The Volunteer cover art

The Volunteer

The Incredible True Story of an Israeli Spy on the Trail of International Terrorists

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The Volunteer

By: Michael Ross, Jonathan Kay
Narrated by: Walter Dixon
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About this listen

In 1982, a 20-something named Michael Ross left home to backpack across Europe. Little did he know that his vacation would set in motion a chain of events that would hurl him into a career where the bosses are seasoned spies, and the work is tracking the world’s most dangerous terrorists. The Volunteer is a fast-paced memoir that provides insight into our world, both pre- and post-9/11, told by a man on the front lines in the war against terror.

©2007, 2011 Michael Ross (P)2013 Audible, Inc.
Military & War Politicians Politics & Activism

Editor reviews

In 1982, when Michael Ross was a 21-year old Canadian Anglican, he visited Israel. Soon he had converted to Judaism, married an Israeli woman, served in the Israeli army, and joined the Mossad, Israel’s nerve center for counterterrorism, covert operations, and intelligence gathering. Over the next 20 years Ross lived the classic double life: family man and spy. The Volunteer is his memoir.

Performed briskly and with precision by Walter Dixon, The Volunteer seeks to introduce the listener to the life of a particular spy, and to situate Israel in the larger geopolitical context. Ross is a man whose dangerous life and career are the products of a love for a land that is not obviously his own, and his ideological defense of Israel is made clear.

Critic reviews

"[It’s] James Bond in a T-shirt and slippers...a page-turner, filled with well-observed, convincing detail." (George Jonas, bestselling author of Vengeance [the book that inspired the film Munich])
All stars
Most relevant
Sometimes a bit one sided, but brutally honest story of a man's work in the mossad and working with Israelis..... I could see in my head some of the characters so vividly since I have worked with Isrealis in the past..... Very well put together.....

Nice personal account of a mossad agent

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Really captivating story, I enjoyed it. I did get lost a little in the middle! Potentially need to read the hard copy, which im no doubt getting.

Very interesting

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Warts and all, one persons account of his time, duties and experience in the Mossad. drudgery, failed efforts, opportunities missed and moments of terror.

Not a history.
Not a balanced analysis.
One persons opinion of his experiences.

One of the more realistic presentations I have heard.

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The author shared his thoughts and feelings while explaining carefully how the security service operates.

Informative and interesting

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At times it was hard to keep up story coming fast and furious ending a bit of a dis appointment

Information overload

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