A Cesspool of Spies

The year is 1950. The world is in turmoil. The Chinese have invaded Korea, the Cold War is raging, and, at home, a senator accuses the State Department of being riddled with communists.

Under this backdrop, Simon Biggs, son of a coal miner and Navy veteran, is graduating from college on the GI bill. He has dreams of a future far away from the mines.

Bradley Hiram Sullivan, a major in the US Army and Euro Chief of the newly formed Central Intelligence Agency is looking for bright young men – men he can mold – men who are hungry — men who will do anything. Simon Biggs is one of these men, and he will be sent to the ultimate place of international intrigue – Istanbul.

A Cesspool of Spies is the story of Simon and Brad, whose fates, for good or for evil, are destined to be endlessly intertwined.

"An authentic post-war tale of finding purpose in the murkiest of waters. Unlike so many other slick spy thrillers, Watkins’ novel presents a more humanized and humble side of intelligence operatives, while also delivering sharp dialogue, bursts of action, and searing tension, for a multifaceted historical thriller that is both page-turning and emotionally complex." ~SPR, ★★★★½