Horrible Narrator

This book would be ok if there was a different narrator. I tried so hard to continue because the story was interesting for the most part aside from the authors personal agenda. I just could not get past the voice, tone and inflection. Terrible.

10 people found this helpful

Learn about counterintelligence success and failures from an expert.

Ok, this book is not a how to manual on tradecraft, but if the subject of counterintelligence is of interest to you, you’ll enjoy it. The author begins with a brief survey of the counterintelligence threat. He then discusses his 10 commandments of counter intelligence. He next uses case studies (12 I think) based on real world spy cases to highlight the application of those commandments in action. He does this in a lessons learned fashion. Given the authors career in CI, the lessons of his book would be of interest to anyone considering service in the intelligence world. The book was well organized and the narration solid.

7 people found this helpful

Incredible story by a man with a big ego

I have the utmost respect for anyone in our military, Federal law enforcement and the CIA. They are putting their lives on the line every day for the USA. The stories in this book are proof. I also appreciate the author's expertise in the field of counterintelligence.

If you like this topic, even a little, you'll really enjoy this book. However, I couldn't give it 5 stars because of the author's braggadocio in the way he talks of his experiences. Half way through I was convinced that he thinks of himself as the greatest spy hunter who ever lived. That may or may not be true but I've listened to or read many books by people who were accomplished in their field and most of them present the material in a more, shall we say, humble manner. Their purpose was to inform. I think this author had the same purpose but also to stroke his own ego.

Listen or read it but know this going un so it is hopefully less distracting when it first happens and going forward.

4 people found this helpful

Meh

Title is catchier than the plot. I recommend you keep looking for a different book.

4 people found this helpful

Condescending and redundant

Where was the editor?

It took great restraint to avoid the fast forward button. Mr Olson had no real narrative, just disjointed pearls of his own perceived brilliance.

He discredits himself by emphasising long disproven techniques like profiling and polygraphs.

Olson’s commentary on Jonathan Pollard had an un-subtle anti-Semitic tone.

There are thousands of books about espionage; don’t subject yourself to this arrogant, archaic drivel.

2 people found this helpful

Excellent background and tactics

Mr Olsen worked at an agency where family of mine worked. He is very interesting and intelligent. I enjoyed this and I encourage anyone working in internal affairs in any capacity to read this work.

1 person found this helpful

Interesting and practical

General observations backed up by real cases. It would be interesting to read an extension into the cyber era. Highly recommended book.

Very interesting!

I had the pleasure of hearing Jim speak in person and knew I needed to read his book! it was great he is more funny in person. lol Great read

Should be mandatory reading/listening to vote

This should be mandatory in order to vote . We are clealry hanging ourselves by the rope of ignorance...
I strongly suspect foriegn intelligence is the root cause of having fewer veterans in office since their vilification in vietnam. It also would not surprise me if foreign interference is the root cause of our watered down text books in the sciences. I collect antique science and engineering books... but nothing after 1960-because they walked away from being concise and succinct....
Foriegn National-Ann Rand, I also suspect. "Atlas Shrugged" promotes a Fanatical Capitalism which in turn always inspires communism.
This book has helped me not feel so crazy, but simultaneously makes me feel more alone-because talking about espionage makes one sound like an Alex Jones devotee.

Do not recommend

The author is preaching, posturing, and spewing banalities instead of providing useful content. The narrator is almost comically serious.