Check out our list of the best authors like W.E.B. Griffin. If you’re looking for a military epic or spy thriller to read, they’re sure to have one.
W.E.B. Griffin stands as a New York Times bestselling author with over 50 military thriller novels and many additional books under various pen names. After growing up in New York City, he joined the army in 1946, which led to counterintelligence training and service with the Army Occupation in Germany during World War II. In the 1950s, he was recalled and sent to the Korean War. After his release, he became Chief of the Publications Division in the Army at Fort Rucker. All of this military experience played heavily into his books.
Griffin used many pen names throughout his writing career, including Ale Baldwin, Webb Beech, James McM. Douglas, and John Kevin Dugan, among others. His first book as Griffin was The Lieutenants, published in 1982, which started a nine-book series. As W.E.B. Griffin, he is best known for his military epics, with over 50 books across seven series that have sold 50 million copies in over ten languages.
Griffin’s authentic military detail, complex characters, and intricate plotting established the modern template for military thrillers. His ability to combine technical accuracy with compelling human drama influenced countless authors in the genre.
For more recommendations, you might also enjoy exploring authors like Harlan Coben, authors like Gillian Flynn, best detective novel series.
Must-Read Authors Like W.E.B. Griffin
If you enjoy mystery and suspense, consider exploring best detective novel series, authors like Harlan Coben, authors like Agatha Christie.
1. Jack Higgins, 1929 - 2022
Jack Higgins, the pen name for Henry Patterson, was a British author of thrillers and espionage novels who revolutionized the war novel genre. Born in Newcastle upon Tyne during an era of political and religious unrest, he witnessed firsthand the challenges of war. After learning to read at a young age and studying sociology in college, he became a teacher before turning to writing in 1959.
Higgins used several pen names throughout his literary career, including James Graham, Martin Fallon, and Hugh Marlowe, before settling on Jack Higgins in the late 1960s. The Savage Day and A Prayer for the Dying, published in 1972 and 1973, were his first bestsellers, but his 1975 book The Eagle Has Landed shot him to international success.
The Eagle Has Landed remained on England’s top 10 bestseller list for 36 weeks, and critics credit Higgins with changing the face of the war novel with his writing. The book’s success lay in its meticulous research, complex moral ambiguity, and realistic portrayal of warfare that went beyond simple good-versus-evil narratives.
Like Griffin, Higgins understood that the best military fiction comes from authentic detail combined with compelling character development, creating stories that honor the complexity of warfare while delivering thrilling entertainment.
“Words become meaningless, the mind cuts itself off from reality for a little while, a necessary breathing space until one is ready to cope.”
Jack Higgins, The Eagle Has Landed
2. Stuart Woods, 1938 - 2022
American author Stuart Woods is best known for Chiefs, his first novel published in 1981, which won an Edgar Award for Best First Novel. Woods got the idea for this breakthrough work from a blood-stained police chief badge he found at his grandmother’s house. The book became widely popular after CBS broadcast a miniseries based on it.
After this initial success, Woods turned to a series of novels starring Stone Barrington, a former NYPD detective who transitioned to working as a lawyer. These books proved incredibly popular, and at the time of his death in 2022, he had written 63 novels in that series, with an additional book published posthumously.
Woods published several other series and standalone novels, achieving the remarkable feat of having 70 of his books become bestsellers. His prolific output and consistent quality made him a reliable source of entertainment for thriller fans seeking sophisticated plots and well-developed characters.
Woods shared Griffin’s talent for creating series characters who evolve over time while maintaining the core traits that make them compelling. His ability to blend crime fiction with elements of military and espionage thriller created stories that appealed to a broad readership.
“So people respected foxy. But they also thought he was crazy.”
Stuart Woods, Chiefs
3. Tom Clancy, 1947 - 2013
Tom Clancy became synonymous with modern military techno-thrillers through his Jack Ryan novels, which started with his 1984 breakthrough The Hunt for Red October. Clancy brought the world of CIA analyst Ryan to life and wrote 19 books in the series before his death in 2013, establishing himself as the definitive voice of contemporary military fiction.
Clancy won several awards for his work, including the Golden Plate Award from the American Academy of Achievement in 1988. His 1989 novel Clear and Present Danger became the bestselling novel of the 1980s. When he died, he had an estimated 100 million books in print, with 17 of his novels reaching number one on the New York Times bestseller list.
Four feature films were made based on his books, demonstrating their broad appeal and cinematic quality. Clancy’s success stemmed from his meticulous research into military technology and procedures, combined with his ability to create compelling characters navigating complex geopolitical situations.
Like Griffin, Clancy understood that authentic military detail enhances rather than hinders storytelling, creating narratives that educate readers about military and intelligence operations while delivering edge-of-your-seat entertainment.
“The point of life was to press on, to do the best you can, to make the world a better place.”
Tom Clancy, Clear and Present Danger
4. Brad Thor, 1969 -
Brad Thor is an American author of thriller books originally from Chicago who brings academic credentials to his writing, having graduated from the University of Southern California with a degree in creative writing. The Lions of Lucerne, published in 2002, was his first novel, followed by Path of the Assassin and State of the Union.
Thor has written 22 thrillers, including Blowback, which NPR named as one of the Top 100 Killer Thrillers of All Time. His authenticity comes from his experience as a member of the Analytic Red Cell Unit in the Department of Homeland Security, where he helped identify potential terrorist threats and vulnerabilities.
Before writing, Thor also created a national public television series called Traveling Lite, demonstrating his versatility across different media. His background in both creative writing and homeland security provides him with unique insights into both storytelling craft and contemporary security challenges.
Thor shares Griffin’s commitment to authenticity, drawing from real-world experience to create believable scenarios while maintaining the fast-paced action that thriller readers expect.
“If there’s one lesson I’ve learned, it’s that life is all about change, and stress comes from avoiding change.”
Brad Thor, Blowback
5. John Altman, 1969 -
John Altman is a thriller author with eight books to his name, beginning with A Gathering of Spies, his first novel published in 2000. Altman’s path to writing began early—he fell in love with writing as a young child, creating books in notebooks starting in third grade and publishing short stories in his middle school literary magazine.
His journey to publication wasn’t straightforward. As a young man, Altman accidentally set fire to his parents’ home while smoking, and this tragedy caused him to run away from home. Ending up in New York City, he played in a band while freelance writing on the side. Finally, at 29, he sold his first book and published three more in just five years.
Altman’s books fall in the spy thriller genre, and he continues adding works to his bibliography. His personal experiences with upheaval and reinvention inform his writing, creating characters who must navigate dangerous situations while dealing with personal demons and past mistakes.
Like Griffin, Altman understands that the best spy fiction comes from characters who are tested both professionally and personally, creating stories that explore the human cost of intelligence work.
“Not all of me is dust. Within my song, safe from the worm, my spirit will survive.”
John Altman, A Gathering of Spies
6. David Downing, 1946 -
David Downing is an English author who publishes both crime fiction thrillers and non-fiction works. After growing up in London and attending the University of Sussex, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Afro-Asian Studies, he traveled extensively through Asia, Europe, and South America before beginning his writing career.
Before becoming a novelist, he worked for Let It Rock magazine, and this experience in music journalism led to his first book, a non-fiction work entitled Future Rock, published in 1975. His transition to fiction came much later with historical thrillers that combine meticulous research with compelling narratives.
The John Russell novels were his first series, starting with Zoo Station in 2007. These books are set in World War II Berlin, and he has written seven in the series. In 2013, Downing introduced the Jack McColl series, starting with Jack of Spies, set in the World War I era.
Downing’s contribution to understanding both world wars through fiction is significant. He has also written The Moscow Option, a counterfactual history of World War II, demonstrating his expertise in military history and alternative scenarios.
“A woman in a fur coat emerged from the shop with two pedigree schausers in tow. Both had enamel swastikas fastened to their collars, and Russell wondered if they had pictures of the Fuehrer pinned up in their kennels.”
David Downing, Zoo Station
7. Leonard B. Scott
Leonard B. Scott is a retired full colonel in the United States Army whose illustrious military career, including Silver Star and Purple Heart awards, provides significant background knowledge for his novels. In 1985, nine years before retiring from the military, he published Charlie Mike, his first novel.
Unlike many military thrillers set during the World Wars, Scott’s work focused on the Vietnam War, the conflict in which he had extensive personal experience. This authentic perspective allowed him to create realistic portrayals of combat and military life that resonate with both veterans and civilian readers.
Scott has written ten distinct works, including The Last Run (1987) and The Iron Men (1993). His novels are praised for their authentic military detail and honest portrayal of the challenges faced by soldiers in combat situations.
Scott shares Griffin’s military background and commitment to authenticity, creating stories that honor military service while acknowledging the complex realities of warfare and its impact on those who serve.
“The rain forest was still and silent. Its muggy air stank with rot. The midday sun attacked the green canopy above, but the intertwined latticework of foliage allowed only the narrowest shafts of light to dapple the jungle floor.”
Leonard B. Scott, Charlie Mike
8. Stephen Hunter, 1946 -
American novelist Stephen Hunter was born to parents who instilled a love for reading and writing in his life. His father was a Northwestern University professor, and his mother wrote children’s books. After graduating from college in 1968 with a degree in journalism, he joined the Army and wrote for a military newspaper during his service.
After leaving the military, Hunter worked for The Baltimore Sun, then moved to The Washington Post. As a reporter, he earned many distinctions, including the Pulitzer Prize for Criticism in 2003, demonstrating excellence in both journalism and creative writing.
While working as a reporter, Hunter also published novels, starting with The Master Sniper in 1980. In 1993, he introduced Bob Lee Swagger with Point of Impact, the first book in a 12-book series about a sniper and Vietnam War veteran.
Hunter’s background in both journalism and military service provides authenticity to his writing, while his experience as a film critic adds cinematic quality to his action sequences and character development.
“But shooting a man takes one of two things: an overwhelming fear of one’s own death, which Nick did not have in the least; or conviction. It turned out he lacked this component as well.”
Stephen Hunter, Point of Impact
9. Richard Herman
Richard Herman writes techno-thriller books that draw directly from his experience in the Air Force as a weapons systems officer. After retiring from service in 1983, he turned to writing, bringing firsthand knowledge of military aviation to his novels.
During his military career, Herman attained the rank of major and flew 240 combat missions in Southeast Asia. Many of his books feature the aircraft he flew during his service, adding authentic technical detail that aviation enthusiasts particularly appreciate.
In 1989, Herman published his first novel, The Warbirds, which became the first in the Jack Locke series. The Matt Pontowski series represents another set of books showcasing Herman’s expertise in military aviation and combat operations.
Herman’s technical expertise combined with his understanding of military culture creates novels that satisfy readers seeking both authenticity and entertainment in their military fiction.
“Locke’s name was right there, correctly spelled and underlined in the Security Police report. The wing commander reread it slowly, savouring what was between the lines.”
Richard Herman, The Warbirds
10. Stephen Coonts, 1946 -
Stephen Coonts is another military veteran turned author who brings authentic experience to military and spy thriller books. After college at West Virginia University, he joined the Navy and became a Naval Aviator, serving in Vietnam aboard an aircraft carrier and earning the Distinguished Flying Cross.
After retiring from active duty, Coonts earned a law degree and spent several years working as a lawyer while writing in his free time. This combination of military and legal experience adds depth to his understanding of both combat operations and the bureaucratic challenges facing military personnel.
In 1984, he published Flight of the Intruder, his first novel, which spent 28 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list and was adapted into a 1991 film. The success of this first novel and its sequel, The Intruders, allowed him to quit law and write full-time.
With 36 novels to his name, including 16 bestsellers, Coonts has established himself as a successful author in the thriller genre. His work combines technical military accuracy with compelling character development and exciting action sequences.
“Can you believe that? Americans spitting on the men who have sworn to defend them, on the men who’ve sworn to obey the orders of the elected, civilian government.”
Stephen Coonts, Flight of the Intruder
The Evolution of Military Thrillers in 2025
Military thriller fiction continues evolving while maintaining the core elements that make it compelling. Authors like W.E.B. Griffin established the foundation with their commitment to authenticity and character development, but contemporary writers are expanding the genre’s boundaries to address modern warfare and global security challenges.
Current Trends in Military Fiction:
Contemporary Conflicts: Modern military thrillers increasingly focus on current conflicts, cyber warfare, and terrorism rather than traditional World War settings, reflecting contemporary security concerns.
Technology Integration: Today’s military fiction naturally incorporates drone warfare, satellite surveillance, cyber operations, and advanced weapons systems, showing how technology has transformed modern combat.
Diverse Perspectives: Contemporary authors bring varied military experiences and cultural backgrounds to the genre, creating more inclusive narratives that reflect the diversity of modern armed forces.
Realistic Consequences: Modern military fiction often explores PTSD, veteran readjustment, and the long-term costs of warfare, providing more psychologically complex portrayals of military service.
Global Scope: Contemporary military thrillers frequently involve international coalitions, multinational operations, and global security threats that transcend national boundaries.
Political Complexity: Today’s military fiction acknowledges the complex political realities of modern warfare, moving beyond simple good-versus-evil narratives to explore moral ambiguity and unintended consequences.
These authors understand that great military fiction serves multiple purposes: entertainment, education about military life and operations, and exploration of the human experience under extreme circumstances. They create stories that honor military service while acknowledging its complexities and costs.
Whether you prefer World War historical fiction, contemporary military operations, or spy thrillers involving international intrigue, these authors deliver the authentic detail, compelling characters, and exciting action that made W.E.B. Griffin such a beloved writer. Each brings their own unique experience and perspective while maintaining the genre’s commitment to accuracy, respect for military service, and thrilling storytelling.
