100 books like A Rose for Sergei

By K. Kidd,

Here are 100 books that A Rose for Sergei fans have personally recommended if you like A Rose for Sergei. Shepherd is a community of 11,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

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Book cover of Genuine Deceit

Kathleen Harryman Author Of The Other Side Of The Looking Glass

From my list on suspense with twisted and unpredictable plots.

Why am I passionate about this?

I have always had a thirst for mystery and puzzle-solving, which has expanded into books as I've grown. For me, emotions play an important role in any tale. Suspense novels that bring a personal element allow the puzzle to unfold meaningfully. Like slotting the last piece of a jigsaw in place, I want to feel their emotions—the fear that makes their hearts pump in rapid beats. Their sorrow and happiness. I want to know I have been on a journey when I finish. And one, I didn’t travel alone. I hope you, too, go on a journey with the books I have recommended.

Kathleen's book list on suspense with twisted and unpredictable plots

Kathleen Harryman Why did Kathleen love this book?

This is a twisted romantic suspense that delivers a gripping read.

Romance and suspense merge when a decade-old secret turns deadly. The opening chapter thrust me into the murder of Reagan Asher’s grandmother. Not getting what they wanted, the culprits set their sights on Reagan. Passed events become the premise of this novel, and Reagan must come to terms with her grandmother’s death and her father’s betrayal to stay alive and uncover the truth.

The unpredictable nature of this story was a winner for me.

By Joy York,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Genuine Deceit as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.


Book cover of Everyone Burns

Kathleen Harryman Author Of The Other Side Of The Looking Glass

From my list on suspense with twisted and unpredictable plots.

Why am I passionate about this?

I have always had a thirst for mystery and puzzle-solving, which has expanded into books as I've grown. For me, emotions play an important role in any tale. Suspense novels that bring a personal element allow the puzzle to unfold meaningfully. Like slotting the last piece of a jigsaw in place, I want to feel their emotions—the fear that makes their hearts pump in rapid beats. Their sorrow and happiness. I want to know I have been on a journey when I finish. And one, I didn’t travel alone. I hope you, too, go on a journey with the books I have recommended.

Kathleen's book list on suspense with twisted and unpredictable plots

Kathleen Harryman Why did Kathleen love this book?

This is an entertaining and addictive suspense.

This is a craftily written tale of murder against the breathtaking backdrop of the Thai Island of Samui (the Land of Smiles). The blend of local traditions and colorful characters lured me in until I could smell the spices and hear the beeping of car horns.

I love characters that are quirky and unpredictable, and private detective David Braddock is just that. He’s a man battling with his past and bad habits, keeping the Chief of Police satisfied and solving the murders before he gets sidelined by his superiors.

By John Dolan,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

'He opens a drawer of his desk, casually takes out a pistol, flicks off the safety catch and points it at my head.
He says almost sorrowfully, "Do you imagine me to be a gangster, Mr Braddock?"'

It is January 2005, and the charred remains of two Europeans have been discovered on the Thai island of Samui.
Local Police Chief Charoenkul, sidelined by his superiors, enlists the reluctant David Braddock, a burnt-out private detective, to assist in an ‘unofficial’ investigation.
But Braddock has problems of his own, including an affair with the same Police Chief’s wife ...

Peppered with irreverent…


Book cover of Naked Came the Detective

Kathleen Harryman Author Of The Other Side Of The Looking Glass

From my list on suspense with twisted and unpredictable plots.

Why am I passionate about this?

I have always had a thirst for mystery and puzzle-solving, which has expanded into books as I've grown. For me, emotions play an important role in any tale. Suspense novels that bring a personal element allow the puzzle to unfold meaningfully. Like slotting the last piece of a jigsaw in place, I want to feel their emotions—the fear that makes their hearts pump in rapid beats. Their sorrow and happiness. I want to know I have been on a journey when I finish. And one, I didn’t travel alone. I hope you, too, go on a journey with the books I have recommended.

Kathleen's book list on suspense with twisted and unpredictable plots

Kathleen Harryman Why did Kathleen love this book?

This is not your average detective story.

This was a different and enjoyable read for me. An escort turns detective when one of her customers is murdered. While this delves into the life of an escort, it is a ‘murder mystery’ with the focus on solving the murder of her client, and not her services.

The main character is delightfully forward in her reasoning, and I was invested from the start. So much so, and very intriguingly, while the story is told in the POV of the escort, I did not learn her name at all. And even stranger, it was only at the end that I realized this.

By Glendall C. Jackson III,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Naked Came the Detective as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Sex. Murder. An Escort. A Mystery.
WINNER: 2023 Best Indie Book Award
WINNER: 2023 Paris Book Festival
WINNER, best novella: 2024 International Book Award
WINNER, best novella: 2024 American Fiction Award
WINNER, best novella: 2023 Firebird Book Award
WINNER, best noir mystery: The 2023 BookFest Award
WINNER, best private investigator mystery: 2024 Book Excellence Award
DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE, novella: 2024 Independent Press Award
RUNNER-UP, sleuth-mystery: 2023 PenCraft Book Award
BRONZE MEDAL, novella: 2024 Independent Publisher Book Award
BRONZE AWARD, mystery: 2024 Reader Views Literary Award
FINALIST: 2024 Hawthorne Prize
FINALIST, novella: 2023 Best Book Awards; 2023 American Writing Awards; 2024 Next…


Book cover of The Memory

Kathleen Harryman Author Of The Other Side Of The Looking Glass

From my list on suspense with twisted and unpredictable plots.

Why am I passionate about this?

I have always had a thirst for mystery and puzzle-solving, which has expanded into books as I've grown. For me, emotions play an important role in any tale. Suspense novels that bring a personal element allow the puzzle to unfold meaningfully. Like slotting the last piece of a jigsaw in place, I want to feel their emotions—the fear that makes their hearts pump in rapid beats. Their sorrow and happiness. I want to know I have been on a journey when I finish. And one, I didn’t travel alone. I hope you, too, go on a journey with the books I have recommended.

Kathleen's book list on suspense with twisted and unpredictable plots

Kathleen Harryman Why did Kathleen love this book?

While this may not be classed as a suspense novel, it is just that for me. It is a brutal, honest, and heartbreaking story that lived on long after I finished reading it. Touching on dementia and Down Syndrome, the author weaves a magic web of true understanding and heartfelt emotions. 

Irene's strength, sense of responsibility, family, and love for her husband, Sam, make this a beautiful read. For Irene, it isn’t only about coming to terms with the loss of her sister, Rose, but finding out what happened the night that Rose died… and the truth is very different from what Irene thinks she saw.

By Judith Barrow,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

Mother and daughter tied together by shame and secrecy, love and hate.

I wait by the bed. I move into her line of vision and it’s as though we’re watching one another, my mother and me; two women – trapped.

Today has been a long time coming. Irene sits at her mother's side waiting for the right moment, for the point at which she will know she is doing the right thing by Rose.

Rose was Irene's little sister, an unwanted embarrassment to their mother Lilian but a treasure to Irene. Rose died thirty years ago, when she was eight,…


Book cover of Black List

Lee Gimenez Author Of The Media Murders

From my list on murder mystery from award-winning thriller author.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m a mystery writer and I’ve had 16 award-winning novels published. I also love to read mystery and thriller novels, and I read them voraciously. I’m best known for my highly-acclaimed J.T. Ryan mysteries and I was a Finalist for the Author Academy Award. Also, many of my books were Featured Novels of the International Thriller Writers Association. I’m also a multi-year nominee for the Georgia Author of the Year Award. 

Lee's book list on murder mystery from award-winning thriller author

Lee Gimenez Why did Lee love this book?

I found Black List to be a murder mystery that captivated me from beginning to end. The plot twists kept me guessing as to the final outcome, and just when I thought I had it figured out, the book took another turn and drew me deeper into the plot. This page-turning thriller pits Scot Harvath, a counterterrorism agent, against a secret government deep-state conspiracy that wants him dead. They’ve placed him on the ‘black list,’ a list of most wanted terrorists. I found this book to be a high-octane thriller, and one of the best mystery novels I’ve ever read.

By Brad Thor,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

Somewheredeep inside the United States government is a closely guarded list. Members of Congress never get to see it-only the President and a secret team of advisers. Once your name is on the list, it doesn't come off...until you're dead. Someonehas just added counterterrorism operative Scot Harvath's name.

SomehowHarvath must evade the teams dispatched to kill him long enough to untangle who has targeted him and why they want him out of the way. Somewhere, someone, somehowcan put all the pieces together. The only question is; will Harvath get to that person before the United States suffers the most withering…


Book cover of The Creature from Jekyll Island: A Second Look at the Federal Reserve

Mel Mattison Author Of Quoz: A Financial Thriller

From my list on exploring the dark side of finance.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m a huge thriller fan, and I love finance. In fact, I worked in the industry for over twenty years. I have an MBA from Duke and have been the CEO of three different SEC/FINRA-registered broker-dealers. Unfortunately, I’ve found myself deep into a thriller with a financial component that turns out to be implausible, overly simplistic, or both. It breaks the narrative for me. With these books, that’s not a concern. Financial thriller aficionados unite!

Mel's book list on exploring the dark side of finance

Mel Mattison Why did Mel love this book?

I can’t say this about many books, but this one is life changing. Wonder about money? Where it comes from and why it makes the world go round?

The Creature from Jekyll Island is the landmark book about the Federal Reserve, banking, and finance. Originally published in 1994, this book is still routinely the number 1 best seller on Amazon for Economic Policy. The Creature from Jekyll Island not only opened my eyes to the reality of money in the modern world, it is also a thoroughly entertaining read.

By G. Edward Griffin,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

The Creature from Jekyll Island: A Second Look at the Federal Reserve (Paperback) by G. Edward Griffin (Author) 2009


Book cover of A Vengeance of Spies

Hilary Green Author Of Operation Lightning Bolt

From my list on the secret world of plot and counter plot in WWll.

Why am I passionate about this?

I was born just before the start of World War ll. My father served throughout the war in the RAF but before that he had been a professional singer. I was interested in the idea that the war had sent people along paths that they would never have otherwise explored and I decided to write about four young performing artists and their wartime experiences. The result was the four novels in my Follies series. It meant a lot of research, in the process of which I discovered the work of the Special Operations Executive. This has provided me with material for several more novels, of which Operation Lightning Bolt is the most recent.

Hilary's book list on the secret world of plot and counter plot in WWll

Hilary Green Why did Hilary love this book?

This book plays into my own interest in the work of the Special Operations Executive during World War ll. But it is set some years after the war and deals with the legacy of secrecy and its effect on the men and women who served in  SOE. It is a story of revenge and reconciliation, and the plot has many dramatic twists building up to a nail-biting climax and a bitter revelation.

By Manda Scott,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

My dear Elsa—
You are grieving and I am sorry, but there are things you need to know…
Because this is not only a confession. It is an accusation.
So, in case you get no further, here is the bald fact.

I killed your grandfather.

War hides many secrets and some of them are better kept. But the secret of Hut Ten was never that kind: it could have been leaked and a life would have been saved.
One man could have made that difference. He didn’t - and vengeance has taken forty years to catch up with him.

This…


Book cover of Victor in the Rubble

Susan Hasler Author Of Intelligence: A Tale of Terror and Uncivil Service

From my list on spot on spy novels by former intelligence officers.

Why am I passionate about this?

I spent 21 years in the Central Intelligence Agency as a linguist, analyst, and speechwriter. It was a love-hate relationship. I found the culture of the place fascinating and sometimes maddening. The intellectual challenge was addictive. I met some of the best people I’ve ever known and a few of the worst. I learned about high stakes and moral ambiguity, intellectual integrity and bald careerism, selfless service, and rollicking arrogance. I discovered that the intelligence world is a world apart yet an eerily accurate reflection of broader society. I’ve chosen books written by authors who spent time in intelligence work and crafted novels that define and sometimes defy the spy genre.

Susan's book list on spot on spy novels by former intelligence officers

Susan Hasler Why did Susan love this book?

I never met Alex Finley, but we worked for some of the same people, and her book triggered a flood of memories for me. Black humor thrives in counterterrorism work—partly because laughing is a more acceptable way to release tension in the workplace than crying or punching tech support.

This is broad satire but with a hefty dose of authenticity. Anyone who has worked in a bureaucracy will laugh at this novel, but if you’ve worked in an intelligence bureaucracy, you’ll be snorting coffee from your nose.

By Alex Finley,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Victor in the Rubble as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Victor Caro is a counterterrorism officer with the CYA, caught in a world where job security trumps national security. On assignment in West Africa in a post-9/11 world, he is tasked with hunting down the terrorist Omar al-Suqqit, who is looking to launch his group of ragtag militants onto the international jihadi stage. But chasing a terrorist proves an easier challenge than managing his agency’s bureaucracy. Omar, meanwhile, faces his own bureaucratic struggles as he joins forces with a global terrorist group that begins micro-managing its franchises in an effort to streamline attacks. When Victor appears on his own country’s…


Book cover of Civil War

Mya Chavis Author Of A Sovereign Pursuit: Stolen Justice Redeemed

From my list on comic fiction having you on the edge of your seat.

Why am I passionate about this?

Creatively formulating, cultivating, and producing high-quality fiction “masterpieces” is what I was destined to do. The art of writing is a “gift & passion” that runs rapidly through my veins. Propelled through an obitual love of reading adventurous tales and storytelling as a young child my writing voyage has expanded to writing poetry, monologues, and screen writing. Combining all imaginative inspired gifts and talents refined by a burning passion to communicate prolific narrations like no other author can. Inspirational, impactful authors that paved the way for me to be here are Maya Angelou, Roald Dahl, Theodor Seuss Geisel, Levar Burton, and Nikki Giovanni.

Mya's book list on comic fiction having you on the edge of your seat

Mya Chavis Why did Mya love this book?

I particularly enjoyed reading this book for its exuberating passion for standing up for one’s beliefs within the crusader expedition of battle.

Its formation is that of a clever and well-preformed narrative. Marvel Comics introduces a vicious and corrupt government that attempts to entrap these superheroes into a reprehensible system of Tyranny. Iron Man, Captain America, Spider-Man, and The Fantastic Four, among others, align with their patriot allegiances to engage in this bloody war to the end.

The plot was intense. Overall, this narrative was fun and exciting to read leaving you on the edge of your seat until the end.

By Stuart Moore,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Civil War as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 13, 14, 15, and 16.

What is this book about?

SPIDER-MAN * IRON MAN CAPTAIN AMERICA * THE FANTASTIC FOUR

THE EPIC STORY THAT BLOWS THE MARVEL UNIVERSE APART!

Iron Man and Captain America: two core members of the Avengers, the world's greatest super hero team. When a tragic battle blows a hole in the city of Stamford, killing hundreds of people, the U.S. government demands that all super heroes unmask and register their powers. To Tony Stark-Iron Man-it's a regrettable but necessary step. To Captain America, it's an unbearable assault on civil liberties.

SO BEGINS THE CIVIL WAR.

BASED ON THE SMASH-HIT GRAPHIC NOVEL THAT HAS SOLD MORE THAN…


Book cover of Cyber Attacks: Protecting National Infrastructure

Jennifer L. Bayuk Author Of Enterprise Security for the Executive: Setting the Tone from the Top

From my list on cybersecurity for every type of reader.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am a cybersecurity risk management thought leader and subject matter expert with hands-on experience in managing and measuring large-scale cybersecurity programs, system security architecture, cybersecurity tools and techniques, cybersecurity forensics, audit of information systems and networks, and technology control processes. I have spent my career educating others in cybersecurity, mostly because it has always been necessary to educate staff; and colleagues soon recognized that I was easily able to handle the transition from staff training to external classroom environments. But my main motivation for external cybersecurity education is to get feedback from the cybersecurity professional community on my approaches to today’s cybersecurity issues.

Jennifer's book list on cybersecurity for every type of reader

Jennifer L. Bayuk Why did Jennifer love this book?

Amoroso’s experience started with academic research at Bell Labs and Stevens Institute of Technology but moved quickly to practically fill voids at AT&T and NSA. His book reduces technical concepts in cybersecurity to basic principles and explains generically how they are effectively implemented. For the true techy who wants to fully understand all the formal logic behind the theories in Cyber Attacks, reach back to Ed Amoroso’s Fundamentals of Computer Security Technology (1994). 

By Edward Amoroso,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

Cyber Attacks takes the national debate on protecting critical infrastructure in an entirely new and fruitful direction. It initiates an intelligent national (and international) dialogue amongst the general technical community around proper methods for reducing national risk. This includes controversial themes such as the deliberate use of deception to trap intruders. It also serves as an attractive framework for a new national strategy for cyber security, something that several Presidential administrations have failed in attempting to create. In addition, nations other than the US might choose to adopt the framework as well.

This book covers cyber security policy development for…


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