Spy Handler

In this riveting memoir, gain a remarkable insider's view of the KGB's prolonged conflict with the United States, spanning fron Stalin's death in 1953 to the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991.

"Gripping." —The Wall Street Journal

Victor Cherkashin's story is rich in episode and drama. He took part in some of the highest-profile Cold War cases, including tracking down U.S. and British spies around the world. He was posted to stations in the U.S., Australia, India, and Lebanon and traveled the globe for operations in England, Europe, and the Middle East. But it was in 1985, known as "the Year of the Spy," that Cherkashin scored two of the biggest coups of the Cold War.

In April of that year, he recruited disgruntled CIA officer Aldrich Ames, becoming his principal handler. Refuting and clarifying other published versions, Cherkashin offers the most complete account on how and why Ames turned against his country. Cherkashin will also reveal new details about Robert Hanssen's recruitment and later exposure, as only he can. And he will address whether there is an undiscovered KGB spy—another Hanssen or Ames—still at large.

Spy Handler is a major addition to Cold War history, told by one of its key participants.