What Does a Real Spy Read? Valerie Plame’s Favorite Spy Books

Описание: Ever wonder what spy books former CIA spy Valerie Plame can't put down?

Today on Spybrary, host Shane Whaley is joined by none other than Valerie Plame—former CIA covert operative, bestselling author, and an iconic voice in the world of intelligence and espionage.

For over a decade, Valerie Plame served on the front lines of national security, operating undercover in some of the world’s most complex and volatile environments. Her CIA career—and the controversial public outing that ended it—has been the subject of headlines, books, and a major Hollywood film 'Fair Game'

Now, Valerie Plame joins us for a very different kind of mission—her Spybrary Dead Drop 5. She’ll reveal the five spy books she’d choose to stash in a hidden drop in East Berlin, the titles she’d rely on during a covert operation behind the Iron Curtain. From childhood favorites to deeply researched histories, Valerie’s picks promise intrigue, insight, and a few surprises.

Strap in—this is going to be a Spybrary episode to remember.

The Dead Drop 5 is back! In this much-requested Spybrary feature, our guest is embedded behind the Iron Curtain and can request five spy books, a gadget, luxury items and more from their handler.

Before we get to Valerie Plame's five favourite books do check out her event Spies at Seas. Valerie and her team have kindly offered a discount for Spybrarians.

1. A Man Called Intrepid by William Stevenson (1976)
https://geni.us/LIRFc3I

This nonfiction account details the exploits of Sir William Stephenson, the Canadian spymaster code-named 'Intrepid', who played a pivotal role in Allied intelligence during World War II. Blending real history with dramatic flair, it offers a glimpse into early 20th-century spycraft and the global intelligence web that helped defeat the Axis powers.

Valerie’s note: 'I read this when I was about 11. It was my first exposure to the world of espionage. Loved it.'

2. Damascus Station by David McCloskey (2021)
https://geni.us/6FdbUm

In his debut spy thriller, former CIA officer David McCloskey crafts a taut, authentic narrative set in Syria. The novel follows CIA case officer Sam Joseph as he navigates a deadly web of intrigue, betrayal, and forbidden romance amidst the Syrian civil war. Widely praised for its realism and sharp prose.

Valerie’s note: 'Wow, for his maiden effort, he knocked it out of the park.'

• What did McCloskey get so right that made Valerie sit up and take notice?

• What gave McCloskey the edge in crafting such an authentic story?

• Did the book make Valerie nostalgic for fieldwork—or glad to be reading it from a safe distance?

3. The Sisterhood by Liza Mundy (2023)
https://geni.us/iPFtYGg

A powerful nonfiction chronicle of the women who shaped the CIA from its earliest days. Liza Mundy shines a light on the untold stories of female operatives, analysts, and trailblazers who navigated institutional challenges and global crises to leave their mark on intelligence history.

Valerie’s note: 'Women in the CIA – excellent job of conveying the sacrifices and the obstacles.'

• What does this book reveal about women in intelligence that the public still doesn’t fully grasp?

4. The Spy Who Came in From the Cold by John le Carré (1963)
https://geni.us/NScpW

A seminal work in spy fiction, le Carré’s novel follows British agent Alec Leamas as he undertakes a dangerous mission in Cold War Berlin. Known for its moral ambiguity and bleak realism, the novel redefined the genre, trading glamour for grit and exploring the human cost of espionage.

Valerie’s note: 'Need I say more?'

• Did le Carré’s bleak world resonate with your real-world intelligence experience?

5. Legacy of Ashes by Tim Weiner (2007)
https://geni.us/07oy3I

A Pulitzer Prize-winning history of the CIA, Weiner’s book is both comprehensive and controversial. Drawing from declassified documents and interviews, it offers a critical examination of the Agency’s failures, missteps, and internal conflicts from its founding to the early 21st century.

Valerie’s note: 'Yeah, he says nothing good about the Agency, but it is deeply researched and gives a fulsome history of the place.'

🔗 Find Valerie Plame and Spies, Lies, Nukes online:
Website: Spies, Lies, Nukes - Spies at Sea
https://www.spiesliesnukes.com/

Amazon Author Page listing all of Valerie Plame's books - Valerie Plame Books
https://geni.us/Gk8TJN

Check out more Spybrary Dead Drop 5 Episodes
https://spybrary.com/category/dead-dr...

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