The Triple Agent

[Randy Kadish]

If you're looking for a wide, in-depth canvas of the workings of the CIA you won't find it in The Triple Agent, but you will find a deep, narrow slice of the agency. Part of that slice will show how so many of the agency's successes and failures are caused by the strengths and flaws (and in-fighting) of human beings.

Basically, the author, Joby Warrick tells a simple story, and yet it is riveting and emotional because the events are well researched and described and because the people who triggered the events are well portrayed in three dimensions. The author doesn't judge the intelligence officers. Instead, he treats them with compassion and sympathy, in spite of their flaws. as they gave their lives trying to do what they thought was right.

Mr. Warrick suggests that human failings and an over reliance on technology had much to do with what happened in Khost, but he has the sense and humility to know that there isn't a simple, clear-cut answer to why this tragedy happened.

The writing, like the story, in simple, and helps makes this book hard to put down.