Edge of Allegiance

By Thomas F. Murphy

A twisting slide down the espionage rabbit-hole. The plot is as intricately wired and as a Cold War missile. It was constructed by one of the CIA's top operatives. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0741427370
• ISBN13: 9780741427373
• Release Date: October 2012
• Publisher: Infinity Publishing (PA)
• Length: 332 Pages
• Weight: 0.90 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.5" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

Espionage, intrigue, humor, drama

Reviewed by Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (6/07) Thomas Murphy's experience in the CIA gives authenticity to his cold war novel "Edge of Allegiance." This is evidenced in the well-developed details of his writing. Murphy understands the predicable cycle of espionage, the hours of surveillance and counter surveillance, the adrenaline rush of danger, the fear of discovery, the suspicion of peers, the drive for promotion and a desire to excel to please the agency brass. Frank Manion, a newly trained CIA agent, is assigned as a case officer to recruit a Russian diplomat to provide classified information to the CIA. Adept and quick thinking Frank soon learns the danger involved in espionage work as he confronts KGB members as well as an undermining current of deceit within the office of CIA headquarters. The mission takes him to countries on three continents before final resolution and closure is reached in the case. It is also obvious that Murphy has an in-depth knowledge and understanding of human nature. His carefully-developed, authentic characters make it easy for the reader to identify with, relate to, despise, or embrace them. His characters include highly intelligent, dedicated, focused agents who are committed to take risks, idealists, willing to sacrifice, and those genuinely concerned for the citizens of our country. Other characters are susceptible to greed, deceit, and misuse of position and power. He allows his characters to become vulnerable, to show their fear, loneliness, boredom, rejection, and the need for affirmation. This careful introduction of his characters sets in motion a complex plot including, interpersonal relationships, suspense, romance, mystery, and drama. Murphy's fast-paced action plot holds the readers attention right up the dramatic, climactic end. The book is both exciting entertainment and an informative narrative, filled with insights into the behind the scenes inner workings of the CIA. "Edge of Allegiance" is going to establish Thomas F. Murphy as a best selling author in the genre of espionage adventure thrillers. I look forward to reading more of CIA Agent Frank Manion.

"Edge of Allegiance", A Cold War Spy Novel

For anyone who enjoys a good spy thriller, "Edge of Allegiance" is a must read. The author has managed to write a book that is not only informative and exciting, but also has a warm, human element. As you progress into the young, newly trained, Frank Manion's handling of agents in denied areas in the cold war era, the narrative reaches a crescendo which makes it impossible to put the book down. Mr. Murphy's attention to detail is such that he places the reader at the very center of the action. His storyline never falters and from beginning to end the reader is compelled to continue on as well. Mr. Murphy has developed the character of Frank Manion to such a point that a sequel covering future Manion assignments and adventures should be just as exciting as "Edge of Allegiance". I, for one, hope this is the case.

Cold War Spy Novel - One of the Best

If you are a fan of le Carré, Greene or Deighton, you will find "Edge of Allegiance" by Thomas F. Murphy not only a wonderful addition to your library of Cold War spy novels but one of the best. Mr. Murphy weaves an intriguing tale of a young, idealistic and talented CIA case officer, Frank Marion, who finds adventure, danger, love and deceit in his assignments ranging from Rio to Moscow. As Frank Marion progresses through his carrier as an intelligence officer, he learns the hard realities of the espionage game as played overseas against the KGB and in the offices of the CIA Headquarters. All characters are real, ordinary, sometimes very complex people who happen to be involved in the often time unsavory and deadly game of intelligence. The plot is fast paced, action packed and accurately guided to the surprising end. I hope Mr. Murphy writes other novels as exciting and interesting as "Edge of Allegiance". I certainly will buy them for pure reading enjoyment.

The Real Deal

"Edge of Allegiance" is a potent mix of Cold War espionage, sordid sex, true love, and tragedy all rolled into a fast-paced story that keeps you turning one page right after the other until you reach the unexpected dramatic ending. It's not a glitzy, overdone, make-believe portrayal of the world of espionage, but a rather down to earth and very nearly realistic account of the "second oldest profession." The story is a captivating and intelligent weave, replete with "good-guy" and "bad-guy" characters, leaving the reader no choice but to dive into its spinning web of intrique. This true-to-life novel is a must read for anyone who has ever wondered what it's like to work for the CIA; and it should be required reading for all new recruits entering the Agency's clandestine service.

Living at the Edge of Allegiance

For all those who were avid readers of the Cold War genre, and for those who may not know about that momentous era, Tom Murphy's recent novel, "Edge of Allegiance", offers an exciting journey through those treacherous times. Murphy's fictional account of a Cold War CIA intelligence officer progressing through his career brings to mind the expression frequently heard, "I love fiction because there one can learn the truth." Murphy has a remarkable talent to tell a complicated tale of intrigue, deception and danger. He is a gifted storyteller who lays out before the reader many plot lines that he skillfully weaves--the total pattern only revealed at the very end of his book. So cleverly drawn together are the many subplots that the reader will be greatly entertained by this story of human passions, failings, and complex motivations. The reader will follow the main character, Frank Manion, to his many assignments, some of which are in Rio, Paris, Budapest, Vienna, Prague and Moscow. Murphy makes great effort to ensure all the local details are accurate, including streets, landmarks, restaurants, menus, etc. This effort contributes to the feel of authenticity behind the story. In "Edge of Allagiance" one of Manion's most harrowing adventures--stranded in Moscow without passport, documents, local currency or any contacts, completely on his own, hunted by the full resources of the Soviet KGB--is guaranteed to make the reader's adrenaline flow. I highly recommend this book. Although fiction, it is an opportunity to learn, for those who don't know, what it was like to have a career as an intelligence agent. One will appreciate the extraordinary service of extraordinary people. Since current history presents new challenges, the intelligence services will continue to need people like Frank Manion and certain of his colleagues. Tom Murphy's characters may be fictional but they represent those real people who were needed in the past and, one hopes, those who are willing to serve in the present and the future. Pat Ward Tucson, AZ