I'd also say 'The Hunt for Red October' by Tom Clancy. Although it focuses more on military - intelligence aspects related to submarines, it has a strong spy - like element with the cat - and - mouse game between the US and Soviet forces.
John le Carré's 'Smiley's People' is quite popular. It continues the story of George Smiley, a master spy. The book is known for its detailed character development and the complex web of international intrigue it weaves.
Some of the notable female spies fiction includes 'Charlie's Angels' which is more of a fun and action - packed take on female spies. 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' can also be considered in a way as Lisbeth Salander has some spy - like qualities. She is extremely intelligent and can hack into systems, much like a modern - day spy would need to do in the digital age. These works often explore the unique challenges and strengths that female spies can bring to the world of espionage.
In books about spies in romance fiction, there's usually a high - stakes backdrop. The political or international intrigue that the spy is involved in serves as a big part of the story. This can range from Cold War - era espionage like in some of the older spy - romance novels to modern - day terrorism - related spying. Also, the characters are often strong - willed. The spies are trained to be tough, and the love interests usually have their own strong personalities, which leads to some passionate interactions, such as in 'Agent Zero'.
Well, '84, Charing Cross Road' is also quite popular. It's based on the real - life correspondence between an American writer and a London bookseller. It gives a warm and charming look at the love for books and the connection between people through books, even though it's not strictly about a library but is very much about the world of books in a fictionalized way.
Stephen King's books set in Maine are very popular. For example, 'It'. The story of the terrifying clown Pennywise in the sewers of a Maine town has scared generations of readers. Another is 'Pet Sematary', which also uses Maine's spooky landscapes to great effect.
I think 'Peter Pan' also has some ocean - related parts that are really interesting. The story of Peter Pan flying over the ocean to Neverland and the adventures there, like the fight with Captain Hook on the ship, are very exciting.
Well, 'American Sniper' is very popular. It was even made into a movie. It's a memoir of Chris Kyle, who was a famous sniper. His story is both inspiring and harrowing.
Well, 'The Silver Linings Playbook' is quite popular. It was also made into a successful movie. People love it for its relatable characters and the way it shows the life of someone with bipolar disorder in a somewhat humorous yet poignant way.
I think 'In Cold Blood' by Truman Capote is also very well - known. It's a non - fictional detective - like account of the brutal murder of a Kansas family and the investigation that followed. It blurs the lines between journalism and detective fiction.
The 'Percy Jackson & the Olympians' series is extremely popular. It has introduced Greek mythology to a whole new generation of readers. Its relatable characters and exciting adventures make it a hit. Another popular one is 'The Hobbit' by J.R.R. Tolkien. Although it's more of a fantasy with elements of Norse mythology, it's loved by many. The story of Bilbo Baggins and his journey with dwarves is captivating.
Well, 'The Great Gatsby' is very popular. Gatsby's unrequited love for Daisy and the tragic end is a form of heartbreak. Then there's 'Eleanor & Park' which deals with the heartbreak of first love and the difficulties of young relationships. 'Call Me by Your Name' also has heartbreak as the two lovers are separated at the end.