Sunday, August 23, 2015

THE SPY'S SON : THE TRUE STORY OF THE HIGHEST-RANKING CIA OFFICER EVER CONVICTED OF ESPIONAGE AND THE SON HE TRAINED TO SPY FOR RUSSIA
by Bryan Denson

Harold James "Jim" Nicholson was an exemplary case officer working for the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). He was classy, wore three-piece suits, and loved his country. Jim (also known as Batman) was sent to different countries around the world operating against the Soviet Union. Although he rose in the ranks and was much admired, not so with his wife (his kids barely knew him as he was hardly ever home). That would change when Jim got divorced and his children ended up living with him in Virginia. He became a devoted father and a very attentive parent. They began to have this lavish lifestyle. Jim bought his kids expensive gifts. Where was this influx of extra cash coming from? Blame it on the Russians, although Jim was the one that walked into their embassy and offered his services. For two years, he sold secrets for quite a bit of money, handing over thousands of classified documents on other officers, which then destroyed their careers and put them in grave danger. Talk about betrayal. Eventually both the CIA and FBI joined forces to capture Jim.
Several years later, while incarcerated, he was at it again. He recruited his son, Nathan, to be his courier. Nathan adored his father and would do anything for him. Jim proceeded to show him some basic lessons in spycraft. Whenever Nathan visited his father, he smuggled messages out and met with Russian spies in three different countries. He actually thought he was doing the right thing. After all, his father told him that there was nothing illegal in his actions. Nathan never thought of the risk and what could happen to him.
The Spy's Son is one hell of a story. Author Bryan Denson spent five years putting everything together. He crafted a riveting tale. You come away absolutely despising Jim. He was a narcissist, had no remorse for what he had done, and ruined his family. Jim said that he loved his children, but what kind of father would intentionally put his son in harm's way, in a cunning deception?
If you enjoy spy stories, this book is one terrific read.
Highly recommended.