Clear and Present DangerClear and Present Danger
Score Classic
What it's about
When Colombian drug lords assassinate the U.S. ambassador and the visiting head of the FBI, the American government launches a secret response, which goes horribly wrong. Jack Ryan, newly appointed CIA Deputy Director of Intelligence, discovers he has been kept out of the operation, and uncovers a shocking conspiracy.
Why it's worth reading
It spent 9 weeks at #1 on the New York Times bestseller list and was one of the ten best-selling books of 1989. It's one of Tom Clancy's best Jack Ryan thrillers.
You'll love it if you liked
Without Remorse
The Defector
Extreme MeasuresGood to know
It's long and full of military detail. The 1994 film starred Harrison Ford.
By the numbers
- Readers71 out of 100 · counts 42%
- Critics0 out of 100 · counts 14%
- Bestseller64 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
- #64 of the 555 mysteries and thrillers we rank
- #234 of the 762 classics we rank
- #742 of the 2,816 books we rank
Why it made the list
Reads as
Gripping, Adventurous, Epic
More by Tom Clancy
Without Remorse
Red Storm Rising
Patriot Games
Rainbow SixIf 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 Clear and Present Danger worth reading?
Yes. It spent 9 weeks at #1 on the New York Times bestseller list and was one of the ten best-selling books of 1989. It ranks #742 of the 2,816 books in our ranking, with a Must-Read Score of 75.6 (the best book we found scores 99).
What is Clear and Present Danger about?
When Colombian drug lords assassinate the U.S. ambassador and the visiting head of the FBI, the American government launches a secret response, which goes horribly wrong. Jack Ryan, newly appointed CIA Deputy Director of Intelligence, discovers he has been kept out of the operation, and uncovers a shocking conspiracy.
How long does it take to read Clear and Present Danger?
About 24 hours (978 pages), or about 7 weeks at 30 minutes a day.
What should I read after Clear and Present Danger?
If you liked it, try Without Remorse by Tom Clancy, The Defector by Daniel Silva or Extreme Measures by Vince Flynn.