Surprise, Kill, Vanish: The Secret History of CIA Paramilitary Armies, Operators, and Assassins

Incredibly well researched and written in a compelling way. All actual and historical events that read like political fiction. Highly recommended reading.

This book is thoroughly researched and written in an organized and interesting way. It draws you in and exposes you to things most of us know nothing about on a daily basis. It is informative, educational and intriguing. I looked forward to coming home each night and picking this book up again. I will be reading more from the author.

My Rating: 4.5/5 Annie Jacobsen's "Surprise, Kill, Vanish" is a gripping dive into the clandestine world of the CIA's paramilitary operations. In this meticulously researched and thought-provoking book, Jacobsen pulls back the curtain on the secretive and often controversial activities of the agency's elite operatives. From the Cold War era to the War on Terror, Jacobsen takes readers on a journey through the covert missions, assassinations, and intelligence gathering that have shaped the course of history. What makes this book particularly compelling is Jacobsen's ability to humanize the individuals behind these operations, providing insight into their motivations, fears, and the toll such work takes on their lives. One of the strengths of "Surprise, Kill, Vanish" is Jacobsen's dedication to detail. She delves deep into the declassified archives and conducts extensive interviews to paint a vivid and sometimes unsettling picture of the CIA's paramilitary arm. Readers are confronted with the moral complexities of espionage and assassination, forcing us to grapple with the ethical questions that arise when national security clashes with individual rights. Moreover, Jacobsen's writing style is both accessible and engaging. She weaves together historical accounts, personal anecdotes, and geopolitical analysis to create a narrative that is as informative as it is captivating. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a political junkie, or simply someone interested in the hidden workings of intelligence agencies, "Surprise, Kill, Vanish" offers something for everyone. However, the book is not without its controversies. Some may find Jacobsen's portrayal of the CIA overly sympathetic, while others might argue that certain operations are not given the scrutiny they deserve. Additionally, the sheer scope of the material covered can be overwhelming at times, requiring readers to stay focused amidst a whirlwind of names, dates, and operations. "Surprise, Kill, Vanish" is a must-read for anyone intrigued by the shadowy world of espionage and covert operations. Jacobsen's dedication to research, combined with her skillful storytelling, makes this book a compelling and enlightening exploration of one of the CIA's most secretive branches. Whether you agree with the actions depicted or not, this book will undoubtedly leave you with a deeper understanding of the complexities and consequences of modern warfare.

This book walks through the beginning and history of the CIA. It is a very engaging, entertaining, and informative book.

This book makes for an intriguing read, almost like a spy thriller novel. It’s sourced from interviews with participants ,declassified memos, and declassified documents from the National Archives. It’s a history of the CIA and paramilitary units. There was involvement in Viet Nam prior to the 1960s which was new to me. I usually mention a favorite chapter but there a lot of those for me. This is a 5 star, fascinating history of covert ops. Excellent read all the around!

This book is exciting. It starts out very slow but hits the after burner at page 50 or so. Then you won't be able to put the book down. It has all of the excitement of a novel but it is better; it tells a true story. The book is about the special operations cell of the CIA since WWII. A good portion of the material is common knowledge and reported elsewhere. There is also a great deal of new information in it to. The author has done her homework. She has combed through recently declassified records and interviewed various people to create a new untold story of what the CIA has done via direct action. She does focus on one guy who seems like a real life James Bond. His name is William D Waught. This guy does it all. He deserves a movie for sure. I was astonished at the information in the book. After reading this you will learn about secrets of about every conflict since WWII. This book definitely has information not previously mentioned anywhere else. It talks about the US role in catching Carlos the terrorist. The US had a role in taking care of other famous terrorists too. The author dives into what the CIA has done in both Iraq and Afghanistan which will shock everyone. I think every person should read this.

Amazing detail of unpublished history. Excellent substantiation. I served in Vietnam, Light Weapons Infantry, First Infantry Division and I was astounded by what I did not know about covert operations. We only ventured into Cambodia once during my tour and we were immediately chased back across the border by being grossly outnumbered. Now I know why! Great educational yet entertaining book.

I’ve currently got about a 1/3 of the way through, having it as a lunchtime and before bed read, and at this point it’s fair to say it’s a great read so far. A good bit of build up history to the how and why the CIA, paramilitary division and it precursors really lend well to setting up the rest of the book. It sits on the fence for the lions share, which is good as it doesn’t become propaganda, or blurs history. In short, if you’re interested in Intelligence and military history, with explanations behind the wisdom of operations, you’ll not go wrong with this book.

Exceptional book. Provides clarity on how they operate.

Who needs made up conspiracy theories, when what really happens is even more disturbing? If what Annie Jakobsen reports comes close to reality, it would change my perception about the good and the bad guys, insofar that there is no such distinction. There are just fallible guys on either side, who are convinced they are the good ones. And thus there are stories of undisputed heroism. And it makes you wonder, how something right one would want to do, has to be kept secret. But then, thats how propaganda, i.e. casting an alternate reality, works. The book anyway is great work and eye-opening.

Very interesting reading about the CIA operations and some of it's operators! What men these soldiers/operators were; balls as big as softballs and very professional. I really enjoyed this very informative book.

Its a good book about its topic, you will enjoy it for sure, but set your expectations right. You will mostly find old CIA history in it: Korea, Vietnam, some1980/90s missions and a glimpse of the war in Aghanistan. The book kinda concentrates around a predominant CIA operative and that is the most interesting part of this book cause you can track his carrer. Dont expect to find anythign revealing or shocking about modern events in it.