The Spy and the Traitor

The Greatest Espionage Story of the Cold War

By: Ben Macintyre

Narrated by: John Lee

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • The celebrated author of Double Cross and Rogue Heroes returns with a thrilling Americans-era tale of Oleg Gordievsky, the Russian whose secret work helped hasten the end of the Cold War.

“The best true spy story I have ever read.”—JOHN LE CARRÉ

Named a Best Book of the Year by The Economist • Shortlisted for the Bailie Giffords Prize in Nonfiction

If anyone could be considered a Russian counterpart to the infamous British double-agent Kim Philby, it was Oleg Gordievsky. The son of two KGB agents and the product of the best Soviet institutions, the savvy, sophisticated Gordievsky grew to see his nation's communism as both criminal and philistine. He took his first posting for Russian intelligence in 1968 and eventually became the Soviet Union's top man in London, but from 1973 on he was secretly working for MI6. For nearly a decade, as the Cold War reached its twilight, Gordievsky helped the West turn the tables on the KGB, exposing Russian spies and helping to foil countless intelligence plots, as the Soviet leadership grew increasingly paranoid at the United States's nuclear first-strike capabilities and brought the world closer to the brink of war. Desperate to keep the circle of trust close, MI6 never revealed Gordievsky's name to its counterparts in the CIA, which in turn grew obsessed with figuring out the identity of Britain's obviously top-level source. Their obsession ultimately doomed Gordievsky: the CIA officer assigned to identify him was none other than Aldrich Ames, the man who would become infamous for secretly spying for the Soviets.

Unfolding the delicious three-way gamesmanship between America, Britain, and the Soviet Union, and culminating in the gripping cinematic beat-by-beat of Gordievsky's nail-biting escape from Moscow in 1985, Ben Macintyre's latest may be his best yet. Like the greatest novels of John le Carré, it brings readers deep into a world of treachery and betrayal, where the lines bleed between the personal and the professional, and one man's hatred of communism had the power to change the future of nations.

©2018 Ben Macintyre (P)2018 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“Every bit as exciting as my favorite spy novels.”—Bill Gates, GatesNotes

“Readers seeking a page-turning spy story, look no further. The author of A Spy Among Friends and Agent Zigzag, among others, does it again, this time delivering a Cold War espionage story for the ages… another can’t miss account of intrigue and intelligence.” —Boston Globe

“The subtitle of Macintyre’s latest real-life spy thriller calls it ‘The Greatest Espionage Story of the Cold War.’ Like pretty much everything in this fine book, the description is accurate… Macintyre is fastidious about tradecraft details… [he] has become the preeminent popular chronicler of British intelligence history because he understands the essence of the business.” —Washington Post

Better than best Mossad thrillers

One of the best spy thriller stories I have come across. Very well researched and superb performance by John Lee. Very highly recommended. It starts slow but picks up towards middle and difficult to put down. I thought nothing could beat the book , Mossad : Greatest Missions by Mishal and Zohar. This one is better. It is like a Marathon of Espionage over 11 years. I was left in awe on the motivation and character that one must possess to stick with it .

required reading for understanding of Russian KGB

Well written. With all the talk Russian interference in democratic elections throughout the world this book brings a very clear picture of the vicious world of the KGB from the 60's through the 80's. Do you think things have changed much since the downfall of the USSR?

Supurb

The best listen for many years. I great story told very well. I enjoyed the writing and John Lee very, very much.

Real Espionage

I was looking for more spy action but it never really came. The book is realistic and so maybe I shouldn’t expect action. Oleg’s story is amazing! I do question if his efforts were as valuable as stated. Wish the fall of the Soviet Union was explained in more detail. Overall a fun story.

Amazing Detailed Account of a Great Spy

Take time to read, re-read, and relish this deep dive into the life and actions of one of the most influential Cold War spies. Live through his most difficult and brave situations, losses, and profound contributions. The account of his escape to the west will keep you on the edge of your seat. Thank you Ben Macintyre.

Riveting, Fascinating, Extraordinary and Tragic

Wow, what a story. Supremely impressive investigative story indeed about the most important spy of the cold war. It was always difficult to stop listening, and the true events are even better than what a fiction writer could invent. One has to wonder whether the costs of espionage are really worth it, for all parties involved.

gripping!

I felt like I was right there with Oleg through his challenges and daily life. Incredible story!

Best spy novel... ever

I’d grown tired of spy novels and post 9/11 action pulp. This was amazing. And John Lee’s narration. The best. I couldn’t stop listening.

Terrific

this book is a fun overview of 20th century Cold war spy history., and is very exciting.

Wonderful history

A story of one man, two nations and possibly the fate of the entire world, wonderfully written and narrated.