Gideon's Spies

The Secret History of the Mossad

By: Gordon Thomas

Narrated by: Theodore Bikel

Length: 6 hrs and 2 mins

Publisher's summary

In the secret world of spies and covert operations, no other intelligence service continues to be surrounded by myth and mystery as does the Mossad. Created in 1951 to ensure the future of an embattled Israel, Mossad is responsible for the most audacious and thrilling feats of espionage, counterterrorism, and assassination. To some, Mossad is the precise and at times lethal instrument of Israel's will, a fiercely dedicated group of men and women: an elite intelligence arm. To others, Mossad is a fearsome intelligence organization loyal only to those who can control it: a shadowy ruthless cabal of spies. But no one has ever gotten close enough to Mossad to know the truth. Until now.

Gideon's Spies documents the Mossad's deepest secrets from the end of the Cold War to the present day. You'll learn how the Mossad undercut the CIA's position as the Vatican's prime intelligence source, how TWA Flight 800 was ruthlessly exploited by the Mossad, and most explosive of all, Mossad's involvement in the deaths of Princess Diana and Dodi Fayad. Gideon's Spies reveals the Mossad as it truly is: brilliant, ruthless, flawed, but ultimately awesome.

©1999 by Gordon Thomas, All Rights Reserved (P)1999 NewStar Media Inc.

Compelling

Any additional comments?

This is an excellent book, well researched by an investigative/political reporter who has written 53 books. The great Theodore Bikel was a terrific narrator.

The best thing about it is it takes a neutral stance to Mossad's actions. At times you find yourself cheering them on, then you are horrified by what they're up to. That's just what we already know about the Mossad, that they are tough as they come, so that contradiction is to be expected. It all seems plausible and there is no claim to be involved with any plot to kill Princess Diana, only a coincidental connection with someone in the crash.

Apparently a new edition of the book is coming out in 2012 bringing it up to date. If we're lucky, a new audiobook will follow.

Only complaint: it was abridged! I had the actual book out of the library and read some sections again to get more detail.

Gritty and astounding. The world of espionage is murky.

One of the best books on how Intelligence agencies operate. This book will leave you more informed.

A delight to listen while traveling!

Wonderful tone and clarity. A good listen and easy to follow the plot. Recommend you download and listen while traveling.

Amazing

I have always had a fascination with spy stories and the Mossad - doesn’t get much better than them. This story held my attention from the first word till the last. Anyone who likes spy stories, true or otherwise, will enjoy this book.

Riveting

This was my 6th book from audible and the only one that is riveting - can't put down listening. The voice is the perfect tone and accent to reinforce the reading. The quality of journalism is superb, getting the right balance between factual information and a great compelling narrative. A must listen for anyone interested in current affairs and the dark underbelly of global intelligence. The relation between the CIA and Mossad is intriguing lsitening.

Great story, badly recorded.

Is there anything you would change about this book?

I would have someone record it with good equipment.

What did you like best about this story?

Accounts of Mossad activity are always fascinating and this book is no exception

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Theodore Bikel?

Well there's nothing wrong with Theodor Bikels performance except that it seems to have been recorded on a 90's personal cassette player.

Was Gideon's Spies worth the listening time?

Yes

this story is worth reading . and I wish they woul

they couldnt have picked a better narrator . A movie is up next .i hope

Good...wish it was longer

Any additional comments?

Good book and the writer seemed credible. I wish he would have taken more time and covered more on the topic. It seemed like an overview.

Hatchet Job?

One of the first things on this tape is the suggestion that since Israel formed the Mossad after 1948, they have been involved deeply in every major event in world's history, including the Kennedy assassinations and the death of Princess Diana. Immediately, every piece of information divulged in the entire book becomes suspect. There is such a wealth of evildoings listed and discussed that one must believe it was written to bring down the Mossad, not elevate it. Every country is self-serving and must have its spies, and they all have their dirty tricks and unspeakable events, but I came away with the feeling that the Mossad is the worst of them all... which must mean the most successful? I simply do not feel any sense of balance in this book. Surely the Mossad is involved in patriotic activities as well as international snooping? I give it 3 stars for whatever may be true. I would not use this for a reference book.

Enjoyable Education

Great listening - combo detailed history intertwined with action fiction.