Spooks: The Haunting of America-The Private Use of Secret Agents

Spooks is a groundbreaking exposé of the bizarre 'power games played by multinational corporations and tycoons' that reveals the practices and personnel of the US intelligence community. It includes tales of wiremen, hitmen, mobsters, crooked politicians, corrupt cops, and more, and is considered a classic of investigative reporting.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 426 pages
Publication date: 17 May 2022
Publisher: Open Road Media

A groundbreaking and captivating exposé, Spooks delves into the enigmatic 'power games' orchestrated by multinational corporations and influential tycoons. This meticulously researched masterpiece offers a comprehensive exploration of the intricate web of the US intelligence community, revealing its far-reaching impact on society. Packed with captivating anecdotes and revealing insights, the book unveils a tapestry of tales involving wiremen, hitmen, mobsters, crooked politicians, corrupt cops, regime-change, union-busting, wiretapping, money laundering, and industrial espionage.

Spanning from Richard Nixon's audacious 'Mission Impossible' campaign against Aristotle Onassis to the creation of not-so-deep-fake porno films featuring the CIA's adversaries, Spooks unveils a plethora of scandalous events. The Robert Vesco heist, aimed at securing billions of dollars in numbered Swiss accounts, is a particularly noteworthy chapter, showcasing the audacity and ingenuity of those involved.

Robert Maheu's daring kidnapping of billionaire Howard Hughes adds another layer of intrigue to the narrative, while the murder-for-hire of a Columbia University professor sheds light on the darker side of intelligence operations. Bobby Kennedy's enigmatic archipelago of private intelligence agencies, including Intertel and the "Five Is," further deepens the intrigue, showcasing the complex web of power and influence.

One of the year's finest non-fiction works, Spooks stands as a monumental achievement in investigative reporting. With its relentless pursuit of truth and its meticulous fact-searching, the book unveils a plethora of previously unknown information and names that will leave readers both shocked and astounded.

The Los Angeles Times hailed it as "one of the best non-fiction books of the year," praising its "monumental research and fact-searching." John Barkham, in his review, described it as "a landmark book in its field of investigative reporting," highlighting its ability to "curl your hair with its revelations and the names it names."

The Washington Post praised Hougan's storytelling skills, stating that the book "will curl your hair with its revelations and the names it names." The New York Review of Books commended Hougan's "exhilarating" exploration of the mystique surrounding spooks, while The New York Times praised his "superb" ability to bring unforgettable characters to life.

In conclusion, Spooks is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of power, politics, and intrigue. With its captivating storytelling, meticulous research, and explosive revelations, this book offers a profound insight into the shadowy world of intelligence operations and the individuals who shape our world. Prepare to be captivated by the tales of wiremen, hitmen, mobsters, and the powerful elite who operate behind the scenes, as Spooks takes you on a journey into the heart of darkness.

Weight: 644g
Dimension: 151 x 228 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781504075299