Corera’s real-life thriller tells the story of Vasili Mitrokhin, a K.G.B. archivist turned dissident, who used his unusual access to classified documents to expose state secrets. While the race to extricate the increasingly imperiled Mitrokhin from the Soviet Union is exciting, it’s Corera’s treatment of one man’s internal journey that really raises the stakes.

– The New York Times

"More than most Cold War thrillers, this true story offers genuine suspense—and genuine insight into Mitrokhin’s complex motivations. Mr. Corera is well-versed in the cloak-and-dagger world. His experience with the material lends weight to a thoroughly engrossing tale."

– The Wall Street Journal

“Corera conveys the dedication and uncertainty Mitrokhin faced and the discipline to carry on when hopes of publishing his horrific findings were extremely low. He deftly tells Mitrokhin’s life story and illuminates the valuable intelligence he brought to the West in a compelling narrative about standing up for justice and against tyranny.”

– Booklist, starred review

"Journalist Corera’s account is the kind of real-life espionage on which John le Carré based his spy novels. It is to Corera’s credit that he brings a journalist’s detailed narrative to historical events. A true-life spy thriller in relentlessly gruesome detail."

– Kirkus Reviews

“Novelistic and deeply researched, this propulsive account is a must for readers with a taste for espionage.”

– Publishers Weekly

"Corera, a former security correspondent for the BBC, tells the enthralling story of Vasili Mitrokhin, an unsuccessful Soviet spy whom the KGB demoted in 1956 to the role of archivist. Corera’s narrative traces Mitrokhin’s evolution from poor peasant boy to loyal KGB officer to passionate anti-KGB crusader and details his family’s exfiltration to Britain by MI6.”

– Foreign Affairs

“I’m a sucker for Cold War spy stories and The Spy in The Archive: How One Man Tried To Kill The KGB, by Gordon Corera, is a belter. A fascinating, gripping journalistic account of how a grey KGB archivist, and British asset, Vasili Mitrokhin literally stole the Kremlin's secrets from under their noses and passed then to MI6. The ultimate grey man whose impact is still felt today. Gripping.”

– Neil Lancaster, Daily Express

Praise for Gordon Corera:

"Few are better versed in the intricacies of the continuing spy war between East and West.”

– Ben Macintyre, The Times (London)

"A lively and engrossing account of the FBI’s decade-long counterintelligence operation. Corera correctly notes that the U.S. and UK were slow to appreciate Russia’s malign intent once Putin became president. Offers a persuasive account of how Moscow had adapted its espionage toolkit. A compelling book that combines good storytelling with subtle understanding of spy methods old and new.”

– Luke Harding, The Observer

"An engrossing history of the dark side of the information revolution. Corera casts his net widely and makes it clear that America is the leader in the battle, as well as the most vulnerable. A convincing argument.”

– Kirkus Reviews

"Riveting. Making use of excellent sources, Corera has produced a highly relevant read that addresses the key debate in intelligence gathering—the balance between privacy and security.”

– The Sunday Times (London)

"More than most Cold War thrillers, this true story offers genuine suspense—and genuine insight into Mitrokhin’s complex motivations. Mr. Corera is well-versed in the cloak-and-dagger world. His experience with the material lends weight to a thoroughly engrossing tale."

– The Wall Street Journal