At times interesting but generously padded tale of Stanley Lovell and the OSS. Often diverts into related topics that, rather than broadening the narrative of an interesting man’s life, tend to detract from it.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book in return for an honest review.

The author reveals the untold story of the Office of Strategic Services, the intelligence agency started during World War II, which is now known as the CIA. In 1942, Stanley Lovell, a renowned industrial chemist, received a mysterious order to report to an unfamiliar building in Washington, D.C. Little did he realize his meeting with William “Wild Bill” Donovan, head of the OSS, would change his life. Lovell went on to head up a secret group of scientists in the Dirty Tricks Department, hoping to find a way to beat the enemy and bring an end to World War II. Yet just three months after its creation, German newspapers were reporting on the the secret bureau. Lovell had his work cut out for him.

Agents were trained in all matters of espionage such as lock-picking, secret writing, parachuting, radio transmission and how to blend into their surroundings. Clothing needed to match the culture they would be entering, so authentic European clothing was purchased from recent immigrants. Documentation was heavily scrutinized so it was washed, ironed, bent and folded repeatedly, walked on and aged with ashes in order to pass inspection.

The Dirty Tricks Department also worked on some not so usual weaponry. They tested bat bombs, umbrella guns, and silent pistols. Itching powder was placed on vests and inside condoms sent to the German army. There were items made to create a diversion to allow escape, and suicide pills if you were unfortunate enough to be captured. To aid resistance groups, the Department designed explosives for derailing railcars and fuel contaminants for gas lines.

The book then turns to the deeper and darker side of war: chemical, biological and nuclear warfare. The book is based on extensive archival research and personal interviews, and you can explore the moral dilemmas presented by the use of such weaponry. The book is revealing, engrossing, thought-provoking and, at times, unsettling.

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A detailed account of methods for covert subversion. A history of amoral actions under the pretense of patriotism. A list of sociopath personalities that culminates in the book;s final chapter recounting how Sidney Gottlieb, without conscience, preyed on ordinary American citizens with his MKULTRA program - Franz Kafka and George Orwell only had inklings of what dark hearts could accomplish.

A 'behind the curtain' look at the predecessor to what would become the CIA, and some of the most questionable assignments carried out during WWII. Sobering and informative, it raises the moral dilemma of what's right and wrong, and who the 'bad guys' really are. Reminded me of the book on Churchill's department of Ungentlemanly Warfare.