John Trenhaile books

John Trenhaile was a British thriller author known for Cold War espionage novels set in Asia and the Soviet Union, active from 1981 to 1994.

Simon Young Reading Order

Title Published Buy on Amazon
The Mahjong Spies 1986 Buy
The Gates of Exquisite View 1987 Buy
The Scroll of Benevolence 1988 Buy

Standalone Novels

Title Published Buy on Amazon
Krysalis 1989 Buy
Acts Of Betrayal 1990 Buy
Blood Rules 1991 Buy
The Tiger of Desire 1992 Buy
A Means to Evil 1993 Buy
Against All Reason 1994 Buy

Stepan Povin Reading Order

Title Published Buy on Amazon
The Man Called Kyril 1981 Buy
View from Square 1983 Buy
Nocturne for the General 1985 Buy

John Trenhaile was a British thriller writer who published twelve novels between 1981 and 1994. His work falls into the Cold War espionage tradition, with a particular focus on Asia and the Soviet Union. The Stepan Povin trilogy, beginning with The Man Called Kyril (1981), follows a Soviet general caught up in intelligence operations. The Simon Young trilogy is set in China and Hong Kong, starting with The Mahjong Spies (1986).

Trenhaile’s standalone novels continued in the espionage and thriller vein, with titles like Krysalis (1989), Acts Of Betrayal (1990), and The Tiger of Desire (1992). His books were known for detailed plotting and authentic-feeling intelligence tradecraft. Trenhaile stopped publishing in the mid-1990s, leaving a compact but well-regarded body of Cold War fiction.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many books has John Trenhaile written?

John Trenhaile has written twelve books across three series.

What was John Trenhaile's first book?

John Trenhaile’s first book is The Man Called Kyril, published in 1981.

Where are John Trenhaile's novels set?

John Trenhaile’s novels are set primarily in Asia and the Soviet Union. The Simon Young trilogy takes place in China and Hong Kong, while the Stepan Povin trilogy is set in the Soviet Union. His standalone novels range across various locations but maintain a focus on international espionage and political intrigue.

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