Everyone looked pensive, which is good cover-up for clueless.

It's much different today than it was during the Cold War. The CIA is not the subject of many books anymore. But that might change, because of international terrorism and Red China.

I try to end every chapter with an air of suspense. I try to leave the reader wanting to turn the page.

I've always been fascinated by the Gold Coast. The homes themselves are spectacular, unlike anything you'll see other than in Newport, Bar Harbor or Palm Beach. It's a very special area that, because of local demographics, is not going to survive much longer.

I had a very strong desire to be successful at something.

A lot of our perception of history is influenced by inaccurate movies.

I was trained in Army Intelligence, but spent most of my army career in the infantry. But like many people of my generation, I was very much caught up in the Cold War, and books and movies about espionage.