Robert Ludlum

Robert Ludlum was an American author of 27 thriller novels. His books have been published in 33 languages and 40 countries, and have sold between 300 million and 500 million copies. Ludlum is best known for his Bourne series, which has been adapted into a successful film franchise.

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. The Bourne Identity

    In this gripping espionage thriller, a man is found adrift in the Mediterranean Sea with no memory of his identity but with an array of extraordinary skills that suggest a dangerous past. As he embarks on a desperate quest to discover his true identity, he learns that he is known as Jason Bourne and is pursued by assassins and government agents. Tangled in a web of covert operations, Bourne must outmaneuver his enemies while piecing together fragments of his past, which lead him to confront a global conspiracy and the realization that he was once a highly skilled operative.

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  2. 2. The Bourne Ultimatum

    In this thrilling conclusion to the series, the protagonist, Jason Bourne, is drawn out of retirement when his old nemesis, Carlos the Jackal, resurfaces with a deadly agenda. As Bourne navigates a complex web of international intrigue and deception, he must confront his past and utilize his skills as a former assassin to protect those he loves and finally put an end to the Jackal's reign of terror. The narrative is a high-stakes game of cat and mouse, filled with intense action and psychological depth, as Bourne races against time to outsmart his relentless adversary.

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  3. 3. The Bourne Supremacy

    In this thrilling espionage novel, a man claiming to be Jason Bourne is committing assassinations across Asia, prompting the real Jason Bourne, David Webb, to come out of hiding to clear his name. As he navigates a dangerous world of international intrigue, Webb must confront his own fragmented identity and the shadowy forces manipulating events behind the scenes. With his wife kidnapped and his life in jeopardy, he is drawn into a deadly game of cat and mouse, where survival depends on his ability to outwit a formidable enemy and reclaim his true self.

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  4. 4. The Matarese Circle

    The novel is a gripping espionage thriller that follows two rival spies, an American and a Russian, who are forced to collaborate to dismantle a powerful and secretive organization known as the Matarese Circle. This clandestine group is orchestrating a global conspiracy to destabilize world governments and seize control. As the unlikely allies navigate a web of deceit, betrayal, and danger, they must overcome their mutual distrust and personal vendettas to thwart the Matarese's sinister plans and prevent a catastrophic shift in global power.

  5. 5. The Aquitaine Progression

    The novel is a gripping thriller that follows lawyer Joel Converse as he becomes entangled in a dangerous conspiracy involving a secret cabal of military leaders plotting to overthrow governments worldwide. As Converse navigates a web of deception and betrayal, he must rely on his wits and courage to unravel the sinister plan and prevent global chaos. The story is filled with suspense, intricate plot twists, and a race against time, as Converse confronts powerful adversaries and uncovers shocking truths in his quest to stop the impending catastrophe.

  6. 6. The Road To Omaha

    In this thrilling novel, a former military officer known for his eccentric behavior teams up with a cunning lawyer to orchestrate an elaborate scheme involving a forgotten treaty and a Native American tribe. Their goal is to reclaim a vast tract of land, which leads to a series of comedic and suspenseful events as they navigate political intrigue, legal battles, and unexpected alliances. The story unfolds with a blend of humor and tension, showcasing the duo's resourcefulness and determination in the face of formidable adversaries.

  7. 7. The Road To Gandolfo

    A Novel of Suspense

    The novel is a comedic thriller that follows the story of Sam Devereaux, a recently discharged army lawyer, who becomes entangled in a wild scheme orchestrated by the eccentric and disgraced General MacKenzie Hawkins. Hawkins devises an audacious plan to kidnap the Pope and hold him for ransom, aiming to secure a massive fortune. As Devereaux reluctantly gets involved, he navigates a series of unpredictable and humorous events, encountering a colorful cast of characters along the way. The story unfolds with a blend of suspense and satire, ultimately exploring themes of greed, power, and the absurdity of human ambition.

  8. 8. The Icarus Agenda

    The novel follows the story of an ambitious young congressman, Evan Kendrick, who becomes embroiled in a high-stakes international crisis when he is secretly sent to negotiate the release of American hostages in Oman. As he navigates the dangerous political landscape, Kendrick must confront his own past and the hidden agendas of powerful figures who seek to manipulate the situation for their own gain. The narrative weaves together themes of political intrigue, personal sacrifice, and the complex interplay of global power dynamics, as Kendrick struggles to maintain his integrity while facing threats from all sides.

  9. 9. The Cassandra Compact

    In this gripping thriller, a covert operative from a secretive U.S. government agency uncovers a deadly conspiracy involving the theft of a highly contagious and lethal virus from a Russian laboratory. As he races against time to prevent a global catastrophe, he navigates a web of deceit and betrayal, encountering allies and adversaries across the globe. The narrative is a high-stakes blend of espionage, action, and intrigue, as the protagonist must outsmart those who seek to unleash biological warfare on an unsuspecting world.

  10. 10. The Hades Factor

    A Covert-One Novel

    In this gripping thriller, a deadly virus emerges, threatening global security and sparking a desperate race against time. The story follows a former military intelligence officer who, after the mysterious death of his fiancée, uncovers a sinister conspiracy involving powerful pharmaceutical companies and government agencies. As he delves deeper into the web of deceit, he must navigate a world of danger and betrayal to expose the truth and prevent a catastrophic pandemic. The narrative is filled with suspense, unexpected twists, and a relentless pace that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

  11. 11. The Matlock Paper

    The novel is a gripping thriller that follows James Matlock, a quiet and unassuming professor at a prestigious New England university, who is unexpectedly drawn into a dangerous world of espionage and conspiracy. Tasked by the government to investigate a powerful drug cartel, Matlock finds himself entangled in a web of deceit, betrayal, and murder. As he delves deeper, he uncovers shocking truths that challenge his morality and put his life at risk. The story is a fast-paced journey filled with suspense and unexpected twists, as Matlock races against time to unravel the mystery and survive the deadly game he has been thrust into.

  12. 12. The Holcroft Covenant

    In this gripping thriller, the protagonist, Noel Holcroft, an unsuspecting New York architect, discovers that he is the heir to a secretive and vast fortune linked to a Nazi conspiracy. As he delves deeper into the mystery, he becomes entangled in a dangerous web of deception and betrayal, where he must navigate a world of international intrigue and espionage. With time running out, Holcroft must decipher the true intentions behind the covenant and prevent a sinister plan from coming to fruition, all while questioning whom he can truly trust.

  13. 13. The Bourne Supremacy. Part 1 Of 2

    In the first part of this thrilling espionage novel, a man named David Webb, who assumes the identity of Jason Bourne, is drawn back into the dangerous world of international intrigue. As a mysterious assassin begins committing murders under the Bourne name, Webb is forced to confront his past and clear his name. The narrative unfolds with intense action and suspense as Webb navigates a web of deception involving powerful political forces and shadowy organizations. His quest for truth and justice leads him across continents, testing his skills and resolve while uncovering a conspiracy that threatens global stability.

  14. 14. The Scarlatti Inheritance

    Set against the backdrop of World War II, the story follows a complex web of espionage and intrigue involving a secretive and powerful family. The narrative centers on a high-stakes plot to thwart a Nazi scheme, with the protagonist, a determined intelligence officer, unraveling a conspiracy that reaches the highest echelons of power. As the officer delves deeper, he uncovers shocking truths about betrayal, loyalty, and the lengths to which individuals will go to protect their interests. The novel weaves together historical events and fictional elements to create a gripping tale of suspense and deception.

  15. 15. The Bourne Ultimatum. Part 1 Of 2

    In the first part of this thrilling espionage novel, the legendary operative Jason Bourne is drawn out of his peaceful life when his old nemesis, Carlos the Jackal, resurfaces with a deadly agenda. As Bourne is forced back into the dangerous world of international intrigue, he must navigate a web of deception and betrayal while protecting those he loves. The narrative unfolds with intense action and suspense, as Bourne races against time to stop the Jackal's lethal plans, all while confronting his own past and the shadows that haunt him.

  16. 16. The Bourne Trilogy

    The Bourne Identity, The Bourne Supremacy, The Bourne Ultimatum

    The Bourne Trilogy follows the gripping journey of an amnesiac man who discovers he is a highly skilled operative involved in a covert government program. As he struggles to uncover his true identity, he is relentlessly pursued by assassins and government agents. Throughout the series, he navigates a web of international espionage, deception, and danger, gradually piecing together his past while confronting powerful adversaries. The protagonist's quest for self-discovery and survival is marked by intense action, intricate plots, and unexpected twists, ultimately leading to revelations about his own identity and the shadowy world he inhabits.

  17. 17. The Matarese Countdown

    In this gripping thriller, a former CIA operative is drawn back into the world of espionage to thwart a deadly conspiracy orchestrated by a powerful and secretive organization known as the Matarese. As the countdown to global chaos accelerates, he must navigate a web of deceit and betrayal, joining forces with allies old and new to unravel the sinister plot. The stakes are high as they race against time to prevent a catastrophic event that could alter the balance of power worldwide.

  18. 18. The Sigma Protocol

    In a thrilling tale of international intrigue and conspiracy, a seemingly ordinary banker, Ben Hartman, finds himself entangled in a deadly game of cat and mouse after a chance encounter in Zurich leads to a series of violent events. As he delves deeper into the mystery, he uncovers a shadowy organization with ties to a dark chapter in history, revealing a sinister plot that threatens global stability. With the help of a determined Department of Justice agent, Anna Navarro, Hartman races against time to unravel the secrets of the Sigma Protocol, facing danger at every turn in a world where trust is a rare commodity.

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  19. 19. The Prometheus Deception

    In this gripping espionage thriller, a former top operative for a clandestine intelligence agency is drawn back into the shadowy world of international intrigue when he discovers a dangerous conspiracy that threatens global security. As he navigates a web of deception and betrayal, he must confront his past and unravel a complex plot involving powerful forces with hidden agendas. With time running out, he races against the clock to prevent a catastrophic event, all while questioning whom he can truly trust in a world where nothing is as it seems.

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  20. 20. The Osterman Weekend

    A television journalist is warned by an intelligence operative that his closest friends may be part of a foreign spy network and is coerced into hosting a weekend gathering to help expose them. As covert surveillance, manipulations, and staged provocations spiral out of control, paranoia fractures long-standing friendships and violence erupts. He ultimately uncovers a deeper conspiracy that has been using him as a pawn, forcing a reckoning with betrayal, truth, and the catastrophic costs of clandestine power games.

  21. 21. The Chancellor Manuscript

    A Washington thriller writer is pulled into a real-life conspiracy when a secret cabal of powerful insiders—who claim to have orchestrated J. Edgar Hoover’s death—enlists him to publish a “fictional” story designed to flush out the missing trove of Hoover’s blackmail files. As murders and betrayals mount, he races to untangle rival agendas within the intelligence community and the shadowy cabal, expose a plot to control the nation through fear and secrets, and survive long enough to reveal the truth.

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  22. 22. The Parsifal Mosaic

    A veteran U.S. intelligence officer, shattered after witnessing the apparent execution of his lover and fellow agent, quits the service—only to glimpse her alive months later, igniting a frantic chase from Europe to Washington. Hunted by both East and West and unsure whom to trust, he follows a trail of cryptic clues through a maze of moles, disinformation, and assassins, ultimately exposing a high-level conspiracy designed to provoke a superpower confrontation while forcing him to discover whether the woman he loves is a traitor or a pawn.

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  24. 26. The Scorpio Illusion

    The Scorpio Illusion is a 1993 novel by Robert Ludlum. It is a mix of suspense, drama, action and thriller.

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