The Greatest British "Suspense, War" Books of All Time

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 305 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

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Suspense

Suspense is a genre of literature that is characterized by a feeling of tension, uncertainty, and anxiety that keeps the reader on edge and engaged throughout the story. It typically involves a protagonist who is facing a dangerous or threatening situation, and the plot is driven by the anticipation of what might happen next. Suspense novels often feature unexpected twists and turns, and the reader is left guessing until the very end. This genre is popular among readers who enjoy thrillers, mysteries, and crime fiction.

War

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  1. 1. Eye Of The Needle by Ken Follett

    Set during World War II, the novel revolves around a ruthless German spy known as 'The Needle' due to his preference for a stiletto as his killing tool. His mission is to uncover the Allies' invasion plans and relay them to Hitler, potentially changing the course of the war. However, his plans are threatened when he becomes stranded on an isolated island with a young, lonely woman and her disabled husband, leading to a tense game of cat and mouse.

    The 1201st Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. The Heat of the Day by Elizabeth Bowen

    Set in London during World War II, "The Heat of the Day" is a story about a love triangle between Stella Rodney, her lover Robert Kelway, and Harrison, a man who claims to be an intelligence agent. Harrison informs Stella that Robert is selling secrets to the enemy, and in exchange for his silence, he wants Stella all to himself. The novel explores themes of trust, deceit, and the complexities of love against the backdrop of a city under siege.

    The 1279th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. The Eagle Has Landed by Jack Higgins

    In this gripping World War II thriller, a group of German paratroopers is given a secret mission to kidnap Winston Churchill from a remote village in England. As they meticulously plan their operation, tensions rise within the team, and unexpected alliances are formed. With a race against time and the fate of the war hanging in the balance, the paratroopers must navigate treacherous obstacles and face their own inner demons to complete their daring mission.

    The 2065th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. Mr Standfast by John Buchan

    "Mr Standfast" is a thrilling espionage novel set during World War I. The protagonist is a British intelligence officer who is tasked with tracking down a German spy. The mission takes him on a dangerous journey across war-torn Europe, where he encounters a variety of characters and faces numerous challenges. Along the way, he uncovers a plot that could change the course of the war. The novel is a blend of suspense, action, and romance, with a strong emphasis on patriotism and duty.

    The 2944th Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

Download

If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download