Top Secret

W.E.B. Griffin · William E. Butterworth IV

Aug 2014 · A Clandestine Operations Novel Book 1 · Sold by Penguin

About this ebook

From #1 New York Times bestselling authors W.E.B. Griffin and William E. Butterworth IV comes the first Clandestine Operations novel—featuring a new kind of threat and a different breed of warrior.

In the first weeks after World War II, James D. Cronley, Jr., is recruited for a new enterprise that will eventually be transformed into something called the CIA. For a new war has already begun against an enemy that is bigger, smarter, and more vicious: the Soviet Union.

The Soviets have hit the ground running, and Cronley’s job is to help frustrate them, harass them, and spy on them any way he can. But his first assignment might be his last. He’s got only seven days to extract a vital piece of information from a Soviet agent, and he’s already managed to rile up his superior officers. If he fails now, his intelligence career could be the shortest in history.

Because there are enemies everywhere—and, as Cronley is about to find out, some of them wear the same uniform he does...

Ratings and reviews

Found the story to be long and slow. Would probably make a good movie but was lackluster as a book. If you like action and suspense look elsewhere, this isn't the book for you.

Good read but, tended to drag in spots. Believable characters, not hard to follow!

Loved it. Mixes a lot of historical facts with fictional characters. Makes you wonder sonetimes. Easy read and cannot wait for the next book.

About the author

W. E. B. Griffin was the author of seven bestselling series: The Corps, Brotherhood of War, Badge of Honor, Men at War, Honor Bound, Presidential Agent, and Clandestine Operations. He passed away in February 2019.

William E. Butterworth IV has been an editor and writer for more than 25 years, and has worked closely with his father for over a decade on the editing and writing of the Griffin books. He is coauthor with him of more than a dozen New York Times bestselling novels. He is a member of the Sons of the American Legion, China Post #1 in Exile; the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) Society; and a life member of the National Rifle Association and the Texas Rifle Association. He lives in Florida.