Spy Readers Guide to the books of Ross Thomas

Introduction to the books of Ross Thomas

Ross Thomas was a master storyteller whose political thrillers and espionage novels remain classics of the genre. Known for his razor-sharp wit, intricate plots, and morally complex characters, Thomas captured the chaos and duplicity of power dynamics in Washington, D.C., and around the world. His works, often blending suspense, satire, and social commentary, earned him a reputation as one of the greatest thriller writers.

‘Ross Thomas is one of my very favourite thriller writers and if this was a list of general thriller or political thriller writers he would be well inside the top 5. Of all the American authors that most Brits have never heard of he is the one I feel safest eulogising about. If you take away one lesson from this spy writers guide: go read Ross Thomas.'

Tim Shipman
The Best Spy Writers Guide

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Key Novels by Ross Thomas

Thomas’ novels are known for their originality, wit, and deeply human characters. Here’s a guide to some of his most celebrated works:

Espionage Thrillers

1. The Cold War Swap (1966)
   • Thomas’ Edgar Award-winning debut introduces Mac McCorkle and Mike Padillo, proprietors of a bar in Bonn who moonlight as operatives in Cold War intrigue.
     Themes: Friendship, betrayal, and the absurdities of espionage.
2. Cast a Yellow Shadow (1967)
   • The sequel to The Cold War Swap, this novel finds McCorkle and Padillo embroiled in a plot involving kidnappings and political games.
     Themes: Loyalty, deception, and the personal cost of espionage.
3. The Seersucker Whipsaw (1967)
   • A satirical take on political campaigns and international influence, this story follows two Americans trying to manipulate an African election.
     Themes: Corruption, power, and political farce.
4. Missionary Stew (1983)
   • A biting thriller that skewers political corruption and journalism, following a reporter and a political fixer as they navigate murder and scandal in Latin America.
     Themes: Media, greed, and moral ambiguity.

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Political Crime Novels

• Chinaman’s Chance (1978)
  • Artie Wu and Quincy Durant, con men turned problem-solvers, uncover a conspiracy in a California coastal town.
    Themes: Small-town corruption, scheming, and unlikely heroes.
• Out on the Rim (1987)
  • Wu and Durant return, this time drawn into a plot involving Philippine revolutionaries, intelligence agencies, and a missing fortune.
    Themes: Political intrigue, greed, and double-crosses.
• The Fools in Town Are on Our Side (1970)
  • A darkly comic exploration of corruption, revenge, and urban politics, this novel follows a disgraced spy hired to destabilize a city.
    Themes: Manipulation, corruption, and moral ambiguity.

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Key Themes in Ross Thomas’ Novels

1. Political Intrigue:
   • Thomas excelled at crafting stories steeped in political power plays, corruption, and intrigue.
2. Morally Complex Characters:
   • His protagonists often straddle the line between good and bad, making morally ambiguous choices in morally ambiguous worlds.
3. Satirical Edge:
   • With sharp wit and biting humor, Thomas critiqued bureaucracy, power, and human greed.
4. Realism in Espionage:
   • Thomas avoided romanticizing espionage, focusing instead on the mundane, absurd, and often ruthless aspects of spy work.
5. Global Perspectives:
   • From Cold War Europe to Latin America and Africa, his novels capture the complexities of international politics and cultural dynamics.

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Ross Thomas’ Legacy

• Awards and Recognition: Thomas won the Edgar Award for Best First Novel (The Cold War Swap) and the Edgar Grand Master Award for his lifetime achievement in crime and spy fiction.
• Influence: His unique voice and approach to the genre have influenced countless authors, including Elmore Leonard and Carl Hiaasen.
• Adaptations: His novel Briarpatch was adapted into a TV series in 2020, bringing his sharp storytelling to a new audience.

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Why Read Ross Thomas’ Spy Fiction?

Ross Thomas’ novels offer a unique blend of intrigue, humor, and insight into the complexities of politics and espionage. His works are perfect for readers who enjoy intelligent, character-driven stories that challenge conventional genre tropes.

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Where to Start?

New to Ross Thomas? Start with The Cold War Swap to experience his debut or dive into Chinaman’s Chance for a taste of his humor and wit.

‘Check out the opening lines of Chinaman’s Chance: “It was while jogging along the beach just east of the Paradise Cove pier that Artie Wu tripped over a dead pelican, fell, and met the man with six greyhounds.” They are cynical and sly and with plots to die for. Anyone who loves the nexus of murder (Briarpatch), conmen (Chinaman’s Chance), corruption (The Porkchoppers), political dirty tricks (The Fools in Town are on Our Side, The Seersucker Whipsaw, Missionary Stew), fixers (The Mordida Man) and, yes, espionage will love them.‘

Tim Shipman

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Explore More

• Reviewing Ross Thomas – thrillers that stand the test of time – Mal Warwick on Books

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