The First Counterspy: Larry Haas, Bell Aircraft, and the FBI's Attempt to Capture a Soviet Mole

The First Counterspy is a thrilling tale of spy, counterspy, and an American family caught in its web, featuring Larry Haas and Leona Franey, who were recruited by the FBI to catch a Soviet agent Andrei Ivanovich Schevchenko. The threat of vengeance against Haas resulted in lethal consequences that long outlived Schevchenko, tormenting him, killing his wife, and subjecting his daughter to decades of harassment.

Format: Hardback
Length: 392 pages
Publication date: 01 May 2022
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

The First Counterspy is a gripping and heart-wrenching tale that revolves around the lives of a spy, a counterspy, and an American family who find themselves unwittingly caught in the intricate web of espionage. Until this remarkable case, the FBI had never enlisted civilian counterspies to capture a Soviet agent. The first two individuals to be recruited were Larry Haas, a prominent aviation engineer at Bell Aviation, and Leona Franey, the head librarian at Bell's technical library. The FBI pitted them against Andrei Ivanovich Schevchenko, a Soviet agent who operated legally as one of the highest Soviet officials in the United States during World War II and illegally as the secret head of a vast spy network hidden within the American aviation industry.

The story unfolds with a sense of urgency and suspense, as the FBI tasks Haas and Franey with confronting Schevchenko and bringing him to justice. However, things take a dangerous turn when Schevchenko reveals his deadly threat of vengeance against Haas, the counterspy who betrayed him. The threat is uttered in a mere fourteen seconds, but its lethal consequences endure long after Schevchenko's demise. Larry Haas, tormented by the guilt of his betrayal, is relentlessly pursued by Schevchenko's agents, who seek to exact revenge on him and his family.

The story takes a poignant turn when Schevchenko's wrath extends beyond Haas and his family. He targets Haas's wife, killing her, and subjecting his daughter, Kay, to decades of nearly fatal harassment. Kay, who co-authored this book, has been haunted by the memories of her father's sacrifice and the trauma she endured as a result of Schevchenko's actions.

The First Counterspy not only sheds light on the thrilling world of espionage but also delves into the personal and emotional toll that it takes on those involved. It serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who risk their lives to protect their country and the devastating consequences that can arise when loyalty and betrayal collide. The story unfolds against the backdrop of World War II, providing a unique perspective on the home front and the challenges faced by ordinary individuals during a time of great conflict.

In conclusion, The First Counterspy is a captivating and unforgettable tale that explores the complexities of espionage, loyalty, and the human cost of betrayal. It is a testament to the bravery and resilience of those who risk everything to protect their country and a warning to those who seek to exploit the vulnerabilities of others for personal gain.

Weight: 621g
Dimension: 237 x 163 x 33 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781493061563