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Blind Man's Bluff

By: Sherry Sontag, Christopher Drew
Narrated by: George Wilson
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Publisher's summary

No espionage missions have been kept more secret than those involving American submarines. Now, Blind Man's Bluff shows for the first time how the navy sent submarines wired with self-destruct charges into the heart of Soviet seas to tap crucial underwater telephone cables. It unveils how the navy's own negligence might have been responsible for the loss of the USS Scorpion, a submarine that disappeared, all hands lost, 30 years ago. It tells the complete story of the audacious attempt to steal a Soviet submarine with the help of eccentric billionaire Howard Hughes and how it was doomed from the start. And it reveals how the navy used the comforting notion of deep-sea rescue vehicles to hide operations that were more James Bond than Jacques Cousteau.

Blind Man's Bluff contains an unforgettable array of characters, including the cowboy sub commander who brazenly outraced torpedoes and couldn't resist sneaking up to within feet of unaware enemy subs. It takes us inside clandestine Washington meetings where top submarine captains briefed presidents and where the espionage war was planned one sub and one dangerous encounter at a time. Stretching from the years immediately after World War II to the operations of the Clinton administration, it is an epic story of daring and deception. A magnificent achievement in investigative reporting, it feels like a spy thriller but with one important difference: Everything in it is true.

©1998 Sherry Sontag and Christopher Drew with Annette Lawrence Drew (P)1999 Recorded Books, LLC
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What listeners say about Blind Man's Bluff

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    5 out of 5 stars

best Cold War documentary...

I seldom write reviews, but this book is an exception...
Growing up during Cold War Era in Soviet Union few people knew what's going on, on ether side...
Attempts to raise my generation with ideology of US as an enemy failed miserably, this book confirms gut feelings of young kids of 70s and 80s...
Very well written, excellent narration, captivating story, I just couldn't put this one down...
Highly recommend!

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16 people found this helpful

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Outstanding piece of history

I was told about this book by a submariner. I found the stories spell binding and really enjoyed learning some of the history within this book. Highly Recommend

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Great story

The story was great. The audio was very easy to hear. I ride a motorcycle and I had no problem hearing him.

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WOW!!!

I served in the Navy in the early 80's and I had no idea this stuff was happening! This is a fantastic and compelling work. I highly recommend this read!

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11 people found this helpful

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Fascinating Read!

This book is riveting and a great opening into the rich, albeit secretive, history of submarines. I recommend this to anyone who is interested in the worlds navies!

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3 people found this helpful

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Top Notch!

This is one of those books where you look for an excuse to drive around some more so you can keep listening. The episodes are told very well, and this is one of the best narrators I've heard on Audible. At the end you get a special bonus, a lengthy interview with one of the authors. Best audiobook of the year for me!

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Great book

I am a submariner (SS424 & SSN571). This book brings back many memories of my exploits under the sea and on the surface. I have read this book twice and will most likely do it again before I hang up my oars.

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Breathtaking

I didn’t want to stop listening. Every chapter, every new adventure left me pining for more. My respect and admiration for the navy men who devoted their lives to the submariners life is very high indeed. Thank you for producing this magnificent volume.

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Amazing, Astonishing, Awesome.

Read it. listen to it, a thrilling ride through the deep seas of cold war espionage.

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Great investigative reporting. View into submarine spy raft

Excellent stories about American submarine spying post WW II. Look into events that were previously not publicized.

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