The Hunt for Red October introduces Jack Ryan, CIA officer. Patriot Games (1987) explains how he joined the CIA while protecting his family from Irish terrorists.

The Cardinal of the Kremlin (1988) tells of America's highest placed military spy in the Soviet Union — an aging war hero tormented by his betrayal of his country but determined to do what he can to bring the communist government. Ryan plays a role in saving Col. Mikhail Semyonovich Filitov's life and in the defection of the Soviet Union's Chief spy. All this is set against the backdrop of giant laser guns and space-based anti-missile technology.

Clear and Present Danger (1989) shifts away from the cold war to focus on the illicit drug trade. Columbian drug lords go so far as to assassinate the United States Attorney General. The American president declares that the drug lords represent a "clear and present danger" to the...