Book Review: "The Billion Dollar Spy" by David E. Hoffman

A True Story of Cold War Espionage and Betrayal

Recommended Age: 13+ (Language, Intense Themes)

Subject: Cold War/Nonfiction

Rating: 5/5

Well-written spy novels without graphic content or extreme violence are hard to find, but The Billion Dollar Spy by David E. Hoffman is an exception. It's wonderfully well written, without the usual dryness of non-fiction, and contains very little objectionable material (minus some swearing and minor adult references). It tells the fascinating story of Adolf Tolkachev, a Russian spy who passed information worth billions of dollars to the United States at the risk of his life. If you're interested in the Cold War or spy novels in general, this story won't disappoint. 

Parents of younger readers should be advised on mild use of language, mild adult references (mainly in the introduction), and some depressing/disturbing themes such as the use of suicide pills. 

You can purchase a paper copy here.