THE TERMINAL SPY A True Story of Espionage, Betrayal, and Murder

The November 2006 poisoning death of Alexander Litvinenko in London drew headlines around the world as investigators tried to learn what was slowly killing the 44-year-old former Russian agent. Cowell's story digs deeply—sometimes almost too deeply—into the background of Litvinenko and assorted associates. Simon Vance has a clear British accent, and he varies his voice ever so slightly when quoting one of the assorted spies, politicians, and businessmen who spin their way into Litvinenko's life. Listeners expecting tales of James Bond-like escapades will be disappointed; Litvinenko was simply a soldier who rose in ranks—until he questioned authority. The book's highlights are its focus on radioactive materials and a key account of an attempt on a spy's life decades earlier. M.B. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: DECEMBER 2008]