The Moscow Rules

The Secret CIA Tactics That Helped America Win the Cold War

By: Jonna Mendez, Antonio J. J. Mendez

Narrated by: Wilson Bethel

Length: 7 hrs and 2 mins

Publisher's summary

From the spymaster and inspiration for the movie Argo, discover the "real-life spy thriller" of the brilliant but under-supported CIA operatives who developed breakthrough spy tactics that helped turn the tide of the Cold War (Malcolm Nance).

Antonio Mendez and his future wife, Jonna, were CIA operatives working to spy on Moscow in the late 1970s, at one of the most dangerous moments in the Cold War. Soviets kept files on all foreigners, studied their patterns, and tapped their phones. Intelligence work was effectively impossible. The Soviet threat loomed larger than ever.

The Moscow Rules tells the story of the intelligence breakthroughs that turned the odds in America's favor. As experts in disguise, Antonio and Jonna were instrumental in developing a series of tactics - Hollywood-inspired identity swaps, ingenious evasion techniques, and an armory of James Bond-style gadgets - that allowed CIA officers to outmaneuver the KGB.

As Russia again rises in opposition to America, this remarkable story is a tribute to those who risked everything for their country and to the ingenuity that allowed them to succeed.

©2019 Antonio J. Mendez, Jonna Mendez (P)2019 Hachette Audio

Critic reviews

"Intriguing true stories of the techniques of CIA spying on the dangerous front line of the Cold War." (Dame Stella Rimington, former director of MI5)

"A gripping read. Thanks to Tony Mendez's extraordinary talent, the CIA was able to elude KGB surveillance to carry out high-risk, high-payoff operations with impunity - until tripped up by traitors within our own ranks. It's all in this book - the good, the bad, and the ugly, unflinchingly revealed. Tony and his wife and coauthor, Jonna, were two of the stars from the Office of Technical Service, CIA's version of James Bond's 'Q,' and key to so many of the agency's successes - and nowhere more so than in Moscow during the Cold War." (Jack Downing, former chief of station, Moscow, and the CIA's former deputy director for operations)

"A gripping, interesting and relevant read...reads like a spy novel yet tells a true tale of the darkest days of the espionage war largely fought between the CIA and the KGB." (Cipher Brief)

Informative

Having a degree in Intel., I understood every aspect of this book and how it applies to intel the community. One of the most accurate books youll find about intel without giving away operstional secrets.

Great Story

Very interesting stories. However it was a little weird to hear the voice of a young man read from the perspective author(s) that are both in their 70s. That’s my only complaint.

Excellent look at what keeps this country safe

Terrifying how ruthless Russia is. Even more terrifying that has had such an impact on our democracy. Grateful that we have such loyal Americans working to guarantee they never succeed.

Does not disappoint!

Well, maybe a little. The more I heard, the more I wanted to know . . . but they can't tell us *everything*.

It was fascinating to hear not only about the techniques used, but also about the evolution of those techniques.

Highly recommended!

fascinating

interesting how magicians were so useful to the CIA . I always enjoy Spy stories

Great story!

This is an engaging story of the intelligence community. I sleep better at night knowing more about the commitment and creativity of of the intelligence officers.

Very Interesting Read

I really enjoyed this book. The book harbored a great collection of stories that went in depth into the US spy game in Moscow.

Interesting from an S and T point of view

This book is a unique take on the science and technology branch of the CIA. you will be familiar with the cases the authors discuss, but this book gives an unique and interesting insight into the methods and procedures used to overcome challenges faced by DO personnel.

great read but abrupt end

the book was a great read but ends kind of abruptly. could easily had another chapter or two after the last one closing out the time in Moscow before 1989 when the wall fell. still, a great read and great insight into the workings of the CIA during a time of history that all Americans and Russians remember.

Nicely done

I loved the detail in the story and the insight into what our brave men and women went through to help bring the Cold War to a successful ending for the US.