Fiction and history were the two book themes in this month’s best books on Amazon list. The English Assassin, George Washington’s Secret Six: The Spy Ring That Saved the American Revolution, The Spy and the Traitor: The Greatest Espionage Story of the Cold War, and The World That Made New Orleans: From Spanish Silver to Congo Square were fun reads from this past month.
Don’t get me wrong, these fours books are great in their own way. However, the top book from this past month is The English Assassin. Author Daniel Silva’s other book that I read, The Kill Artist, introduced me to this series. I can’t get enough. If you’re a fan of the Jason Bourne and/or James Bond movies, chances are you’ll dig The English Assassin.
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Best Books on Amazon
The English Assassin
In The English Assassin, the second book in this series, Israeli spy Gabriel Allon finds himself framed for murder. This is while he’s attempting to restore a painting in Switzerland. While Allon attempts to clear his name, he gets looped into Nazi art theft in the country. As the plot brings Allon to cities throughout Europe, a host of characters helps him try to escape after he’s being tortured.
Recommend: Yes
George Washington’s Secret Six: The Spy Ring That Saved the American Revolution
New York City was the crown jewel in England’s empire in the US in 1776. General George Washington knew this and knew he was outmatched. The only way to defeat Henry Clinton and the mighty British was to outthink them. And what better way to outthink the British than to run a spy ring in New York City. The Culper Spy Ring was ultimately successful in helping Washington defeat the British during what appeared to be a lost cause in the American Revolution. This rag-tag group Culper Spy Ring included a reserved Quaker merchant, a tavern keeper, a brash young longshoreman, a curmudgeonly Long Island bachelor, a coffeehouse owner, and a mysterious woman.
Recommend: Yes
The Spy and the Traitor: The Greatest Espionage Story of the Cold War
The Cold War, between the USSR and its allies and the US and its allies, was kicking into overdrive in the ’80s. Both sides were on the brink of nuclear war. Luckily for the US and the British, KGB double-agent, Oleg Gordievsky was willing to spy for the British. Gordievsky, a KGB man through in through, couldn’t take it any longer. After the Prague Spring of the ’60s was quenched by Soviet tanks, Gordievsky wanted to do something about it. So, he turned to MI6 (British intelligence) and for more than 10 years spied on the KGB, nearly losing his life. Gordievsky ultimately makes it out of Russia alive but not after a grueling test of willpower and luck.
Recommend: Yes
The World That Made New Orleans: From Spanish Silver to Congo Square
New Orleans is a city that endlessly fascinates me. The rich history from the empires in France, Spain, and England, who once held the city, shaped New Orleans into what it is today. Slavery also played a massive role as did religious beliefs amongst the citizens. Author Ned Sublette takes readers through the beginning of the city, its transition into statehood, and the various traditions prevalent today. This is a fantastic book to learn about one of the most unique cities in the US.
Recommend: Yes
Conclusion on the Best Books on Amazon
Reading is a skill that I’ve continued to work on by focusing on books that pique my interest at the time. Hopefully, my best books on Amazon list includes books you’ll find interesting and enjoy too.
Which books on Amazon did you read last month? What books do you recommend? Please let me know in the comments or by sending me an email on my contact page.
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