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  • The Spy and the Traitor

  • The Greatest Espionage Story of the Cold War
  • Written by: Ben Macintyre
  • Narrated by: Ben Macintyre
  • Length: 14 hrs and 32 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (299 ratings)

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The Spy and the Traitor

Written by: Ben Macintyre
Narrated by: Ben Macintyre
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Publisher's Summary

Brought to you by Penguin.

*The No.1
Sunday Times Bestseller*
*Shortlisted for the 2018 Baillie Gifford Prize*

*Bill Gates' Top 5 Books for 2020*

'THE BEST TRUE SPY STORY I HAVE EVER READ' JOHN LE CARRÉ

A thrilling Cold War story about a KGB double agent, by one of Britain's greatest historians - now with a new afterword

On a warm July evening in 1985, a middle-aged man stood on the pavement of a busy avenue in the heart of Moscow, holding a plastic carrier bag. In his grey suit and tie, he looked like any other Soviet citizen. The bag alone was mildly conspicuous, printed with the red logo of Safeway, the British supermarket.

The man was a spy. A senior KGB officer, for more than a decade he had supplied his British spymasters with a stream of priceless secrets from deep within the Soviet intelligence machine. No spy had done more to damage the KGB. The Safeway bag was a signal: to activate his escape plan to be smuggled out of Soviet Russia. So began one of the boldest and most extraordinary episodes in the history of spying. Ben Macintyre reveals a tale of espionage, betrayal and raw courage that changed the course of the Cold War forever...



©2018 Ben MacIntyre (P)2018 Penguin Audio

Critic Reviews

If any spy writer were to put it in a novel, it would not be believed. But, blow by blow, trick by trick, it is all in Macintyre's book (Fredrick Forsyth)

What listeners say about The Spy and the Traitor

Average Customer Ratings
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Simply brilliant

I would say unputdownable, but since this is an audiobook I don’t know what term to use.
The story was captivating, and the pace was good. The author who happens to be the narrator has done a fantastic job.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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A RACY READ - GREAT STORY

Loved this book.. never have I finished a book of this size in less than 10 days!!!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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More than a mere spy tale

If you have never heard of this book, you've been missing a great opportunity to experience history that makes the heart beat faster. The book goes way beyond a drab retelling of events and ropes in a fast paced narrative, turns and twists of a drama unfolding, and a plot that makes it impossible for a reader to leave the book without completing it. I have listened to this tale and the narration adds value to the text. - Arvind Passey - Blog: www.passey.info

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A gripping story on espionage

A wonderful read into the world of spies. Just could not keep it down. Highly recommended.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Nicely narrated, gripping at parts but excruciatin

Great story of espionage, that too real life. worth a listen provided u have oodles of time

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Took me back to my childhood

I grew up on a dose of spy novels, fascinated by espionage, intrigue and mystery. Happened to pick up this book on a lark after so many years and was taken back to my childhood.

Gripping true story, narrated in a brilliant manner by the author himself, this book was a great companion; completely unputdownable. Strongly recommended

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Espionage; Spy; Thriller; Non fiction

Thoroughly enjoyed this book. I guess fact is stranger than fiction. Must listen for Spy/Thriller enthusiasts.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Fun interesting read for interest in espionage

The author is experienced in this material and has a great flow to the storytelling. The narration was great and since it was the author, he probably had an idea how to make it interesting as well. The story isn't for those who'd like to understand the cold war itself, but that furiously intriguing side of espionage. While context is sufficiently provided for a layman, this book is about spying. Not politics.

If this ever becomes a movie, it'd be great.

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  • Overall
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superb

loved it. brought to life through excellent narration and dramatization of events. thoroughly enjoyed

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Loved it

Very intriguing story. Highly recommended. Felt like watching spy movie due to excellent narrative.

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