The Day of the Jackal
France United Kingdom

The Day of the Jackal

by Frederick Forsyth

War & Conflict Historical Fiction Thriller Mystery 1971

Summary

France, 1963. Following repeated attempts to assassinate President Charles de Gaulle, a militant organisation determined to overthrow him hires a professional killer known only by his codename: the Jackal. Brilliant, meticulous, and almost impossible to identify, the assassin begins preparing an elaborate plan to kill the French president. He obtains false identities, arranges specialised equipment, and carefully studies the security measures surrounding his target.

When French intelligence discovers the conspiracy, the authorities launch a desperate hunt for the unknown assassin. Commissaire Claude Lebel, a methodical detective with an exceptional ability to follow small clues, is assigned to lead the investigation. As the Jackal moves closer to his target, Lebel must navigate political pressure, bureaucratic obstacles, and a trail of deception stretching across Europe.

Combining painstaking procedural detail with relentless suspense, The Day of the Jackal explores the deadly intersection of political extremism, state security, and individual ambition. Frederick Forsyth transforms a fictional assassination plot into a gripping contest between two professionals, each determined to outwit the other before time runs out.

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About the author
Frederick Forsyth
Frederick Forsyth

Frederick Forsyth (1938–2025) was a British novelist and journalist renowned for his meticulously researched political and espionage thrillers. After serving as a pilot in the Royal Air Force, he became a journalist, working for Reuters and the BBC. His reporting took him to France, Germany, and Nigeria, where he covered the Biafran War. These experiences gave him firsthand knowledge of international politics, conflict, and intelligence operations. Forsyth published his debut novel, The Day of the Jackal, in 1971. Inspired partly by his reporting on an actual attempt to assassinate Charles de Gaulle, the book became an international bestseller and won the 1972 Edgar Award for Best Novel. He went on to write celebrated thrillers including The Odessa File, The Dogs of War, The Fourth Protocol, and The Fist of God. His distinctive style combined documentary-like research, intricate plotting, and believable political scenarios, helping shape modern thriller fiction. Forsyth died in June 2025, aged 86.

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Details
Published
1971
Author
Frederick Forsyth