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Damascus Station: A Novel Hardcover – October 5, 2021

by David McCloskey (Author)
4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 8,599 ratings
Editors' pick Best Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
See all formats and editions
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A Financial Times Best Summer Book of 2022
Finalist for the 2022 ITW Thriller Award for Best First Novel
"Damascus Station is the best spy novel I have ever read." ―General David Petraeus, former director of the CIA

A CIA officer and his recruit arrive in war-ravaged Damascus to hunt for a killer in this page-turner that offers the "most authentic depiction of modern-day tradecraft in print." (Navy SEAL sniper and New York Times bestselling author Jack Carr).

CIA case officer Sam Joseph is dispatched to Paris to recruit Syrian Palace official Mariam Haddad. The two fall into a forbidden relationship, which supercharges Haddad’s recruitment and creates unspeakable danger when they enter Damascus to find the man responsible for the disappearance of an American spy.

But the cat and mouse chase for the killer soon leads to a trail of high-profile assassinations and the discovery of a dark secret at the heart of the Syrian regime, bringing the pair under the all-seeing eyes of Assad’s spy catcher, Ali Hassan, and his brother Rustum, the head of the feared Republican Guard. Set against the backdrop of a Syria pulsing with fear and rebellion, Damascus Station is a gripping thriller that offers a textured portrayal of espionage, love, loyalty, and betrayal in one of the most difficult CIA assignments on the planet.

Previous page
  1. Print length
    432 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    W. W. Norton & Company
  4. Publication date
    October 5, 2021
  5. Dimensions
    6.3 x 1.4 x 9.3 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    0393881040
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0393881042
  8. See all details
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Popular Highlights in this book
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Previous page
  1. And there it was, a secret. His mind photographed the moment, as it had for every asset he’d recruited. Once a developmental offers a secret about themselves, he knew, they eventually provide one belonging to their government.
    Highlighted by 132 Kindle readers
  2. “Time to go, Mariam,” she said. “But you remember this. You remember me. A slave outside your gates.”
    Highlighted by 106 Kindle readers
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From the Publisher

Praise for Damascus Station from Diplomatic Courier
Praise for Damascus Station by Jack Carr

Praise for Damascus Station by General David Petraeus

"A master class in spy craft" (People)

Praise for Damascus Station from Alma Katsu

Damascus Station by David McCloskey Moscow X by David McCloskey
Damascus Station: A Novel Moscow X: A Novel
Customer Reviews
4.4 out of 5 stars
8,599
4.5 out of 5 stars
2,718
Price $17.92 $14.63
Also by David McCloskey A CIA officer and his recruit arrive in war-ravaged Damascus to hunt for a killer. A daring CIA operation threatens chaos in the Kremlin. But can Langley trust the Russian at its center?
"I could not put down McCloskey’s gripping spy novel Damascus Station.…A must-read for anyone interested in Syria or espionage." ―Clarissa Ward, CNN chief international correspondent "With chilling Cold War era intrigue set against a fantastic modern plot, Moscow X is a jaw-dropper from start to finish. David McCloskey is the new John le Carré." ―Brad Thor, #1 New York Times best-selling author of Dead Fall

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A truly sensational read! In fact, Damascus Station is the best spy novel I have ever read. David McCloskey experienced Syria firsthand as a CIA analyst, and he delivers a thrilling, graphic, gripping, and realistic―albeit fictional―portrayal of the CIA and the bloody, tragic Syrian uprising. I lived this extraordinarily frustrating episode in Agency history, and I could not put this book down."
― General David Petraeus, US Army (Ret.), former director of the CIA, and former commander of the Surge in Iraq, US Central Command, and International and US Forces in Afghanistan

"The nightmare of the Syrian civil war is vividly portrayed by David McCloskey in Damascus Station. He captures the places and people―and most of all, the sickening feeling in the gut―of this war that shattered poor Syria while America mostly watched. As a former CIA officer, McCloskey gets the details right―not just the little ones about mistimed clocks on the wall at Headquarters but the big ones about trying to keep faith with people in a faithless business. This isn’t just a realistic spy novel, it’s real life."
― David Ignatius, columnist for the Washington Post and author of The Paladin

"Damascus Station tells the tragic story of Syria's descent into chaos and the price paid by its people during the Assad regime's brutal crackdown. The power of this book is that it tells this devastating story through the eyes of those who suffered and survived because of love, the human relationship, and the power of what makes life worth living."
― Leon E. Panetta, former Director of the CIA and former secretary of defense

"[A] gripping, well-written page turner that is part-thriller, part-love story, part-spy tale, and part-historical fiction concerning Syria and the Arab Spring. Any one of those elements on their own makes it well worth reading; the combination makes it compelling."
― Foreign Policy

"[An] exciting spy thriller."
― Washington Post

"Damascus Station is simply marvellous storytelling...a stand-out thriller and essential reading for fans of the genre."
― Financial Times

"[T]his propulsive thriller is at once a master class in spy craft and a poignant story of forbidden love set during the brutal Syrian civil war."
― People

"An ex-CIA spook has written one of the best and most authentic spy thrillers in years."
― The Times

"I'm a fan of spy thrillers, and I just read the best one I've consumed in decades …. I’ve never known a writer as good at the spy novel as John LeCarre, but McCloskey approaches. We're watching the emergence of a remarkable talent."
― Nick Kristof, On the Trail with Nick Kristof

"[T]ruly one of the finest entries into the modern spy thriller genre. In a field groaning with ludicrous plots, absurd characters, and laughable “espionage,” McCloskey―a former CIA analyst―has crafted a book that goes back to the roots of what makes a spy thriller great, the spying."
― Diplomatic Courier

"[A] swift dive into the lethal, nebulous world of CIA operations in the Middle East…Damascus Station is a breathless ride."
― SpyTalk

"An extremely effective modern espionage novel, filled with action and incident but also a profound knowledge of the people and factions of Syria, the complex maneuvers of spycraft, the gray areas, competing egos and overlapping priorities that make every day a journey through the minefield….[A] dazzling debut."
― Neil Nyren, Booktrib

"A volatile mix of traditional espionage plotlines intertwined with a modern level of violence that had me flipping pages until the early morning hours."
― Best Thriller Books

"[A]n uncommonly gripping first novel....Damascus Station combines an insider’s account of tradecraft―detailed enough to satisfy the most demanding geeks―with compassion for the Syrian people, outrage at the Assad regime, and an up-to-the-minute old-fashioned love story."
― First Things

"Damascus Station is a great espionage novel."
― The Cipher Brief

"This superb debut from a former CIA Analyst is one of the most striking spy novels since Mick Herron’s magnificent Slow Horses in 2010."
― The Daily Mail

"The most realistic and authentic depiction of modern-day tradecraft in nonpermissive and hostile environments you will find in print. I am shocked the CIA’s Publication Review Board allowed David McCloskey’s Damascus Station to see the light of day. Read it now, before it is banned!"
― Jack Carr, Navy SEAL sniper and New York Times best-selling author of The Devil's Hand

"For an authentic representation of what it’s like to work in intelligence, look no further than Damascus Station. McCloskey has captured it all: the breathtaking close calls, the hand in glove of tech and ops, the heartbreaking disappointments, the thrill of a hard-won victory."
― Alma Katsu, author of Red Widow and former CIA and NSA analyst

"A sweeping spy thriller packed with tension, twists, and true-to-life detail. There’s no doubt that McCloskey is a CIA veteran."
― Karen Cleveland, New York Times best-selling author of Need to Know

"From an exfiltration gone awry to a stunning endgame, Damascus Station takes the reader on a breathtaking journey in war-torn Syria. McCloskey delivers a thrilling page-turner that is marked by his exceptional understanding of the country and matched by his sophistication in the ways of CIA tradecraft."
― Dan Hoffman, former Chief of CIA Middle East Operations and three-time Chief of Station

"Damascus Station is simply intoxicating. A vortex of love, loyalty, murder and damn good espionage."
― Don Hepburn, former CIA Chief of Station

"[An] exhilarating debut.…McCloskey portrays the brutal inner functioning of the Assad regime, as well as the CIA’s occasional ineptitude, while detailing such elements of spy craft as avoiding tails, maximizing dead drops, and operating safe houses. Refreshingly, as shown in the relationship between Sam and Mariam, he dares to be sentimental. Espionage fans will eagerly await his next."
― Publishers Weekly (starred review)

About the Author

David McCloskey is the author of the novels Damascus Station and Moscow X. He’s a former CIA analyst and a former consultant at McKinsey & Company. While at the CIA, he worked in field stations across the Middle East. He lives in Texas.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ W. W. Norton & Company; First Edition (October 5, 2021)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 432 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0393881040
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0393881042
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.3 x 1.4 x 9.3 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 8,599 ratings

About the author

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David McCloskey

David McCloskey

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David McCloskey is a former CIA analyst and consultant at McKinsey & Company. While at the CIA, he wrote regularly for the President’s Daily Brief, delivered classified testimony to Congressional oversight committees, and briefed senior White House officials, Ambassadors, military officials, and Arab royalty. He worked in CIA field stations across the Middle East. During his time at McKinsey, David advised national security, aerospace, and transportation clients on a range of strategic and operational issues. David holds an M.A. from the Johns Hopkins School for Advanced International Studies, where he specialized in energy policy and the Middle East. He lives in Texas with his wife and three children.

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
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Top reviews from the United States

Charles E. Brown
5.0 out of 5 stars Thrilling Depths and Intricate Turns: A Five-Star Journey Through 'Damasus Station
Reviewed in the United States on March 10, 2024
Verified Purchase
"Damasus Station" by David McCloskey is a masterful blend of intrigue, suspense, and vivid storytelling that left me completely enthralled from beginning to end. McCloskey has a unique talent for crafting a richly detailed and fast-paced narrative, making it impossible to put the book down. The characters are meticulously developed, each playing a crucial role in the unfolding drama, showcasing the author's deep understanding of human nature and the complexities of the world he has created.

The setting of Damasus Station is brilliantly realized, immersing readers in a world that is at once familiar and utterly fascinating. The plot is a complex web of secrets, betrayals, and unexpected twists that keeps you guessing until the stunning conclusion. McCloskey's writing is sharp, clear, and evocative, drawing you deeper into the story with every page.

What sets this book apart is the thrilling storyline, well-crafted world, and underlying themes that provoke thought and discussion long after the last page is turned. It's a rare book that combines such a compelling narrative with profound insights into the human condition.

In conclusion, "Damasus Station" is an exceptional read that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for an entertaining and intellectually stimulating book. David McCloskey has proven himself to be a powerhouse of storytelling, and this book is a testament to his skill and creativity. Five stars are hardly enough to do justice to this remarkable work.
2 people found this helpful
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K Walker
4.0 out of 5 stars Good, not great. Big plot hole in the middle
Reviewed in the United States on January 13, 2024
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I enjoyed reading this book, it’s a fun ride. It evokes Damascus well and the discussion of Syrian politics is interesting. BUT there is a major plot hole that really annoyed me. Can’t say what it is, would be a spoiler. But you’ll recognise it when it happens
One person found this helpful
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Joshua A. McGuoirk
5.0 out of 5 stars International Intrigue.
Reviewed in the United States on January 13, 2024
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David McCloskey takes readers on a thrilling journey through the world of international intrigue in "Damascus Station," featuring the relentless CIA Case Officer Sam Joseph. In this gripping espionage tale, Joseph is tasked with unraveling the mystery behind the disappearance of an American spy, and the narrative spans from the romantic streets of Paris to the enigmatic alleys of Damascus.

The strength of "Damascus Station" lies in McCloskey's meticulous attention to detail and his ability to create a palpable atmosphere of tension and suspense. As Sam Joseph dives headfirst into the intricate world of intelligence, readers are treated to a rollercoaster of twists and turns that keep them guessing until the very end.

One of the standout elements of the novel is the character of Sam Joseph himself. A seasoned CIA operative with a complex past, Joseph is portrayed with a depth that goes beyond the stereotypical spy archetype. His flaws, vulnerabilities, and unwavering determination make him a compelling protagonist whose every move is as calculated as it is unpredictable.

The addition of Mariam Haddad, the Syrian Palace official recruited by Joseph, adds a layer of complexity to the narrative. McCloskey deftly weaves their alliance, highlighting the challenges of navigating alliances in a world where trust is a rare commodity. The chemistry between Joseph and Haddad adds a human element to the story, transforming it from a mere spy thriller into a tale of personal sacrifice and resilience.

As the duo traverses the cultural and political landscapes of Paris and Damascus, the novel delves into the intricate dance between intelligence agencies and the delicate balance of power in the Middle East. McCloskey's vivid descriptions bring each setting to life, immersing the reader in the sights, sounds, and smells of these exotic locales.

"Damascus Station" is a triumph in the espionage genre, seamlessly blending action, suspense, and a touch of romance. David McCloskey's storytelling prowess is on full display, making this novel a must-read for fans of intelligent and intricately plotted spy fiction.
One person found this helpful
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Dookie
5.0 out of 5 stars Realistic Tradecraft, Plot, & Setting
Reviewed in the United States on January 19, 2023
Verified Purchase
I was looking for a modern spy novel a few days back. Something with a realistic story, setting, characters, and indepth knowledge of the HUMINT gathering world. Preferably CIA but I'd have settled for MI5. And I almost did when I downloaded and read a demo for La Carre's first novel. But its story & writing were too dated for my current appetite. Maybe I'll return to him. Luckily, I took a final look at other options and was delighted to have found Damascus Station. It appeared to check all the boxes of my previously stated criteria. What sealed the deal were the recommendations from Jack Carr, David Petraeus, and Leon Panetta. I love Carr's Terminal List specifically.

And Damascus Station did not disappoint. The recommendations were spot on. Modern day spy thriller, CIA, real tradecraft, real setting, and mimicking current foreign affairs with a believable plot that may as well have been a true story. McCloskey's first novel also delivered romance, drama, action, and comedy with wonderfully developed characters.

The tradeceaft was described in such detail as to be a training manual for Case Officer recruits to the Farm. However, without being mind numbingly tedious like real agents being taught SDRs and dead drops from their respective operatives.

I highly recommend this novel to anyone interested in a good tale. It has all the ingredients of an incredible story. And if you're looking for a great spy thriller this is a must read.
7 people found this helpful
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Tonet
4.0 out of 5 stars Written for a Movie
Reviewed in the United States on March 5, 2023
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Authentic detail on tradecraft in the context of the civil war in Syria. At least some characters are so accurately bizarre that they must be based on real people. Some plot holes, with at least three unlikely gun fights in public areas. Already reads like a potential movie screenplay, ready for a future director to pick up.

Not a classic espionage tale in the subtle style of Le Carrè or McCarry. But it's not the Cold War anymore, so author McCloskey is filling a new space, a more vivid, more outspoken spy genre. Overall, an engaging, satisfying read, fast and compressed.
2 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Good read
Reviewed in Canada on October 14, 2023
Verified Purchase
Apart from an unrealistic romantic entanglement it's well written and an exciting read. I look forward to Moscow X. Recommended!
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SWCampbell
5.0 out of 5 stars Well recommended by spy chief.
Reviewed in France on May 12, 2024
Verified Purchase
The recommendation lead me to obtain it.
It is an easy read, it hooks you early, so you need to turn the next page.
I will try the other book to see if the style and subject matter continues.
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joseph
5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent read. Written by someone who knows their subject.
Reviewed in Germany on May 10, 2024
Verified Purchase
I really enjoyed this book. Good story, well told by someone who has experience of the reality of the hidden world of the intelligence services.
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valerio fallucca
5.0 out of 5 stars Capolavoro
Reviewed in Italy on March 17, 2024
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Una delle spy stories più belle mai lette. Trama intrigante, attuale , ritmo. Capolavoro
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Piyush Shah
5.0 out of 5 stars Quick delivery
Reviewed in India on January 1, 2024
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I like to read such thriller books. Thanks.
One person found this helpful
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