The Riddle of the Sands

By Erskine Childers,

Book cover of The Riddle of the Sands

Book description

In spite of good prospects in the Foreign Office, sardonic civil servant, Carruthers, is finding it hard to endure the emptiness and boredom of his life in London. He accepts an invitation to join a friend on a sailing holiday in the Baltic, where they discover a German plot to…

Shepherd is reader supported. When you buy books, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Why read it?

1 author picked The Riddle of the Sands as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

The first time I read this book I was sailing through the Frisian Islands, where it takes place—though unlike its two main characters, I didn’t have to worry about German patrols or being arrested as a spy. A classic thriller, the remote and shifting islands of the area help to drive the plot. It could, quite simply, take place nowhere else. Great sailing scenes as well!

From Carol's list on taking place on the coast.

Want books like The Riddle of the Sands?

Our community of 11,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like The Riddle of the Sands.

Browse books like The Riddle of the Sands

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in sailing, intelligence agency, and satire?

Sailing 17 books
Satire 165 books