Thriller
The Hunt for Red October
At the height of the Cold War, the captain of a new Soviet missile submarine steers west with a plan of his own. The Americans race to work out whether he is defecting or about to start a war.
Facts last checked 2026-10-16
- First published
- 1984
- Pace
- Medium
- Length
- Long
- Pages
- 387
- Format
- Book 4 of 44 in Jack Ryan Universe
Read this if you like technical, tightly plotted military thrillers with plenty of detail on submarines.
Skip this if you want character-led stories, because the book often stops for a long look at the hardware.
The feel
Content warnings
Quick answers about The Hunt for Red October
- What is The Hunt for Red October about?
- At the height of the Cold War, the captain of a new Soviet missile submarine steers west with a plan of his own. The Americans race to work out whether he is defecting or about to start a war.
- Who should read The Hunt for Red October?
- Read it if you like technical, tightly plotted military thrillers with plenty of detail on submarines. Skip it if you want character-led stories, because the book often stops for a long look at the hardware.
- How long and how fast is The Hunt for Red October?
- It is a medium-paced, long read of about 387 pages, first published in 1984.
- Does The Hunt for Red October have content warnings?
- Content we flag: War, Death, Violence.
- Can I borrow The Hunt for Red October for free?
- Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends The Hunt for Red October; the borrow button above searches it for you.
- What should I read after The Hunt for Red October?
- Readers who liked it often move on to The Day of the Jackal, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy.
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Where to get it
| Store | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Borrow free | ||
| Libby / OverDrive | Free with a library card | Borrow free with Libby from Libby / OverDrive |
| Print, new | ||
| Amazon | Check price | Buy new from Amazon |
| Ebook | ||
| Kobo | Check price | Buy ebook from Kobo |
| Google Play Books | Check price | Buy ebook from Google Play Books |
| Audiobook | ||
| Audible | Check price | Buy audiobook from Audible |
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