What do you think?
Rate this book
Agent Without a Name
"You never really retire from a life of counterterrorism, international counterfeit rings, and haute cuisine," says Serge Smith.
Born in Italy shortly before the start of WW2 to a Russian-Jewish mother, Serge spoke Russian at home, Italian on the streets, and learned German at school. Later, he learned French and English. That set him up for a double as a private security consultant and an intelligence asset for select countries around the world.
From humble beginnings as a Russian émigré, Serge went from working in secure computer centers to living a high life of danger and intrigue as an undercover agent. Working with Italian, German, British, and other intelligence services in counterterrorism and breaking counterfeit rings across the globe, he became "the guy to call" whenever something needed fixing. In a time when terrorism and organized crime dominated the headlines, Serge forged a life full of sting operations, travel, and fast cars.
Agent Without a Name chronicles the life of an international man of mystery. Full of historical intrigue, breakthrough business deals, high-stakes counterterrorism, and international crime-busting during the Cold war era, this memoir, coauthored by William Michael, is Serge Smith's true life story.
Born in Italy shortly before the start of WW2 to a Russian-Jewish mother, Serge spoke Russian at home, Italian on the streets, and learned German at school. Later, he learned French and English. That set him up for a double as a private security consultant and an intelligence asset for select countries around the world.
From humble beginnings as a Russian émigré, Serge went from working in secure computer centers to living a high life of danger and intrigue as an undercover agent. Working with Italian, German, British, and other intelligence services in counterterrorism and breaking counterfeit rings across the globe, he became "the guy to call" whenever something needed fixing. In a time when terrorism and organized crime dominated the headlines, Serge forged a life full of sting operations, travel, and fast cars.
Agent Without a Name chronicles the life of an international man of mystery. Full of historical intrigue, breakthrough business deals, high-stakes counterterrorism, and international crime-busting during the Cold war era, this memoir, coauthored by William Michael, is Serge Smith's true life story.
298 pages, Hardcover
Published July 30, 2024
4 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 of 1 review
September 13, 2024
Agent Without a Name by Serge Smith and William Michael offers a captivating glimpse into the extraordinary life of Serge, a lifelong spy and double agent. While we’re all familiar with the high-octane world of espionage in films, Serge’s narrative brings an unexpected twist—his story is told with a disarming simplicity. The way he recounts his adventures makes it feel as though you could sit across from him, casually chatting over a cup of coffee, as he shares his tales of global intrigue.
What sets this memoir apart is not just Serge’s remarkable life but the way he weaves personal anecdotes into each chapter, distilling key lessons from every encounter. He presents his exploits, whether it’s conducting espionage or stepping in as an impromptu bodyguard, with such nonchalance that it’s easy to forget you’re reading about someone who’s lived a life far removed from the ordinary. The matter-of-fact tone adds a layer of relatability, making his thrilling experiences feel grounded and accessible. The approachable style of Agent Without a Name is one of its strongest assets. The memoir reads as though Serge is simply recounting his life in a relaxed, conversational way, which makes it inviting for readers new to the genre. The short, bite-sized chapters—some only a few pages long—add to the book’s easy readability. It’s perfect for those moments when you want a quick escape into a fascinating life story without committing to lengthy chapters. This structure makes it an ideal entry point for readers who might be intimidated by the larger-than-life personas typical of spy memoirs. Yet, be warned—once you dive into Serge’s world, you may find yourself too engrossed to put the book down, even as your morning alarm rings.
Agent Without a Name is an engaging and accessible look into the extraordinary world of espionage through the eyes of Serge Smith. With its conversational tone, relatable storytelling, and short, digestible chapters, the book offers a refreshing take on the spy memoir genre. Serge’s ability to present his incredible experiences in such a down-to-earth way makes the book both captivating and approachable, whether you’re a longtime fan of spy stories or new to the genre. It’s a must-read for anyone seeking a personal and compelling glimpse into a life lived in the shadows of global intrigue.
What sets this memoir apart is not just Serge’s remarkable life but the way he weaves personal anecdotes into each chapter, distilling key lessons from every encounter. He presents his exploits, whether it’s conducting espionage or stepping in as an impromptu bodyguard, with such nonchalance that it’s easy to forget you’re reading about someone who’s lived a life far removed from the ordinary. The matter-of-fact tone adds a layer of relatability, making his thrilling experiences feel grounded and accessible. The approachable style of Agent Without a Name is one of its strongest assets. The memoir reads as though Serge is simply recounting his life in a relaxed, conversational way, which makes it inviting for readers new to the genre. The short, bite-sized chapters—some only a few pages long—add to the book’s easy readability. It’s perfect for those moments when you want a quick escape into a fascinating life story without committing to lengthy chapters. This structure makes it an ideal entry point for readers who might be intimidated by the larger-than-life personas typical of spy memoirs. Yet, be warned—once you dive into Serge’s world, you may find yourself too engrossed to put the book down, even as your morning alarm rings.
Agent Without a Name is an engaging and accessible look into the extraordinary world of espionage through the eyes of Serge Smith. With its conversational tone, relatable storytelling, and short, digestible chapters, the book offers a refreshing take on the spy memoir genre. Serge’s ability to present his incredible experiences in such a down-to-earth way makes the book both captivating and approachable, whether you’re a longtime fan of spy stories or new to the genre. It’s a must-read for anyone seeking a personal and compelling glimpse into a life lived in the shadows of global intrigue.
Displaying 1 of 1 review