Here are 72 books that The Enemies of My Country fans have personally recommended if you like The Enemies of My Country. Book DNA is a community of 12,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

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Book cover of The Trident Deception

Zander Hatch Author Of Rose Island

From my list on military thrillers written by military veterans.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve always wanted to create stories since I was young, inspired by Clive Cussler, Matthew Reilly, and the action movies of the 80’s and 90’s. After serving for 10 years in the Marine Corps infantry, I decided to combine my passion for storytelling with my military experience. Having deployed five times overseas and serving two years as an infantry instructor, I aim to inject a sense of military realism into fast-paced and action-packed stories. I don’t know it all and I’m always looking for veterans who have written military thrillers to get a different perspective on how the military works elsewhere. 

Zander's book list on military thrillers written by military veterans

Zander Hatch Why Zander loves this book

Submarines are a huge fascination of mine, and this book had plenty of them. What really grabbed my interest in this book were the US Navy submarines that carried nuclear missiles and the procedures that went into launching them. Governments can order the launch of nuclear missiles, but it’s the crew that has to agree to execute those orders. The moral weight of implementing weapons capable of mass destruction is a terrifying thought, which is apparent in the book. 

Written by a former US Naval Submariner, I learned so much about how submarines work and operate. At one point during his career, the author was one of two people whose permission was required to launch a nuclear missile. Crazy!

By Rick Campbell ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Trident Deception as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The USS Kentucky - a Trident ballistic missile submarine carrying a full complement of 192 nuclear warheads - is about to go on a routine cruise. Not long after it reaches the open sea, however, the Kentucky receives a launch order. After receiving that launch order, it is cut off from all counter-orders and disappears into the Pacific while it makes the eight-day transit to the launch site. What the Kentucky's crew doesn't know is that those launch orders haven't actually come from the U.S. government. Rogue elements within the Mossad have learned that Iran has developed its first nuclear…


If you love The Enemies of My Country...

Book cover of Rescue Run

Rescue Run by John Winn Miller,

In this exciting sequel to the award-winning The Hunt for the Peggy C, Capt. Jake Rogers sneaks back into occupied Europe with some of his crew in a desperate attempt to save his Jewish beloved’s father from being sent to Auschwitz.

But a shocking betrayal forces them to flee…

Book cover of Steel Fear

Zander Hatch Author Of Rose Island

From my list on military thrillers written by military veterans.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve always wanted to create stories since I was young, inspired by Clive Cussler, Matthew Reilly, and the action movies of the 80’s and 90’s. After serving for 10 years in the Marine Corps infantry, I decided to combine my passion for storytelling with my military experience. Having deployed five times overseas and serving two years as an infantry instructor, I aim to inject a sense of military realism into fast-paced and action-packed stories. I don’t know it all and I’m always looking for veterans who have written military thrillers to get a different perspective on how the military works elsewhere. 

Zander's book list on military thrillers written by military veterans

Zander Hatch Why Zander loves this book

This book unlocked a new fear of mine, being trapped aboard an aircraft carrier with a serial killer roaming around. I remember reading this one night when the power went out during a storm, and it only heightened the eeriness and my feeling of claustrophobia. 

The author, Brandon Webb, was a former Navy SEAL, bringing firsthand and real-world experience to that of the main character, a Navy SEAL, and how a US Navy aircraft carrier operates. With that, I felt as if I was there, trapped inside a steel box, not knowing who to trust and wondering if I would be the killer’s next victim. 

By Brandon Webb , John David Mann ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Steel Fear as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

An aircraft carrier adrift with a crew the size of a small town. A murderer in their midst. And the disgraced Navy SEAL who must track him down...'Sensationally good - an instant classic, maybe an instant legend' Lee Child

The moment Navy SEAL sniper Finn sets foot on the USS Abraham Lincoln, it's clear something is deeply wrong.

Leadership is weak. Morale is low. And when crew members start disappearing one by one, what at first seems like a random string of suicides soon reveals something far more sinister: there's a serial killer on board.

Suspicion falls on newcomer Finn.…


Book cover of Unknown Rider

Zander Hatch Author Of Rose Island

From my list on military thrillers written by military veterans.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve always wanted to create stories since I was young, inspired by Clive Cussler, Matthew Reilly, and the action movies of the 80’s and 90’s. After serving for 10 years in the Marine Corps infantry, I decided to combine my passion for storytelling with my military experience. Having deployed five times overseas and serving two years as an infantry instructor, I aim to inject a sense of military realism into fast-paced and action-packed stories. I don’t know it all and I’m always looking for veterans who have written military thrillers to get a different perspective on how the military works elsewhere. 

Zander's book list on military thrillers written by military veterans

Zander Hatch Why Zander loves this book

I’ve always been an admirer of US military history and how fast the technology advances. A concern that became more apparent during my time of service was the threat of being electronically compromised, jammed, or hacked. This book scratched that itch of wondering what would happen if the US military’s most advanced fighter jet were used against us. 

The author was a former US Naval Aviator and a TOPGUN graduate, so when the main character is piloting a F-35 fighter jet, I know what I’m reading is close to the truth. I just loved the level of detail that goes into how fighter pilots fly, talk, and shoot. 

By Jack Stewart ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Unknown Rider as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

After a Navy pilot inexplicably loses control of his stealth fighter, he stumbles upon a global conspiracy, and embarks on a thrilling chase filled with espionage and betrayal.

“A high-octane and adrenaline-powered thriller... Strap in and hold on!” ―Jack Carr, Former Navy SEAL sniper and #1 New York Times bestselling author of the James Reece Terminal List series

TOP GUN instructor Colt Bancroft has just catapulted off the USS Abraham Lincoln, his F-35C Joint Strike Fighter trailing blue and yellow flame as he climbs into the night sky off the California coast.

When he is sent to investigate a series…


If you love Jason Kasper...

Book cover of Rescue Run

Rescue Run by John Winn Miller,

In this exciting sequel to the award-winning The Hunt for the Peggy C, Capt. Jake Rogers sneaks back into occupied Europe with some of his crew in a desperate attempt to save his Jewish beloved’s father from being sent to Auschwitz.

But a shocking betrayal forces them to flee…

Book cover of Overwatch

Zander Hatch Author Of Rose Island

From my list on military thrillers written by military veterans.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve always wanted to create stories since I was young, inspired by Clive Cussler, Matthew Reilly, and the action movies of the 80’s and 90’s. After serving for 10 years in the Marine Corps infantry, I decided to combine my passion for storytelling with my military experience. Having deployed five times overseas and serving two years as an infantry instructor, I aim to inject a sense of military realism into fast-paced and action-packed stories. I don’t know it all and I’m always looking for veterans who have written military thrillers to get a different perspective on how the military works elsewhere. 

Zander's book list on military thrillers written by military veterans

Zander Hatch Why Zander loves this book

What I loved about this book was that it blended real-world past experiences into a thrilling fiction narrative. Written by a Marine Iraqi War veteran, he does not shy away from the psychological horrors of combat and addresses how one would deal with those issues head-on.

The main character is written as fragile and sometimes broken by what he’s witnessed in the past. I loved how the book breaks the mold of the stereotypical hero, bringing a new sense of realism to the story. 

By Matthew Betley ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Overwatch as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

"A former Marine himself, Betley proves himself an able heir to the throne held by the likes of Brad Thor and the late, great Vince Flynn....Not to be missed" (The Providence Journal).

When Logan West impulsively answers a dead man's ringing phone, he triggers a global race against the clock to track down an unknown organization searching for an Iraqi artifact that is central to a planned attack in the Middle East—one that will draw the United States into a major conflict with Iran.

Logan, a former Marine officer, is quickly contracted as a "consultant" to assist the FBI…


Book cover of A Question of Standing: The History of the CIA

Yakov Ben-Haim Author Of The Dilemmas of Wonderland: Decisions in the Age of Innovation

From my list on making decisions when you don’t know what’s going on.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am a retired university professor. My research, in which I am still actively engaged, deals with decision-making under deep uncertainty: how to make a decision, or design a project, or plan an operation when major relevant factors are unknown or highly uncertain. I developed a decision theory called info-gap theory that grapples with this challenge, and is applied around the world in many fields, including engineering design, economics, medicine, national security, biological conservation, and more.

Yakov's book list on making decisions when you don’t know what’s going on

Yakov Ben-Haim Why Yakov loves this book

This is an interesting collection of essays on the history of the CIA.

A spy agency thrives on deceit and uncertainty, making plans and taking actions when the adversary also thrives on those same elements.

Arranged in chronological order, the essays cover nearly 20 different incidents, describing the challenges, uncertainties, goals, and decisions made by both high-level political decision-makers and practitioners in the field.

Topics covered include early stages in the development of the CIA (founded in 1947), including covert action against the Soviet Union in the 1950s, the Bay of Pigs (1961), the Iran-Contra affair (mid-1980s), up to more recent events with bin Laden, fake news, and more.

By Rhodri Jeffreys-Jones ,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked A Question of Standing as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A Question of Standing deals with recognizable events that have shaped the history of the first 75 years of the CIA. Unsparing in its accounts of dirty tricks and their consequences, it values the agency's intelligence and analysis work to offer balanced judgements that avoid both celebration and condemnation of the CIA.

The mission of the CIA, derived from U-1 in World War I more than from World War II's OSS, has always been intelligence. Seventy-five years ago, in the year of its creation, the National Security Act gave the agency, uniquely in world history up to that point, a…


Book cover of Merit Badge Murder

Kirsten Weiss Author Of Big Shot

From my list on funny cozy mysteries.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve been addicted to reading and writing mystery novels since I picked up my first Nancy Drew. But in addition to a good puzzle, I also love a good laugh and grew up watching classic screwball comedies. I’ve written a dozen funny cozy mysteries now with more in the works. I hope you enjoy the books on this list as much as I have!

Kirsten's book list on funny cozy mysteries

Kirsten Weiss Why Kirsten loves this book

The murder and the laughs in this mystery begin on page one—which is no mean feat. Retired CIA agent Merry Wrath is now leading an Iowa girl scout troop. A murdered Al Qaeda operative tangled in the ropes course puts her back on the case again… and with her old and very attractive handler. Add in a handsome detective, and the sparks and laughs are flying in this good-natured and well-plotted romp.

By Leslie Langtry ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Merit Badge Murder as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

From USA Today bestselling author, Leslie Langtry comes a mystery series of laugh-out-loud proportions...

When CIA agent Merry Wrath is "accidentally" outted, she's forced her into early retirement, changes her appearance, and moves where no one will ever find her—Iowa. Instead of black bag drops in Bangkok, she now spends her time leading a young Girl Scout troop. But Merry's new simple life turns not-so-simple when an enemy agent shows up dead at scout camp. Suddenly Merry is forced to deal with her former life in order to preserve her future one.

It doesn't help matters that the CIA sends…


Book cover of Transfer of Power

John Casey Author Of Devolution

From my list on complex characters and philosophical undercurrents.

Why am I passionate about this?

I began reading spy and political thrillers at a young age—I was captivated by the thrill and mysteriousness of the clandestine world. I would go on to earn my Master’s in International Affairs, learning French and German along the way. I was a combat pilot and flew all over the globe. At the Pentagon, I regularly liaised with foreign diplomats to create and improve international cooperation and security. I then became a diplomat myself, working for the Defense Intelligence Agency. It was my time with the DIA and working at U.S. embassies in Europe and Africa that was the inspirational capstone for writing Devolution and The Devolution Trilogy.

John's book list on complex characters and philosophical undercurrents

John Casey Why John loves this book

It was Vince Flynn’s Mitch Rapp series that, for me, was the most fun to read. As I described the action and adventure of Madsen’s Searching for Eden, so would I describe the same for Transfer of Power and subsequent Rapp stories. This #1 New York Times bestselling series was #1 for a reason—uncompromised action and edge-of-your-seat writing throughout. It was Flynn’s style of writing that gave me the best ideas about how to write my own thrillers. If you love spy novels, do not pass this one up.

By Vince Flynn ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Transfer of Power as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

On a busy Washington morning, the stately calm of the White House is shattered as terrorists gain control of the executive mansion, slaughtering dozens of people. The president is evacuated to an underground bunker, but not before nearly one hundred hostages are taken. One man is sent in to take control of the crisis. Mitch Rapp, the CIA's top counterterrorism operative, determines that the president is not as safe as Washington's power elite had thought. Moving among the corridors of the White House, Rapp makes a chilling discovery that could rock Washington to its core: someone within his own government…


Book cover of A Spy Walked Into A Bar

James Stejskal Author Of Berlin

From my list on finding where the spies are – real or fictional.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am a 35-year veteran of the U.S. Army Special Forces and the CIA with more than 20 years experience in “interesting” places around the world. That experience (and a graduate degree) gave me the background and tools to write about special operations and espionage history. I am also a conflict archaeologist and have conducted battlefield and campaign studies on three continents. I know and love these stories because they have been part of my life, and know readers will also love them.

James' book list on finding where the spies are – real or fictional

James Stejskal Why James loves this book

I love all aspects of the Spy Game, from the places, to books, to film, to the food, and (of course) the drinks, so where best to go to find that kind of info than in a great book like A Spy Walked Into A Bar…? 

I love the premise, the stories, and the how to make a drink. Put it all together, and you have not only a mixology but a captivating history of an “interesting” side of espionage.

Written by two senior CIA officers who know the business and what it takes to survive, which includes a cocktail once in a while. With this book, you can go into a bar and spot the spies or their targets… maybe.

Spy Tradecraft coupled with Spy Barcraft at its best. I’ll have a Talisker 18, double, straight up, in a cold glass, please!

By Rob Dannenberg , Joseph P. Mullin Jr. ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked A Spy Walked Into A Bar as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A Spy Walked Into A Bar: A Practitioner's Guide to Cocktail Tradecraft by former senior CIA Officers Rob Dannenberg and Joseph P. Mullin Jr. is a real-life guide to spies and their favorite cocktails. Based on experiences from their clandestine operations backgrounds, Rob and Joe have collected, curated and perfected the cocktails that were enjoyed while celebrating milestone events during their CIA careers. From the drinks that were ordered after successfully recruiting assets, to marking the end of a major operation, this book features real life stories and homegrown photos by the authors themselves. A Spy Walked Into A Bar…


Book cover of The Agency

Julian Schofield Author Of Militarization and War

From my list on national security decision-making.

Why am I passionate about this?

I have been a professor of political science for over 25 years, and I am interested in what causes wars and what causes defeats. I have also been involved in military planning, policy, and politics. I am constantly on the lookout for the pedagogically most impactful accounts of processes and events for my students, to quickly level them up to participate in the policy field. I am especially sensitive and interested in methodologically sound works, where alternative explanations are laid out, and there is a rigorous test to establish the validity of hypotheses.    

Julian's book list on national security decision-making

Julian Schofield Why Julian loves this book

John Ranelagh’s history of the CIA should be the very first book read on U.S. espionage. At 800 pages, heavily grounded in interviews, it covers the period from before the Second World War to the mid-1980s. It convincingly overturns every misconception about the CIA, including its exaggerated roles in coups, assassinations, and the Phoenix Program.

Actually, the book is a detailed sociological study of the U.S. elite, Presidential governance, and intra-agency biases. Surprisingly, with its foundation in the O.S.S. and recruits from American communists who had fought in the Spanish Civil War, the CIA is a highly professional but liberal institution, sometimes stubbornly out of alignment with the establishment, such as over Vietnam. 

By John Ranelagh ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Agency as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Scores of interviews with insiders and more than seven thousand pages of formerly classified documents support this history of the CIA, which focuses on "The Company's" remarkable personalities and leaders from Wild Bill Donovan to William Casey


Book cover of The Warrior Spy

Luana Ehrlich Author Of One Night in Tehran

From my list on international espionage intertwined with faith.

Why am I passionate about this?

I was eleven years old when I read my first adult spy novel. I was only able to get my hands on it after receiving permission from my father, who brought home three to four espionage books from the library every week. By the time I was halfway through the book, I was hooked on the genre forever. Since faith plays an important role in my life, I’m always delighted to discover authors whose books reflect a strong belief system yet who can tell a compelling, action-packed adventure without sounding preachy.

Luana's book list on international espionage intertwined with faith

Luana Ehrlich Why Luana loves this book

I love thrillers that tell the story of a group of operatives who must work together under the leadership of a strong central figure in order to accomplish a difficult mission, and from the opening chapter, I knew this novel would be exactly that.

This is the first book in the Warrior Spy Thriller Series. While I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the hero of the story, Delta Force operator, Reagan Rainey, who is temporarily assigned to a CIA entity, I was also fascinated by the other members of his special ops team, not only because of their unique personalities, but also by the way Rainey was able to share his faith with them without sounding preachy and to remind me of how grateful I am to live in America.

By Dony Jay ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Warrior Spy as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The CIA has a problem. Its best clandestine operatives keep turning up dead. And now, as if things couldn't get any worse, a Defense Department scientist, specializing in high-energy lasers, has gone missing. America needs answers. And fast. Delta Force operator Reagan Rainey, on temporary duty assignment with a secret CIA entity known as Directorate Twelve, is tasked to do just that--get answers. But to do so, he not only has to outwit and outmaneuver a dangerous cabal of foreign actors believed to be at the center of it all, he must contend with a deadly assassin who is bent…


Book cover of The Trident Deception
Book cover of Steel Fear
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