The Day of the Jackal

Frederick Forsyth · 1973 · Novel

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Realistic procedural thriller Procedural investigation

Perfected the procedural thriller, offering a detailed, dual-perspective narrative of a high-stakes hunt between assassin and investigator.

What it is

A professional assassin, known only as 'the Jackal,' is hired to kill French President Charles de Gaulle, while a French detective races to stop him.

↑Inherited from(1)

The Spy Who Came in from the Cold· 1963↑ open

Le Carré's focus on the grim realities of espionage influenced Forsyth's meticulous, procedural approach to political assassination and investigation.

↓Passed on to(1)

The Odessa File· 1972↓ open

Both Forsyth novels showcase meticulous research and a step-by-step narrative of a hunt, one for an assassin and one for a Nazi war criminal, establishing his signature style.