The Day of the Jackal

by Frederick Forsyth
The Day of the Jackal cover
Good Books rating 4.42
Thriller/Suspense
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Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99
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Technical
  • ID: 8904
  • Added: 2025-12-22
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9780553124330
  • Published: 1972-01-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

The Day of the Jackal is a gripping tale of a professional assassin known only as the Jackal, who is hired to kill a prominent political figure. The story unfolds with meticulous planning and relentless pursuit, as the Jackal's every move is shadowed by a determined group of law enforcement agents. The novel is renowned for its intricate plot, detailed descriptions of the assassination techniques, and the psychological tension that builds throughout the narrative. It is a classic in the thriller genre, celebrated for its realism and suspense. /n/n The book delves into the mind of the assassin, exploring his motivations and the cold, calculated nature of his work. The author, Frederick Forsyth, draws on his background in journalism to create a believable and chilling account of political intrigue and high-stakes espionage. The Day of the Jackal is not just a story of action and suspense; it is also a commentary on the vulnerabilities of security systems and the lengths to which individuals will go to achieve their goals.

Reviews
On Crash Reboot · 2024-12-14
masterful 4.50

The book is described as a masterclass in thriller writing, gripping readers from the first page. The reviewer praises its originality and finely-tuned story.

The reviewer describes 'The Day of the Jackal' as a masterclass in thriller writing, noting that it grips readers from the very beginning. They highlight the book's originality and finely-tuned story, which they believe sets it apart from other thrillers. The reviewer also praises the book's ability to maintain tension and suspense throughout, making it a compelling read. They suggest that the book's attention to detail and well-developed characters contribute to its overall appeal, making it a must-read for fans of the genre.

Quick quotes

    Frederick Forsyth's The Day of the Jackal is, quite simply, a masterclass in thriller writing.

    The moment you plunge into its pages, it grips you.

    The story is so original and finely-tuned it will definitely leave a lasting impression.

Bookwormex · 2020-09-27
superb 4.75

The book is commended for its amazing amount of detail and superb characters. The story is praised for its originality and finely-tuned narrative.

The reviewer commends 'The Day of the Jackal' for its amazing amount of detail and superb characters, which they believe contribute to the book's overall appeal. They highlight the story's originality and finely-tuned narrative, which they suggest sets it apart from other thrillers. The reviewer also praises the book's ability to maintain tension and suspense throughout, making it a compelling read. They suggest that the book's attention to detail and well-developed characters contribute to its overall appeal, making it a must-read for fans of the genre. They also note that the book's historical context adds depth to the story, making it a rich and immersive reading experience.

Quick quotes

    It combines an amazing amount of detail, superb characters on all fronts, as well as a story so original and finely-tuned it will definitely leave a lasting impression.

    The impeccable details in The Day of the Jackal make it a standout thriller.

    The historical context adds depth to the story, making it a rich and immersive reading experience.

The Guardian · Daniel Gooding · 2014-08-08
engaging 4.00

The book is praised for its leisurely pace, making it a perfect holiday read. The thriller unfolds in a way that keeps readers engaged without feeling rushed.

The reviewer highlights that 'The Day of the Jackal' is a classic thriller that unfolds at a leisurely pace, making it an ideal holiday read. They appreciate how the story builds tension gradually, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in the narrative. The reviewer also notes that the book's detailed and meticulous approach to storytelling is one of its standout features, making it a memorable and enjoyable read. They suggest that the book's pacing and attention to detail contribute to its enduring appeal, making it a timeless piece of literature.

Quick quotes

    Forsyth's classic thriller unfolds at a leisurely pace that makes it the perfect holiday read.

    The book has stuck in my memory long after I finished reading it.

    The detailed and meticulous approach to storytelling is one of its standout features.

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