Well, 'Our Man in Havana' by Graham Greene is a must - read. It has a unique take on the spy genre, with a bumbling protagonist who gets caught up in a world of international intrigue. It's both humorous and thought - provoking.
Len Deighton's 'The Ipcress File' is also highly regarded. It features an unnamed protagonist, often called Harry Palmer, and delves into the seedy underbelly of the spy world during the Cold War. It's a great read for those who like a more noir - ish take on the spy genre.
John Buchan's 'The Thirty - Nine Steps' is an early and excellent example of the British spy novel. It's full of suspense and adventure as the hero tries to uncover a conspiracy. It's fast - paced and has been a popular choice for decades.
Another great one is 'The Ipcress File' by Len Deighton. It's full of action and intrigue. The main character, Harry Palmer, is a very engaging anti - hero, and the story takes you through the seedy underbelly of Cold War - era spy operations in a really engaging way.
One great spy novel is 'Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy' by John le Carré. It has complex characters and a web of Cold War espionage. Another is 'The Spy Who Came in from the Cold', also by le Carré. It shows the moral ambiguity of spying. And 'The Hunt for Red October' by Tom Clancy, which is full of thrilling submarine warfare and espionage.
You could start with 'The Girl on the Train' by Paula Hawkins. It's a gripping tale of a woman who becomes entangled in a mystery while commuting. The unreliable narrator adds an extra layer of intrigue.
I would recommend 'The Spy Who Came in from the Cold' by John le Carré. This book gives a gritty and realistic view of spying during the Cold War. It shows the moral ambiguity and the complex web of relationships in the espionage world. 'Smiley's People' by the same author is also excellent. It continues the story of George Smiley and his investigations in the shadowy world of spies. And then there's 'Red Sparrow' by Jason Matthews. It offers a unique look into the Russian side of the spy game, with a strong female lead.
I'd recommend 'The Fifth Season'. It has a unique narrative structure that keeps you hooked. The world - building is so detailed that you feel like you're actually there in the midst of all the chaos and destruction. It's a very immersive read.
One great top British mystery novel is 'And Then There Were None' by Agatha Christie. It's a classic with a very unique and suspenseful plot where ten people are lured to an island and start getting killed off one by one. The mystery keeps you guessing until the very end.
One of the most famous spy novels is 'The Spy Who Came in from the Cold' by John le Carré. It's a great starting point as it delves deep into the moral ambiguity of the Cold War espionage world.
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens is a great one. It's a classic that really captures the spirit of Christmas with its themes of redemption and generosity.
One of the best Xianxia novels is 'Coiling Dragon'. It has a great story with a protagonist who gradually grows stronger. The world - building is detailed, full of various magical beasts and powerful cultivators. Another good one is 'A Record of Mortal's Cultivation to Immortality'. It follows the journey of an ordinary mortal as he overcomes countless difficulties on his path to immortality.
Some great fantasy novels from 2018 include 'Spinning Silver' by Naomi Novik. It's a richly detailed retelling of fairytales with strong female characters. Another one is 'Children of Blood and Bone' by Tomi Adeyemi. It has a unique magic system and a story of revolution in a fantasy world.