If you only read one Clancy novel, it should be Red October Rising. It is stand alone from his universe the other books are in. Worth it for expressing the tension the world was under during the Cold War.
Some of “his” later books were in fact by other authors: his name prominent on the front cover, actual authors name in smaller print. They were decent reads as well, albeit formulaic. Sum of All Fears and Debt of Honor were a couple more I found real page turners.
too many Russian names for me. and speaking of Russian names, I'm plodding through Anna karrenina. not thinking much of Tolstoy so far
Just struck me; I did not really answer Mendel. Yeah, sort of alike, but Griffin seems to focus more on the people, if that makes sense...of course...I am all of 50 pages into Griffin and read one Clancy, which lists a second author, Mark Greaney.
Just heard Tom Robbins had died about a year ago... so thinking about re-reading 'Skinny Legs And All', first novel a memorable g/f had suggested back in the '90s (enjoyed Jitterbug Perfume as well).