Moscow Station: How the KGB Penetrated the American Embassy

by Ronald Kessler

In Moscow Station Ronald Kessler goes behind the scenes to show how the entire U.S. Embassy, including the CIA station, was literally riddled with KGB bugging devices. Revealing the inner workings of the two most powerful intelligence armies in the world, Kessler chronicles KGB seduction and sexual entrapment, incompetence and CIA arrogance. HC: Scribner.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Espionage, Russia, Military Fiction

352 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1989

About the author

Ronald Kessler is the New York Times bestselling author of 21 non-fiction books about the Trump White House, Secret Service, FBI, and CIA.

Kessler began his career as a journalist in 1964 on the Worcester Telegram, followed by three years as an investigative reporter and editorial writer with the Boston Herald. In 1968, he joined the Wall Street Journal as an investigative reporter in the New York bureau. He became an investigative reporter with the Washington Post in 1970 and continued in that position until 1985.

Kessler's new book is "The Trump White House: Changing the Rules of the Game."

Kessler has won eighteen journalism awards, including two George Polk awards--for national reporting and for community service. Kessler has also won the American Political Science Association's Public Affairs Reporting Award, the Associated Press' Sevellon Brown Memorial Award, and Washingtonian magazine's Washingtonian of the Year award. Franklin Pierce University awarded him the Marlin Fitzwater Medallion for excellence as a prolific author, journalist, and communicator. He is listed in Who's Who in America.

"Ron Kessler...has enjoyed a reputation for solid reporting over the past four decades." Lloyd Grove, The Daily Beast. "Kessler's such a skilled storyteller, you almost forget this is dead-serious nonfiction..." Newsweek. "[Ronald Kessler] is the man who broke the story about the [Secret Service prostitution] episode in Cartagena...." New York Times. "His [Kessler's] book quotes both flattering and unflattering observations about presidents of both parties." FactCheck.org. "[Ronald Kessler] is one of the nation's top investigative journalists." Fox & Friends. "Ron Kessler appears to get everything first." Slate.

Ron Kessler lives with his wife Pamela Kessler in the Washington, D.C. area. Also an author and former Washington Post reporter, Pam Kessler wrote "Undercover Washington: Where Famous Spies Lived, Worked and Loved." His daughter Rachel Kessler, an independent public relations consultant, and son Greg Kessler, an artist, live in New York.

Reviews

[Paul · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have no praise for Kessler's writing style, but the story he tells is fascinating. I was left wanting for more background and less of his conjecture, but, obviously, the subject of counter-intelligence is not one with many open sources. I would recommend this book only to those with a strong interest in this specific situation. There are better books on the U.S. Soviet spy verses spy subject matter.

[Shane · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an interesting read. From what I remember it can be a little dull at times.

[Ingrid · Rating 1 out of 5]

Interesting true story about the bugging of the U.S. Embassy in Russia, but so poorly written I couldn't get through it...

[Leslie · Rating 3 out of 5]

****

[Mike Harper · Rating 2 out of 5]

Readable, but only just. Kessler's prose lacks verve and imagination.

[Brian · Rating 2 out of 5]

The climactic years of the cold war, a security breach in what should be the most secure embassy in the world, sex, lies and intrigue--sounds like a thrilling read, right? In the hands of the right storyteller, sure. Unfortunately, the salacious details of the marine guard espionage scandal in 1980s Moscow are buried by Kessler's boring prose and cranky grandpa tirades. I finished this more out of compulsion (note to self: up my meds) than actual enjoyment, rage-reading to the bitter end. Surprisingly I was rewarded with Kessler's only interesting interview. Responding to Kessler's panting interest in the sex scandal angle, then-Soviet MFA spokesman Gennadi Gerasimov summed up my feelings about the entire book: "'And do you think it makes exciting reading?' he asked with aplomb. 'It's very dull.'"

[Matt Kimsal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a very well-written book, but an easy read and a very interesting subject matter to me. Probably really only a three-start book, but given my nearness to and affection for the subject, I've bumped it up a star.

[Matthew · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was very disappointed after thinking this could be a very interesting look inside the situation. The writing is poor, not even good investigative journalism, with way too much personal investment and invective in the story, including the author inserting himself into the narrative.

[Jay Phipps · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having lived in Moscow and worked at the old embassy, this story resonated with me from beginning to end.

[GreyAtlas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written well. Interesting story. Revealed the reason behind comments I've heard in real life.