Fred Burton’s 2025 Summer and Fall Recommended Reading List
From thrillers to non-fiction, this list features a diverse lineup of must-read titles for security professionals this year
As a protection agent in the 1980s and 1990s, I never went anywhere without a book in my carry-on bag, usually stuck next to extra speed loaders, black diplomatic passports, extra visa photos, and my yellow vaccination card. The old-timers will remember those. While on long plane trips or in down rooms around the globe, reading came with the business of protection, travel, and global terrorism investigations. Writers like Tom Clancy, John LeCarre, Robert Ludlum, Len Deighton, and Brian Freemantle, were my favorites. Looking back, “Patriot Games,” by Tom Clancy, published in 1987, was a big hit with the agents in the old school black and dark blue Jeep Wagoneer follow cars and protection down rooms.
Looking out over the horizon for summer and fall, we are going to see books from many of my current favorite authors, including Brad Thor, Jack Carr, Don Bentley, the legendary James Grady, and the list goes on.
Edge of Honor by Brad Thor
I recently had dinner with Brad Thor at an undisclosed location, joined by several former special forces fans of Brad’s amazing work. Brad whispered a few nuggets of what’s to come in Edge of Honor. Buckle up Scot Harvath fans, this one is going to be an amazing thriller. Maybe his best ever? As I’ve said for years, read one Brad Thor thriller and you’ll be a fan for life.
Cry Havoc by Jack Carr
Nobody is riding a rocket ship like my good friend Jack Carr. Books, TV shows, and films, along with some pretty cool gear! Jack was one of our past keynote guests at Ontic’s annual Summit and was a huge hit. As someone who has studied and researched the Vietnam War, where William F. Buckley served with the CIA as a Green Beret, I simply can’t wait to see U.S. Navy SEAL Tom Reece unfold in the pages of Cy Havoc. Pre-order now! The book publishes on October 7, 2025.
Denied Access by Vince Flynn (Don Bentley)
I’ve known Don Bentley for years since he first traveled to our studio in Austin, TX, for an in-person podcast. Don is an ex-Apache pilot, war veteran, and FBI SWAT team agent — what a career. Since that first studio visit, Don has taken over the Tom Clancy and now Vince Flynn series. What more needs to be said? Clancy and Flynn inspired and shaped a generation of thriller writers; now it’s Bentley leading the way. Spoiler alert, in a past Clancy thriller, Don wrote me and “Beirut Rules” into a scene helping Jack Ryan, Jr.!
The Determined Spy: Life and Times of CIA Pioneer Frank Wisner by Douglas Waller
My family and I were recently invited to tour the new CIA Museum to see an exhibit from the terrorism chaos of the 1980s. Walking through the history of the agency, beginning with the OSS days, was a wonderful experience. CIA pioneer Frank Wisner was there from the beginning. Douglas Waller has painted a detailed picture of the man, his exploits (both good and bad), and opens a window into early CIA operations that I never knew about. Any student of espionage and intelligence history will find this a welcome addition to their library.
The Architect Of Espionage: The Man Who Built Israel’s Mossad Into The World’s Boldest Intelligence Force by Samuel M. Katz
Sam Katz has put together an excellent biography on the life of the legendary MOSSAD spymaster Meir Dagan, who transformed Israel’s storied intelligence service into a global powerhouse of espionage and counterterrorism. One only needs to recall the recent pager bombs targeting Hezbollah officials as an example of the MOSSAD’s covert handiwork..
American Sky: A Novel by James Grady
In 1974, James Grady wrote “Six Days of the Condor,” which remains a classic. I’ve probably read the book a dozen times over the years. The storyline centers around a secret CIA off-site operation during the height of the Vietnam War. In 1975, “Six Days of the Condor” was turned into a Hollywood blockbuster film starring Robert Redford, Cliff Robertson, and Faye Dunaway.
Grady’s new book, “brings to life the world of a young man who is caught in the nexus of vast social change. From blue-collar life in the heartland to Kent State and the Civil Rights movement. Previously compared to Larry McMurtry, George Orwell, Harper Lee, and Bob Dylan, James Grady explores Bruce Springsteen’s generation and has crafted an action-filled and timeless story destined to become a classic.”
Beirut Rules: The Murder of a CIA Station Chief and Hezbollah’s War on America by Fred Burton and Samuel M. Katz
“Beirut Rules” sold out of every hard copy printed. After the book made appearances in thriller books by Brad Thor and Don Bentley; and persistently recommended by Jack Carr (thank you Jack!) we have been inundated for requests for the book. Fortunately, we were able to get a new paperback published by Diversion Books (September 2025) along with a brand-new cover design. So, now is your chance!
I’d love to hear what you are reading. Drop me a note at fred@officialfredburton.com.
