The Hunt for Red OctoberThe Hunt for Red October
Score Classic
What it's about
Somewhere under the freezing Atlantic, a Soviet submarine commander, Marko Ramius, has made a fateful decision: the Red October, a highly advanced nuclear submarine, is heading west. The Americans want her, and the Russians want her back. CIA analyst Jack Ryan may be the only man who can find her first.
Why it's worth reading
It's on PBS's Great American Read. It made Tom Clancy famous and created the modern techno-thriller.
You'll love it if you liked
Clear and Present Danger
Rainbow Six
Eye of the NeedleGood to know
It's full of naval technology but moves fast. It's the first Jack Ryan novel and became a 1990 film.
By the numbers
- Readers67 out of 100 · counts 42%
- Critics0 out of 100 · counts 14%
- Bestseller60 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
- #87 of the 555 mysteries and thrillers we rank
- #276 of the 762 classics we rank
- #891 of the 2,816 books we rank
Why it made the list
Reads as
Gripping, Adventurous
More by Tom Clancy
Without Remorse
Red Storm Rising
Patriot GamesClear and Present DangerIf you like this, read next
The Godfather
The Pillars of the Earth
In Cold Blood
The Day of the Jackal
Rebecca
Crime and PunishmentExplore the best-of lists
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Quick answers
Is The Hunt for Red October worth reading?
Yes. It's on PBS's Great American Read. It ranks #891 of the 2,816 books in our ranking, with a Must-Read Score of 74.1 (the best book we found scores 99).
What is The Hunt for Red October about?
Somewhere under the freezing Atlantic, a Soviet submarine commander, Marko Ramius, has made a fateful decision: the Red October, a highly advanced nuclear submarine, is heading west. The Americans want her, and the Russians want her back. CIA analyst Jack Ryan may be the only man who can find her first.
How long does it take to read The Hunt for Red October?
About 10 hours (387 pages), or about 3 weeks at 30 minutes a day.
What should I read after The Hunt for Red October?
If you liked it, try Clear and Present Danger by Tom Clancy, Rainbow Six by Tom Clancy or Eye of the Needle by Ken Follett.