Sleeper Agent | Ann Hagedorn

Sleeper Agent: The Atomic Spy in America Who Got Away

Extended Synopsis

Born in Iowa, educated in the sciences at Columbia University, and described as being "as American as baseball," George Koval was the ultimate secret weapon. In Sleeper Agent, Ann Hagedorn unravels the chilling and historically significant story of an American-born Soviet spy who deeply infiltrated the atom bomb project during World War II. Granted vital security clearances to the top-secret Manhattan Project, Koval covertly passed invaluable classified intelligence to the Soviet Union—information that allowed Soviet scientists to produce an atomic bomb years earlier than US experts ever thought possible.

Despite being one of the most devastatingly successful spies of the twentieth century, Koval's story remained hidden for decades. The FBI only identified his true allegiances several years after he had safely returned to the Soviet Union. His contribution was so pivotal that in 2007, Vladimir Putin posthumously awarded him Russia’s highest civilian honor. Reading like a high-stakes espionage thriller, this meticulously researched account sheds light on a shadowy figure who changed the trajectory of the Cold War and global nuclear armament.

Intended Audience

This gripping true-life thriller is highly recommended for enthusiasts of World War II history, espionage, and true crime. Fans of shows like The Americans and readers of authors such as John le Carré will find themselves completely absorbed by the incredible tradecraft and unbelievable historical reality of Koval's covert operations.

Author Biography

Ann Hagedorn is an acclaimed author and former staff reporter for The Wall Street Journal. Known for her deeply researched and compellingly written narrative nonfiction, she brings forgotten moments of history to vivid life, capturing the intricate details of espionage, crime, and extraordinary human stories.

Accolades & Recognition

• Edgar Award Nominee for Best Fact Crime.
• Hailed as a "historical page-turner of the highest order" by The Wall Street Journal.
• Praised by The New York Times and described as "worthy of John le Carré" by The New York Journal of Books.

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