Books matching: intelligence agencies
100 result(s)
Readers also searched for:
'The Spy and the Traitor' by Ben Macintyre is a gripping account of the Cold War espionage story of Oleg Gordievsky, a KGB double agent who worked for MI6. The narrative delves into Gordievsky's life as a spy, detailing his recruitment, spy work, and eventual betrayal, leading to a nail-biting exfiltration operation. Macintyre's precise and meticulous writing style, along with well-chosen photos, makes the book consistently compelling and suspenseful, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as the story unfolds.
Macintyre's narrative not only covers the espionage aspects of Gordievsky's story but also provides insights into the inner workings of the KGB and MI6 during the Cold War era. offers a riveting account of how Gordievsky's actions helped defuse a potential nuclear escalation between the West and the USSR, highlighting the high stakes and real-world consequences of espionage activities during that period.
Oleg Gordievsky was born into the KGB: shaped by it, loved by it, twisted, damaged, and very nearly destroyed by it. The Soviet spy service was in his heart and in his blood. His father worked for the...- #2
Save:In 'By Order of the President', the President turns to Major Carlos Guillermo Castillo, an outsider with a sharp eye for facts, to unravel a plot involving the hijacking of a Boeing 727. With unexpected allies and ruthless enemies in Africa, Castillo races against time to prevent a catastrophic event from unfolding. The book is praised for its detailed exploration of terrorism post-9/11, suspenseful storytelling, and well-developed characters, setting the stage for a gripping series of military special ops and political intrigue.
As he climbed the somewhat unsteady roll-up stairs and ducked his head to get through the door of Lease-Aire LA- 9021—a Boeing 727—Captain Alex MacIlhenny, who was fifty-two, ruddy-faced, had a full h... 'Mossad: The Greatest Missions of the Israeli Secret Service' by Michael Bar-Zohar is a detailed account of the Mossad's operations, highlighting both successes and failures. Readers are taken through various missions carried out by the Mossad, showcasing the intricate planning, execution, and consequences of each operation. The writing style presents these missions as thrilling spy adventures, grounded in realism rather than extravagance. also delves into the geopolitical context surrounding the Mossad's actions, particularly focusing on operations against terrorist groups like Black September and efforts to thwart Iran's nuclear ambitions.
On November 12, 2011, a tremendous explosion destroyed a secret missile base close to Tehran, killing seventeen Revolutionary Guards and reducing dozens of missiles to a heap of charred iron. General ...- #4
Save:The Company by Robert Littell is a multigenerational saga following a family of CIA operatives from the origins of the CIA through the Cold War era. The novel weaves a fine tapestry of historic and fictional characters who participated in real-life events, providing a behind-the-scenes look at major historical events such as the Hungarian Insurrection, the Bay of Pigs fiasco, and the attempted coup to overthrow Gorbachev. Littell's writing style is described as dense and expertly plotted, managing to keep the reader engaged with the intricacies of espionage and political intrigue.
THE hunter's moon so rapidly it looked as if a motion picture had been speeded up. On a deserted avenue near a long wall, a dirty yellow Fiat mini-taxi cut its lights and its motor and coasted to the ... - #5
Save:Vincent Bevins' book, 'The Jakarta Method', delves into the dark history of Washington's anticommunist crusade and the mass murder program that had a profound impact on the world. Through extensive research and compelling storytelling, Bevins uncovers the brutal realities of imperialism, CIA interventions, and the violent suppression of socialist movements in various third world countries. The book sheds light on the ruthless tactics employed by the U.S. government to further its interests, the devastating consequences of these actions on local populations, and the lasting effects that still resonate today.
THE UNITED STATES, A WESTERN European settler colony in North America, emerged from World War II as by far the most powerful state on Earth. This was a surprise to most Americans, and to most of the w... - #6
Save:'Rise and Kill First: The Secret History of Israel's Targeted Assassinations' by Ronen Bergman is a well-researched and detailed account of Israel's policy of targeted assassinations over the past 70 years, carried out by Mossad and Israel's defense forces. The book delves into the history of these assassinations, the reasons behind them, and the outcomes, often highlighting the ethical and moral dilemmas faced by the operatives. Bergman presents the complex relationships between Israel, Lebanon, Syria, Iran, and various Palestinian organizations, showcasing the high-stakes nature of these operations and the impact they have had on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
ON SEPTEMBER 29, 1944, David Shomron hid in the gloom of St. George Street, not far from the Romanian Church in Jerusalem. A church building was used as officers’ lodgings by the British authorities g... - #7
Save:'Ghost Wars: The Secret History of the CIA, Afghanistan, and Bin Laden from the Soviet Invasion to September 10, 2001' by Steve Coll is a detailed and exhaustive account of the CIA's involvement in Afghanistan from the Soviet invasion to the lead up to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. It chronicles the rise of the jihadist movement, the support for Afghan fighters, the birth of radical ideals, the Taliban's emergence, and the conditions that allowed Osama bin Laden to establish his power base in the country. The narrative explores the intricate relationships between the CIA, Pakistan's ISI, and Saudi Arabia, shedding light on how these connections led to the events that shaped the War on Terror.
The writing style of the book is journalistic and well-researched, providing a clear and thorough examination of the historical events leading up to 9/11. It offers an eye-opening perspective on American foreign policy in the Middle East, detailing the complexities of U.S. involvement in Pakistan and Afghanistan, the rise of Al Qaeda, and the consequences of the decisions made by intelligence agencies. Through a meticulous exploration of the CIA's operations and the geopolitical landscape, 'Ghost Wars' delivers an essential overview of the challenges and intricacies faced by the U.S. in the region.
1. The account in this chapter of Schroen's visit to Kabul, the details of his discussions with Massoud, and the history between them more than five years earlier is drawn from multiple interviews wit... 'Killing Hope: U.S. Military and C.I.A. Interventions Since World War II' by William Blum is a detailed and heart-wrenching history of the USA's involvement in torture and murder in dozens of different countries in the last 60 years. The book meticulously documents American interventions throughout the world, including well-known events like Korea and Vietnam, as well as lesser-known interventions. Blum's writing style presents a harrowing picture of deceit, denial, and amoral manipulation to secure the industrial military political equilibrium, working chronologically through the last 60 years of political history.
Blum's 'Killing Hope' is described as a devastating attack on America's actual foreign policies, as opposed to the propaganda fed to the public. The book provides a damning view of US CIA policy since WWII, offering highly opinionated hot takes on US actions abroad, covering events from the '53 overthrow of Mossadegh to Dubya's invasion of Panama. The author's meticulous documentation, lack of indulgence in repetition, and use of mainstream sources like the NYT for citations make this book a detailed and shocking reference for understanding US foreign interventions post-WWII.
The two sides had been clashing across the Parallel for several years. What happened on that fateful day in June could thus be regarded as no more than the escalation of an ongoing civil war. The Nort...- #9
Save:'The Spy Who Came in from the Cold' by John le Carre is a classic spy novel set during the Cold War era, focusing on the protagonist Alec Leamas, a British spy navigating a complex world of espionage and counter-espionage. The plot revolves around Leamas' final assignment in East Germany, filled with twists and turns, moral dilemmas, and unexpected outcomes. The writing style is described as taut, gripping, and masterfully crafted, with a focus on subtle deception, intricate character development, and a sense of paranoia that reflects the mood of the Cold War era.
‘Shut up,’ said Leamas from the window. One of the policemen left the hut and walked to the sandbag emplacement two feet short of the white demarcation which lay across the road like the base line of ...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series George Smiley ) - #10
Save:'Houseboat on the Nile' in the series 'Spy vs. Spook' by author Tinnean follows the story of two main characters, Mark Vincent and Quinton Mann, who are tough agents from different agencies with a complicated relationship. delves into the competition between the alphabet agencies in DC, with Mark being from WBIS and Quinton from the CIA. The narrative involves espionage, politics, and the dynamics between the characters, providing a unique and captivating story. The writing style includes a constant switching of viewpoints between the two main characters, offering a deep insight into their thoughts and feelings.
The story unfolds with a mix of intrigue, humor, and action, keeping the reader engaged as they navigate through the complexities of the characters' relationships and the challenges they face within their respective agencies. Despite some initial confusion with the switching perspectives, readers found themselves drawn into the plot and the characters' interactions, leading to an enjoyable and immersive reading experience.
Mr. Wallace, the man who ran the Washington Bureau of Intelligence and Security, had requested I stay in contact. I’d worked for him for almost fifteen years, and while I wouldn’t do it for anyone els...
