Inside the C.I.A.

By: Ronald Kessler

Narrated by: Chris Lane

In this unparalleled work of investigative journalism, Ronald Kessler reveals the inner world of the C.I.A. Based on extensive research and hundreds of interviews, including two with active directors of Central Intelligence, William H. Webster and Robert M. Gates, and with three former D.C.I.s, Inside the C.I.A. is the first in-depth, unbiased account of the Agency's core operations, its abject failures, and its resounding successes.©1992 by Ronald Kessler (P)1998 by Blackstone Audiobooks

Critic reviews

"This tour is never dull, especially since it features so much .007 gadgetry, from water-spraying silent drills to eavesdropping devices that work by zapping laser beams through windows." (Los Angeles Times)

Will make 007 look like a mummies boy

If you like the underworld of spying, espionage and covert action, you will love this audio book. Explores every facet of the CIA, from the structure, inner working to covert missions. Will keep you tuned in for hours.

Great Read

This was one of the best books I have "read" in a long time. If you like historical fiction you will love this book.

Wish there was more

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would definitely recommend this book to a friend. I thought the little accounts were fascinating. I could have listened to much more.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Inside the C.I.A.?

The most memorable parts to me are those that talk about the amazing accomplishments of the CIA when I've never heard of most of these stories before.

What does Chris Lane bring to the story that you wouldn???t experience if you just read the book?

I thought the narrator was solid but not outstanding.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Its a little long to listen to this in one sitting but maybe three or four.

I expected a lot more

This was sort of a lukewarm, almost 1940s newsreel style price about of the CIA that felt very white washed… I expected there would be some disturbing bombs dropped, but these were few and far between, and seemed to be sandwiched between more optimistic, and even justifying language.

I got this book because it is featured prominently on every episode of the Why Files, and I don’t understand why that is…

Excellent book

A fantastic primer on the Agency and it's day-to-day operations, across the spectrum of activities they conduct, from analysis to clandestine operations. Kessler's text is particularly good for its inclusion of small interesting details, such as the debate among directors regarding agency merchandise, to the habits of directors such as "tennis diplomacy." The book gives details of day-to-day life in the agency in a way that few others do. Recommended reading for both those seeking an initial understanding of the agency, and those with a more robust background of intelligence reading seeking additional gems of detail regarding life within the Agency.