An absolutely outstanding book. I had not heard of Foley before, but he made a huge difference. The number of Jews he saved was remarkable.Outstanding
An absolutely outstanding book. I had not heard of Foley before, but he made a huge difference. The number of Jews he saved was remarkable. He also played a key role in so many other aspects of WWII. Glad his story is being told. Highly recommended....more
This was great. I read A Man Called Intrepid many years ago, and think I’ll read it again. That said, this book stands alone. What isIncredible detail
This was great. I read A Man Called Intrepid many years ago, and think I’ll read it again. That said, this book stands alone. What is great about this book is how things end up is revealed, and all the records that have not disappeared are revealed. I knew Canada would play a role, but I was surprised how much. Canadian history buffs will enjoy this.
If you are new to the topic, the author William Stevenson is NOT the spy he is writing about, William Stephenson....more
This was a slightly different look at espionage and the big spies of their days, from how they met together in Washington DC, then Really enjoyed this
This was a slightly different look at espionage and the big spies of their days, from how they met together in Washington DC, then either collaborated or simply kept in touch. It looks at their lives after the adrenaline rush of spying was over, how they moved on with their lives, or tried to, some writing, some with other ventures. And, of course, their relationships. I liked how it took a broader look, beyond capers. I am looking forward to reading about Intrepid again, and a bit of Ian Fleming. I shall appreciate these anew!...more
A great behind the scenes look at the CIA, what it takes to become an agent (the vigorous training is fascinating) and what it is like to live asGreat
A great behind the scenes look at the CIA, what it takes to become an agent (the vigorous training is fascinating) and what it is like to live as an agent, overseas, under the eyes of a foreign government. I appreciated the female perspective. Not the first book of this sort I’ve read, but definitely the best....more
A fun and curiosity satisfying listen! Kathryn’s memories as one of the first female Secret Service Agents would have been enjoyable no mattDelightful
A fun and curiosity satisfying listen! Kathryn’s memories as one of the first female Secret Service Agents would have been enjoyable no matter where she was assigned, but the fact that she was young Caroline Kennedy’s security detail made it extra special. Lots of little interesting tidbits, told without violating the privacy of those she shared so many private moments. Highly recommended....more
I really enjoyed this listen. Espionage has always interested me, so to get a lens behind the CIA’s training program was pure delight. Great Loved it!
I really enjoyed this listen. Espionage has always interested me, so to get a lens behind the CIA’s training program was pure delight. Great sense of humour! Plus to learn about the realities of being an overseas agent was eye opening. Recommended. ...more
This was, quite honestly, one of the best books I’ve ever listened to. What an absolutely fascinating tale. How a curious studenOne of the best books!
This was, quite honestly, one of the best books I’ve ever listened to. What an absolutely fascinating tale. How a curious student stumbles on a hacker, tries to alert authorities, but no one will listen… not the FBI, CIA, or a half dozen agencies responsible for technology and security. Yet, he persists. With just enough of his personal story to illustrate how the ‘incident’ impacted (aka took over) his personal life, and his musings on his predicament, Stoll kept me hanging on, wanting to know the outcome. Greatly appreciate the time he took to share his story....more
It’s hard to believe that this really happened, but it did. Aside of the first chapter or so, which I found dragged a bit, thisA truly remarkable tale
It’s hard to believe that this really happened, but it did. Aside of the first chapter or so, which I found dragged a bit, this was a well written and narrated tale of true events. From the fake resort and it’s use as a base to transport people to waiting ships, to directing large aircraft to land in the desert on spots lit only by flashlights and headlights where people would be loaded in just 15 minutes, each mission was epic, and plenty gripping....more
Wow, wow, wow…. one of the best books I’ve ever read. Told right from the moment he was approached by Soviet operatives in coGREAT book, gripping tale
Wow, wow, wow…. one of the best books I’ve ever read. Told right from the moment he was approached by Soviet operatives in college, every detail of this young man’s preparation to become a spy is revealed. His initial forays and close calls are truly gripping. It’s all fascinating. His integration into USA society after 10 years is so thorough that he begins to think and truly live as a Westerner. How his identity is ultimately uncovered is stunning, and the outcome surprising. Well narrated. A GREAT listen. ...more
One of the most interesting books I have ever read. Real life spy craft books always interest me, and this one was very well written. FascA GREAT book
One of the most interesting books I have ever read. Real life spy craft books always interest me, and this one was very well written. Fascinating to see the brainwashing of a trusting son. The audiobook come with a PDF of photos, also good....more
Very good book, heavily on the side of Toto, but that was ok, as her story was new to me. More of Coco’s backstory re espionage. Good factsMostly Toto
Very good book, heavily on the side of Toto, but that was ok, as her story was new to me. More of Coco’s backstory re espionage. Good facts re WWII. A good listen.
Great insights as to Hemingway’s activities, especially during WWII, some of which hasn’t come to light previously. Includes a bit on hiExcellent book
Great insights as to Hemingway’s activities, especially during WWII, some of which hasn’t come to light previously. Includes a bit on his books but it’s really focused elsewhere. I just listened to another biography, Ernesto. I found this to be a good companion (not a lot of overlap). Highly recommended....more
Spycraft at its best Kim Philby’s story has been told before, but there is still so much more- and this book serves it up by examining his relationshipSpycraft at its best Kim Philby’s story has been told before, but there is still so much more- and this book serves it up by examining his relationships. It has been a few years since I’d read a biography on the spy at the top, so it wasn’t redundant to me. Recommended ...more
As an art lover, I have always been fascinated by stolen art and forgeries. Who did it? Why? How? Where is the work now? Is it hanging on some rich pe As an art lover, I have always been fascinated by stolen art and forgeries. Who did it? Why? How? Where is the work now? Is it hanging on some rich person's wall? (and who does that anyway?!?!). Is it stuffed in a garage somewhere? Did someone stash it somewhere and then die? Can it be covered before it is destroyed and lost forever?
FASCINATING STUFF. If this interests you as much as me, you'll probably enjoy Priceless. It was pretty interesting to learn about how major heists were resolved. It was freaky to learn about works almost recovered and then the opportunity lost due to turf wars and egos. Regardless, listen and you will travel the world in pursuit of lost treasures.
The book was written as a memoir, so it includes the background as to how the FBI's first art sleuth got to his post, which was not what I might have imagined.
It was heartening to learn that the priority was on recovering works first, and catching the bad guys second.
It was equally disheartening to hear about how the art crimes division would fall out of favour, and an intelligent and dedicated agent would be bounced around supervisors that didn't get or appreciate art. But all in all, interesting tales, and a good listen for art and mystery lovers....more