The Cardinal of the KremlinThe Cardinal of the Kremlin
Score Classic
What it's about
As superpower arms talks seem to make progress, a U.S. spy satellite reveals the Soviets building a massive laser defense system in the hills near Afghanistan. America needs more information, and the man to provide it is the CIA's most valuable mole in the Kremlin, codenamed Cardinal. Jack Ryan must get him out.
Why it's worth reading
It spent 12 weeks at #1 on the New York Times bestseller list and was one of the ten best-selling books of 1988. Many fans call it the best Jack Ryan novel.
You'll love it if you liked
The Hunt for Red October
Clear and Present Danger
The Spy Who Came in From the ColdGood to know
It's a Cold War spy thriller more than a military one.
By the numbers
- Readers35 out of 100 · counts 42%
- Critics0 out of 100 · counts 14%
- Bestseller61 out of 100 · counts 34% (its stronger lane)
- Buzz0 out of 100 · counts 10%
Critics and Bestseller are two ways to earn a place: a book's stronger one counts more. Buzz rewards recent bestseller weeks and prizes, so older books start at zero. The parts combine into the Must-Read Score, shown on a scale where the best book we found scores 99 and the last book to make the ranking scores 50.
Where it ranks
- #291 of the 555 mysteries and thrillers we rank
- #503 of the 762 classics we rank
- #1747 of the 2,816 books we rank
Why it made the list
Reads as
Gripping, Adventurous
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Quick answers
Is The Cardinal of the Kremlin worth reading?
Yes. It spent 12 weeks at #1 on the New York Times bestseller list and was one of the ten best-selling books of 1988. It ranks #1,747 of the 2,816 books in our ranking, with a Must-Read Score of 66.1 (the best book we found scores 99).
What is The Cardinal of the Kremlin about?
As superpower arms talks seem to make progress, a U.S. spy satellite reveals the Soviets building a massive laser defense system in the hills near Afghanistan. America needs more information, and the man to provide it is the CIA's most valuable mole in the Kremlin, codenamed Cardinal. Jack Ryan must get him out.
How long does it take to read The Cardinal of the Kremlin?
About 12 hours (463 pages), or about 3 weeks at 30 minutes a day.
What should I read after The Cardinal of the Kremlin?
If you liked it, try The Hunt for Red October by Tom Clancy, Clear and Present Danger by Tom Clancy or The Spy Who Came in From the Cold by John le Carré.