| Welcome to vBulletin FAQ |
vBulletin FAQ Navigation
Getting Started
Customizing your vBulletin
Search Engines & SEO
Making Money with a Forum
Promoting your Community
|
| Get your own vBulletin Today |
|
| Webmaster Help |
|
|
|
True Believer: Inside the Investigation and Capture of Ana Montes, Cuba's Master Spy
vBulletin Book Store > vBulletin books beginning with T
|
True Believer: Inside the Investigation and Capture of Ana Montes, Cuba's Master Spy |
Author: Scott W. Carmichael
Published: 2007-03-03 |
List price: $27.95
Our price: $18.45
|
Usually ships in 24 hours
As of: November 20th, 2008 05:05:15 PM
|
|
|
Customer comments on this selection.
 Brag Rag
Great case. Horrible book. Carmichel of DIA attempts to take all the credit for an investigation and subsequent prosecution that was led, conducted, and successfully completed by the FBI. His account virtually eliminates any reference to other USIC agencies involved. The book so grossly overestimates his and DIA's involvment in the case, excluding all others, namely the FBI, who everyone knows has sole jurisdiction of counterespionage in the U.S., investigation, and arrest authority. Carmichel's account hardly mentions the FBI's prime role in yet another spy case. Carmichel is so obvious in his attempt to claim all credit for the case, in using the Montes arrest photo on the cover, he laughably cuts the FBI arrest placard out of the picture (showing only the top of the placard). Great case, poor book. We need more books that reveal the true story behind these investigations, and not self congratulatory, brag rags, by individuals trying to profit and make a name for themselves.
 God help us all
There must be some idiots working in counterintelligence in the USA, the guy who wrote this book, identified this woman years before she was eventually caught, and the FBI ignored him, thank god I dont live in the good old USA!!!!!! my thoughts are with you all!!!!!!!!!!
 EYES OF FIDEL
I just finished the book, "True Believer" by Scott W. Carmichael. The book is basically the story of a Cuban spy named Ana Montes. Ms. Montes was employed for some 18 years with the Defense Intelligence Agency better known as the DIA. Not only was Ana employed for DIA, she was their top Cuban analyst at the time!
br /
br /Author, Scott Carmichael admits he is not a writer, but felt the public should be made aware of this case not only, to expose "sweet" Ana, but some of the ongoing short comings of our own intelligence community. Scott Carmichael is truthfull and well meaning in his assesments.
br /
br /The book is a good read, but I felt Carmichael focused too heavily upon the bureaucratic shuffling techniques of the investigation rather than the "target" herself. Much of the investigations office politics and inter-agency sparring was appreciated but, somewhat lost by a reader who has never been an employee of the DIA.
br /
br /Carmichael opened this case, but seems to be writing about the events as though he is watching it from the "outside of the aquarium" rather than actually swimming within it.
br /
br /I realize there is a "Judicial line of Demarcation" regarding various authority levels. The FBI ultimately sits at the top level especially in FCI (foreign counter intelligence), matters. However, it was my opinion that Mr. Carmichael gave "the Bureau" more credit than it initially deserved in this particular case. Carmichael, himself seems to have been conveniently "shelved" once the FBI finally decided to become involved.
br /
br /It appers that Ana Montes was Carmichael's nemisis, and epiphany all rolled into one. Perhaps, after retirement from government service, Mr. Carmichael will consider trying to write a biography on Ms. Montes herself.
br /
br /Despite some of the literary shortcomings, I salute YOU and your work, Mr. Carmichael in addition to your silent contributions to this country.
br /
br /The literary funds obtained from the sale of this book go to a noble cause, and the author's reasons for the donation of all funds will only serve to enhance his credibility. Ironically, the title of this book could also be applied to the author, Scott W. Carmichael.
 How security works
Beyond the story itself, an interesting aspect of this book is the degree to which even workers with access to state secrets are protected by US law. When his suspicions of Montes were aroused, the author brought in the FBI, which has the responsibility for investigation and prosecution in such cases. They put a large team on the case, but took months to obtain the court orders necessary for intrusive surveillance, such as phone taps or bugs. They were able, though, to conduct outside surveillance, which documented extensive, odd use of pay phones. Finally, just as enough evidence was accumulated, the 9-11 attacks happened, and Montes was arrested. This coincidence caused her story to be buried, and is why most of us never heard of her.
Good Story, but Hesitant Recounting
The plot is a great story about a Cuban spy (mole) in the Defense Intelligence Agency. The main good guy is a perceptive and doggedly tenacious counterintelligence agent/investigator. The bad guy (gal) lives a poker-faced double life: hard working and ambitious U.S. govt. employee with far-reaching influence in foreign policy decisions. So far so good, but the story is told like the author doesn't want to reveal the slightest bit of tradecraft or investigative detail. I know the author, who is also the good guy/investigator, needs to protect methods/techniques, but he does the reader a great disservice by holding back on details involving missteps and clues detected by the U.S. govt sleuths. The author mentions how the mole was detected due to certain telltale clues, but yet doesn't elaborate. If you want to read a story that is long on "If I tell then I'll have to kill you" intrigue then you (the reader) will be happy with lack of detail and supporting narrative.
|
|
Our vBulletin book picks:
|
|
Find more vBulletin related products of interest.
|
