Why am I passionate about this?

I was a paratrooper in the U.S. Army, lucky enough to spend three years in Germany. While in Germany, I fell in love with Europe. After my return to the States, I became an avid skydiver. That led to BASE jumping (parachuting from high buildings, bridges, cliffs, etc.) Unfortunately, I was badly injured in 1999. Though I’ve mostly recovered, I sought therapy in writing, melding my experiences as a soldier and adrenaline junkie, along with my love of exotic locales, into stories I love to share. That’s why I write. It keeps me sane and I love, love, love communicating with my readers.


I wrote

Doppelgänger: A World War II Espionage Thriller

By Chuck Driskell,

Book cover of Doppelgänger: A World War II Espionage Thriller

What is my book about?

In the midst of the Second World War, two spies—more alike than they could imagine—stalk one another. The German spy…

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The books I picked & why

Book cover of The Day of the Jackal

Chuck Driskell Why did I love this book?

I’ve read The Day of the Jackal at least a dozen times, and I still find new inspiration. Forsyth created an antagonist akin to Hans Gruber in Die Hard—I nearly find myself rooting for him. Along with great characterization is some of the greatest plotting I’ve ever read. The book is tight, smart, and absolutely engrossing, not to mention gorgeously written.

By Frederick Forsyth,

Why should I read it?

10 authors picked The Day of the Jackal as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The Day of the Jackal is the electrifying story of the struggle to catch a killer before it's too late.

It is 1963 and an anonymous Englishman has been hired by the Operations Chief of the O.A.S. to murder General De Gaulle. A failed attempt in the previous year means the target will be nearly impossible to get to. But this latest plot involves a lethal weapon: an assassin of legendary talent.

Known only as The Jackal, this remorseless and deadly killer must be stopped, but how do you track a man who exists in name alone?


Book cover of Eye of the Needle

Chuck Driskell Why did I love this book?

This was the book that hooked me on espionage thrillers. Follett takes an enormous subject and boils it down to a battle between a few. There are memorable characters all over this story, and each of them are faced with difficult choices. Once again, the antagonist has a shred of humanity, which occasionally puts the reader at odds. You’ll be hooked.

By Ken Follett,

Why should I read it?

10 authors picked Eye of the Needle as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The worldwide phenomenon from the bestselling author of The Pillars of the Earth, World Without End, A Column of Fire, and The Evening and the Morning

His code name was "The Needle." He was a German aristocrat of extraordinary intelligence-a master spy with a legacy of violence in his blood, and the object of the most desperate manhunt in history. . . .

But his fate lay in the hands of a young and vulnerable English woman, whose loyalty, if swayed, would assure his freedom-and win the war for the Nazis. . . .


Book cover of The Kill Artist

Chuck Driskell Why did I love this book?

This novel kicked off one of the most successful espionage franchises since James Bond. Gabriel Allon, along with the rest of Silva’s cast of characters, is so unique, so meticulous, that the reader feels as if you know him personally. Rich in research and detail, Silva’s book moves at a torrid pace. Once you read The Kill Artist, you’ll burn through the entire series.

By Daniel Silva,

Why should I read it?

6 authors picked The Kill Artist as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Wily old Israeli intelligence chief recalls former agents in order to eliminate top Palestinian terrorist. One agent is now an art restorer, the other a fashion model. Ten years before on a mission to destroy the Arab Black September group they were briefly lovers. Now their pasts and their enemies come back to haunt them, as the terrorist murders ambassadors in Paris and Holland. Will the Israeli-Palestinian peace talks be his next target? And what motivates the terrorist? Is it politics, or is it possibly personal? Set mainly in London, but with forays into Paris, Amsterdam, the Middle East and…


Book cover of I Am Pilgrim

Chuck Driskell Why did I love this book?

This book took me completely by surprise. I’d never heard of it, nor was I familiar with the author. It was one of those books that’s like finding a pot of gold. The pacing is excellent; the character development unique and well done. I found this book to be quite different, and engrossing, for reasons I cannot describe. Be warned, it’s not for the faint of heart.

By Terry Hayes,

Why should I read it?

10 authors picked I Am Pilgrim as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The astonishing story of one man's breakneck race against time to save America from oblivion.
_______________
A FATHER PUBLICLY BEHEADED. Killed in the blistering heat of a Saudi Arabian public square.
A YOUNG WOMAN DISCOVERED. All of her identifying characteristics dissolved by acid.

A SYRIAN BIOTECH EXPERT FOUND EYELESS. Dumped in a Damascus junkyard.

SMOULDERING HUMAN REMAINS. Abandoned on a remote mountainside in Afghanistan.

PILGRIM. The codename for a man who doesn't exist. A man who must return from obscurity. The only man who can uncover a flawless plot to commit an appalling crime against humanity.
_____________

'The plot twists…


Book cover of Casino Royale

Chuck Driskell Why did I love this book?

Casino Royale is the book that launched an icon: Bond…James Bond. While certainly not a modern thriller, this book is like taking a vacation to another time and place. Fleming’s writing style is his own, and his ability is enough to make me want to throw in the towel. Read this to get lost in the details and the richly developed characters. You’ll feel like you’re in France. 

By Ian Fleming,

Why should I read it?

5 authors picked Casino Royale as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

In the novel that introduced James Bond to the world, Ian Fleming’s agent 007 is dispatched to a French casino in Royale-les-Eaux. His mission? Bankrupt a ruthless Russian agent who’s been on a bad luck streak at the baccarat table.

One of SMERSH’s most deadly operatives, the man known only as “Le Chiffre,” has been a prime target of the British Secret Service for years. If Bond can wipe out his bankroll, Le Chiffre will likely be “retired” by his paymasters in Moscow. But what if the cards won’t cooperate? After a brutal night at the gaming tables, Bond soon…


Explore my book 😀

Doppelgänger: A World War II Espionage Thriller

By Chuck Driskell,

Book cover of Doppelgänger: A World War II Espionage Thriller

What is my book about?

In the midst of the Second World War, two spies—more alike than they could imagine—stalk one another. The German spy is embedded as an American soldier, killing his superiors in the heat of battle. A major. A colonel. A general.

The American spy hunts him, the search narrowing from division, to regiment, to company. It’s a hunt for a vicious killer. It’s a hunt for the American’s doppelgänger.

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Twelve Palominos

By Joe Kilgore,

Book cover of Twelve Palominos

Joe Kilgore Author Of Misfortune’s Wake

New book alert!

Why am I passionate about this?

In a previous career, I traveled extensively to many parts of the world. I always found new cultures, old traditions, strange languages, and exotic environments fascinating. Perhaps even more fascinating, were the expats I found who had traded in their home country for an existence far from where they were born and different from how they were reared. In many instances, I’ve attempted to incorporate—in Heinlein’s words—this stranger in a strange land motif in my work. It always seems to heighten my interest. I hope the reader’s as well. 

Joe's book list on expat adventures

What is my book about?

San Diego Private Investigator, Brig Ellis, is hired by a wealthy industrialist to help him acquire the final horse in a set of twelve palomino miniatures that once belonged to the last Emperor of China. What begins as a seemingly reasonable assignment quickly morphs into something much more malevolent.

The gumshoe has to deal not only with brigands, kidnappers, and commies, but also with the beautiful, enigmatic daughter of the industrialist whose involvement raises the danger level exponentially. As complications and the body count rise, Ellis tries to make sure this ill-fated job won’t be his last.

Twelve Palominos

By Joe Kilgore,

What is this book about?

San Diego Private Investigator, Brig Ellis, is hired by a wealthy industrialist to help him acquire the final horse in a set of twelve palomino miniatures that once belonged to the last Emperor of China. What begins as a seemingly reasonable assignment quickly morphs into something much more sinister. The intrepid gumshoe finds himself having to bargain with brigands, kibitz with kidnappers, clash with commies, and duel with a stone cold assassin incapable of feeling pain. All while navigating potentially deadly pitfalls instigated by his employer's beautiful but enigmatic daughter. Conflict and danger increase at warp speed as Ellis tries…


5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in France, the Middle East, and espionage?

France 923 books
The Middle East 192 books
Espionage 598 books