The Unexpected Spy: From the CIA to the FBI, My Secret Life Taking Down Some of the World's Most Notorious Terrorists

The Unexpected Spy is the thrilling story of Tracy Walder's tenure in the CIA and the FBI, where she hunted terrorists and WMDs and created a chemical terror chart that led to the Iraq invasion. She left the FBI to teach young women to find a place in the FBI, CIA, State Department or the Senate.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 09 November 2021
Publisher: St Martin's Press

The Unexpected Spy: A Young Woman's Journey from College Sorority to the CIA

Tracy Walder's journey is a captivating tale that defies expectations. She transitioned seamlessly from her college sorority to the CIA, where she embarked on a mission to hunt down terrorists and weapons of mass destruction. The book reads like a captivating show bible for Homeland, but with the added twist of reality. Alison Stewart, from WNYCA, praises the book, stating that it offers a thrilling glimpse into life within two of America's major intelligence agencies.

Walder's story begins at the University of Southern California, where she had no inkling of the extraordinary path that lay ahead. She found herself offering her pink beanbag chair in the Delta Gamma house to a CIA recruiter, and soon found herself flying to the Middle East under an alias identity. The Unexpected Spy takes readers into the high-security, steel-walled rooms of Virginia, where Walder witnessed al-Qaeda members being targeted with drones, with President Bush overseeing her operations and CIA Director George Tenet bringing her donuts.

In her role at the CIA, Walder was tasked with tracking chemical terrorists and searching the world for weapons of mass destruction. She created a chemical terror chart that was altered by someone in the White House, leading to the Iraq invasion. Despite the challenges and risks, Walder was driven by a strong desire to stop terrorism and debriefed terrorists until they provided her with valuable leads.

Her journey took her through North Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, where she successfully shut down multiple chemical attacks. However, Walder's experiences in the CIA were not without their share of challenges. She faced rampant sexism, which made it difficult for her to be taken seriously in a male-dominated field.

Determined to make a difference, Walder left the FBI and pursued a teaching career. She aimed to empower young women to pursue careers in the FBI, CIA, State Department, or the Senate, hoping to change the world from within. Through her teachings, she encouraged young women to break barriers and pursue their dreams, regardless of societal expectations.

The Unexpected Spy is a testament to the resilience and determination of Tracy Walder. Her story serves as a reminder that anything is possible with hard work, dedication, and a willingness to challenge the status quo. It is a must-read for anyone interested in intelligence, counterterrorism, and the power of women to make a difference in the world.

Weight: 248g
Dimension: 141 x 209 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781250239716