Sir Michael Caine, the legendary British actor, has spent more than six decades bulding a legendary career, earning two Oscars and becoming one of the most respected figures in the film industry.
Whether it’s his iconic roles in The Italian Job, Alfie, or The Dark Knight trilogy, Caine’s influence on cinema is undeniable. But beyond his acting prowess, Caine is also an avid reader, particularly of thrillers – a passion that has even led him to write his own novels and memoirs.
In a 2023 interview with The Times, Caine shared some of his literary favourites, offering insight into the authors who have kept him turning pages over the years. He expressed his love for fast-paced, gripping stories and revealed that he has read nearly every major thriller on the market. “Some of my favourite thriller writers include Tom Clancy, Lee Child, John Grisham and Michael Connelly”, he revealed.
First on the list, Tom Clancy is a name synonymous with espionage, military tactics, and political intrigue. His debut novel, The Hunt for Red October, introduced the world to Jack Ryan, a character who would go on to become one of the most famous protagonists in thriller fiction.
Clancy’s books, filled with meticulously researched military technology and geopolitical strategy, have not only thrilled readers but have also been adapted into blockbuster films and hit television series.
His Patriot Games, Clear and Present Danger, and The Sum of All Fears cemented his reputation as one of the most influential thriller writers of all time, and his ability to blend real-world politics with edge-of-the-seat action made him a favourite for readers seeking both entertainment and insight into global affairs.
Next up is British-born author Lee Child, who has crafted one of the most formidable characters in modern thriller fiction: Jack Reacher. The former military policeman turned drifter and vigilante has become a household name, thanks to Child’s punchy prose and relentless pacing.
The Jack Reacher series, starting with Killing Floor in 1997, has gained a massive global following, leading to a film adaptation starring Tom Cruise and a well-received Amazon Prime series. Much like Caine’s own on-screen personas, Reacher is a figure of unwavering confidence and capability, someone who always gets the job done, no matter the odds.
Another of Caine’s favourites, few writers have dominated a genre as completely as John Grisham has with legal thrillers. From The Firm to The Pelican Brief, A Time to Kill to The Client, Grisham has an uncanny ability to make the world of law and justice as riveting as any high-octane action thriller.
A former lawyer himself, Grisham brings authenticity to his courtroom dramas, ensuring that his legal battles feel as tense and dramatic as any physical confrontation.
Lastly, Michael Connelly, best known for his Harry Bosch and Mickey Haller series, has been one of the most consistent thriller writers of the past few decades. His books, deeply rooted in the gritty realism of police work and legal maneuvering, have earned him critical and commercial success.
The Lincoln Lawyer, featuring defense attorney Mickey Haller, was turned into a film starring Matthew McConaughey and later adapted into a hit Netflix series. Meanwhile, the Harry Bosch novels, following a relentless LAPD detective, have been adapted into the acclaimed Bosch TV series.