Russians Among Us: Sleeper Cells & the Hunt for Putin's Agents

The Russian threat has never gone away and is shifting into a more disruptive new phase, as evidenced by the poisoning of Sergei Skripal and the growing evidence of Russian interference in American life. Gordon Corera's novel "Russians Among Us" uncovers the story of deep cover spies in America and the FBI agents who tracked them, revealing new information about today's spies and those trying to catch them.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 448 pages
Publication date: 04 February 2021
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

The urgent, explosive story of Russia's espionage efforts against the West from the Cold War to the present – including their interference in the 2016 presidential election.

Like a scene from a le Carre novel or the TV drama The Americans, in the summer of 2010, a group of Russian deep cover sleeper agents were arrested. It was the culmination of a decade-long investigation, and ten people, including Anna Chapman, were swapped for four people held in Russia. At the time, it was seen simply as a throwback to the Cold War. But that would prove to be a costly mistake. It was a sign that the Russian threat had never gone away and, more importantly, it was shifting into a much more disruptive new phase.

Today, the danger is clearer than ever following the poisoning in the UK of one of the spies who was swapped, Sergei Skripal, and the growing evidence of Russian interference in American life.

In this meticulously researched and gripping, novelistic narrative, Gordon Corera uncovers the story of how Cold War spying has evolved – and indeed, is still very much with us.

Russians Among Us describes for the first time the story of deep cover spies in America and the FBI agents who tracked them. In intimate and riveting detail, it reveals new information about today's spies – as well as those trying to catch them and those trying to kill them.

The book also delves into the history of Russian espionage, from the days of the KGB to the present, and the ways in which it has evolved to become a more sophisticated and complex threat. Corera draws on a wealth of sources, including classified documents, interviews with former spies and intelligence officials, and his own extensive research, to create a narrative that is both compelling and informative.

One of the most interesting aspects of the book is its exploration of the role of technology in modern espionage. Corera notes that the rise of the internet and social media has made it easier for spies to gather information and communicate with each other, but it has also created new challenges for law enforcement and intelligence agencies.

For example, the use of fake accounts and social media bots has become a common tool for Russian agents to spread disinformation and manipulate public opinion. Corera also discusses the use of cyberattacks and other forms of digital espionage, which have become increasingly sophisticated and targeted in recent years.

Another key theme of the book is the role of individual spies and agents in the espionage game. Corera profiles several notable figures in the history of Russian espionage, including Anna Chapman, who was arrested in 2010 and swapped for four Russian agents. Chapman's story is particularly fascinating, as she was a successful spy for the KGB for many years before being exposed and arrested.

Corera also discusses the role of double agents and triple agents, who play a crucial role in the espionage game by providing information to both sides. However, the use of these agents can be risky, as they may be compromised or even killed by their handlers.

Overall, Russians Among Us is a must-read for anyone interested in the history, politics, and security of the modern world. Corera's narrative is compelling and informative, and his insights into the world of espionage are invaluable. The book is a valuable contribution to our understanding of the ongoing threat posed by Russia and the need for continued vigilance and cooperation between intelligence agencies and governments around the world.

Weight: 340g
Dimension: 128 x 199 x 35 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780008318970