A national bestseller, this extraordinary work of investigative reporting uncovers the identities, and the remarkable stories, of the CIA secret agents who died anonymously in the service of their country. In the entrance of the CIA headquarters looms a huge marble wall into which seventy-one stars are carved-each representing an agent who has died in the line of duty. Official CIA records only name thirty-five of them, however. Undeterred by claims that revealing the identities of these "nameless stars" might compromise national security, Ted Gup sorted through thousands of documents and interviewed over 400 CIA officers in his attempt to bring their long-hidden stories to light. The result of this extraordinary work of investigation is a surprising glimpse at the real lives of secret agents, and an unprecedented history of the most compelling—and controversial—department of the US government.
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"I really enjoyed this book. It commemorates and talks about the stars that are engraved on the walls at CIA headquarters and attempts to match them with the officers that were killed in the line of duty. Each star, and officer's mission is outlined thoroughly. Very interesting. "
— The (5 out of 5 stars)
" The triumphs and heroes of the intelligence community are never publicized. We only hear the failures in public. Thank heaven for professionals who quietly go about keeping us safe from the things in the dark. "
— Todd, 1/20/2014" Fascinating true-life accounts of CIA operatives that gave their lives in service to their country and the degree to which the CIA goes to keep their names and stories from the public. "
— Lauren, 1/14/2014" I am weary to give this a 5-star rating, but I read this several years ago and it left an imprint. I still remember most of the stories and it was great to finally hear about the lives of some CIA operatives who gave their lives to that agency. "
— Rina, 1/1/2014" This is an awsome book detailing the lives and actions of CIA operatives who were KIA and aren't acknowledged by the CIA "
— Mind-triggers, 12/29/2013" Probably one of my favorite books. Unbelievable stories "
— Joseph, 12/20/2013" excellent book. while very few of the lives and stories behind the wall of honor are covered it makes for an excellent read. "
— Boozy, 12/14/2013" The CIA never scrupled to invent identities for its agents, even maintaining the disguises long after they died in service. This is a history of undercover agents that sometimes reads like a spy novel and sometimes like Legacy of Ashes. "
— Daniel, 3/8/2013" great stories, well documented. no matter what you think of the cia, these are heroes, and this is a well written account of their service to our country "
— Jim, 2/10/2013" Really interesting. So many secret CIA assignments that ended with tragedy. The first half of the book kept me interested, the middle was a bit dry, but the end was interesting. Not an easy read but I enjoyed the book. "
— Angie, 1/1/2013" Competent telling of fallen CIA agents. "
— Joe, 8/7/2012" While the stories behind the CIA are fascinating, some of the stories tend to become long winded. It was definitely an interesting read, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't put the book down many times before I finished. "
— Lakshmi, 7/7/2012" ONE of my favorite books of all time "
— Geoff, 2/17/2012" An amazing book that recreates scenes that makes you feel as if you were there. This is a great book on our fallen agents who's stories were never told. "
— Spencer, 9/29/2011" I really enjoyed this book. It commemorates and talks about the stars that are engraved on the walls at CIA headquarters and attempts to match them with the officers that were killed in the line of duty. Each star, and officer's mission is outlined thoroughly. Very interesting. "
— The, 8/20/2011" The book is almost like a tribute to the real Book of Honor in that it tells the stories that the Book keeps quiet. Though somewhat dark, it memorializes the life of those who previously were remembered by just a star. "
— Katie, 6/13/2011" Really like this book. It is a detailed account of most of the stars on the wall at Langley. It is well-written and I am glad I read it. "
— Tedwasright, 4/22/2011" Interesting, but a little dry. "
— Colleen, 4/15/2011" great stories, well documented. no matter what you think of the cia, these are heroes, and this is a well written account of their service to our country "
— Jim, 3/26/2011" excellent book. while very few of the lives and stories behind the wall of honor are covered it makes for an excellent read. "
— Boozy, 11/4/2010" The triumphs and heroes of the intelligence community are never publicized. We only hear the failures in public. Thank heaven for professionals who quietly go about keeping us safe from the dark. "
— Todd, 7/19/2009" The book is almost like a tribute to the real Book of Honor in that it tells the stories that the Book keeps quiet. Though somewhat dark, it memorializes the life of those who previously were remembered by just a star. "
— Katie, 3/18/2009" Interesting, but a little dry. "
— Colleen, 2/10/2009" Probably one of my favorite books. Unbelievable stories "
— Joseph, 8/26/2008" Fascinating true-life accounts of CIA operatives that gave their lives in service to their country and the degree to which the CIA goes to keep their names and stories from the public. "
— Lauren, 6/26/2008" The CIA never scrupled to invent identities for its agents, even maintaining the disguises long after they died in service. This is a history of undercover agents that sometimes reads like a spy novel and sometimes like Legacy of Ashes. "
— Daniel, 9/17/2007" I am weary to give this a 5-star rating, but I read this several years ago and it left an imprint. I still remember most of the stories and it was great to finally hear about the lives of some CIA operatives who gave their lives to that agency. "
— Rina, 7/8/2007Frank Muller (1951–2008) was an Audie Award–winning narrator. A classically trained actor, Frank appeared on both television and the stage. His credits include Hamlet, The Crucible, The Taming of the Shrew, The Importance of Being Earnest, Law & Order, All My Children, and many, many more. In 1999 Frank was awarded the AudioFile Lifetime Achievement Award, the top honor in the audiobook community. He has also won twenty-three Earphones Awards.