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Surprise, Kill, Vanish
- The Definitive History of Secret CIA Assassins, Armies and Operators
- Narrated by: Annie Jacobsen
- Length: 19 hrs and 5 mins
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Surprise, Kill, Vanish
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Summary
The definitive, character-driven history of CIA covert operations and U.S. government-sponsored assassinations, from the author of the Pulitzer Prize finalist The Pentagon's Brain.
Since 1947, domestic and foreign assassinations have been executed under the CIA-led covert action operations team. Before that time, responsibility for taking out America's enemies abroad was even more shrouded in mystery. Despite Hollywood notions of last-minute rogue-operations and external secret hires, covert action is actually a cog in a colossal foreign policy machine, moving through, among others, the Bureau of Intelligence and Research, the House and Senate Select Committees. At the end of the day, it is the President, not the CIA, who is singularly in charge.
When diplomacy fails and overt military action is not feasible, the President often calls on the Special Activities Division, the most secretive and lowest-profile branch of the CIA. It is this paramilitary team that undertakes dramatic and little-known assignments: hostage rescues, sabotage, and, of course, assassinations.
For the first time, Pulitzer Prize finalist and New York Times bestselling author Annie Jacobsen takes us deep inside this top-secret history. With unparalleled access to former operatives, ambassadors, and even past directors of the Secret Service and CIA operations, Jacobsen reveals the inner workings of these teams, and just how far a U.S. president may go, covertly but lawfully, to pursue the nation's interests.
PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.
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What listeners say about Surprise, Kill, Vanish
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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- AdamGR
- 23-01-21
Informative overview
An informative overview of the the history of clandestine and not so clandestine operations waged by the USA. The subject matter itself is very compelling and shocking at times. This is a very broad brush of a picture however as it covers the whole history of the CIA. I was curious to know more about some of the people depicted and ended up getting more information via Wikipedia and the internet. The presentation was a little dry but an easy enough listen.
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- Stasys Maulius
- 14-08-22
very interesting and cool story overall.
loved it. was so into it. There are secrets of CIA and lots of what I didn't know how War happens.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Reginaldo Barbosa
- 04-10-20
Oops, she did again!
She's a genius. One of the best books ever written. Billy Waugh is real human who looks like a Video Game hero.
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2 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Mongan
- 11-06-20
Decent
Not a one listen book. Phenomenal amount of research and some amazing history of some remarkable individuals and agencies.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- daniel j griffiths
- 11-08-19
Eye Opening
long but a great listen, an excellent account of CIA history and its brave operators
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Hew
- 31-05-19
A blooming good book that's narrated very well.
Amazing insight into the creation, operations and Modus operandi of the CIA. Truly fascinating. I practically listened to it all in one sitting.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Anonymous User
- 02-09-22
Wow
I wish this was longer , I didn’t want to stop listening .! Looking forward to listening to more books by Annie
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Anonymous User
- 25-04-23
Very good book
I was hooked from the beginning until the end. One of those audio books you can’t wait to resume listening or reading at the end of a long day of work
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- Gordon B
- 25-08-20
Great book again by the author
Great book but as others have said it doesn't really get going until chapter 11. After this chapter it's fantastic
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1 person found this helpful
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- GLEN
- 05-06-22
Very intriguing book.
Very interesting insight into the workings of the CIA, and American foreign policy.
Captivating read.
Really liked this book.
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