Spy fiction is thrilling, but real-life espionage stories hit differently. These are not tales spun by screenwriters or novelists. They are confessions, exposes, and firsthand accounts from people who were once at the center of secret power structures. And what they reveal is often far more disturbing than any James Bond storyline.
When a spy writes a book, it rarely goes unnoticed. Some of these authors were high-ranking intelligence officers, whistleblowers, or covert operatives who decided to speak out. Their works have been censored, banned, or denounced by governments, which only adds to their credibility and allure. Why would powerful agencies try to silence something that is not true?
These books do more than tell spy stories. They uncover the dark mechanics of global control, surveillance, economic manipulation, and disinformation. They take readers deep into the operations of agencies like the CIA, MI5, NSA, KGB, and Mossad. Some of these authors paid a heavy price for revealing what they knew, from exile to imprisonment.
This list is not just for espionage buffs. It is for anyone who wants to understand how global influence is really wielded, how narratives are shaped behind the scenes, and how individual freedom is often compromised in the name of national security.
Let’s begin with three of the most impactful and controversial books written by former intelligence insiders who dared to expose the truth.
1. Spycatcher by Peter Wright (UK – MI5)
"Spycatcher" is not just a memoir. It is a political earthquake in book form. Written by Peter Wright, a former assistant director at MI5, this controversial account lifts the curtain on the British intelligence community's most guarded secrets. When it was published in 1987, the British government attempted to ban it completely. That censorship attempt only made it more famous and widely read.
Wright's claims were explosive. He accused top British officials of unethical surveillance practices, sabotage operations, and unlawful behavior. One of the most shocking allegations was that a senior MI5 officer had been a Soviet mole. The book even hinted that British intelligence agencies had tried to manipulate domestic politics and suppress dissent under the guise of national security.
What makes "Spycatcher" compelling is not just the content, but the tone. Wright writes with conviction and frustration, clearly feeling betrayed by the very institution he served. His insider view sheds light on how intelligence agencies often operate outside the law, protected by secrecy and justified by fear.
The British government’s legal attempts to prevent its release, especially in Australia and other countries, only fueled public interest. Eventually, the book was cleared for publication, and it became an international bestseller.
"Spycatcher" remains essential reading for anyone interested in British intelligence, Cold War politics, or the ethical boundaries of national defense. It stands as a rare example of a spy telling the truth about his own agency while exposing how dangerous unchecked surveillance powers can become.
2. The CIA and the Cult of Intelligence by Victor Marchetti and John D. Marks (USA – CIA)
This was the first book ever subjected to official CIA censorship, and that fact alone should make you curious. Written by Victor Marchetti, a former CIA officer, and John D. Marks, a State Department staffer, "The CIA and the Cult of Intelligence" is a bold and detailed critique of the U.S. intelligence system.
The authors argue that the CIA functions more like a self-serving cult than a rational institution. It thrives on secrecy, manipulates global politics through covert actions, and answers to no one. With firsthand experience inside the agency, Marchetti offers a rare look at how decisions are made behind closed doors and how moral accountability is often missing.
The book’s publication was met with legal resistance. The CIA demanded the removal of over 300 passages from the manuscript. Eventually, it was published with blacked-out sections, making it a symbol of suppressed truth. Later editions restored most of the censored content.
One of the book’s strengths is how it systematically breaks down the structure and philosophy of U.S. intelligence. It doesn't rely on conspiracy theory but instead presents documented practices, patterns of interference in foreign governments, and manipulation of public opinion through propaganda.
This book was a wake-up call in the 1970s. It continues to resonate today as debates about surveillance, secrecy, and national security remain as relevant as ever. "The CIA and the Cult of Intelligence" is a must-read if you want to understand how power can be hidden behind patriotism and policy.
3. Permanent Record by Edward Snowden (USA – NSA)
Few names are as polarizing in the modern world as Edward Snowden. A former NSA contractor turned whistleblower, Snowden shook the world in 2013 when he leaked classified documents revealing the scope of global surveillance programs operated by the U.S. and its allies. His memoir, "Permanent Record," offers a personal and deeply reflective look at the events that led him to that life-altering decision.
This is not just a spy story. It is a modern digital-age confession. Snowden describes how he began as a believer in American values and worked diligently within the intelligence community. Over time, however, he discovered that the agencies he trusted were conducting massive, illegal data-gathering operations against ordinary citizens worldwide.
"Permanent Record" is written with clarity and honesty. Snowden does not present himself as a hero. Instead, he walks readers through his inner conflict, the moral weight of knowing what he knew, and the loneliness of choosing truth over comfort.
The book also explores the evolution of surveillance technology and how governments use vague laws to justify mass data collection. What makes it especially powerful is its relevance. Snowden’s story is ongoing. He lives in exile in Russia and continues to advocate for digital privacy rights.
Whether you see him as a traitor or a patriot, "Permanent Record" is essential reading for anyone living in the age of smartphones, social media, and always-on connectivity. It is a stark reminder that privacy is fragile and that speaking truth to power often comes at a steep personal cost.
4. Confessions of an Economic Hitman by John Perkins (USA – economic consultant linked to NSA projects)
"Confessions of an Economic Hitman" reads like a political thriller, but the author insists it's all true. John Perkins, a former consultant with ties to U.S. intelligence and major financial institutions, describes how he was tasked with convincing developing nations to accept enormous loans for infrastructure projects. These loans, however, were a trap.
According to Perkins, once these countries accepted the money, they were saddled with unpayable debt. In exchange for "help" from the U.S., they were expected to vote in favor of American policies, allow access to resources, or permit military presence. Perkins calls this modern economic colonization. No invasions. Just quiet, strategic control through financial dependence.
While some critics have questioned the full accuracy of Perkins’ account, many experts in international finance and politics have found alarming parallels with real events. Countries like Ecuador, Panama, and Indonesia are all mentioned as targets of this practice.
The book has sparked wide debate and remains a top recommendation for anyone trying to understand how global financial systems can be used as tools of control. It shifts the definition of power from military strength to economic manipulation.
"Confessions of an Economic Hitman" is not just about money. It's about how economic promises are used to reshape nations and keep them in a cycle of dependence. For readers interested in the intersection of capitalism, intelligence, and foreign policy, this is essential reading.
5. Fair Game: My Life as a Spy, My Betrayal by the White House by Valerie Plame (USA – CIA)
Valerie Plame’s story became front-page news in the early 2000s when her identity as a covert CIA agent was publicly exposed. In "Fair Game," she details how the leak was not an accident but a political move by the Bush administration in retaliation against her husband, Ambassador Joseph Wilson, who had publicly questioned the government's case for the Iraq War.
This wasn’t just a personal betrayal. It was a national security breach. Plame had spent her career in covert operations dealing with nuclear proliferation. When her cover was blown, not only was her career destroyed, but ongoing missions and foreign contacts were put at risk.
The memoir paints a vivid picture of life inside the CIA, especially for a woman navigating a male-dominated agency. It also shows how intelligence professionals can become pawns in political games. Plame writes with quiet anger, clarity, and professionalism. She avoids sensationalism and instead presents the facts as she experienced them.
The story also highlights how fragile the relationship between the intelligence community and the executive branch can be. When political interests outweigh national interests, even the most secretive careers can become front-page headlines.
"Fair Game" is more than just a spy story. It is a deeply personal account of how loyalty to country can sometimes be repaid with betrayal. For readers interested in modern espionage, media manipulation, and political consequences, Plame’s account is as revealing as it is sobering.
6. Blowing My Cover by Lindsay Moran (USA – CIA)
"Blowing My Cover" offers something rare in the world of espionage books — a raw, humorous, and brutally honest perspective from a female CIA officer who walked away from the job with more questions than answers.
Lindsay Moran was young, idealistic, and highly qualified when she joined the CIA. What she hoped for was the chance to serve her country and live a life of purpose. What she found instead was an institution filled with bureaucratic inefficiencies, outdated training methods, and deeply ingrained sexism.
The memoir provides a behind-the-scenes look at what the recruitment process is like, what training entails, and how lonely and disorienting life as a covert operative can be. Moran’s writing is candid and often sarcastic. She shares personal stories about how the job affected her friendships, her dating life, and even her mental health.
More than just personal frustrations, Moran also critiques the operations she was involved in. She began to question the ethics of what she was doing, especially as the post-9/11 intelligence landscape changed drastically.
"Blowing My Cover" doesn’t deal with massive betrayals or headline-making leaks. Instead, it examines the quiet erosion of idealism inside the machine. Moran’s reflections humanize the spy world and show that sometimes, the system fails its most loyal servants.
For anyone curious about the emotional toll of spy work or looking for a personal and critical take on life inside the CIA, this book is a relatable and thought-provoking read.
7. The Spy Who Came in from the Co-Op by David Burke (UK – based on Melita Norwood, KGB mole)
Melita Norwood might not be a household name, but she holds a remarkable and troubling title — Britain’s longest-serving KGB spy. In "The Spy Who Came in from the Co-Op," historian David Burke pieces together her story using declassified documents and KGB files.
Norwood worked as a secretary in a British research institution that dealt with atomic energy. From that humble position, she passed crucial scientific secrets to the Soviet Union for over 40 years. She did it quietly, without the glamour usually associated with spy thrillers. When finally exposed in her 80s, she showed no regret, claiming she had acted on her beliefs and wanted to support the Soviet cause.
Burke’s book is not just about espionage. It’s about ideology, loyalty, and how seemingly ordinary people can have an extraordinary impact. Norwood was never motivated by money. She lived modestly and remained politically committed to the end. This made her both admirable and dangerous in the eyes of many analysts.
The book also reveals how British counterintelligence overlooked her for decades. Despite being on several lists of suspected communists, she managed to avoid detection, which speaks volumes about how deeply Soviet agents had embedded themselves in Western institutions.
For readers interested in Cold War history, ideological espionage, and the quieter side of spycraft, this book is a compelling study of how conviction can be as powerful as coercion.
8. Next Stop Execution by Oleg Gordievsky (Russia – KGB defector to UK)
"Next Stop Execution" is the gripping memoir of Oleg Gordievsky, one of the highest-ranking KGB officers ever to defect to the West. Gordievsky’s story is not just dramatic; it is a key piece of Cold War history.
As a KGB insider who secretly worked for British intelligence (MI6) while still inside the Soviet system, Gordievsky risked everything to pass vital intelligence to the West. His betrayal was not driven by money, but by a deep disillusionment with Soviet authoritarianism. He became increasingly disturbed by the brutality and paranoia he witnessed inside the KGB and eventually chose to help the other side.
The title itself reflects the gravity of his situation. Had he been caught, execution would have been a certainty. Eventually, he was recalled to Moscow and placed under suspicion. His dramatic escape from the Soviet Union, orchestrated by British operatives, remains one of the most daring spy exfiltrations ever attempted.
The memoir goes deep into the inner workings of the KGB, revealing how agents were trained, how surveillance was handled, and how fear ruled the Soviet intelligence community. Gordievsky also highlights how many KGB decisions were based not on facts, but on intense political ideology and internal paranoia.
"Next Stop Execution" is not only a thrilling read but also a powerful warning about what happens when government secrecy is combined with unchecked political power. For Cold War buffs and political history readers, this book is essential.
9. The Billion Dollar Spy by David E. Hoffman (USA/Russia – true CIA spy story)
"The Billion Dollar Spy" tells the true and suspenseful story of Adolf Tolkachev, a Soviet engineer who became one of the CIA's most valuable assets during the Cold War. Based entirely on declassified documents and interviews with those involved, this book reads like a spy novel but is entirely real.
Tolkachev was a radar expert working in Moscow’s defense sector. Frustrated by the Soviet regime and its cruelty, he began approaching U.S. diplomats offering classified information. At first, the CIA hesitated, fearing a trap. Eventually, they made contact, and what followed was a years-long relationship that gave the United States unparalleled access to Soviet military secrets.
The value of Tolkachev's intelligence was immense. It helped the U.S. gain critical advantages in aircraft technology and military defense systems. In return, he was paid handsomely and took incredible personal risks. He used sophisticated dead drops, coded messages, and a radio transmitter disguised as an everyday object.
But as with many Cold War stories, it ended in tragedy. Tolkachev was eventually betrayed, captured by the KGB, and executed. The betrayal is believed to have come from within the CIA itself.
David Hoffman’s narrative is precise, deeply researched, and respectful of the lives involved. It shows not only the bravery required in espionage but also the costs. "The Billion Dollar Spy" highlights the power of one man’s courage and the intense cat-and-mouse games between two superpowers at the height of their rivalry.
10. My Secret Life in the CIA by Harry Rositzke (USA – CIA)
Harry Rositzke’s "My Secret Life in the CIA" stands apart from more dramatic spy tales. It is a calm, methodical, and highly credible insider account from someone who spent decades helping shape U.S. intelligence operations during the Cold War.
Rositzke joined the CIA during its early days and eventually led operations in Soviet territory. Unlike many other memoirs filled with suspense or sensationalism, his tone is more academic and reflective. This does not mean it lacks impact. Instead, it gives readers a rare understanding of how the CIA actually functions, from recruitment to field operations and internal decision-making.
One of the most interesting aspects of the book is Rositzke’s discussion of the moral ambiguity that defines espionage. He openly addresses the failures, questionable alliances, and unintended consequences of many CIA missions. He also explores how intelligence is often less about collecting secrets and more about understanding the broader psychological and cultural landscape of enemies and allies alike.
For readers looking for a less flashy and more realistic look at the day-to-day life of a CIA operative, "My Secret Life in the CIA" offers thoughtful analysis. It also helps readers understand how intelligence work shaped the geopolitical outcomes of the 20th century.
Rositzke does not seek to shock or defend the agency. Instead, he tells the truth as he saw it, with measured insight and professional clarity. It is a must-read for anyone interested in how espionage works from the inside out.
11. I Was Vermeer by Frank Wynne (Netherlands – art fraud and wartime espionage)
"I Was Vermeer" is one of the most unusual stories in the world of espionage. Written by Frank Wynne, this book tells the story of Han van Meegeren, a Dutch art forger who created fake Vermeer paintings so convincing that they fooled top experts and even high-ranking Nazis.
Van Meegeren’s forgeries were so successful that one of them was sold to Hermann Göring during World War II. After the war, van Meegeren was arrested, not for fraud, but for treason, under the assumption that he had sold a Dutch national treasure to the Nazis. To avoid execution, he confessed to the forgeries.
But there is more to the story. Van Meegeren’s activities during the war had intersections with Dutch resistance and intelligence circles. While not a spy in the traditional sense, his work became part of a larger wartime deception, influencing politics, art history, and even post-war justice.
Wynne’s writing is rich, engaging, and full of ironic humor. He not only explores the techniques behind van Meegeren’s fakes but also the psychological complexity of a man who fooled the world and then became a national hero.
This book is a fascinating read for anyone interested in how deception plays out across different spheres art, intelligence, and national pride. It’s a reminder that espionage does not always involve guns and gadgets. Sometimes, it’s a paintbrush and a very good lie.
12. Inside the Company: CIA Diary by Philip Agee (USA – CIA)
Few books have rocked the intelligence world like Philip Agee’s "Inside the Company." This is not just a memoir. It is a line-by-line diary-style exposé of CIA activities in Latin America during the 1960s and 70s. Agee was a case officer deeply involved in covert operations, and when he turned against the agency, he did so with precision and fury.
The book names names. It outlines operations. It details methods used to manipulate governments, economies, and public sentiment. Agee believed the CIA was undermining democracy in favor of U.S. interests, and he could no longer be part of it. His decision to reveal secrets was viewed by the U.S. government as a major betrayal, but to others, he became a symbol of conscience.
The diary format adds a layer of authenticity. Readers follow Agee’s evolution from loyal agent to whistleblower in real time. It is not just about what the CIA did, but how it affected those on the ground foreign leaders, activists, and ordinary citizens caught in the middle.
"Inside the Company" became a foundational text for understanding how American intelligence operated during the Cold War. It also set off global debates about secrecy, morality, and the limits of patriotism. Whether you see Agee as a traitor or a truth-teller, this book remains one of the most detailed and courageous accounts ever written by a spy who chose to speak out.
13. KGB: The Inside Story by Christopher Andrew and Oleg Gordievsky (UK/Russia – KGB defector)
Co-authored by historian Christopher Andrew and KGB defector Oleg Gordievsky, "KGB: The Inside Story" is a comprehensive and deeply researched account of how the Soviet Union’s main intelligence agency operated. The book combines historical analysis with firsthand experience, creating a rare blend of scholarly insight and authentic storytelling.
Gordievsky, whose own escape from the KGB was legendary, shares internal perspectives that few Western writers could access. Andrew, known for his academic rigor, provides the historical structure and context that grounds the narrative. Together, they chart the evolution of the KGB from its origins under Lenin to its Cold War peak.
The book explores not only espionage but also psychological warfare, propaganda, and political repression. It details assassinations, disinformation campaigns, and recruitment strategies used to infiltrate foreign governments. The depth of the research makes it one of the most trusted sources on Soviet intelligence.
What makes this book especially valuable is its ability to connect broad geopolitical events to specific intelligence actions. Readers gain a clearer picture of how the KGB influenced world politics behind the scenes, often without being detected for decades.
"KGB: The Inside Story" is more than just a history book. It is a critical resource for understanding the legacy of Soviet espionage, much of which continues to influence Russian intelligence operations today. For anyone studying global intelligence or Cold War history, this book belongs on the shelf.
14. The Mitrokhin Archive by Christopher Andrew and Vasili Mitrokhin (Russia – KGB defector)
"The Mitrokhin Archive" is based on one of the most extraordinary intelligence leaks of the 20th century. Vasili Mitrokhin was a KGB archivist who, over the course of years, secretly copied thousands of classified documents before defecting to the West. His notes revealed shocking details about Soviet espionage operations across the globe.
Christopher Andrew, the same historian who co-wrote "KGB: The Inside Story," collaborated with Mitrokhin to publish this massive archive. The result is a book that lays out Soviet strategies in the United States, Europe, Latin America, and beyond. It includes plans for sabotage, lists of agents, and strategies for infiltrating Western political parties and media outlets.
One of the most alarming sections involves Soviet involvement in targeted assassinations and long-term infiltration plans that spanned decades. It reveals how deeply the KGB was embedded in places most people would consider secure, including major universities, research labs, and diplomatic offices.
What sets this book apart is the raw volume of information. Unlike speculative reports, these were pulled directly from official KGB records. Intelligence professionals, historians, and political leaders have all acknowledged its value as one of the most comprehensive revelations of KGB operations.
"The Mitrokhin Archive" is not light reading. But for anyone serious about understanding how deep espionage can go and how much of it remains hidden it is one of the most important texts ever published.
15. The Secret State by Peter Hennessy (UK – Government Secrets)
Peter Hennessy is not a spy, but as one of the UK’s leading constitutional historians, his access to classified material and inner-government workings gives him rare insight into how the British state operates in secrecy. "The Secret State" explores how decisions are made when national survival is at stake, especially during times of war or nuclear threat.
The book dives into the emergency planning done during the Cold War, revealing how the UK prepared for a nuclear attack and how power would be transferred in case of national collapse. It explains the often unseen role of intelligence services in shaping policy and maintaining state control during periods of crisis.
Hennessy also explores how secrecy is maintained, how it can be abused, and where the balance between privacy and national security lies. Through interviews, declassified documents, and years of research, he gives readers a rare view into the hidden layers of government.
What makes this book stand out is its balanced tone. Hennessy does not dramatize or demonize intelligence work. Instead, he explores the ethical dilemmas and operational complexities that come with guarding a nation. It is history told with precision and thoughtfulness.
"The Secret State" is essential for readers who want to understand the real decisions made behind closed doors. It shows that secrecy, while sometimes necessary, must always be approached with accountability and care.
16. The Mossad: Secrets of the Israel Secret Service by Gordon Thomas (Israel – Mossad)
Gordon Thomas’s The Mossad: Secrets of the Israel Secret Service offers an in-depth look into one of the most feared and respected intelligence agencies in the world. Though Thomas himself was not a Mossad operative, his book is based on interviews with former agents, insiders, and leaked documents that provide a rare window into Israel’s covert operations.
The Mossad has a long and controversial history, often operating in the shadows of global headlines. From assassinations of terrorist masterminds to kidnappings of war criminals, their methods are both admired and feared. The book covers some of the agency’s most iconic missions, including the capture of Adolf Eichmann, operations against Iran's nuclear program, and the targeted eliminations of enemies across Europe and the Middle East.
Thomas goes beyond the action to explore the strategic and moral decisions behind Mossad’s work. He questions how far an agency should go to protect national security and whether such tactics could backfire in the long run. He also dives into the agency’s recruitment strategies, technology use, and the challenges it faces in the digital age.
This book is gripping not only for its storytelling but also for the ethical dilemmas it raises. The Mossad reads like a thriller, but its content is grounded in real-world operations that have shaped international politics. For readers curious about Israel’s geopolitical tactics and covert strength, this is a revealing and thought-provoking read.
17. The Lubyanka Files by Vadim J. Birstein (Russia – KGB archive researcher)
The Lubyanka Files by Vadim J. Birstein is a chilling collection of real documents and analysis detailing the inner workings of the Soviet Union’s most notorious security agencies: the NKVD and later the KGB. Named after the infamous Lubyanka Building in Moscow, which housed the headquarters of the secret police and a prison, this book brings to light the grim reality of Soviet surveillance and control.
Birstein, a historian and former Soviet scientist, had access to rare archival material after the fall of the USSR. He carefully pieces together evidence showing how the Soviet regime used fear, torture, and mass surveillance to keep its citizens in line. The documents describe not only how enemies of the state were hunted but also how ordinary people were dragged into brutal political purges.
What makes this book powerful is its rawness. These are not fictionalized accounts or secondhand retellings. The files contain interrogation transcripts, execution orders, and internal communications that show just how systemic the cruelty was. The book also reveals the techniques used for psychological control, ideological re-education, and forced confessions.
Unlike more narrative-driven spy memoirs, The Lubyanka Files is scholarly and disturbing in equal measure. It serves as an essential historical record and a warning about what happens when unchecked power becomes institutionalized. Anyone interested in totalitarian systems, Cold War intelligence, or state-sponsored fear will find this book both enlightening and sobering.
18. The Falcon and the Snowman by Robert Lindsey (USA – true espionage case)
The Falcon and the Snowman is a true crime and espionage story that feels almost too wild to be real. Written by journalist Robert Lindsey, it follows the lives of two young Americans, Christopher Boyce and Andrew Daulton Lee, who betrayed their country during the Cold War by selling classified information to the Soviet Union.
Boyce, nicknamed “The Falcon” for his love of falconry, worked for a defense contractor with access to top-secret communications. His friend Lee, “The Snowman,” was a drug dealer who acted as the courier between Boyce and Soviet contacts. What started as a mix of ideology and rebellion soon spiraled into a dangerous web of espionage and addiction.
Lindsey’s reporting is thorough, and the book reads like a thriller with real-life consequences. He examines how a sense of betrayal by the U.S. government, combined with youthful arrogance and poor decisions, led two suburban kids into one of the most infamous espionage cases in American history.
What makes the book particularly engaging is how personal it feels. Boyce and Lee are not hardened spies. They are relatable and flawed, which makes their descent into espionage all the more tragic. Their motivations were a mix of anti-establishment beliefs and naivety, showing how dangerous idealism can become when mixed with access to state secrets.
The book was later adapted into a critically acclaimed film, but the original text offers far more depth and background. For those interested in psychological motivations behind espionage, this one is a must.
Conclusion:
Even though many of the stories in these books are decades old, their relevance is undeniable. In a world still shaped by intelligence warfare, disinformation, and digital surveillance, these accounts serve as both historical documentation and cautionary tales. Whether it is Snowden revealing global spying, Gordievsky risking death to defect, or Melita Norwood quietly leaking atomic secrets, each story is a reminder of the human side of espionage.
These books challenge readers to rethink what patriotism, truth, and power really mean. They show that intelligence agencies are not just about security. They are about control, influence, and sometimes, deception. They also reveal the personal cost of telling the truth in a world that values secrecy above all else.
For anyone interested in history, politics, or understanding how global power is actually maintained, these stories are more than compelling reads. They are warnings and revelations from those who lived behind the curtain. And in today’s age of global surveillance and ideological warfare, they are more relevant than ever.
1 Comments
If you enjoy reading fact based espionage thrillers, of which there are only a handful of decent ones, do try reading Bill Fairclough’s Beyond Enkription. It is an enthralling unadulterated fact based autobiographical spy thriller and a super read as long as you don’t expect John le Carré’s delicate diction, sophisticated syntax and placid plots.
ReplyDeleteWhat is interesting is that this book is so different to any other espionage thrillers fact or fiction that I have ever read. It is extraordinarily memorable and unsurprisingly apparently mandatory reading in some countries’ intelligence agencies’ induction programs. Why?
Maybe because the book has been heralded by those who should know as “being up there with My Silent War by Kim Philby and No Other Choice by George Blake”; maybe because Bill Fairclough (the author) deviously dissects unusual topics, for example, by using real situations relating to how much agents are kept in the dark by their spy-masters and (surprisingly) vice versa; and/or maybe because he has survived literally dozens of death defying experiences including 20 plus attempted murders.
The action in Beyond Enkription is set in 1974 about a real maverick British accountant who worked in Coopers & Lybrand (now PwC) in London, Nassau, Miami and Port au Prince. Initially in 1974 he unwittingly worked for MI5 and MI6 based in London infiltrating an organised crime gang. Later he worked knowingly for the CIA in the Americas. In subsequent books yet to be published (when employed by Citicorp, Barclays, Reuters and others) he continued to work for several intelligence agencies. Fairclough has been justifiably likened to a posh version of Harry Palmer aka Michael Caine in the films based on Len Deighton’s spy novels.
Beyond Enkription is a must read for espionage cognoscenti. Whatever you do, you must read some of the latest news articles (since August 2021) in TheBurlingtonFiles website before taking the plunge and getting stuck into Beyond Enkription. You’ll soon be immersed in a whole new world which you won’t want to exit. Intriguingly, the articles were released seven or more years after the book was published. TheBurlingtonFiles website itself is well worth a visit and don’t miss the articles about FaireSansDire. The website is a bit like a virtual espionage museum and refreshingly advert free.
Returning to the intense and electrifying thriller Beyond Enkription, it has had mainly five star reviews so don’t be put off by Chapter 1 if you are squeamish. You can always skip through the squeamish bits and just get the gist of what is going on in the first chapter. Mind you, infiltrating international state sponsored people and body part smuggling mobs isn’t a job for the squeamish! Thereafter don’t skip any of the text or you’ll lose the plots. The book is ever increasingly cerebral albeit pacy and action packed. Indeed, the twists and turns in the interwoven plots kept me guessing beyond the epilogue even on my second reading.
The characters were wholesome, well-developed and beguiling to the extent that you’ll probably end up loving those you hated ab initio, particularly Sara Burlington. The attention to detail added extra layers of authenticity to the narrative and above all else you can’t escape the realism. Unlike reading most spy thrillers, you will soon realise it actually happened but don’t trust a soul.