12 Best Frederick Forsyth Books Reviewed for 2025

Frederick Forsyth books like 'The Day of the Jackal' deliver thrilling plots. Perfect for fans of suspense and espionage.

The Day of the Jackal coverThe Odessa File coverThe Dogs of War cover

The Ultimate List of Frederick Forsyth Books for Thrill Seekers: We can’t get enough of edge-of-your-seat thrillers, and when it comes to authors who deliver nail-biting suspense, Frederick Forsyth books rarely disappoint. In crafting our ultimate list of Forsyth’s masterpieces, we focused on stories with heart-pounding action, plot twists that could rival a game of Twister, and characters whose cleverness might just put our last poker game to shame. So, grab your favorite reading chair, because you’re in for a wild ride!

On this list:

12 The Day of the Jackal by Frederick Forsyth

The Day of the Jackal cover

  • Genre: Thriller
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook
  • Year released: 1971
  • Pages: 358

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We love this for its intriguing plot. A mysterious assassin plans to kill the French president. A cat-and-mouse chase follows. We found it gripping!

11 The Odessa File by Frederick Forsyth

The Odessa File cover

  • Genre: Thriller
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook
  • Year released: 1972
  • Pages: 312

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This one hooked us with a journalist’s pursuit of Nazi criminals. Fast-paced and full of suspense. Perfect weekend read!

10 The Dogs of War by Frederick Forsyth

The Dogs of War cover

  • Genre: Thriller
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook
  • Year released: 1974
  • Pages: 384

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A mercenary group plots an African coup. Detailed and intense. We appreciate the research Forsyth put in!

9 The Fourth Protocol by Frederick Forsyth

The Fourth Protocol cover

  • Genre: Spy Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook
  • Year released: 1984
  • Pages: 448

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An exciting espionage novel! It kept us on our toes with its Cold War narratives. A solid page-turner.

8 The Devil’s Alternative by Frederick Forsyth

  • Genre: Thriller
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook
  • Year released: 1979
  • Pages: 464

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Here, a political thriller with global stakes. The countdown was thrilling. We couldn’t put it down!

7 The Fist of God by Frederick Forsyth

The Fist of God cover

  • Genre: Thriller
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook
  • Year released: 1994
  • Pages: 576

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Set during the Gulf War, it’s full of espionage and suspense. It made us appreciate Forsyth’s knack for details.

6 Icon by Frederick Forsyth

Icon cover

  • Genre: Political Thriller
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook
  • Year released: 1996
  • Pages: 576

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In a post-Cold War Russia, a dangerous plot unfolds. We found it thrilling and politically intriguing.

5 The Afghan by Frederick Forsyth

The Afghan cover

  • Genre: Thriller
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook
  • Year released: 2006
  • Pages: 352

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Deceit and terrorism intertwine in this novel. We enjoyed the action-packed sequences and Forsyth’s knack for suspense.

4 The Cobra by Frederick Forsyth

The Cobra cover

  • Genre: Thriller
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook
  • Year released: 2010
  • Pages: 384

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This tale of attack on a drug cartel hooked us. It’s a thrilling story of revenge and justice.

3 The Kill List by Frederick Forsyth

The Kill List cover

  • Genre: Thriller
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook
  • Year released: 2013
  • Pages: 352

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A top-secret assassination list is at the heart of this action-packed thriller. We couldn’t stop reading!

2 The Fox by Frederick Forsyth

The Fox cover

  • Genre: Thriller
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook
  • Year released: 2018
  • Pages: 304

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A young hacker poses a global threat. The blend of technology and espionage was fascinating for us.

1 Avenger by Frederick Forsyth

Avenger cover

  • Genre: Thriller
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook
  • Year released: 2003
  • Pages: 368

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In our top pick, it’s a gripping tale of a Vietnam vet hunting a war criminal. Mixes emotion and action superbly.

Steve Peterson Cartoonified
Steve Peterson

Hi there! I'm Steve Peterson, a passionate reading enthusiast who loves nothing more than getting lost in a good book. My love for literature spans across genres, from thrilling mysteries and gripping fantasy to thought-provoking non-fiction.

I hope my reviews help you find the perfect next book to dive into!