NPR's Book of the Day 'The Persian' is a spy thriller written by former CIA analyst David McCloskey
Oct 15, 2025
David McCloskey dives into the world of espionage with his latest spy thriller, expertly timed with real-life events in the Israel-Iran conflict. He reveals how his CIA background enriches his storytelling, blending authenticity with fiction. Surprisingly, he discusses the CIA's review process for his drafts, including unexpected redactions. McCloskey also explores Mossad's unique operations without diplomatic cover and hints at his next novel, which will examine the complexities of the US-UK relationship and potential espionage.
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Fiction Mirrors Ongoing Shadow Wars
- David McCloskey wrote The Persian before the recent Israel–Iran clash but the book parallels real events closely.
- He focuses on the shadow war beneath overt conflicts to capture enduring dynamics between Tel Aviv and Tehran.
Real Operations Feed Novel Openings
- McCloskey embedded real operations into his novel, including an assassination using a remote-operated robotic machine gun.
- He changed characters and places but kept operational sequences drawn from actual events.
Reality Provides The Wildest Plotlines
- McCloskey draws heavily on his CIA experience to depict intelligence officers authentically in fiction.
- He finds reality often supplies 'bones' of stories that make spy novels almost unnecessary to embellish.
