House of Spies

by Daniel Silva
House of Spies cover
Good Books rating 3.0
Thriller/Suspense
Technical
  • ID: 5769
  • Added: 2025-10-24
  • Updated: 2025-10-24
  • ISBN: 9780062354341
  • Publisher: Harper
  • Published: 2017-07-11
  • Reviews: 3

House of Spies features Gabriel Allon, a masterful spy and art restorer, as he navigates the intricate and dangerous world of international espionage. The novel delves into the complexities of modern warfare and the Middle East, offering a prescient and multifaceted look at global conflicts. Silva's signature blend of suspense, historical depth, and character development makes this a must-read for fans of the genre. The introduction of a compelling new female spy adds a fresh dynamic to the series, promising more thrilling adventures ahead.

Reviews
Steve Clark Author · Steve Clark · 2017-08-01
disappointing 1.00

The reviewer found the book to be a colossal disappointment, criticizing its slow start and lack of originality compared to previous works. They felt it failed to meet the expectations set by its predecessor.

Steve Clark expresses strong disappointment with House of Spies, particularly noting its slow start and lack of originality. He compares it unfavorably to The Black Widow, feeling it doesn't bring anything new to the table. Clark also criticizes the book's pacing and the repetitive nature of its plot, which he finds unengaging and predictable. Despite some moments of intrigue, he ultimately finds the book to be a letdown for fans of the series.

Quick quotes

    Unfortunately, the sequel, House of Spies (Harper Collins, $28.99) is a colossal disappointment.

    It too starts with a major terrorist attack, this one in London, but it quickly devolves into a series of predictable and uninspired plot points.

    The book's pacing is slow, and the characters feel one-dimensional, making it a tough read for even the most dedicated fans of the series.

Washington Independent Review of Books · 2017-08-01
good 3.50

The reviewer acknowledges the book's engaging plot and well-developed characters, but notes that it suffers from too much backstory and repetitive elements. Overall, they find it to be a good read despite its flaws.

The Washington Independent Review of Books highlights the engaging plot and well-developed characters in House of Spies, praising Daniel Silva's ability to create a compelling narrative. However, they also point out that the book suffers from too much backstory and repetitive elements, which can make it feel dragged out at times. Despite these flaws, they find the book to be a good read, particularly for fans of the genre who enjoy a mix of action and intrigue. The reviewer appreciates Silva's writing style and the way he weaves real-world geopolitical issues into the story.

Quick quotes

    Daniel Silva's latest thriller, House of Spies, while suffering from the “recurring character” syndrome and too much backstory, is still a good read.

    Silva's writing is elegant and engaging, making it easy to get lost in the story.

    The book's pacing is uneven, with some sections feeling rushed while others drag on too long.

The Real Book Spy · 2017-06-12
excellent 4.50

The reviewer praises the book as a relentless, high-powered thriller that meets the expectations of Silva's fans. They highlight its fast-paced action and engaging plot.

The Real Book Spy commends House of Spies for its relentless, high-powered thriller elements that perfectly meet the expectations of Daniel Silva's fans. The reviewer highlights the book's fast-paced action and engaging plot, which keep readers on the edge of their seats. They appreciate Silva's ability to create a compelling narrative that blends real-world issues with fictional intrigue. The reviewer also notes the well-developed characters and the way Silva weaves together different storylines to create a cohesive and exciting read. Overall, they find the book to be a standout in the genre, offering a thrilling and satisfying experience for readers.

Quick quotes

    House of Spies is just the type of relentless, high-powered, headline-beating thriller that readers have come to expect from Silva, one of the genre's best.

    The book's fast-paced action and engaging plot make it a standout in the thriller genre.

    Silva's ability to weave together different storylines and create a cohesive narrative is truly impressive.

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