9800 Savage Road: A Novel of the National Security Agency

By M.E. Harrigan

Book Overview

December, 2000: In a tiny office in the basement of the National Security Agency, a handful of analysts work on a project so secret its existence is known to fewer than a hundred people. They are intercepting Osama bin Laden's every word as he talks on his satellite phone to al Qaeda cells. What he's planning is big--a strike against the U.S.--and they know from the intercepts they'll learn the details any day... any minute. Suddenly, the conversations stop. A Senior Executive is murdered inside the NSA complex, the first in a series of disasters inflicted from both inside and outside the carefully concealed house of spies. Alexandra O'Malley, consummate Intelligence Analyst, must sort through the clues and scramble to stop the escalating crises... but to succeed, she'll have to break all the rules. In 9800 Savage Road , reality and fiction intersect in a terrifying story of the events leading up to 9/11 from deep within the cloistered walls of NSA. M. E. Harrigan delivers the first insider's perspective in NSA's history. She shreds the thick veil of secrecy and explores the thoughts and actions, the dedication and bureaucratic infighting, and the occasional scandals of the hidden workforce. It's a story of betrayal and treachery, courage and loyalty... so real you'll wonder how much is true.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0765317966
• ISBN13: 9780765317964
• Release Date: September 2009
• Publisher: Forge Books
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 1.06 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.5" x 1.1" x 6.4"

Customer Reviews

A Great First Novel - It would make a wonderful movie

Harrigan worked for NSA for thirty seven years. 9800 Savage Road is her first novel and it was great. It was a story of espionage and murder inside the NSA complex and in Afghanistan. It was full of suspense and very believable. I could easily imagine myself in the middle of what was going on. I don't think anyone has ever written a story set inside the NSA which makes the book even more interesting. I would highly recommend it.

9800 Savage Road

I really enjoyed reading this book. At times I had to remind myself that the book is a novel. Some of the things she talked about could so easily be reality especially in the world we now live in--anything is possible. It's hard to believe this is her first book. I hope she writes another one.

Solid action

This is a very gripping novel that rivals the Tom Clancy thrillers. Harrigan takes us from "secure" Washington to the hotbeds in the Near East and back in split seconds, which mirrors the speed of activity in our fast-paced and dangerous world. Great job!!!

No Such Agency

I am not a particularly avid reader, but I could not put this book down. I am very interested in non-fiction espionage, and despite the NSA's assertion they do not exist (NSA = NO SUCH AGENCY)I found it rather intriguing this is the first published book by a former employee. It is a thriller from cover to cover. Grips you at the start and leaves you "can't waiting" for the next chapter. I can't wait for the movie. Its right up there with Marathon Man. Gary Clark

Compelling story

Ms. Harrigan weaves a murder mystery with international terrorism and far off adventure in a compelling story. This may be the first novel written by an insider of the National Security Agency with substantial information from that reclusive organization. Alexandra O'Malley is a recently promoted senior analyst in the Agency who suddenly finds herself in the middle of dangerous interweaved (dare I say it) plot lines. Murder in the National Security Agency, a CIA operative battling the Taliban, intelligence community infighting, budget cuts; she overcomes all obstacles with her quick thinking and willingness to break hidebound rules to win the day. A splendid book probably easily adapted to a screen play (or two screen plays). I found the book hard to put down. (My last comment: a sequel from the author would be wonderful.)