The Spy Who Was Left Behind

Russia, the United States, and the True Story of the Betrayal and Assassination of a CIA Agent

By: Michael Pullara

Narrated by: Michael Pullara

The shocking true story of international intrigue —“a highly detailed, engrossing work” (Kirkus Reviews)—involving the 1993 murder of CIA officer Freddie Woodruff by KGB agents and the extensive cover-up that followed in Washington and in Moscow. “In a post-truth era, we need a lot more fearless writers like Michael Pullara” (Robert Baer, author of See No Evil).

On August 8, 1993, a single bullet to the head killed Freddie Woodruff, the Central Intelligence Agency’s station chief in the former Soviet Republic of Georgia. Within hours, police had a suspect—a vodka-soaked village bumpkin named Anzor Sharmaidze. A tidy explanation quickly followed: It was a tragic accident. US diplomats hailed Georgia’s swift work, and both countries breathed a sigh of relief.

Yet the bullet that killed Woodruff was never found and key witnesses have since retracted their testimony, saying they were beaten and forced to identify Sharmaidze. But if he didn’t do it, who did? Those who don’t buy the official explanation think the answer lies in the spy games that played out on Russia’s frontier following the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union. Woodruff was an early actor in a dangerous drama. American spies were moving into newborn nations previously dominated by Soviet intelligence. Russia’s security apparatus, resentful and demoralized, was in turmoil, its nominal loyalty to a pro-Western course set by President Boris Yeltsin, shredded by hardline spooks and generals who viewed the Americans as a menace.

At the time when Woodruff was stationed there, Georgia was a den of intrigue. It had a big Russian military base and was awash with former and not-so-former Soviet agents. Shortly before Woodruff was shot, veteran CIA officer Aldrich Ames—who would soon be unmasked as a KGB mole—visited him on agency business. In short order, Woodruff would be dead and Ames, in prison for life. Buckle up, because The Spy Who Was Left Behind reveals the full-throttle, little-known thrilling tale.

Riveting

We’ll written, we’ll read and a great story of what might have been collateral damage of an American when another betrays their oath.

Follow Michael as he puts together the pieces to tell the story of betrayal, deceit, and conspiracy in a relevant case in contemporary American intelligence.

Interesting

We should all be hiding under a rock. Don’t trust anyone. Including your government. Sad story

fascinating story, highly relevant to present day

I am absolutely obsessed with the Cold War and I really enjoyed this book. I think it's highly relevant to present day US-Eurasia relations and events covered in the book contain important lessons for America and her foreign allies.

Great read

Book is excellent and I really don’t understand the criticisms of the narration. I found it A+. Engaging and definitely not a bland recitation. Difficult names all pronounced correctly. Listen to a sample and decide for yourself.

Riveting. A Very Compelling Examination.

The story and telling of this dive into the world of intelligence, trans national crime, a enormous era of transition in world affairs, the human heart, and the capacity of that heart for violence is extraordinary. The facts are deeply reported here and the dogged pursuit of truth is an accomplished act of both private and public service. Its conclusion is explosive.

Read this book as if your country’s life, and yours, depend upon it. Pay attention to the details and you will be deeply rewarded.