SSG: Spy/Spec-Ops Group discussion

I am more interested in following types of spy missions:
- Urban setting (like foot surveillance)
- Preferably Counter terrorism operations
- not too much of code cracking, more action on street
- No unrealistic action (bomb blasts, deadly virus that could wipe out entire human population, etc)
- not boring and not very long

Any suggestions please?

The John Rain series by Barry Eisler might be interesting (lots of counter-surveillance techniques), but Rain is an assassin, just like Katla from the Amsterdam Assassin Series. Both feature characters who are kind of paranoid to stay below the radar.

I've read Severance Kill by Stevens and I had quite a few issues with it, but Stevens told me he was working on improving the book.

Thanks Martyn. Will give them a try.

Alhad wrote: "Thanks Martyn. Will give them a try."

I read the Rain series when they were trade published. I think Barry Eisler got the rights back and self-published them with new covers and new titles. Don't know if he changed the content, though.

I read the Rain series when they were trade published. I think Barry Eisler got the rights back and self-published them with new covers and new ..."

All this while I dint realize I was talking to a celebrity. :) . Your recommendations certainly carry more weight.

I will read them one by one.

Oh...let's see now...urban setting, eh? Okay:

The Fraternity Of The Stone
Black Sunday
The Fourth Protocol
The Balfour Conspiracy
The Viking Process
Marathon Man
First Directive
The Loo Sanction
Control
The Tangent Objective

Some of these do have 'bombs' but eh.

Tom Wood's Victor The Assassin series is pretty good and meets most of your requirements.
Victor may not shoot terrorists but instead has dealt with intelligence officers, arms dealers and other assassins over the series. Not much code cracking but well researched especially on the tactics side and very, very fun.

Feliks wrote: "Oh...let's see now...urban setting, eh? Okay:

The Fraternity Of The Stone
Black Sunday
The Fourth Protocol
The Balfour Conspiracy
[book:The V..."

Thanks Feliks for not only coming up with a long list but also for embedding the links. I appreciate your efforts.

Hmm, let's see...I have shortlisted a few -Black Sunday looks good because of its counter terrorism theme. First Directive sounds interesting. Want to give "The Loo Sanction" a chance because of its secret spy mission. The Tangent Objective sounds similar too.Will start with these books first.

Thanks once again.

Samuel wrote: "Tom Wood's Victor The Assassin series is pretty good and meets most of your requirements.
Victor may not shoot terrorists but instead has dealt with intelligence officers, arms dealers and other..."

Perfect. Something I was looking for. Thanks Samuel.

Alhad wrote: "All this while I dint realize I was talking to a celebrity. :) . Your recommendations certainly carry more weight."

I'm celebrated? Where? *Looks around suspiciously*

Samuel wrote: "Tom Wood's Victor The Assassin series is pretty good and meets most of your requirements.
Victor may not shoot terrorists but instead has dealt with intelligence officers, arms dealers and other..."
Read Enemy. Couldn't keep it down.

Have you run across the Gabriel Allon series by Daniel Silva? I find them very entertaining.

Thanks Eduardo, will give it a try.

Now more into breaking secret codes type books. Any suggestions folks? (Have already read Dan Brown). The book should contain a series of code cracking/ deciphering, one leading to another, backed by a solid story.

You'd be welcome to try my novel, Into Hell's Fire. Sounds like it has all you are looking for. You decide and let me know. Thanks....

Thanks Douglas for the suggestion. The book has got good rating on Amazon. Will definitely look for it on the book stalls.