Agent Without a Name

"You never really retire from a life of counterterrorism, international counterfeit rings, and haute cuisine," says Serge Smith. Born in Italy shortly before the start of WW2 to a Russian-Jewish mother, Serge spoke Russian at home, Italia on the streets, and learned German at school. Later, he learned French and English. That set him up for a double life: as a private security consultant and an intelligence asset for select countries around the world. From humble beginnings as a Russian émigré, Serge went from working in secure computer centers to living a high life of danger and intrigue as an undercover agent. Working with Italian, German, British, and other intelligence services in counterterrorism and breaking counterfeit rings across the globe, he became "the guy to call" whenever something needed fixing. In a time when terrorism and organized crime dominated the headlines, Serge forged a life full of sting operations, travel, and fast cars. Agent Without a Name chronicles the life of an international man of mystery. Full of historical intrigue, breakthrough business deals, high-stakes counterterrorism, and international crime-busting during the Cold war era, this memoir, coauthored by William Michael, is Serge Smith's true life story.

Review :
Agent Without a Name by Serge Smith and William Michael The Peppertree Press book review by Philip Zozzaro "The name that we're given becomes us, just as much as our genes, our trials, our habits and our life experiences." Smith was born and raised in Milan, Italy, on the eve of World War II. He was of Jewish heritage on his mother's side, but the danger to his family didn't become apparent until the German occupation began in 1943. The family managed to avoid detection and being rounded up by the SS, but the intense Allied bombing campaign forced them from Milan. This would be the first of many travels for Smith in his adventure-packed existence. Smith's lineage and youthful travels led to his fluency in German, Italian, French, and English. This, coupled with his affability, led him to become acquainted with and to befriend intelligence and law enforcement officials throughout his life. Smith became the man to see regarding consulting and logistics, which often served as cover for vital clandestine work.The life of a spy has often by glamorized in the pages of the dog-eared best seller or emblazoned on the silver screen. In the case of Smith, his story is told in a fairly straightforward manner where no sugarcoating of the rehashed events is needed. The narrative about the man of mystery begins with him unearthing a secret of his own relating to his parentage. This poignant moment highlights the surprises that await the reader with the book's progression. Smith's exploits don't rely on salacious details to garner interest, but there are many amusing anecdotes along the way, from impersonating a movie star to impromptu bodyguard work. This is not your typical spy memoir, and perhaps this is what makes it twice as memorable.RECOMMENDED by the US Review Agent Without a Name is an engaging and accessible look into the extraordinary world of espionage through the eyes of Serge Smith. With its conversational tone, relatable storytelling, and short, digestible chapters, the book offers a refreshing take on the spy memoir genre. Serge's ability to present his incredible experiences in such a down-to-earth way makes the book both captivating and approachable, whether you're a longtime fan of spy stories or new to the genre. It's a must-read for anyone seeking a personal and compelling glimpse into a life lived in the shadows of global intrigue. - Literary Titan, September 2024