The Spy's Son: the true story of the highest-ranking CIA officer ever convicted of espionage and the son he trained to spy for Russia

By Bryan Denson

The riveting true story of the father-and-son co-conspirators who sold US national secrets to Russia.

Jim Nicholson was the highest-ranking CIA officer ever convicted of espionage. A single father, respected mentor, and brilliant case officer, he was also a double agent selling thousands of state secrets to the Russians. However, it was from behind the bars of a federal prison that he conducted his greatest betrayal. Just 12 years after Jim’s conviction, his youngest son, Nathan, was arrested for the same crime.

Through interviews, private letters, and access to Jim’s personal journal, Pulitzer Prize finalist Bryan Denson pieces together a fascinating family portrait of a father so caught up in his life as a double agent that he manipulated his own son — an army veteran — to betray his country in order to stay loyal to his family.

PRAISE FOR BRYAN DENSON

‘A sad, fascinating tale of manipulation … Highly compelling.’ The Herald Sun

‘The uncommon family business of selling information to Russia proves exciting, lucrative and remarkably misguided … The intricate portrait of Nicholson family life makes the father-son crime feel inevitable without ever coming off as dull. Denson puts his reporting chops to good use, packing the book with information but never overwhelming readers and maintaining tension, interest and momentum … Captivating.’ Kirkus

• Language: English
• Publisher: Scribe Publications
• Release date: May 27, 2015
• ISBN: 9781925113907

Bryan Denson

Bryan Denson is an award-winning journalist and the author of The Spy’s Son. He was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in national reporting, and contributes stories to Newsweek and serves as a special correspondent for the Los Angeles Times. FBI Files is Bryan’s first series for young readers. He lives in Portland, Oregon.