Renowned journalist and podcaster Gordon Corera has revealed his top picks for spy novels, highlighting works by Graham Greene, James Wolff, John le Carré, and others. Corera is set to discuss espionage and his latest book, The Spy in the Archive: How One Man Tried to Kill the KGB, at the upcoming Chalke History Festival on 27 June.
Our Man in Havana
Graham Greene, 1958
Having briefly worked for MI6, Greene frequently revisited espionage themes in his writing. Corera describes Our Man in Havana as a standout spy comedy, notable for its blend of absurdity and insight. The novel follows a vacuum-cleaner salesman who fabricates intelligence reports, shedding light on how flawed information can spread within intelligence services — a topic that remains relevant today.
A Spy Alone
Charles Beaumont, 2023
This debut novel by a former MI6 operative combines a gripping plot centered on an Oxford spy ring with a revealing look at contemporary Russian espionage tactics. Corera praises the book’s authentic depiction of spycraft and investigative techniques used to identify covert operatives.
Damascus Station
David McCloskey, 2021
Co-host of Corera’s podcast, McCloskey brings firsthand experience from his CIA career in the Middle East to this thriller set in Syria. The novel has been lauded for its compelling narrative and authentic portrayal of intelligence operations in a conflict zone.
How to Betray Your Country
James Wolff, 2021
The middle installment of a trilogy featuring protagonist August Drummond, this novel is penned by a former British government official writing under a pseudonym. Corera commends its nuanced exploration of loyalty and the moral complexities faced by those in the intelligence community.
A Perfect Spy
John le Carré, 1986
No list of spy literature would be complete without the legendary John le Carré. This semi-autobiographical novel offers deep insight into the author’s own experiences and wrestles with the enduring question of what drives a spy to betray their country.
Gordon Corera’s recommendations provide a diverse look at espionage fiction — blending historical insight, personal experience, and thrilling storytelling — ahead of his festival appearance later this month.
