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

Narrated by: Jason Culp

Investigative reporter and Pulitzer Prize finalist Bryan Denson tells the riveting story of the Nicholsons - father and son coconspirators who deceived their country by selling national secrets to Russia.

Jim Nicholson was one of the CIA's top veteran case officers. By day he taught spycraft at the CIA's clandestine training center, The Farm. By night,he was a minivan-driving single father racing home to have dinner with his kids. But Nicholson led a double life. For more than two years, he had met covertly with agents of Russia's foreign intelligence service and turned over troves of classified documents. In 1997 Nicholson became the highest-ranking CIA officer ever convicted of espionage. But his duplicity didn't stop there.

While behind the bars of a federal prison, the former mole systematically groomed the one person he trusted most to serve as his stand-in: his youngest son, Nathan. When asked to smuggle messages out of prison to Russian contacts, Nathan saw an opportunity to be heroic and to make his father proud.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your My Library section along with the audio.

©2015 Bryan Denson. Recorded by arrangement with Grove Atlantic, Inc. (P)2015 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"A haunting book as fast paced and as exciting as the best spy novel...and it’s all true." (Robert Lindsey, author of The Falcon and the Snowman)

In depth look at a double agent.

What made the experience of listening to The Spy's Son the most enjoyable?

The distinctive lilt that Culp gave the character's voices that fit and enhanced the non-fiction work.

What other book might you compare The Spy's Son to and why?

Denson's work is quite reminiscent of Ben McIntyre in that he takes an in-depth view of famous crimes in a snapshot of recent history.

Have you listened to any of Jason Culp’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

This is the first Jason Culp audio book I've heard.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Would you do anything for the ones you love?

Any additional comments?

If you’re interested in criminal psychology, spy fiction or generally stories of dysfunctional families, “The Spy’s Son” is the story for you. Give it a shot in audio book format. You will not be disappointed.

Fascinating Story-You root for the young spy

What did you love best about The Spy's Son?

Interesting, compelling story where the characters create the drama that unfolds.

What other book might you compare The Spy's Son to and why?

It is a cross between a spy story and the drama behind a dysfunctional family, so it is not comparable to any other book I have read.

Any additional comments?

I enjoyed this book--I love true spy stories, but this is made better by the family drama. It is incredible how narcissistic the father/spy character is, and how he led his son into crime.

Great listen

This was fascinating and entertaining thru the entire book. Highly recommended. Such a crazy look at American history. An unfortunate and complex man that twice betrayed his country and family.

Fascinating

A fascinating story about an unrepenent spy and our judicial sustem's mercy on a young man led astray by him. I temeber the nicholson incident, but was not aware of his further actions.

Good Grief!

it's hard to imagine someone so self-serving and oblivious... except WAS he oblivious ...or just really wicked in his narcissism?

Excellent!

Well researched, excellent narration. One of the best books from every perspective. Loved it. Well done!

Great story, but bogs down in detail

This should be a page turner, but it drags on and the pace is slow because of unnecessary details. Do we need to know what a school uniform looked like? The judge or prosecutor's hair? There is a lot of time spent on things that have no bearing on the story and turn a great tale into a bit of a slog.

Fascinating spy story

An in depth look into what a CIA agent/spy life looks like and what compels a person to commit treason against one's country. The story was thoroughly investigated and well written. This is also a story about a family who has lost it's way as the result of a father that dismantled their lives through his greed and control. Great performance by the reader.

Great spy story!

The fact that this book is true makes it even more appealing! The author did a tremendous job of thoroughly discussing details that an ordinary citizen curious out the spy world would want to know. These details really made for great storytelling. Thoroughly enjoyed this book.

a great story

the characters were real and compelling. the relationship between Nathan and his father was both twisted and normal in an odd way that can only happen in real life.