Ben Macintyre is quickly becoming one of my favorite writers of the modern era. His style is so engaging and his topics are wildly interesting. Ben does a great job walking his readers through the intricacies of British culture and mannerisms. I appreciate him not taking the reader for granted. As a result, the most subtle details don’t pass me by.

A Spy Among Friends is about the espionage conducted against the Western intelligence agencies by Kim Philby, acting on behalf of the Soviet government. Philby was recruited into British Intelligence and over the course of his career used his promotions, positions, and privilege to pass sensitive information to Moscow. He’s widely regarded as the most effective known spy in modern history and the wake of destruction that he left is sobering.

I can’t help but think how different the history of the last 70 years would be different had it not been for Philby’s treason. Countless people during the war and in the post-war period who sought to build a better Europe were eliminated in service of the doomed communist cause. The world is certainly a darker place because of Philby’s betrayal.

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

ISBN: 9780804136655