Thatcher's Spy cover art

Thatcher's Spy

My Life as an MI5 Agent Inside Sinn Féin

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Thatcher's Spy

By: Willie Carlin
Narrated by: Matthew Forsythe
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About this listen

In Thatcher's Spy, the Cold War meets Northern Ireland's Dirty War in the remarkable real-life story of a deep under-cover British intelligence agent, a man now doomed forever to look over his shoulder.

In March 1985, as he climbed the six steps of Margaret Thatcher's prime-ministerial jet on the runway of RAF Aldergrove, little did Willie Carlin know the role Freddie Scappaticci played in saving his life.

So began the dramatic extraction of Margaret Thatcher's key undercover agent in Sinn Féin. For 11 years, Willie Carlin worked alongside IRA commander Martin McGuinness in the republican movement's political wing in Derry.

He was MI5's man at McGuinness' side and gave the British State unprecedented insight into the IRA leader's strategic thinking. When Carlin's cover was blown in 1985, Thatcher authorised the use of her jet to whisk him to safety. Incredibly, it was another British spy inside the IRA's secretive counter-intelligence unit, the 'nuttin' squad', who saved Carlin's life. This is his story.

©2019 Willie Carlin (P)2019 W. F. Howes Espionage Politicians Politics & Activism True Crime Thought-Provoking Inspiring

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All stars
Most relevant
this is an excellent story, giving a great insight into the troubles in Northern Ireland- from both perspectives. Great narator. really gripping.

Excellent

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Very well read by Matthew Forsythe, he had me transfixed. This a brilliant insight into the lengths that people go to keep us all safe.
Great story that I just kept listing to until it was finished. A must listen and highly recommend.

Brilliant and insightful

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The book tells the story of British undercover MI5 agent Willie Carlain’s encounters with Sinn Fein which ultimately leads to his extraction after the most surprising source saves his life. Nicknamed 007 by Mrs Thatcher, the reason for which you’ll uncover upon listening, Willie really is a spy hero.

Matthew Forsythe’s Northern Irish accent adds an air of authenticity in his delivery which is measured and fabulous with the necessary harrowing and chilling factor given the content.

Fans of Ben Macintyre, John La Carre, Ian Fleming - I highly recommend this for you.

What a brave individual!

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A very interesting but unsurprising first hand recollection of the IRAs most successful era

A must read for anyone interested in The Troubles

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This book brought back memories when I was growing up, some of the information brought back memories of those days. A brave man for doing the job he done. What the government did in those days to try and bring peace to a beautiful country. A good book to listen to.

Memories

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