Eye of the Needle

by Ken Follett
Eye of the Needle cover
Good Books rating 4.05
Thriller/Suspense
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Paperback • £10.99
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Technical
  • ID: 1465
  • Added: 2025-10-06
  • Updated: 2025-12-22
  • ISBN: 9780330354295
  • Publisher: Pan Macmillan
  • Published: 1998-01-01
  • Formats: 3
  • Reviews: 4

In Ken Follett's 'Eye of the Needle,' a brilliant aristocrat and ruthless assassin, known as 'The Needle,' is the only enemy spy who knows the secret to the Allies' greatest deception. His discovery could lead to ultimate Nazi victory, but one person stands in his way: a lonely Englishwoman living on an isolated island. As she begins to love the killer who has mysteriously entered her life, the story unfolds into a terrifying conclusion. This P.S. edition includes extra insights into the book, featuring author interviews and recommended reading. /n/n'Eye of the Needle' is a masterwork of suspense and intrigue, delving into the complex and dangerous machinations of the human heart. The novel is set against the backdrop of World War II, with a plot that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The P.S. edition enhances the reading experience with additional content, providing a deeper understanding of the story and its author.

Reviews
Goodreads · 2025-12-22
great 4.20

The complex characters and well-crafted, suspenseful story make this a standout thriller. The chase scenes are particularly thrilling, adding to the overall excitement.

The reviewer on Goodreads praises the complex characters and the well-crafted, suspenseful story that keeps readers engaged throughout. They highlight the thrilling chase scenes, which add an extra layer of excitement to the narrative. The reviewer appreciates the intricate plotting and the way Follett builds tension, making the book hard to put down. They also mention the historical context, which adds depth and realism to the story. Overall, they find the book to be a standout thriller, with a perfect balance of action, suspense, and character development.

Quick quotes

    I really appreciated the complex characters, the well crafted and suspenseful story

    The great chase of MI5 agents on the trail of Henry Fabre (The needle) is particularly thrilling

    The intricate plotting and the way Follett builds tension make the book hard to put down

ManoflaBook · 2023-01-24
Exciting 4.00

They describe it as an exciting and well-written book with a thrilling espionage chase.

The reviewer from ManoflaBook praises 'Eye of the Needle' for its fast-paced and well-written narrative. They particularly enjoy the espionage chase involving MI5 agents, which adds a layer of excitement and suspense. The reviewer appreciates Follett's ability to craft a compelling story that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. They highlight the book's engaging plot and the skillful way it blends historical elements with thrilling action.

Quick quotes

    This is an exciting, fast-paced, and well-written book

    Mr. Follett crafts a great espionage chase of MI5 agents on the trail of Faber

    The pacing and suspense are top-notch

The Pump Don’t Work · Patrick Treardon · 2021-06-22
Gripping 4.50

The novel remains a gripping read nearly half a century later. They praise its fast-paced plot and suspenseful ending.

Patrick Treardon highlights how 'Eye of the Needle' has remained a gripping read decades after its publication. They appreciate the fast-paced plot and the suspense that keeps readers engaged until the very end. The reviewer also notes the novel's timeless appeal, making it a must-read for thriller enthusiasts. They find the characters well-crafted and the historical setting immersive, contributing to the overall enjoyment of the book.

Quick quotes

    Ken Follett's 1978 novel Eye of the Needle works so well — nearly half a century later, it remains a gripping read

    It may well be the perfect blend of historical fiction and thriller

    The suspense and pacing are masterfully done

Reddit - Recommended Books · 2021-01-04
thrilling 3.50

The book could have been longer with more details, but it still offers a thrilling read. The story is engaging, but some details are scarce.

A Reddit user felt that 'Eye of the Needle' could have been longer with more details, as they didn't feel fully immersed in the story. However, they still found it to be a thrilling read. The reviewer appreciates the engaging plot and the suspenseful moments, but they wish there were more depth and details to enhance the overall experience. Despite this, they acknowledge the book's strengths in keeping readers engaged and entertained.

Quick quotes

    I felt that book could've easily been double the length of what it is.

    I felt details were scarce, and I wasn't truly inside of the story.

    Follett was a journeyman thriller writer for many years.

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