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shighley's review against another edition
3.0
I think you could tell this was written by three different people. The second half of the book moved much more quickly, with fewer technical terms. I could picture the scene at the ballet as a movie; probably several films have used similar tactics. There were several parts of the book that I re-read, just to clarify my understanding. Very, very interesting background information, that makes me wonder how much goes on in the espionage field that we never hear about-- or never will. I know that I will think about this as I travel in crowds and wonder who's watching! It makes me appreciate the people who take on such jobs at risk of their own personal safety, and how they could possibly avoid being paranoid.
alliekaye23's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
tense
medium-paced
4.0
A bit confusing in the beginning, I recommend taking notes in at least the first 3rd, lots of information being shared.
settingshadow's review against another edition
4.0
I found this a very light and enjoyable review of Antonia and Jonna Mendez's experience in the CIA. There's some politics and office drama that didn't totally make sense to me, but by and large, it was a fascinating account of the crazy things our government has done. It almost makes conspiracy theorists look sane.
jennysaisquois's review against another edition
3.0
I heard an interview with Jonna Mendez on NPR a few months ago and immediately looked for this book. While her engaging and knowledgeable personality does come through, some of the writing is a little purple like they were striving too hard for a spy-thriller-novel feel, especially in Tony's sections. Still enjoyable, despite some aspects of spycraft that are discussed being hard to follow due to the need for secrecy.
virginiaduan's review against another edition
4.0
Fascinating look into the lives and wizardry behind the CIA operating in Russia. A must-read for all fans of spy stories and shows. These are the real life "Marshall Flinkman" and "Q"s of the world. I never knew our US technology was so advanced. Nor did I realize just how bull-headed our State Department was/is in terms of spying. The USSR and KGB had certain things RIGHT! (Well, in terms of espionage, I mean.)
Although at times confusing due to tons of jargon and trying to visualize the ops, and other times confusing because for obvious reasons, they had to eliminate details, I enjoyed the book a LOT!
Although at times confusing due to tons of jargon and trying to visualize the ops, and other times confusing because for obvious reasons, they had to eliminate details, I enjoyed the book a LOT!
lisaebetz's review against another edition
4.0
A fascinating account of real spies fighting the Cold War. A bit tedious in parts, but things pick up and tell a gripping story about technical experts both inside the CIA and elsewhere who come together to defeat the KGB's excessive and seemingly unstoppable surveillance to pull off an almost impossible escape.
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