‘The First Counterspy’, A Tale Pulled From Declassified FBI Files, Holds Relevance Today

As current global tensions echo the Cold War era, with Russia’s recent actions reminiscent of the old Soviet Union, “The First Counterspy: Larry Haas, Bell Aircraft, and the FBI’s Attempt to Capture a Soviet Mole” offers a gripping narrative drawn from J. Edgar Hoovers long-hidden FBI files.

Co-author Walt Pickut, a distinguished freelance writer and the founding editor of the Jamestown Gazette, offers a compelling perspective on this dramatic tale of espionage and personal sacrifice.

“The First Counterspy” (Lyons Press, 2022) delves into the recently declassified, never-before-told story of how the FBI, for the first time, recruited civilian counterspies. Larry Haas, a leading aviation engineer at Bell Aviation, and Leona Franey, head librarian at Bells technical library, were recruited to thwart a Soviet agent embedded in the American aviation industry during World War II.

The riveting book explores the deadly consequences of Soviet vengeance that haunted Haas and his family, culminating in the murder of Haass wife and the prolonged harassment of his daughter, Kay Haas, the books co-author.

“The First Counterspy” is alarmingly relevant today, as it highlights the enduring threat posed by espionage, particularly in light of recent geopolitical maneuvers by Russia. The story serves as both a historical account and a cautionary tale on the camouflage of peace for nations like Russia, which have continued to engage in espionage reminiscent of Soviet tactics.

As readers grapple with modern-day parallels, “The First Counterspy” not only enriches our understanding of history but also underscores the critical need for vigilance against espionage threats today. For those intrigued by espionage tales with an urgent relevance, Pickut’s exploration provides both an eye-opening history lesson and a thriller worthy of attention.