. His expertise shines through in the depth and complexity of the story, adding an extra layer of authenticity to the narrative. For readers looking for a riveting spy novel that combines historical accuracy with heart-pounding suspense, 'The Riddle of the Sands' is the perfect choice.

Red Sparrow is now a major motion picture starring Jennifer Lawrence and Joel Edgerton! The thrilling sequel to Red Sparrow—CIA insider Jason Matthews’s compulsively readable New York Times bestseller and Edgar Award winner—featuring Russian spy Dominika Egorova and CIA agent Nate Nash “shimmers with authenticity. The villains are richly drawn...the scenes of them on the job are beyond chilling” (The New York Times Book Review). Captain Dominika Egorova of the Russian Intelligence Service despises the oligarchs, crooks, and thugs of Putin’s Russia—but what no one knows is that she is also working for the CIA. Her “sparrow” training in the art of sexual espionage further complicates the mortal risks she must take, as does her love for her handler Nate Nash—a shared lust that is as dangerous as treason. As Dominika expertly dodges exposure, she deals with a murderously psychotic boss, survives an Iranian assassination attempt and attempts to rescue an arrested double agent—and thwart Putin’s threatening flirtations. A grand, wildly entertaining ride through the steel-trap mind of a CIA insider, Palace of Treason is a story “as suspenseful and cinematic as the best spy movies” (The Philadelphia Inquirer)—one that feels fresh and so possible, in fact, that it’s doubtful this novel can ever be published in Russia.

“Zoo Station is a beautifully crafted and compelling thriller with a heart-stopping ending as John Russell learns the personal faces of good and evil. An unforgettable read.”-Charles Todd, author of the Inspector Ian Rutledge series Praise for previous books by David Downing: “The author combines his erudition with an excellent political imagination. He writes well, clearly and has a nice wit.”-The Sunday Times (London) “An atmospheric thriller . . . furious pacing.”-Booklist “An elegant rapid-fire spy story.”-The Virginian-Pilot “Compulsive reading.”-The Sunday Telegraph (London) By 1939, Anglo-American journalist John Russell has spent over a decade in Berlin, where his son lives with his mother. He writes human-interest pieces for British and American papers, avoiding the investigative journalism that could get him deported. But as World War II approaches, he faces having to leave his son as well as his girlfriend of several years, a beautiful German starlet. When an acquaintance from his old communist days approaches him to do some work for the Soviets, Russell is reluctant, but he is unable to resist the offer. He becomes involved in other dangerous activities, helping a Jewish family and a determined young American reporter. When the British and the Nazis notice his involvement with the Soviets, Russell is dragged into the murky world of warring intelligence services. David Downing grew up in suburban London and is the author of numerous works of fiction and nonfiction for adults and children, including The Moscow Option, Russian Revolution 1985, and The Red Eagles. He lives with his wife, an American acupuncturist, in Guildford, England. From the Hardcover edition.

'The Singing Sands' is a detective novel written by Josephine Tey, the pseudonym used by Elizabeth MacKintosh. It follows a Scotland Yard inspector named Alan Grant, who while on sick leave, happened upon a dead man in the night train he rode on his way to Scotland.

During World War I W. Somerset Maugham, already by then an established playwright and author, was recruited to be a British intelligence agent. These stories reflect his wartime experiences in intelligence gathering. Though fictionalized, they managed to retain enough authentic elements for Winston Churchill to advise Maugham that their publication might be a violation of the Official Secrets Act, resulting in the author burning an additional 14 stories. Set in various locales across the continent, these remaining Ashenden stories are a precursor to the jet-setting spy novels of the 1950s and 1960s. Maugham is known as a master short story writer and these stories are no exception, combining wit and realism to create memorable characters in a unique and highly critical portrait of wartime espionage. Initially released to a mixed reception—with an early review by D. H. Lawrence being especially scathing—Ashenden has since been credited as an inspiration for numerous authors, including John Le Carré, Graham Greene, and Raymond Chandler. The latter in particular was especially impressed, writing in 1950, “There are no other great spy stories—none at all. I have been searching and I know.” This book is part of the Standard Ebooks project, which produces free public domain ebooks.