Synopses & Reviews
A former CIA case officer's novel about two embattled spies who go to extraordinary lengths to keep their informants out of harm's way, published as vetted by the agency itself.
Mark Ruttenberg may not be fit for the CIA. Early in his tenure with the agency, he learns about a former operative, Bobby Goldstein, and becomes curious about the case that led to his termination. Before he can get to the bottom of what happened, however, he's shipped off to REDACTED], where he hobnobs with foreign diplomats and informants, who have access to REDACTED] information and contacts like the powerful General REDACTED], in the hopes of recruiting them as agents. But, when he falls for the wrong woman, he's quickly sent back to REDACTED], with nothing to show for his secretive work but a mysterious postcard with an unknown address on it. Who sent the postcard, and where is it supposed to lead him? Could this all be an ops test, with Mark's future hanging in the balance? Soon, he'll have to decide if righting an old wrong is worth taking a terrible and very personal risk. Published with redacted material throughout the novel, An Ordinary Spy is a riveting and dramatic portrait of modern espionage, filled with suspense, intrigue, and betrayal.
Review
"Wholly original.”—Los Angeles Times
“Weisberg, a former C.I.A. agent, skillfully maintains a tension-filled plot and offers a humanistic spin on the typical spy story, sensitively portraying the pain of risking lives for the sake of ambition.”—New Yorker
“In a spare but beautifully written book, Weisberg captures the paranoia and frustration, if not the futility, of the real world of spying.”—Newsweek
“The best of new American spy fiction.”—Chicago Tribune
“Recalls G raham G reenes comic Our Man in Havana…An odd, well-written and interesting novel, a low-key corrective to all the razzle-dazzle spy tales weve read.”—Washington Post
“A superb CIA novel.”—St. Louis Post-Dispatch
“A well-wrought, beautifully crafted, incisive book…a remarkably honest and revealing picture of those who shouldn't have become spies in the first place. ”—Washington Times
Synopsis
This book is surely the best portrait of the working C.I.A. we have had in many years. --New York Times Book Review
The most riveting and inventive spy novel to come along in years, published as vetted by the CIA itself, An Ordinary Spy is a dramatic portrait of modern espionage, filled with suspense, intrigue, and betrayal.
Synopsis
“This book is surely the best portrait of the working C.I.A. we have had in many years.” —New York Times Book Review The most riveting and inventive spy novel to come along in years, published as vetted by the CIA itself, An Ordinary Spy is a dramatic portrait of modern espionage, filled with suspense, intrigue, and betrayal.
About the Author
Joseph Weisberg is the author of the critically acclaimed 10th Grade, which was a 2002 New York Times Notable Book. A former CIA officer, he grew up in Chicago and currently lives in New York City.