Book Review 7 – The Liar: How a Double Agent in the CIA Became the Cold War’s Last Honest Man by Benjamin Cunningham

The Liar: How a Double Agent in the CIA Became the Cold War’s Last Honest Man by Benjamin Cunningham

Published: 2022
Pages: 320
Format: ebook loan from library
Read: February 4 – February 7, 2023
 
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59786862-the-liar

 
I wasn’t familiar with Karel Koecher, a Czechoslovakian Stasi agent during the cold war.  Although Cunningham found Karel a sympathetic and honest man, I didn’t come to that same conclusion.  I found Karel very arrogant, greedy, and duplicitous.
 
Koecher was a very intelligent man who wanted to change the world.  He more or less reluctantly became a Stasi agent because there wasn’t any other opportunities for him.  The Soviets were the puppet masters behind the Czech Stasi.   As part of the Soviets growing illegals program in the United States, Koecher and his wife settled into Brooklyn where they lived a crazy life.  
 
While in NY, the Koecher’s lived the high-life, partying in Manhattan.  When I say partying, I mean partying…they were cocaine addicts who lived the swinging lifestyle.  Their arrogance and undisciplined lifestyle as well as spying for both sides, finally caught up to them and eventually the FBI and the KGB were after them. 
 
It was interesting story and one I had not heard of but I found it hard to have any sympathy for the Koecher’s.
 
The Liar  3 Stars

Book Review 6 – Harry’s Game Gerald Seymour

Harry’s Game by Gerald Seymour
Published: 1975
Pages: 281
Format: Audiobook
Listened: January 17 – January 23, 2023
Narrator: John O’Mahoney
Gerald Seymour

I’ve read a few of Gerald Seymour books and I’ve enjoyed them all.  Harry’s Game is not a door stop…only 281 pages and it is an easy and enjoyable read.  I’m not being disrespectful when I say easy…sometimes easy is best.  You don’t get lost with too many characters and the plot is not overly complicated.
 
The book starts off with a British MP being gunned down by an IRA hitman outside his house in London.  The assassin escapes to Northern Ireland.  The Prime Minister wants payback and has a secret back channel operation to go find the killer and assassinate him.
 
Harry Brown, a husband with a young child is career Army Officer and is summoned Belfast…the heart of the IRA…and find the killer.  It doesn’t take long for the IRA to figure out Harry’s legend is bogus resulting in the IRA hunting Harry.  It’s a great thriller…and worthy of its 1975 Edgar Award for Best Novel nomination.

Harry's Game  4 Stars