Mind Games: Top Books About the Psychology of Spying

It doesn’t take a Harvard professor to know that winning often involves a masterful combination of long-term strategies and gray-zone tactics - but often you also need to put yourself inside the mind of your opponent.

Here's a chance to find out how real-life spies get the job done with some of SPYSCAPE’s favorite books about the psychology of espionage.

Psychology books about espionage

1. Call Me God (2019) by Jim Clemente

Former FBI behavioral profiler Jim Clemente’s audiobook is the untold story of a 2002 Washington, D.C. sniper investigation that struck fear in the hearts of everyday citizens for 23 days. It is a fascinating look into the behavioral, ballistic, forensic, and electronic analysis that was vital to cracking the case. FBI agent brothers Jim, a SPYEX consultant, and Tim Clemente, a former FBI counterterrorism expert, take us through the nationwide manhunt.

Mind Games: Top Books About the Psychology of Spying

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It doesn’t take a Harvard professor to know that winning often involves a masterful combination of long-term strategies and gray-zone tactics - but often you also need to put yourself inside the mind of your opponent.

Here's a chance to find out how real-life spies get the job done with some of SPYSCAPE’s favorite books about the psychology of espionage.

Psychology books about espionage

1. Call Me God (2019) by Jim Clemente

Former FBI behavioral profiler Jim Clemente’s audiobook is the untold story of a 2002 Washington, D.C. sniper investigation that struck fear in the hearts of everyday citizens for 23 days. It is a fascinating look into the behavioral, ballistic, forensic, and electronic analysis that was vital to cracking the case. FBI agent brothers Jim, a SPYEX consultant, and Tim Clemente, a former FBI counterterrorism expert, take us through the nationwide manhunt.

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2.
How Spies Think by David Omand (2020)

The former head of Britain’s code-breaking GCHQ spy agency explores the methodology used by intelligence agents to reach complex judgments in How Spies Think. David Omand offers 10 top lessons ranging from situational awareness and avoiding manipulation to subversion and sedition.

3. Risk-taker, Spy Maker: Tales of a CIA Case Officer (2020) by Barry Broman

Joining the CIA after fighting in Vietnam as a Marine, Barry Broman was twice appointed chief of station and supervised an international paramilitary project in support of the Cambodian resistance to Vietnamese invaders. Risk-taker, Spy Maker offers his insight into how CIA case officers separate their ‘normal’ and clandestine lives. Broman also recounts his extraordinary CIA career recruiting spies, chasing drug traffickers, and staying one step ahead of extreme danger. 


Psychology books about espionage

4. The Anatomy of a Spy (2019) by Michael Smith

Why do people put their lives at risk to collect intelligence? Michael Smith draws on interviews with American and international intelligence officers and spies. He creates a layered portrait of why spies spy, what motivates them, and what makes them effective.

5. License to Parent (2021) by Christina and Ryan Hillsberg

License to Parent is part child-psychology and partly a practical guide to raising savvy, well-rounded children with the skills necessary to navigate through life. Former CIA officers Christina and Ryan Hillsberg offer a practical guide for parents wanting to teach their children important life skills including conflict resolution, effective communication, and life skills.

6. Clarity in Crisis: Leadership Lessons from the CIA (2021) by Marc Polymeropoulos

Meet your next crisis head-on by using the hard-earned strategies and core principles of Marc Polymeropoulos, a highly decorated operations officer with the CIA. Polymeropoulos has had to live with the consequences of decisions made under the most high-stress circumstances imaginable as a senior field officer.


Psychology books about espionage


7. You're Lying! (2015) by Lena Sisco

Lena Sisco is a former Department of Defense interrogator at Guantanamo Bay and a SPYEX consultant trained in detecting deception, interrogation, tactical questioning, and cross-cultural communication. You’re Lying will help readers in any profession or circumstance master the skills needed to take control of a situation.

8. A Spy for All Seasons (1997) by Duane R. Clarridge

Duane Clarridge founded the CIA’s counterterrorism center in the 1980s and recalls the early days of his battle against non-state terrorist groups. By describing how Abu Nidal was defeated, Clarridge offers his fascinating insights into the subtle analysis of counterterrorism professionals.


Psychology books about espionage

9. Boost Your IQ: Tips and Techniques for a Sharper Mind (2018) by Ron Bracey

Would you like to work your mind to its limits? This book will help you boost your IQ, enhance your reasoning powers, and increase your ability to absorb and analyze information. With a range of engaging exercises, you’ll soon learn how to maximize the power of your brain to peak efficiency.

10. Agent of Influence (2019) by Jason Hanson

Spies communicate in code and employ a range of techniques to survive in diverse environments. To be effective they must also be business savvy, however. They must know how to successfully persuade others. Agent of Influence will show you how to accomplish that goal.


Psychology books about espionage


11. The Truth About Lies (2021) by Aja Raden

The Truth About Lies illustrates situations where we are better off lying - both to ourselves and others - and why it can be a healthy psychological mechanism. Some of us are stunned to realize we’ve been deceived. We can’t believe we were fooled and wonder what we were thinking. Now you can find out why and what to do about it.

12. The FBI Way (2021) by Frank Figliuzzi 

Frank Figliuzzi oversaw sensitive FBI internal inquiries and performance audits. The former head of counterintelligence now reveals the Bureau's field-tested playbook for unlocking individual and organizational excellence. You can also listen to Figliuzzi’s fascinating True Spies podcast here.

Psychology books about espionage

13. The Dictionary of Body Language (2018) by Joe Navarro

Former FBI agent and bestselling author Joe Navarro offers a field guide companion to his classic What Every Body is Saying, revealing more than 400 essential body language indicators. Moving from head to toe, Navarro explains the hidden meaning behind conscious and subconscious movements.

14. Gray Day (2019) by Eric O’Neill

Senior FBI counterintelligence officer Robert Hanssen was a KGB double agent. Eric O’Neill was the FBI rookie assigned to bring Hanssen down. This real-life story is a tension-packed stew of power, paranoia, and psychological manipulation. The SPYEX consultant also shares his dramatic tale in our True Spies podcast Gray Suit & The Ghost.

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