Looking for Books Like Black Doves on Netflix? If, like me, you enjoyed this female-forward spy series, I have some suggestions for books you might want to try! We can also discuss Black Doves, including spoilers, in the comments!
Books Like Black Doves on Netflix
Here’s my criteria for my list of Books Like Black Doves on Netflix
- female main character
- a plot that involves international intrigue, like spying or espionage
- bonus points for a domestic suspense angle
- bonus points for a romantic subplot
- bonus points for a European setting
And here are some books with a similar vibe that I have enjoyed recently:
What or who are “Black Doves?”
It’s a secret organization which (it seems) only hires women as spies to collect sensitive political information that is sold to the highest bidder.
Famous Last Words by Gillian McAllister (2025)
How Famous Last Words is Similar to Black Doves:
- Camilla, a literary agent with a new baby, learns that her husband, a person who has always been law abiding, has suddenly taken three hostages in London.
- While this book does take a more domestic suspense turn, it involves a hostage negotiator, a major investigation, and spouses with BIG secrets.
- Check out my Review of Famous Last Words!
The Paris Widow by Kimberly Belle (2023)
How The Paris Widow is similar to Black Doves:
- set in Paris
- features a woman vacationing in Paris with her husband when there’s an explosion and he goes missing. Did she not know him as well as she thought?
- My review of The Paris Widow
Two Nights in Lisbon by Chris Pavone (2022)
How Two Nights in Lisbon is similar to Black Doves:
- set in Portugal
- like Black Doves, Two Nights in Lisbon has a domestic suspense vibe as a newlywed American couple visits Lisbon and the husband vanishes
- the international intrigue aspect doesn’t kick in right off, but when it does, it’s as high level and high tension as Black Doves
- Read my review of Two Nights in Lisbon
The Spy Coast by Tess Gerritsen (2023)
How The Spy Coast is similar to Black Doves:
- Set in Maine but involves a group of retired CIA operatives who are drawn back into old intrigue
- Free on Kindle Unlimited
- The sequel, The Summer Guest comes out in 2024)
- My review of The Spy Coast
Thursday Murder Club Series (2020-)
How The Thursday Murder Club series is similar to Black Doves:
- set in a retirement community in the UK
- a group of pensioners, one of whom is former British spy
- heavily focused on personal relationships
- Will be a series on Netflix in 2025!
- Check out my Series Summary for The Thursday Murder Club
Sweet Tooth by Ian McEwan (20120
How Sweet Tooth is similar to Black Doves:
- set in the UK in the 1970s
- A Cambridge University student is recruited by MI5 to fund writers whose politics align with the party in power
- I have not read this, but if you have, please give me your thoughts in comments!
- the main character is assigned to infiltrate the circle of a male writer
The Expats by Chris Pavone (2012)
How The Expats is similar to Black Doves:
- Kate, a woman with a huge secret moves to Luxembourg with her husband, who has a mysterious employer
- an American couple shows up in their new neighborhood and Kate is immediately suspicious of them
- secrets, lies and espionage!
- I have not yet read this one, so if you have, please give me your take in comments!
Please leave all your thoughts in comments!