Red Cell
An Inside Account of America's Most Covert War
By: Andrew Bustamante, Jihi Bustamante
A thrilling firsthand account by the husband-and-wife operatives who rebuilt the CIA's most important network of sources in Asia after its sudden collapse in 2010--an intelligence disaster that the United States has parlayed into a new, cutting-edge form of spycraft. Andrew and Jihi Bustamante were a "tandem couple": a husband-and-wife spy duo whose lives revolved around the CIA. They met as trainees at Langley and built a family together while hunting terrorists across the globe. But in 2010, they were pulled off the anti-terrorism desk for an even bigger assignment: to head to Asia, where the CIA's spy network in "the Empire"--one of America's most formidable rivals--had recently vanished, dismantled practically overnight in a series of brutal murders and quiet disappearances. With the CIA's most important Asian spy network in ashes, the United States had been thrust into darkness just as its competition with the Empire was entering a new, even more dangerous phase. With its back against the wall, the CIA had tapped the Bustamantes. Although not regional experts, they brought to the table a granular understanding of how terrorist cells operate, and how to take them out. Now, along with a rag-tag team of CIA operatives, they set about building a cell of their own--right at the heart of Imperial power. The pressure on the Bustamantes was intense: it was only a matter of time before America's intelligence blackout led to a wider cataclysm. As they were racing against the clock, a mole deep within the U.S. intelligence community threatened their entire operation, leading to a dramatic cat-and-mouse game on the heavily surveilled streets of the Imperial capital. The thrilling, untold tale of one of history's greatest intelligence failures and the unlikely band of agents who were sent in to clean up the mess, Red Cell is also the tale of how a couple of outside-the-box thinkers pioneered a bold new way of spying--one that today has been adopted throughout the CIA, and which is positioning the United States to meet the national security challenges of the next century. A story so secret it still can't be told in full, Red Cell allows us to peer behind the curtain to see how one of the biggest spy wars in the world is currently being fought--and won.
AI Overview
"Shadow Cell: An Insider Account of America's New Spy War" by Andrew Bustamante and Jihi Bustamante is a forthcoming book that promises to offer a thrilling firsthand account of the new spy war in America. Here is a comprehensive overview based on available information:
Key Themes
- Spy War Insights: The book is expected to provide an insider's perspective on the latest developments in espionage and counter-intelligence within the United States.
- CIA Operations: As a firsthand account by ex-CIA operatives, it likely delves into the inner workings of the CIA and its strategies in the modern spy war.
- Marital Collaboration: The husband-and-wife authors bring a unique perspective, possibly highlighting how their collaboration and shared experiences have shaped their understanding of espionage.
Plot Summary
The exact plot summary is not available as the book has not yet been published. However, based on the title and the authors' background, it is likely to cover various aspects of modern espionage, including:
- New Tactics and Strategies: The book might discuss the evolving tactics and strategies employed by intelligence agencies in the face of new threats.
- Personal Experiences: The authors' personal experiences as ex-CIA operatives could provide a detailed and intimate look at the world of espionage.
- Operational Insights: It may include insights into specific operations, the challenges faced, and the successes achieved in the new spy war.
Critical Reception
Given that the book has not yet been published, there are no formal reviews available. However, the description on Goodreads suggests that it is anticipated to be a thrilling account:
- Goodreads Description: "A thrilling firsthand account by husband-and-wife ex-CIA operatives."
One review on Goodreads by Alex Helm, dated February 28, 2025, mentions the CIA in a negative light but does not specifically address "Shadow Cell":
- Review Quote: "the CIA is evil" (from Alex Helm's review of another book, not specifically "Shadow Cell").
Additional Context
Andrew Bustamante and Jihi Bustamante are also involved in a business called EverydaySpy, where they share skills and strategies learned from their CIA experience to help individuals overcome challenges and achieve success. This background could influence the tone and content of "Shadow Cell," potentially making it more accessible and engaging for a broader audience.
In summary, while detailed plot and critical reception are not available, "Shadow Cell" is expected to offer a unique and thrilling insider's account of America's new spy war, leveraging the authors' extensive experience in the CIA.