Best Cat and Mouse Books

Oath of Loyalty

Mitch Rapp • Book 21

by Kyle Mills, Vince Flynn

CIA operative Mitch Rapp becomes a political liability when the President turns against him, forcing a dangerous truce. Mills continues Flynn's legacy with international intrigue that questions loyalty to country versus conscience.

More about this pick

CIA operative Mitch Rapp becomes a political liability when the President turns against him, forcing a dangerous truce. Mills continues Flynn's legacy with international intrigue that questions loyalty to country versus conscience.

The Lies of Locke Lamora

Gentleman Bastard Sequence • Book 1

by Scott Lynch

Master thief Locke Lamora pulls elaborate heists in a fantasy Venice until someone starts murdering his fellow Gentleman Bastards—Ocean's Eleven meets Venetian intrigue.

More about this pick

Master thief Locke Lamora pulls elaborate heists in a fantasy Venice until someone starts murdering his fellow Gentleman Bastards—Ocean's Eleven meets Venetian intrigue.

Consent to Kill

Mitch Rapp • Book 8

by Vince Flynn

Mitch Rapp's ruthless counterterrorism methods finally provoke retaliation when foreign agents target his personal life, testing whether America's deadliest operative can protect those closest to him.

More about this pick

Mitch Rapp's ruthless counterterrorism methods finally provoke retaliation when foreign agents target his personal life, testing whether America's deadliest operative can protect those closest to him.

The Hard Line

Gray Man • Book 15

by Mark Greaney

The apex predator becomes prey when family obligations complicate Court Gentry's world of blood and betrayal. Operating from an office park, this unconventional family unit faces their greatest threat yet.

More about this pick

The apex predator becomes prey when family obligations complicate Court Gentry's world of blood and betrayal. Operating from an office park, this unconventional family unit faces their greatest threat yet.

The Power of the Dog

Power of the Dog • Book 1

by Don Winslow

Art Keller's three-decade pursuit of cartel leaders becomes a sprawling epic of the drug war, tracking how violence corrupts everyone from priests to politicians in this unflinching crime saga.

More about this pick

Art Keller's three-decade pursuit of cartel leaders becomes a sprawling epic of the drug war, tracking how violence corrupts everyone from priests to politicians in this unflinching crime saga.

Creation in Death

In Death • Book 25

by J.D. Robb

Robb revives a cold case that haunted Dallas early in her career, forcing her to confront a methodical killer who's had nearly a decade to perfect his horrific craft.

More about this pick

Robb revives a cold case that haunted Dallas early in her career, forcing her to confront a methodical killer who's had nearly a decade to perfect his horrific craft.

Devoted in Death

In Death • Book 41

by J.D. Robb

Two lovers bond through murder, carving hearts into victims as they travel from state to state in a twisted romantic spree. Robb combines serial killer psychology with futuristic police work in this grim entry.

More about this pick

Two lovers bond through murder, carving hearts into victims as they travel from state to state in a twisted romantic spree. Robb combines serial killer psychology with futuristic police work in this grim entry.

An Inside Job

Gabriel Allon • Book 25

by Daniel Silva

Gabriel Allon's restoration commission becomes an art theft investigation when a Venetian masterpiece proves to be an elaborate forgery. Silva blends art history with espionage in his signature sophisticated style.

More about this pick

Gabriel Allon's restoration commission becomes an art theft investigation when a Venetian masterpiece proves to be an elaborate forgery. Silva blends art history with espionage in his signature sophisticated style.

Imitation in Death

In Death • Book 17

by J.D. Robb

Summer 2059: A caped figure murders a prostitute and leaves Lieutenant Eve Dallas a signed letter from 'Jack,' beginning a twisted game where the killer imitates famous serial murderers throughout history.

More about this pick

Summer 2059: A caped figure murders a prostitute and leaves Lieutenant Eve Dallas a signed letter from 'Jack,' beginning a twisted game where the killer imitates famous serial murderers throughout history.

Backlash

Scot Harvath • Book 18

by Brad Thor

After a mission goes catastrophically wrong, Scot Harvath finds himself alone in the brutal Russian wilderness, hunted by enemies while fighting hypothermia and starvation.

More about this pick

After a mission goes catastrophically wrong, Scot Harvath finds himself alone in the brutal Russian wilderness, hunted by enemies while fighting hypothermia and starvation.

Reunion in Death

In Death • Book 14

by J.D. Robb

Walter Pettibone's surprise birthday party turns deadly when a red-haired woman hands him poisoned champagne, connecting Lieutenant Eve Dallas to a killer she thought was safely buried in her past.

More about this pick

Walter Pettibone's surprise birthday party turns deadly when a red-haired woman hands him poisoned champagne, connecting Lieutenant Eve Dallas to a killer she thought was safely buried in her past.

The Day of the Jackal

by Frederick Forsyth

Forsyth strips away every thriller cliché to create a chillingly methodical hunt between a faceless professional killer targeting de Gaulle and the detective determined to stop him.

More about this pick

Forsyth strips away every thriller cliché to create a chillingly methodical hunt between a faceless professional killer targeting de Gaulle and the detective determined to stop him.

Kill Shot

Mitch Rapp • Book 2

by Vince Flynn

After a Paris assassination goes sideways, CIA operative Mitch Rapp must survive betrayal from within while foreign intelligence agencies hunt him across Europe.

More about this pick

After a Paris assassination goes sideways, CIA operative Mitch Rapp must survive betrayal from within while foreign intelligence agencies hunt him across Europe.

The Lincoln Lawyer

A Lincoln Lawyer Novel • Book 1

by Michael Connelly

Operating his criminal defense practice from a Lincoln Town Car, Mickey Haller takes on a rich kid's assault case that turns into a nightmare involving planted evidence, prosecutorial misconduct, and a killer he helped put away.

More about this pick

Operating his criminal defense practice from a Lincoln Town Car, Mickey Haller takes on a rich kid's assault case that turns into a nightmare involving planted evidence, prosecutorial misconduct, and a killer he helped put away.

The Collector

Gabriel Allon • Book 23

by Daniel Silva

Silva combines his twin passions—art restoration and spy craft—in a race against time where a single stolen painting holds the power to reshape global politics.

More about this pick

Silva combines his twin passions—art restoration and spy craft—in a race against time where a single stolen painting holds the power to reshape global politics.

War Shadows

Tier One • Book 2

by Brian Andrews, Jeffrey Wilson

Former Navy SEAL turned covert operative John Dempsey faces an old nemesis in a relentless chase from Iraqi deserts to suburban streets.

More about this pick

Former Navy SEAL turned covert operative John Dempsey faces an old nemesis in a relentless chase from Iraqi deserts to suburban streets.

The Death of Dulgath

The Riyria Chronicles • Book 3

by Michael J. Sullivan

Sullivan weaves political intrigue around Riyria's mission to protect the final heir of Avryn's oldest family from professional killers. Three years of partnership haven't prepared the rogues for this level of deadly complexity.

More about this pick

Sullivan weaves political intrigue around Riyria's mission to protect the final heir of Avryn's oldest family from professional killers. Three years of partnership haven't prepared the rogues for this level of deadly complexity.

Loyalty in Death

In Death • Book 9

by J.D. Robb

An unknown bomber stalks futuristic New York, sending Eve Dallas personal letters while escalating explosive attacks. Robb's procedural combines police work with psychological warfare.

More about this pick

An unknown bomber stalks futuristic New York, sending Eve Dallas personal letters while escalating explosive attacks. Robb's procedural combines police work with psychological warfare.

The Fifth to Die

4MK Thriller • Book 2

by J.D. Barker

Edoardo Ballerini and Graham Winton alternate perspectives in Barker's chilling sequel where frozen corpses reveal a killer's escalating brutality.

More about this pick

Edoardo Ballerini and Graham Winton alternate perspectives in Barker's chilling sequel where frozen corpses reveal a killer's escalating brutality.

The Black Widow

Gabriel Allon • Book 16

by Daniel Silva

Israeli spy Gabriel Allon poses as art dealer to penetrate ISIS networks after they bomb Paris. Silva combines art world expertise with contemporary terrorism in his signature style.

More about this pick

Israeli spy Gabriel Allon poses as art dealer to penetrate ISIS networks after they bomb Paris. Silva combines art world expertise with contemporary terrorism in his signature style.

The Rembrandt Affair

Gabriel Allon • Book 10

by Daniel Silva

Gabriel Allon's quiet retirement ends when his art dealer friend needs help recovering a Rembrandt with a Nazi provenance that powerful people will kill for.

More about this pick

Gabriel Allon's quiet retirement ends when his art dealer friend needs help recovering a Rembrandt with a Nazi provenance that powerful people will kill for.

The Crossing

Harry Bosch • Book 18

by Michael Connelly

Harry Bosch crosses ethical lines to help defense attorney Mickey Haller prove their client's innocence in a brutal murder case. Connelly explores what happens when a by-the-book cop works for the other side.

More about this pick

Harry Bosch crosses ethical lines to help defense attorney Mickey Haller prove their client's innocence in a brutal murder case. Connelly explores what happens when a by-the-book cop works for the other side.

Clive Cussler Ghost Soldier

Oregon Files • Book 18

by Mike Maden

American weapons in African jihadis' hands lead Cabrillo into a deadly war game against an nearly invisible enemy. Maden continues Cussler's legacy with cutting-edge military technology and globe-spanning intrigue.

More about this pick

American weapons in African jihadis' hands lead Cabrillo into a deadly war game against an nearly invisible enemy. Maden continues Cussler's legacy with cutting-edge military technology and globe-spanning intrigue.

Tom Clancy Shadow State (A Jack Ryan Jr. Novel Book 18)

Jack Ryan, Jr. • Book 18

by M.P. Woodward

Jack Ryan Jr.'s business analysis trip to Vietnam turns deadly after a helicopter crash reveals that someone's targeting Western investors with more than market manipulation.

More about this pick

Jack Ryan Jr.'s business analysis trip to Vietnam turns deadly after a helicopter crash reveals that someone's targeting Western investors with more than market manipulation.

House of Spies

Gabriel Allon • Book 17

by Daniel Silva

Silva sends his art restorer-assassin after Saladin, the shadowy ISIS leader behind devastating terrorist attacks, in a revenge story that spans from London galleries to Moroccan safe houses.

More about this pick

Silva sends his art restorer-assassin after Saladin, the shadowy ISIS leader behind devastating terrorist attacks, in a revenge story that spans from London galleries to Moroccan safe houses.

Under the Surface

Bear & Mandy Logan • Book 2

by L.T. Ryan, K.M. Rought

Bear Logan returns to his childhood Cape Hatteras only to find elderly neighbors under threat from unknown antagonists. Ryan and Rought layer small-town menace beneath the familiar coastal setting.

More about this pick

Bear Logan returns to his childhood Cape Hatteras only to find elderly neighbors under threat from unknown antagonists. Ryan and Rought layer small-town menace beneath the familiar coastal setting.

Legion's Fifth Vault

Divine Apostasy • Book 5

by A.F. Kay

Ruwen has five days to break someone out of an unbreachable prison, and his only way in is winning a gladiatorial tournament in front of 100,000 witnesses. Low profile? Not happening.

More about this pick

Ruwen has five days to break someone out of an unbreachable prison, and his only way in is winning a gladiatorial tournament in front of 100,000 witnesses. Low profile? Not happening.

Caught in the Web

Bear & Mandy Logan • Book 6

by L.T. Ryan, K.M. Rought

What should have been a peaceful Italian getaway turns into Bear and Mandy Logan's most dangerous case when a ruthless enemy makes their family connection the target. Some vacations require survival skills.

More about this pick

What should have been a peaceful Italian getaway turns into Bear and Mandy Logan's most dangerous case when a ruthless enemy makes their family connection the target. Some vacations require survival skills.

The Bone Collector

Lincoln Rhyme Series • Book 1

by Jeffery Deaver

Paralyzed criminologist Lincoln Rhyme returns to detective work when a serial killer begins leaving forensic puzzles that only he can solve. Partnering with patrol officer Amelia Sachs, Rhyme races to decode clues before the next victim dies.

More about this pick

Paralyzed criminologist Lincoln Rhyme returns to detective work when a serial killer begins leaving forensic puzzles that only he can solve. Partnering with patrol officer Amelia Sachs, Rhyme races to decode clues before the next victim dies.

Smiley’s People / John Le Carre

George Smiley • Book 7

by John le Carré

The Poet

Jack McEvoy • Book 1

by Michael Connelly

A serial killer is murdering homicide detectives and staging the scenes as suicides, each marked by Edgar Allan Poe quotes, and reporter Jack McEvoy's brother was the first victim.

More about this pick

A serial killer is murdering homicide detectives and staging the scenes as suicides, each marked by Edgar Allan Poe quotes, and reporter Jack McEvoy's brother was the first victim.

The Reversal

The Lincoln Lawyer • Book 3

by Michael Connelly

DNA evidence frees a child killer after 24 years, so prosecutor Mickey Haller teams with Detective Harry Bosch to retry the case and secure justice. Peter Giles delivers Connelly's courtroom drama with appropriate gravity, highlighting the legal maneuvering and investigative partnerships.

More about this pick

DNA evidence frees a child killer after 24 years, so prosecutor Mickey Haller teams with Detective Harry Bosch to retry the case and secure justice. Peter Giles delivers Connelly's courtroom drama with appropriate gravity, highlighting the legal maneuvering and investigative partnerships.

Bad Luck and Trouble

Jack Reacher • Book 11

by Lee Child

Jack Reacher's former military investigation team is being murdered one by one, starting with a body found in the California desert. Child reunites his loner hero with old colleagues, exploring bonds forged in military service.

More about this pick

Jack Reacher's former military investigation team is being murdered one by one, starting with a body found in the California desert. Child reunites his loner hero with old colleagues, exploring bonds forged in military service.

Takedown

Scot Harvath • Book 5

by Brad Thor

Thor isolates Manhattan after terrorists destroy every bridge and tunnel on July Fourth, then sends elite foreign soldiers searching block-by-block for one crucial target.

More about this pick

Thor isolates Manhattan after terrorists destroy every bridge and tunnel on July Fourth, then sends elite foreign soldiers searching block-by-block for one crucial target.

The Dark Horse

Walt Longmire • Book 5

by Craig Johnson

When a woman confesses to shooting her horse-burning husband six times, Sheriff Longmire suspects there's more to the story. Johnson weaves a mystery through Wyoming's harsh landscape where everyone has secrets worth killing for.

More about this pick

When a woman confesses to shooting her horse-burning husband six times, Sheriff Longmire suspects there's more to the story. Johnson weaves a mystery through Wyoming's harsh landscape where everyone has secrets worth killing for.

Fear No Evil

Alex Cross • Book 29

by James Patterson

Alex Cross and John Sampson become prey in the Montana wilderness, targeted by rival assassin teams working for the mastermind who has stalked Cross for years.

More about this pick

Alex Cross and John Sampson become prey in the Montana wilderness, targeted by rival assassin teams working for the mastermind who has stalked Cross for years.

The Hunt for Red October

Jack Ryan • Book 3

by Tom Clancy

Soviet submarine captain Marko Ramius attempts to defect with Russia's most advanced nuclear sub. Clancy's debut novel combines technical submarine warfare with Cold War politics in a perfectly plotted thriller.

More about this pick

Soviet submarine captain Marko Ramius attempts to defect with Russia's most advanced nuclear sub. Clancy's debut novel combines technical submarine warfare with Cold War politics in a perfectly plotted thriller.

A Killer's Mind

Zoe Bentley Mystery • Book 1

by Mike Omer

FBI forensic psychologist Zoe Bentley faces three Chicago women found strangled, embalmed, and posed as living dolls—a case that forces her to confront disturbing echoes from her own past.

More about this pick

FBI forensic psychologist Zoe Bentley faces three Chicago women found strangled, embalmed, and posed as living dolls—a case that forces her to confront disturbing echoes from her own past.

A Serpent's Tooth

Walt Longmire • Book 9

by Craig Johnson

Sheriff Longmire faces his most dangerous case when a roadside shooting leads to a heavily armed polygamist compound where federal agents and family loyalties create explosive tensions.

More about this pick

Sheriff Longmire faces his most dangerous case when a roadside shooting leads to a heavily armed polygamist compound where federal agents and family loyalties create explosive tensions.

The First Commandment

Scot Harvath • Book 6

by Brad Thor

When a personal vendetta turns Harvath's loved ones into targets, he discovers the attacks connect to secretly released Guantanamo prisoners in Thor's most brutal thriller.

More about this pick

When a personal vendetta turns Harvath's loved ones into targets, he discovers the attacks connect to secretly released Guantanamo prisoners in Thor's most brutal thriller.

Blood Lines

Scott Brodie & Maggie Taylor • Book 2

by Nelson DeMille, Alex DeMille

After five months apart, Army Criminal Investigation agents Brodie and Taylor reunite to track down whoever murdered one of their own. The DeMilles weave military procedural with partnership tension in this deadly pursuit.

More about this pick

After five months apart, Army Criminal Investigation agents Brodie and Taylor reunite to track down whoever murdered one of their own. The DeMilles weave military procedural with partnership tension in this deadly pursuit.

Passions in Death: An Eve Dallas Novel (In Death, 59)

In Death • Book 59

by J.D. Robb

What begins as a joyful bachelorette party at the Down and Dirty club becomes Eve Dallas's latest murder scene. The 59th In Death novel maintains the series' blend of futuristic police procedural and relationship dynamics.

More about this pick

What begins as a joyful bachelorette party at the Down and Dirty club becomes Eve Dallas's latest murder scene. The 59th In Death novel maintains the series' blend of futuristic police procedural and relationship dynamics.

Hunting Adeline

Cat and Mouse • Book 2

by H.D. Carlton

The Lion's Game

John Corey • Book 2

by Nelson DeMille

DeMille creates a deadly chess match between ex-cop John Corey and Libyan assassin Asad Khalil, who methodically hunts down American Air Force pilots. International terrorism meets police procedural with sardonic humor.

More about this pick

DeMille creates a deadly chess match between ex-cop John Corey and Libyan assassin Asad Khalil, who methodically hunts down American Air Force pilots. International terrorism meets police procedural with sardonic humor.

Quarry

Blake Brier • Book 8

by L.T. Ryan, Gregory Scott

Blake Brier confronts the ultimate question of who's really being hunted in this predator-prey reversal that challenges everything he knows about the chase.

More about this pick

Blake Brier confronts the ultimate question of who's really being hunted in this predator-prey reversal that challenges everything he knows about the chase.

The Unlikely Spy

Michael Osbourne

by Daniel Silva

A bumbling academic becomes Britain's secret weapon against Nazi infiltration in this cat-and-mouse thriller. Silva crafts intricate espionage where the most ordinary people prove most dangerous.

More about this pick

A bumbling academic becomes Britain's secret weapon against Nazi infiltration in this cat-and-mouse thriller. Silva crafts intricate espionage where the most ordinary people prove most dangerous.

The Hit

Will Robie • Book 2

by David Baldacci

America's top government assassin must hunt down Jessica Reel, a fellow hitman who's turned on their agency—but her targets suggest a deeper conspiracy.

More about this pick

America's top government assassin must hunt down Jessica Reel, a fellow hitman who's turned on their agency—but her targets suggest a deeper conspiracy.

Moscow Rules

Gabriel Allon • Book 8

by Daniel Silva

Art restorer Gabriel Allon enters the deadly world of Putin's Russia to investigate a murdered journalist. Silva crafts a tense thriller set in a Moscow transformed by oil wealth and renewed authoritarianism.

More about this pick

Art restorer Gabriel Allon enters the deadly world of Putin's Russia to investigate a murdered journalist. Silva crafts a tense thriller set in a Moscow transformed by oil wealth and renewed authoritarianism.

Portrait of an Unknown Woman

Gabriel Allon • Book 22

by Daniel Silva

An art forgery investigation plunges Allon into a conspiracy spanning galleries, auction houses, and intelligence agencies where masterpieces become weapons of international intrigue.

More about this pick

An art forgery investigation plunges Allon into a conspiracy spanning galleries, auction houses, and intelligence agencies where masterpieces become weapons of international intrigue.

Prince of Fire

Gabriel Allon • Book 5

by Daniel Silva

A Rome bombing leads to Gabriel Allon's worst nightmare: a terrorist dossier containing his complete operational history, forcing him into a deadly game of exposure and revenge.

More about this pick

A Rome bombing leads to Gabriel Allon's worst nightmare: a terrorist dossier containing his complete operational history, forcing him into a deadly game of exposure and revenge.