The Terminal Spy: A True Story of Espionage, Betrayal and Murder

In this heart-pounding tale that will captivate your ears like a gripping thriller, an award-winning journalist peels back the disturbing truth behind the world's first act of nuclear terrorism. Picture this: On a fateful day in November 2006, Alexander Litvinenko sat down for a cup of tea at London's Millennium Hotel. Little did he know that his life was about to take a dark turn. As a Russian émigré and former intelligence officer, Litvinenko had been an outspoken critic of Russian president Vladimir Putin. And so, just hours after that innocuous tea, he fell dangerously ill and was hurried to the hospital. Tragically, the cause of his rapidly deteriorating health was a rare radioactive isotope cleverly slipped into his drink. As his life hung in the balance, Litvinenko made an abrupt and shocking deathbed declaration, pointing the finger directly at Putin for orchestrating his murder. Alan S. Cowell, the former London Bureau Chief of the New York Times and a key reporter on the ground from the start, masterfully weaves together the definitive account of this assassination and the global ramifications that followed, all in a narrative that will leave you on the edge of your seat. But who exactly was Alexander Litvinenko? What had transpired in Russia since the end of the Cold War that made his existence there not only unbearable but also perilous, even in the safe haven of England? And how did his life ultimately come to an end? The unique story of Alexander Litvinenko, filled with intrigue and danger, unfolds before you, culminating in an event that sent shockwaves through Western governments. The ease with which radioactive materials were used in a major Western city to commit such a heinous crime set off alarm bells. Yet, this tale is not just about a single man's life. It delves into a multitude of critical issues: the reemergence of authoritarianism in Russia, the resurgence of the KGB within the walls of the Kremlin, the dangers of a new cold war driven by Russia's vast oil wealth, and Vladimir Putin's insatiable hunger for power. Cowell, armed with his impeccable research and access to exclusive sources from across the globe, skillfully reconstructs the gripping narrative of Litvinenko's demise and the complexities surrounding his murder. With meticulous detail, he traces the trail of polonium, a deadly substance, from Russia's secretive nuclear cities through the streets of Moscow and Hamburg, all the way to the Millenium Hotel in the heart of London. Along the way, Cowell reveals the shocking truth behind the assassins' bungled attempts on Litvinenko's life and uncovers a conspiracy that may have targeted more than just one man. Prepare to be immersed in a world where tycoons, spies, and killers maneuvered through the tumultuous landscape of 1990s Russia. And brace yourself for the influx of émigrés flocking to London, earning it the moniker "Londongrad." In this book, Cowell brilliantly lays out the events that allowed an alleged killer to evade justice, all while delicate diplomatic dances unfolded to save face for authorities in both London and Moscow. Brace yourself for an astonishing journey into one of the most bone-chilling true stories of our time, as Cowell's investigative prowess shines through, offering unparalleled insights into this gripping tale.

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