The Recruiter

Spying and the Lost Art of American Intelligence

By: Douglas London

Narrated by: Robert Petkoff

This revealing memoir from a 34-year veteran of the CIA who worked as a case officer and recruiter of foreign agents before and after 9/11 provides an invaluable perspective on the state of modern spy craft, how the CIA has developed, and how it must continue to evolve.

If you've ever wondered what it's like to be a modern-day spy, Douglas London is here to explain. London’s overseas work involved spotting and identifying targets, building relationships over weeks or months, and then pitching them to work for the CIA—all the while maintaining various identities, a day job, and a very real wife and kids at home.

The Recruiter: Spying and the Lost Art of American Intelligence captures the best stories from London's life as a spy, his insights into the challenges and failures of intelligence work, and the complicated relationships he developed with agents and colleagues. In the end, London presents a highly readable insider’s tale about the state of espionage, a warning about the decline of American intelligence since 9/11 and Iraq, and what can be done to recover.

Critic reviews

"Douglas London draws the reader deeply into the world of CIA operations officers, and in his well-written, clear-eyed account he sheds considerable light on the hitherto murky world of CIA operatives in the field. It is a fascinating read."—Peter Bergen, author of The Rise and Fall of Osama bin Laden

Insight

Insight for someone who served in the CIA operationally for 30 years should place this book in the same league as “To Catch a Spy” or “The Art of Intelligence” and it just isn’t. Insight into the complex relationship between politics and the IC is always of interest, but the this book just finishes on a “I hate Trump” rant. The author doesn’t have to like or dislike certain presidents, but somehow after 30+ years that is the ONLY political insight he is able to provide.

Liberal but interesting

Definitely an underhanded passive aggressive hit piece on the republicans that had been president during London’s career.

An axe to grind

The book is one half of an instructor speaking to a new class of trainees and the other half bearing witness against those colleagues that sent him to teach. Worth listening to since noise from the back of the room can still be a conversation just beyond earshot.

Fascinating book full of thrilling spy stories

Recruitments, handling agents, avoiding surveillance and other scenes depicting the real life of a CIA case officer. Much of it are dramatically different than what you would believe out of watching spy movies. This book is a pleasure to listen to, the writing is sharp, the stories well-paced and the narrator is excellent.

I illustrated this into fun comics while I listened!

I, absolutely, positively loved this book! Douglas London is the GOAT. Dale is the Blair Witch! 5 stars. Woo! Great book! So well done!