The Spy Who Knew Too Much

An Ex-CIA Officer’s Quest Through a Legacy of Betrayal

By: Howard Blum

Narrated by: Steve Hendrickson

Length: 10 hrs and 6 mins

Publisher's summary

“Howard Blum writes history books that read like thrillers.”—New York Times

A retired spy gets back into the game to solve a perplexing case—and reconcile with his daughter, a CIA officer who married into the very family that derailed his own CIA career—in this compulsive true-life tale of vindication and redemption, filled with drama, intrigue, and mystery from the New York Times bestselling author of The Last Goodnight, It’s a real-life thriller whose stunning conclusion will make headline news.

On a sunlit morning in September 1978, a sloop drifts aimlessly across the Chesapeake Bay. The cabin reveals signs of a struggle, and “classified” documents, live 9 mm cartridges, and a top-secret “burst” satellite communications transmitter are discovered aboard. But where is the boat’s owner, former CIA officer John Paisley?

One man may hold the key to finding out. Tennent “Pete” Bagley was once a rising star in America’s spy aristocracy, and many expected he’d eventually become CIA director. But the star that burned so brightly exploded when Bagley—who suspected a mole had burrowed deep into the agency’s core—was believed himself to be the mole. After a year-long investigation, Bagley was finally exonerated, but the accusations tarnished his reputation and tainted his career.

When Bagley’s daughter Christina, a CIA analyst, married another intelligence officer who was the son of the man who had played a key role in the investigation into Bagley, it caused a painful rift between the two. But then came Paisley’s strange death. A murder? Suicide? Or something else? Pete, now a retired spy, launches his own investigation that takes him deep into his own past and his own longtime hunt for a mole. What follows is a relentless pursuit to solve a spy story—and an inspiring tale of a man reclaiming his reputation and his family. It’s a very personal quest that leads to a shocking conclusion.

Supplemental enhancement PDF accompanies the audiobook.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2022 Howard Blum (P)2022 HarperCollins Publishers

I will read it twice

After finishing this audio I realized that the extensive detail provided by the author was actually necessary to fully grasp and appreciate the arc of the narrative. This is a masterful work about not just the “great game” but about the failures of human institutions due to the cognitive biases from which even the most adept of us are not immune. I’d love to watch a serious adaptation of this on a streaming service.

Fascinating story of the Cold War spy game

I enjoyed this book, although I found the beginning a bit hard to follow. Really interesting real life story that was pieced together through a lot of research and interviews. Maybe a little too long but the ending was well done.

What a great telling of a true story

Howard Blum has been a favorite of mine since first I read “American Lightning” … this maybe even better! … what a true story telling that was as suspenseful as a mystery … Mr. Blum puts together a box that he fills with treasures, then wraps it up neatly … then, yes then, he puts an unexpected bow on it all right at the end … the narrator, Steve Hendrick, does an impeccable job keeping the reader wanting more … haven’t enjoyed a book this much in awhile

Secret organizations are inherently troubling

This book pretty much spells out how any organization that hides behind secrecy has a lotta problems. Weather that organization be the CIA or the KGB there are big problems.

Fascinating Story

I have known a few involved in this world. They are astoundingly bright and perceptive people. Blum has captured incredible detail in a compelling narrative.

The spy

Buy this book! You will NOT be disappointed. Guaranteed!
I’m required to write these additional words for my review to be published.

What a great book

Highly recommend this book! Wow all true all backed up with lots of facts and interesting and riveting to read really enjoyed it will recommend to all of my friends! Well written, and well read

excellent, with a great flow and suspense revealed at the right pace

I really enjoyed this book. Initially I thought it was going to be a rehash of some other Cold War spy stories I had read but this was unique and apparently well researched to me. I have more questions stemming from this story and will seek to find answers in books on the adjacent topics and characters.  well done.

Better than any fiction novel

True life story told with suspense from pg 1. Highly recommend for anyone into this genre.

Ex-spies do not exist

This book shows why. A gripping story with many casualties among those irreversibly involved in this multi-layered complicated world. Recommend book for those interested in this genre.