Brittany Butler on Joining the CIA, Tradecraft, and Writing True-to-Life Spy Fiction

Brittany Butler on Joining the CIA, Tradecraft, and Writing True-to-Life Spy Fiction

The author of The Patriot's Daughter examines the intersection of espionage and characterization

By Brittany Butler | April 21, 2026

Espionage Book Recommendations From a Former CIA Spy

Espionage Book Recommendations From a Former CIA Spy

Brittany Butler on spy reads and how they hold up to actual intelligence work.

By Brittany Butler | March 21, 2023

Best Reviewed
Books of the Week

  • The Disappearers
  • The Castle: Adventures in a World of Unraveling Men
  • Agrippa
  • Under Story
  • American Scoundrel: Roy Cohn's Dark Journey from Joe McCarthy to Donald Trump
  • The Bed Trick: Sex and Deception on Trial
  • I Liked Rex
  • Asmodeus
  • 53 Days: How Hitler Dismantled a Democracy

  • Support Us!

  • Literary Hub

    Created by Grove Atlantic and Electric Literature


    Masthead

    About

    Sign Up For Our Newsletters

    How to Pitch Lit Hub

    Advertisers: Contact Us

    Privacy Policy

    Support Lit Hub - Become A Member