If you’re a fan of Killing Eve, the thrilling cat-and-mouse game between an MI5 officer and a talented assassin, then you’re likely on the hunt for more books that blend espionage, psychological intrigue, and strong female characters. This genre is rich with tales that will keep you on the edge of your seat, and we’ve compiled a list of 15 books that capture that same electrifying energy.
Books Similar to Killing Eve
1. Codename Villanelle by Luke Jennings
Codename Villanelle is the book that inspired the Killing Eve series. It follows the deadly assassin Villanelle and the intelligence operative Eve Polastri. Their deadly game of cat-and-mouse spans across various countries, filled with suspense and unexpected twists. If you loved the show, this book is a must-read to dive deeper into the characters.
2. Red Sparrow by Jason Matthews
Red Sparrow introduces Dominika Egorova, a Russian intelligence officer trained to use her body and mind as weapons. She’s pitted against CIA officer Nathaniel Nash in a high-stakes espionage battle. The novel is rich with authentic tradecraft and psychological tension, making it a gripping read for fans of espionage thrillers.
3. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
This international bestseller features Lisbeth Salander, a brilliant hacker with a troubled past, and journalist Mikael Blomkvist. Together, they unravel a dark family mystery. The book’s complex characters and intricate plot will captivate anyone who enjoys a mix of mystery, suspense, and strong female leads.
4. I Am Pilgrim by Terry Hayes
I Am Pilgrim follows a retired intelligence agent who is drawn back into the field to stop a devastating terrorist plot. The novel is a fast-paced thriller with intricate plotting and a protagonist who is as skilled as she is enigmatic. This book is perfect for those who crave high-stakes drama and intricate espionage.
5. The Spy Who Came in from the Cold by John le Carré
This classic espionage novel tells the story of Alec Leamas, a British spy tasked with one final mission in Cold War Berlin. The book’s gritty realism and moral complexity set it apart, providing a deep dive into the life of a spy. It’s a must-read for anyone interested in the darker, more nuanced aspects of espionage.
6. American Spy by Lauren Wilkinson
American Spy centers on Marie Mitchell, an intelligence officer during the Cold War. The novel explores themes of race, loyalty, and identity, all wrapped up in a thrilling espionage plot. It’s a unique and thought-provoking take on the spy genre, offering both excitement and depth.
7. The Alice Network by Kate Quinn
This historical novel weaves together the stories of two women—a female spy recruited to the real-life Alice Network in World War I and an American socialite searching for her cousin in 1947. The book is a gripping tale of courage, betrayal, and redemption, perfect for fans of historical thrillers with strong female protagonists.
8. Need to Know by Karen Cleveland
Need to Know follows CIA analyst Vivian Miller, who discovers a secret that threatens her life and family. The novel combines domestic suspense with high-stakes espionage, creating a taut and compelling narrative. It’s an excellent choice for readers who enjoy thrillers with a personal twist.
9. The Night Manager by John le Carré
This novel follows Jonathan Pine, a former British soldier turned hotel night manager, who is recruited by intelligence operatives to infiltrate an arms dealer’s inner circle. The book is a masterclass in suspense and character development, making it a must-read for espionage aficionados.
10. Our Kind of Traitor by John le Carré
Our Kind of Traitor tells the story of a young couple who become entangled in a Russian money-laundering scheme. The novel explores themes of betrayal, loyalty, and the moral ambiguities of espionage. It’s a gripping read that delves into the darker side of international intrigue.
11. The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen
This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel follows a communist double agent during the Vietnam War. The book is a gripping exploration of identity, loyalty, and the human cost of war. It’s a thought-provoking and intense read, perfect for those who enjoy complex characters and moral dilemmas.
12. The Expats by Chris Pavone
The Expats follows Kate Moore, an ex-CIA agent who moves to Luxembourg with her family, only to uncover secrets that threaten her new life. The novel is a thrilling blend of domestic suspense and international intrigue, making it a compelling read for fans of multifaceted thrillers.
13. The Tourist by Olen Steinhauer
The Tourist introduces Milo Weaver, a “tourist” for the CIA—an undercover operative with no home base. The novel is a complex, fast-paced thriller that delves into the murky world of espionage. It’s perfect for readers who appreciate intricate plots and morally ambiguous characters.
14. The Orphan Master’s Son by Adam Johnson
This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel follows Pak Jun Do, a North Korean citizen who rises through the ranks of the regime’s intelligence apparatus. The book is a gripping and darkly humorous exploration of identity and power. It’s a unique and compelling read for those interested in espionage set in unconventional settings.
15. An Officer and a Spy by Robert Harris
An Officer and a Spy is a historical thriller based on the true story of the Dreyfus Affair. The novel follows Georges Picquart, a French officer who uncovers evidence of a conspiracy at the highest levels of government. It’s a meticulously researched and gripping tale of espionage and justice, perfect for history buffs and thriller fans alike.
These 15 books will keep you engrossed with their complex characters, intricate plots, and thrilling espionage adventures. Happy reading!