Olen Steinhauer

Olen Steinhauer is an American author known for his espionage and thriller novels. He has been praised for his intricate plotting and deep character development. Some of his notable works include 'The Tourist' and 'The Cairo Affair'.

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 Confession; Liberation Movements

    In this espionage thriller, a series of interconnected stories unfold across different time periods, revolving around a retired Eastern European police inspector who is drawn back into a case from his past involving a plane hijacking. As the narrative weaves through the complexities of Cold War politics, liberation movements, and personal betrayals, the characters grapple with moral ambiguities and the consequences of their actions. The novel explores themes of love, loyalty, and the cost of secrets in a world where the lines between right and wrong are often blurred.

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  2. 2. The Nearest Exit

    In this gripping espionage thriller, a seasoned CIA operative finds himself navigating the murky waters of international intrigue and personal dilemmas. Tasked with an unsettling mission that challenges his moral compass, he must decide whether to follow orders or trust his instincts. As he delves deeper into a world of deception and betrayal, the lines between friend and foe blur, leading to a high-stakes game where survival hinges on making the right choices. With tension mounting and loyalties tested, the operative must confront his past and redefine his future in a world where every exit seems perilous.

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  3. 3. The Tourist

    In this gripping espionage thriller, a former CIA operative, who once belonged to a clandestine group known as "Tourists," is reluctantly pulled back into the world of international intrigue and danger. As he navigates a labyrinth of deception and betrayal, he uncovers a conspiracy that threatens not only his life but also the fragile balance of global power. With his past haunting him and trust in short supply, he must rely on his instincts and skills to unravel the truth and protect those he loves, all while confronting the ghosts of his former life.

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  4. 4. All The Old Knives

    In this gripping espionage thriller, two former lovers and CIA operatives, Henry and Celia, reunite over dinner in a California restaurant to revisit a botched hijacking mission from their past. As they delve into the details of the operation, secrets unravel, revealing layers of deception, betrayal, and hidden motives. The narrative unfolds through their tense conversation, alternating between past and present, as they confront the haunting question of whether one of them was a mole responsible for the tragic outcome. The story masterfully explores themes of trust, loyalty, and the moral complexities of espionage.

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  5. 5. The Last Tourist

    A former CIA “Tourist” emerges from exile when a junior analyst is sent to a remote safe house to question him about a chain of assassinations and financial disruptions that appear tied to a clandestine network he may have built. Their tense debriefing unfolds across shifting timelines and global flashpoints, revealing how state espionage, private intelligence, and big-data capitalism have merged into a dangerous new order. With killers closing in and loyalties uncertain, he must choose whether to dismantle the system he set in motion or turn it against those who would exploit it, even at the expense of his past life.

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