"Pigeon photographers, submarine-hunting dolphins, and an Acoustic Kitty: Spy Tails proves that the truth of the spy business is always stranger than spy fiction. Mohr and Sandel deliver a meticulously researched, genuinely surprising account of how spy agencies turned to the animal kingdom for capabilities no human could match. Anyone curious about spycraft or the remarkable abilities of animals will find it hard to put down. A delight from first page to last." 

– David McCloskey, former CIA analyst and Sunday Times bestselling author of London Station

“The story of this incredible clandestine menagerie, documented in Spy Tails by Brandon Mohr and Mark Sandel, will astound seasoned intelligence officers and delight true-espionage readers. Spy Tails’ comprehensive survey reveals the remarkably diverse capabilities of animals to secretly collect information as well as conduct lethal operations…. A thoughtful, balanced perspective insisting on proper respect for animal life in all forms, especially when national security is at stake.”

– Robert Wallace, Retired CIA Director of Technical Service, author of Spycraft: The Secret History of the CIA’s Spytechs from Communism to al-Qaeda

Despite the punny title, Spy Tails is a serious original work of intelligence history, current analysis, and futuristic scenarios that avoids sensationalism to present a detailed account of efforts to use animals for intelligence purposes and a probing assessment of the ethical and practical issues arising from fauna warfare in testing and deployment. Leveraging a wide variety of accessible sources with exemplary professionalism and an insider's acumen, intelligence analysts Mohr and Sandel get the scholarship, terminology, tradecraft, and technology right in creating what should be a standard history of this fascinating subject.

– Paul Hollingsworth, President of the Association of Former Intelligence Officers

"With ambitious scope and diligent fact finding, Spy Tails is a great read that ticks all the boxes – history, animal biology, and ethics, delivered with well-honed penmanship. In a world where birds, dogs, cats, and even insects are potential intelligence assets, only the truth can be this strange . . . or lessons for the future so compelling. Making room for the hard question of animal well-being and technological advances, the authors pave the way for doing spycraft better."

– Susan G. Friedman, Ph. D., Founder of Behavior Works Zoo School

"In Spy Tails, the authors have beautifully captured the creativity and audacity of the Intelligence Community as it expanded the boundaries of technical and operational tradecraft. This book is a celebration of American ingenuity and the surprising partners, human and animal, that have helped us keep our nation safe."

– Mary Flammang, former CIA Chief of Targeting (retired)

“Spy Tails is a fascinating, well-researched look at the remarkable creativity that has always been part of intelligence work. From dolphins to robotic dogs, the stories are engaging and surprising, and the authors' well-placed humor and puns make reading even more enjoyable. If this is what has now been revealed, just imagine what stories are still waiting to be told.”

– J.C. Lintzenich, Colonel, U.S. Army Military Intelligence (Retired), Former Senior Advisor to the Director of National Intelligence

“This well-written and well-researched book is more than just a good read. Exposing the history of the use and abuse of animals by spy agencies that took off during the Cold War and continues to the present, Spy Tails is packed with incredible true stories, some sad, some funny, some infuriating, but all fascinating. Fair warning: after reading this book, you’ll never feel the same when you notice your pet staring with ears turned towards you!”

– Dave Lindorff, Izzy Award-winning author of Spy for No Country

"Highly recommend this volume for intelligence enthusiasts wanting more than just entertaining vignettes, though the pieces are indeed entertaining. Carefully placed within the context of the arts of espionage, and with due regard to animal behavior, we learn about birds, so-called combat dolphins and other sea creatures, various terrestrial mammals, even robots masquerading as animals. Training animals for war has a long history, and training animals for espionage is an integral part of that history. These thoroughly documented reviews cover well-known historical uses as well as more bizarre experiments with animals in espionage, counterespionage, and deception."

– Dr. Barry Zulauf, Georgetown University, President Emeritus of IAFIE