Beverly Hills Spy: The Double-Agent War Hero Who Helped Japan Attack Pearl Harbor

by Ronald Drabkin

In the spirit of Ben Macintyre’s greatest spy nonfiction, the truly unbelievable and untold story of Frederick Rutland—a debonair British WWI hero, flying ace, fixture of Los Angeles society, and friend of Golden Age Hollywood stars—who flipped to become a spy for Japan in the lead-up to the attack on Pearl Harbor. Frederick Rutland was an accomplished aviator, British WWI war hero, and real-life James Bond. He was the first pilot to take off and land a plane on a ship, a decorated warrior for his feats of bravery and rescue, was trusted by the admirals of the Royal Navy, had a succession of aeronautical inventions, and designed the first modern aircraft carrier. He was perhaps the most famous early twentieth-century naval aviator. Despite all of this, and due mostly to class politics, Rutland was not promoted in the new Royal Air Force in the wake of WWI. This ignominy led the disgruntled Rutland to become a spy for the Japanese government. Plied with riches and given a salary ten times the highest-paid admiral, shuttled between Los Angeles and Tokyo where he lived in large mansions in both Beverly Hills and Yokohama, and insinuating himself into both LA high society and Japan’s high command, Rutland would go on to contribute to the Japanese navy with both strategic and technical intelligence. This included US troop and fleet movements, military preparedness, warplane production, and, ultimately, information and aircraft technology that would allow Japan to attack Pearl Harbor. All this while living a double life, frequenting private California clubs and hosting lavish affairs for Hollywood stars and military dignitaries in his mansion on the Los Angeles Bird Streets. Supported by recently declassified FBI files and by incorporating unique and rare research through MI5 and Japanese Naval archives that few English speakers have access to, author Ronald Drabkin pieces together to completion, for the first time, this stranger-than-fiction story of one of the most fascinating and enigmatic characters of WWI.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, World War II, Biography, Audiobook, Espionage, War

272 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2024

About the author

Beverly Hills Spy was named one of the Best 20 books of February 2024 by Kirkus

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Reviews

[David Crumm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahhh, how our treatment of spies has changed!

For anyone with a serious interest in World War II, it isn't news that the famous WWI British flyer "Rutland of Jutland" turned out to be a Japanese spy based in the U.S. prior to World War II.

I was tempted to give this book 4, rather than 5, stars because I'm annoyed that it claims to "reveal" the story of Frederick Rutland's spying for Japan. In fact, the declassified WWII documents went public some years ago and there's even a 2000 Guardian news story still online about the revelation that the WWI hero acted as a spy in the 1930s. That's more than two decades ago. A lot of the main plot points in Ronald Drabkin's book are outlined in Wikipedia pages on Rutland and on the other infamous Japanese spy Itaru Tachibana, whose story is a significant sub-plot in Drabkin's book.

Apparently, authors who specialize in World War II didn't flock around the declassified Rutland documents—and I think that's a good thing, because Ronald Drabkin is uniquely qualified to write this book. He apparently has specialized in U.S.-Japan espionage issues for many years so he has some authenticity in the field.

The book is written in a breezy magazine style. Drabkin has a taste for name dropping, so we get a bit of Charley Chaplin, a bit of Boris Karloff and some Amelia Earhart as well. In fact, Rutland knew Earhart well enough that he was able to quiz her casually about the latest in Lockheed aviation technology that he was able to pass along to his Japanese spymasters.

Drabkin has done his best to narrate scenes in a cinematic way and I would not be surprised to see this book turned into a feature film. To that end, Drabkin argues that Rutland was not entirely a greedy, self-serving traitor. In a clumsy way, he apparently was trying to warn the U.S. of a looming Japanese attack in 1941. So, there's a possibility that Hollywood could spin the story so that the main character definitely is a misunderstood good guy, all along.

But what really fascinates me about this book is the window it provides into America's and the UK's disastrously "old school" approach to espionage networks in that era. Rutland was so obviously in business with Japanese interests that he was openly traveling back and forth to Asia and, according to Drabkin, some of his American friends were concerned about his chummy relationships overseas. Even when he was "caught," and I don't want to spoil the suspense with further details, but there was an enormous deference paid to a famous British hero of the previous war.

Even the U.S. investigation into Tachibana was so ridiculously handled by the U.S. that, when he finally was caught, American officials preferred to have him quietly return to Japan rather than reveal his spying to the American public. Tachibana got back to Japan in plenty of time to help with the planning for the Pearl Harbor attack.

My one tip is: Don't read the Wikipedia pages before enjoying this book. And don't Google up the press coverage of the release of the classified documents. There are multiple versions of the news online. That would tell you more about Rutland than you probably want to know as you turn the pages of this real-life suspense story.

I read a lot of World War II literature—fiction and nonfiction—and I'm happy to give this slim volume 5 stars. And, yes, I do plan to buy a ticket when the movie version of Beverly Hills Spy eventually comes to a movie theater near my home.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very good book. It is the story of one of the highest decorated British war heroes of WWI. He was known as Rutland of Jutland. He parlayed his fame and innate design capabilities into lucrative contracts with Imperial Japan. He was instrumental in the design of their aircraft and aircraft carriers. Eventually his connections led him to become a spy for Japan while living in Hollywood. He enjoyed the money and prestige and did not care for Americans. He only seemed to find any semblance of a moral compass when it became clear that the Japanese would use his information to attack British interests. By then, the was too well known and too mistrusted by Japanese, Americans, and British and ended up spending the remainder of the war in detention in Britain.

The cast of characters includes Japanese spies in California, the FBI, the ONI, and British intelligence. There are also interesting hints at the Japanese spies operating in Mexico. All in all, it is a well-done book about an often-overlooked part of WWII history. Especially since it is politically correct to deny Japanese operations on the west coast.

If you are interested in spy stories or WWII activities in California, or the shortcomings of the Hoover FBI this is a great book to read.

[Brendan (History Nerds United) · Rating 4 out of 5]

History is littered with people who are masters of rationalization. Ronald Drabkin's Beverly Hills Spy introduces us to another expert in dubious justification, Frederick Rutland. Rutland was a hero of World War I who was a pioneer within naval aviation. From there, every single nice thing you might say about him becomes a bit grayer. A devoted family man? Not if you ask his first wife. A fun part guest? Sure, as long as he gets to be the star. Patriot? Kind of, unless you count the time he spied for the Japanese against the United States right before World War II. Yes, he thought this was perfectly fine since he wasn't spying for the Japanese against Great Britain. The failure in logic was astounding and even Rutland seemed to realize it, but very late in the game.

Rutland's story is very interesting even if you want to wring his next most of the time. Drabkin tells the story very smoothly and his prose is an easy read. The book does seem a bit short and there are a lot of characters. Sometimes Rutland fades into the background and the story suffers a bit. That said, there are certainly worse criticisms than, "I want more." It is highly recommended for World War II buffs who want to read a story they won't find many other places.

(This book was provided as an advance copy by Netgalley and William Morrow.)

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was so intriguing that it was hard to put down. Ronald Drabkin started researching this book as he was poking around in old FBI files about his father who had worked in counterintelligence for the US Army in the 1950’s. His father’s story seemed to overlay with Frederick Rutland, as he was tracking people in the espionage world. The more he looked, the more that interesting information unfolded, and he felt compelled to write a book. In the author’s own words, he is one degree of separation away from most of the characters in this story.



Beverly Hills Spy is about Rutland, a swish WWI hero who came from a poor background and became a sailor then parlayed his experience into helping to develop the first aircraft carriers and then aircraft in Britain. His ability to solve issues and create new methods earned him high praise. He got pushed aside from further military duty because he was power hungry and a seeker of recognition. He bumped against his superiors who were all educated and he was terminated as he didn’t take orders well. With his job prospects dimming, he was contacted by the Japanese who at that time (1920’s) were in England looking to build their navy and build out their air capabilities as they were projecting their future conflicts, mostly with the US.



Rutland becomes an asset to the Japanese as he not only adds technical information, but volunteers to move to California and steal information at the new companies developing planes and military equipment. He works with various Japanese handlers and even starts a business in aircrafts in Japan, all while being financed by the Japanese military.



Rutland is such a fascinating character that at times you wonder how he did what he did! Rutland demands that the Japanese set him up living the high life as a cover. He hobnobs with the rich and famous of the times and works his British side to great effect in Beverly Hills. He befriends powerful players like Charlie Chaplin and Boris Karloff, and he passes himself off as an international businessman.



There is so much great information in this book, and it is also an easy engaging read. I highly recommend it. Great first book Mr Drabkin - keep looking in those declassified files.

[Todd Voter · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun, breezy spy caper that happens to be true.

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

While Beverly Hills Spy is a factually accurate title - Rutland was a spy and lived in Beverly Hills - it has oversold the Hollywood angle of the biography a little. Of all the players, from England to Japan to the US, only three or so were major film figures (Boris Karlov, Alan Mowbray, and Charlie Chaplin), and the level to which Rutland was actually embedded in the movie colony is swamped by his dealings elsewhere, whether Japan or vis a vis US military interests. That said, the focus on Japan's relationship to the US and GB between the wars is a welcome change from the most well-trodden WWII territory. For folks who are interested in military history and 20th century geopolitics, this is a well-organized, interesting take.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.

[Annie Oortman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Learning in-depth background regarding Japan’s spying operations pre-WWII made “Beverly Hills Spy” a great read. Speculation that the main character—Fredrick Rutland—was the basis for Ian Fleming’s James Bond (Ian appears in this non-fiction book.) was icing on the cake. Details secondary to the main plot grew tedious at times, but the plethora of incredible espionage tidbits sprinkled though out more than made up for the digression.

[Carole Barker · Rating 5 out of 5]

A true story of espionage set against the glamorous backdrops of Japan and Hollywood in the years leading up to World War II.

Once upon a time there was a British man named Frederick Rutland. You may never have heard of him (I certainly never had prior to reading this book), but he was responsible both for many advances in naval aviation and for (perhaps inadvertently) helping ready the Japanese navy to successfully attack Pearl Harbor. Pretty impressive for a man whose story today is not well known, Rutland rose from the lower classes in England to become a celebrated pilot for the British Navy and ultimately the RAF, at a time when most of his fellow pilots were drawn from monied families and elite schools. He was hard working, ambitious, and talented with all manner of mechanics. When the war ended, however, he didn’t end up getting the promotions which he felt he had earned in Britain and was enticed to travel to Japan, where his talents were both appreciated and rewarded. What started out as work sanctioned by his own government morphed over the years into decidedly grey territory. Rutland’s desire to live lavishly reached its pinnacle when he was asked to move to California to observe and report back to Japan what the US Navy was up to with its ships and the nearby airplane manufacturers. By the time it became clear that Japan would in fact enter into war against the US and Great Britain, would Rutland have a change of heart and provide information to those countries to avert a disastrous situation?

What a fascinating story! Frederick Rutland came up with ways to improve planes’ landing gears, design landing decks on aircraft carriers to make landings safer, and other very practical and important innovations that helped advance the capabilities of military aviation. He was at the same time a flawed individual, who developed a taste for being in the spotlight and resented the bigotry he sometimes experienced because of his humble origins. Although generally considered charming in social settings, he could come across as arrogant or condescending in his professional capacity….in fairness, because he often was smarter or more talented than those with whom he worked. Leading Japanese naval and intelligence people were willing to put up with Rutland’s often outrageously expensive demands in return for the very real value he brought to them, and slowly but deliberately pushed him over the line into espionage against the Americans. Rutland justified his actions by saying that (a) he didn’t think that Japan would ever actually go to war against the US, and (b) he wasn’t betraying his own country. While living in California, he and his family lived in a large home in the Hollywood Hills, and numbered among his acquaintances famous actors like Charlie Chaplin, Alan Mobray, and Boris Karloff, as well as people like Amelia Earhart and banker Eisuke Ono (who had a daughter named Yoko). Ian Fleming and J Edgar Hoover pop up too….quite the Who’s Who list! The various US intelligence agencies of the day were not good about working together and sharing information, and just as those rivalries and antipathies contributed to the successful attacks on 9/11 so did they play a factor in missed opportunities in those earlier years both by not uniformly acknowledging the threat to the US posed by Japan (the FBI felt that Nazis and Russian-sympathizing communists were the real dangers, while some in naval intelligence were very concerned about Japan) and in keeping information from one another. The same was true in England, and matters were further exacerbated by the British not wanting to reveal the embarrassing fact that one of their own war heroes was working against the US for Japan. The world knows how this situation ended on December 7, a941….facts revealed in this book make the reader wonder if only certain things had or had not been done, had information been shared and believed, might that attack have been averted? Fans of Ben Macintyre, Alexander Rose and Giles Whittell might find this book to be of interest, as should those who enjoy espionage stories real or fictional. The author speculates that Rutland might even have been one of the inspirations for James Bond, so Ian Fleming fans take note. Beverly Hills Spy is well written, the story moves along at a good clip, and Rutland is presented in a way that neither whitewashes his misdeeds nor condemns him completely for what he did and, perhaps more importantly, what he tried to do. Many thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for allowing me access to an early copy of this intriguing addition to the canon of spy stories.

[Sharyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

An absolutely fascinating look at a man few have heard of, but after reading, you will realize why.
Frederick Rutland was a British WWI aviator whose bravery and courage were well known at the time. His story impacts the way the Japanese were able to prepare for Pearl Harbor. He was able to travel between Japan and America through the 1930's and helped the Japanese build their planes. Nothing he did at the time was illegal. Drabkin has managed to research how the Japanese could so easily spy in America. They could walk up to the Navy Ports, the aircraft factories, and interact with Americans. It is quite an amazing story.
Naval intelligence and the FBI did not interact, and the build-up to Pearl Harbor was simply not believed.
When Rutland finally realized that, contrary to his expectations, Japan did plan on attacking the US, no one would believe him. When he returned to England to try to convince the, he was thrown in prison.
Stories that were particularly interesting involved Charlie Chaplain, who surrounded himself with Japanese servants. His major domo Kono eventually became a Japanese spy.
Ian Fleming was one of the interrogators of Rutland and perhaps used parts his personality for James Bond.
Drabkin takes many of these stories and weaves them into a fascinating tale of spies and war.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the EARC of this book.
This is my honest review. I found the book fascinating.

[Wagrobanite · Rating 1 out of 5]

I won this book through Goodreads Giveaways.

I finally DNF'd some 40 pages in. I just finally couldn't stand the lack of citations. This is a book that either should have never been published in its current form or by this author (who's not a historian). It's badly researched and the fact that nothing is cited, how is the reader supposed to believe ANYTHING in the book? It's atrocious that WilliamMorrow would allow such a badly researched book to be published. Rutland's story is fascinating and I would love to see an author like Erik Larson take it on.

I do not recommend this book, especially if you are a historian or even like history for that matter. Drabkin and his publisher, WilliamMorrow do a disservice to historical non fiction in this book.

[Nicky Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book totally recontextualizes Pearl Harbor. A spy was clearly imbedded across multiple armies and double-crossed his country. I am excited to see what the reaction to this book will be, as it reshapes a lot of what we assume about Pearl Harbor.

[Scott Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very insightful to the espionage prior to Pearl Harbor and the government’s (3) worried about the embarrassment that would come from admitting that they have a spy on their soil. J Edgar Hoover of the FBI ignored it. ONI - Navy Intelligence chose not to do anything. Our informant is a war hero from WW1 and was in the British Navy - after leaving the U.K. and the U.K. later knowing about this informant chose not to disclose any information due to possible embarrassment. The Japanese Intelligence used this in their favor which resulted in the Pearl Harbor attacks.
A very quick read that you will enjoy.

[Grant Yount · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally, a good book. I’ve read so many mediocre books lately, it was refreshing to finish this one. Fascinating piece of little known WW2 history.

[Rick B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite an interesting and enlightening read.

[Henry "bud" · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book while checking Amazon. BEVERLY HILLS SPY is a true story of Frederick Rutland, a WW1 pilot and hero who subsequently gave secrets to Japan after the war. He did this based on what he thought about being treated unfairly and to collect an attractive salary. Rutland was sent to California to be a spy for the Japanese.
BEVERLY HILLS SPY is a tale of espionage and double dealing in the years leading into WW2.
The research for this book were based from declassified FBI files.
BEVERLY HILLS SPY is a well written true history novel. I recommend this book.

[Dennis Hogan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finished Beverly Hills Spy: The Double-Agent War Hero Who Helped Japan Attack Pearl Harbor by Ronald Drabkin, the recently published work of non fiction about Frederick Rutland. Rutland was the rare lower class Englishman who became an officer in the British Navy as a seaplane pilot. We was decorated for bravery in WW1 and was known as an early aeronautic expert. He later spied for Japan, by gaining knowledge of US war plane development and also invented a number of innovations that facilitated air craft carrier landings. His efforts on behalf of the Japanese Navy extended the range of their planes which ultimately made them capable of bombing Pearl Harbor. The Japanese paid him well enough that he bought a house in Beverly Hills. He had a change of heart six months before Pearl Harbor and was aiding the US Navy but that was known to few including the FBI and British Intelligence. Both agencies buried their foreknowledge of Japanese treachery and instead allowed the Army & Navy commanders at Pearl Harbor to take the blame for the attack. Yet one more troubling aspect of J Edgar Hoover’s regime at the FBI. Very interesting book built on recent releases of previously classified data.

[Moriah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beverly Hills Spy is about a man named Frederick Rutland who had a background in naval aviation and fought in WWI as a pilot. He was in close contact with the Japanese navy after the war and kept ties throughout the years leading up to WW2. His story is shrouded in cloudiness, wondering if what he did was right or wrong. I enjoyed reading his story and the book is a great resource into the background of espionage, military pilots, and a tumulus time in our history. There were definitely parts of the book when the information surrounding the story was very dense and there were a lot of names to keep track of, so it made it difficult to stay grounded. But an interesting point of view!

[Amy Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall I enjoyed this book. It was interesting to learn about the intelligence from both sides prior to the (not so much) of a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor in December of 1941. An unknown character to me, Frederick Rutland who was both a British WWI hero and seller of US secrets to the Japanese in the lead up to the Pearl Harbor attack. I do feel that the first half of the book was smoother and an easier read than the second half. I found the last 100 pages to be a bit of a slog and harder to get through. I feel the second half of the book could have benefited from a little tighter editing. Overall a good book and informative and I would recommend the read.

[Paulette · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Beverly Hills Spy is the story of Frederick Rutland, a British Word War II hero who became disillusioned and turned into a spy for the Japanese. This enabled him to live the life of a rich man in Hollywood and mingle with some of the top stars of the day, including Charlie Chaplin and Boris Karloff. The story was recently declassified from the top secret archives, and , the author,Ronald Drabkin, had the privilege of accessing and, in turn, wrote this book. I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Sam Dewhurst-Phillips, who did an outstanding job. I highly rec this book to anyone with an interest in the events leading up to World War II.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author Ron Drabkin is both a very skilled and thorough researcher and a compelling storyteller. He puts this never before told story in clear historical context combining Japanese, American and British sources. It provides fascinating insights into the internecine politics and amateurish foibles of pre-WWII espionage and counterintelligence. Hard to put down.

[Florence Fales · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway!
Frederick Rutland is a World War I British hero. He was a pilot. He is also a double agent spy.
He worked for Japan and the United States. He lived in Beverly Hills California.
He spied in Pearl Harbor. He then reported to the Japanese navy.
He was quite the party hopper with the Hollywood elite crowd.
His work leads up to the attack on Pearl Harbor!

[Jim Goeller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic history bringing to light much of the period leading g up to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. This account, coupled with Hide and Seek (the history of the US submarine corps) has added greatly to this interesting and little known true history of the period.

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic research. In depth story of a British man spying for the Japanese between the wars. I can’t imagine the time it took to uncover this story. So many different viewpoints and resources. The writing is conversational and personal. You really feel immersed in his world.

[Anthony · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway. It's very interesting and informative, not a bland historical retelling of events. Reads almost like a non-fiction novel. If you like history, especially WW2, you'll enjoy this book.

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

My thanks to both NetGalley and the publisher William Morrow for an advanced copy of this new look at the buildup to World War II and the Japanese agent in California who changed history in many ways.

Intelligence agencies have an acronym they use to describe how they recruit agents to work against their own countries interests. More clearly to become traitors. MICE, is the term, which translates to Money, Ideology, Coercion and Ego. Money is the most popular, but results do vary, as a person might take the money and not do anything, or keep asking for more and more money, first class tickets, watches, houses, and promising much but delivering little. Ego works well also, there are always people who get annoyed at their lessers moving up, while nothing good every happens to them. Frederick Rutland was a British war hero, one who loved the publicity and fame that being a hero gave him with, and who wanted a good life for his wife and children, and himself. Working for the Japanese navy in the years between World Wars was one of those ways he could make lots of money, life a good life, and keep his hand in high society and technology. And change history. Beverly Hills Spy: The Double-Agent War Hero Who Helped Japan Attack Pearl Harbor by first time author Ronald Drabkin is a story of a little-known player in world events who might have changed world events for both Japan and America, if not for the inter-agency battles that still plague intelligence agencies.

Japan at the end of the First World War was riding high with great plans for expansion and rewards from their allies for their efforts. Racism, especially from America soon dashed these hopes, giving the new found nationalism and militarism different targets to aim at. Japan needed help to increase the power and strength of their navy, and soon began to work with Britain designing carriers, and developing longer flight airplanes. Frederick Rutland was a British Naval war hero, a hero of Jutland for flight, and for rescuing a drowning sailor during a ship sinking. Much was expected from Rutland, as he was keen with technology, developing carrier landing, stronger landing gear for planes, and other accomplishments. However Rutland was brn common, and had an attitude. Soon Rutland was out and began to work with the Japanese at first overtly, than covertly, as attitudes and war fever began to build. The Japanese Navy paid for Rutland to move to California, Beverly Hills, and work to gain information on the naval strength and technology, while hobnobbing with the rich and famous. Rutland was happy to do this, gaining the observation of both the FBI and Naval intelligence. Whose handling of Rutland lead to an American disaster.

I knew nothing about Frederick Rutland, nor the Japanese espionage efforts in California, and really learned a lot from this book. I find it hard to believe this is Ronald Drabkin's first book. The research, the ease of writing in both technical, historical even class problems is very well done, and interesting. I had no idea there was an attempt to assassinate Charlie Chaplin, nor that would be his only brush with Japanese spies. Their really is a lot of information in this book, and I can't get over how much new information is being presented. There is a strong narrative drive that is rare in many history books, and the story never drags. A very well done book that raises a lot of questions and offers a new look at Pearl Harbor and how it was allowed to occur.

Recommended for history and World War II fans. Also for people who enjoy well written nonfiction. The story grabs one from the first pages, and keeps right up to then end where the author talks about his personal connections to the story. I look very forward to what the author has planned next.

[Maine Colonial · Rating 4 out of 5]

Drabkin has written a well-researched book for readers interested in the background to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. He begins by presenting Frederick Rutland’s impressive youth, joining the Royal Navy at just 14 years old, serving gallantly in World War I, becoming a recognized expert in the mechanical aspects of planes and warships, and earning a medal for extreme bravery. He was bitter when he was informed that his working-class background would prevent significant advancement in the Royal Navy once the war ended. The UK and Japan had fairly close and good relations at that time, and it was not surprising that Rutland decided to accept pay to help Japan improve its navy, especially when they agreed with his view that it was imperative to develop aircraft carriers, while naval aviation had been in its infancy during World War I.

Drabkin goes on to describe, in great detail, the aircraft and ships of the 1920s through 1940, comparing British, American, and Japanese developments. He also portrays the belligerence of the Japanese military, which (despite government wishes to the contrary) was eager from the 1920s to go to war with the United States. I wasn’t aware of this, and appreciated Drabkin’s depiction of Japanese politics of the era.

Rutland spent time in Japan, then agreed to set up cover businesses in Los Angeles and Hawaii in the late 1920s, while he worked to find out for the Japanese the state of aircraft manufacturing in the booming Los Angeles area, and the location and usages of key sites in California and Hawaii. Rutland was paid a great deal of money by Japan, allowing him to buy an expensive house in the fashionable bird streets of the Hollywood Hills, and join a club where he met British-born movie stars like Boris Karloff and Charlie Chaplin.

Rutland, who believed Japan had no hope of defeating the US in any war, spent years assuming that the Japanese would come to the same conclusion. During the 1920s, 1930s and very early 1940s, Rutland’s activities raised suspicions in British intelligence and some parts of US intelligence, though the FBI’s J. Edgar Hoover dismissed concerns. Only after World War II began in Europe in 1939, and Rutland came to believe that Japan would actually attack Pearl Harbor in the near future, did Rutland sound the alarm in the US and Britain. But his intelligence warnings, and information sharing among the various intelligence services in the US and Britain, were too late, and the fateful attack came. Rutland, then in England, was interned as a security risk for several years, and died by apparent suicide in 1949, protesting to the end that he had done nothing wrong and was eager to return to the British Navy and serve in World War II.

I feel sorry for author Ronald Drabkin, because he hasn’t been well served by the PR people with his publisher. The marketing of this book makes it sound like Rutland was some Hollywood playboy, living a glamorous life filled with rich and famous friends, and doing dirty spycraft on the side. People looking for that kind of book will be disappointed in this book, because that just isn’t Rutland’s story. He only socialized a little with a couple of movie stars at the club, and didn’t even live in Beverly Hills, despite the title. People who are interested in a serious story of military intelligence would enjoy this book, but the book’s marketing will not alert them that that is the real subject of this book. Fortunately for me, I’m interested in both types of story, so I enjoyed this book. I hope students of history find it too.

[Chad Manske · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imagine a real-life James Bond, a decorated WWI flying ace, mingling with Hollywood stars – but instead of working for Queen and country, he's a double agent feeding secrets to Imperial Japan on the eve of Pearl Harbor. This is the incredible true story unearthed by Ronald Drabkin in his captivating book, "Beverly Hills Spy: The Double-Agent War Hero Who Helped Japan Attack Pearl Harbor." Drabkin unravels the life of Frederick Rutland, a British aviator who transitioned from wartime hero to disillusioned mercenary. Passed over for promotions despite his valor, Rutland harbors bitterness that the Japanese exploit. Lured by wealth and a glamorous lifestyle in both Los Angeles and Tokyo, he becomes "Agent Shinkawa," a cunning spy with unparalleled access. The book delves into Rutland's intel-gathering missions. We see him scouting Pearl Harbor, assessing American defenses, and even investigating cutting-edge aircraft technology. Drabkin masterfully weaves declassified FBI files, Japanese intelligence records, and personal accounts into a gripping narrative. The reader becomes a fly on the wall at high-society parties in Beverly Hills, where Rutland cultivates connections with potential targets. We then travel across the Pacific to Tokyo's opulent quarters, where Rutland hobnobs with Japanese officials, his true allegiance shrouded in a veil of charm. But "Beverly Hills Spy" isn't just about espionage. It explores the complexities of human motivation. What drives a decorated hero to betray his country? Drabkin delves into the psychological wounds of war and the allure of a life beyond the rigid constraints of the British military. The book also raises intriguing questions about the machinations of international politics. Why did the US, UK, and Japan choose to bury Rutland's story? Were there deeper political calculations at play? Drabkin doesn't shy away from the ethical quagmire Rutland creates. His actions directly contributed to the devastation at Pearl Harbor. Yet, the book avoids painting him as a one-dimensional villain. Rutland remains an enigma, a man seduced by wealth and a thirst for recognition, ultimately playing a devastating role in history. "Beverly Hills Spy" is a captivating read, a perfect blend of history, espionage, and human drama. Drabkin's meticulously researched account sheds light on a fascinating, and largely unknown, chapter of World War II. It's a story that will leave you both enthralled and questioning the complexities of loyalty and betrayal, all set against the backdrop of a sun-drenched California and a nation on the brink.

[Bob Andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Rutland of Jutland.”

Whether Frederick Rutland’s role as a spy who helped the Japanese succeed at the attack on Pearl Harbor, is widely known among historians may be debatable. I certainly never heard about him.

Rutland’s story is truly amazing, in a kind of miserable way. He grew up poor in Great Britain, became that country’s hero in World War I, winning medals and decorations in the Battle of Jutland.

“Rutland of Jutland.” That’s how young British kids paid tribute to him.

So well known, so skilled as an aviator, so brave and so smart - he was on the ground floor of airplanes and developed naval carriers that were the future of warfare. He was the first pilot to take off and land a plane on a carrier.

When Britain did not advance his career, perhaps because of a class distinction, Rutland turned to Japan where he was hired by Mitsubichi to design planes and carriers. For a while, it was ok - Japan wasn’t the enemy, not yet. He was paid well, 10 times the salary of an Admiral.

Japan treasured “Rutland of Jutland.” They convinced him to set up a business in Los Angeles and in Mexico, providing him with more money. They paid for his mansion in Beverly Hills and another in Tokyo. He grew, slowly, to like the lifestyle and the trust. He spent time in Japan where he learned of their plans, and he substantially improved their carriers and their planes.

Gradually, he was bought and paid for by Japan. He designed their navy, knew of their plans to attack early. His technical design work on their planes allowed them to make it back safely after bombing Pearl Harbor.

Fearing the gig was up, as war approached, Rutland tried to work deals with the Americans and the British. Both sides viewed him as a traitor. His interrogator in Britain was Ian Fleming, who may have used aspects of Rutland in creating James Bond. Rutland argued that any aid he provided to Japan was used against the U.S. and not Britain. He said he never worked against Britain. He also said he tried to warn the United States, but they did not listen.

Agencies on both sides wound up putting the clamps on their Rutland investigations.

The end for Rutland was a sad one, lacking clarity. Was he actually a traitor if, in his heart, he was trying to extricate himself from the predicament his own greed caused?

I would not be surprised to see this made into a movie. As a book, whether reading it for history or suspense, it’s a remarkable story about a fascinating man.

[Janis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read many fascinating historical fiction novels based on the heroics of individuals. Ronald Drabkin's accounting of World War I and II double agent, Frederick Rutland, who mastered the art of sea planes taking off and landing on moving aircraft carriers is the subject of this spy story. Known to the Japanese as Agent Shinkawa, he lived a good life in California thanks to his work supplying the Japanese important information which helped them to made the attack on Pearl Harbor possible. He was a World War I British war hero because of his bravery and knowledge of seaplanes that pilots flew in the treacherous North Sea. Once the war ended there was really no place for him. He was an officer who came from a poor family and did not have the pedigree of the officers who graduated from prestigious colleges in the U.K. He turned to the Japanese embassy and took a job with Mitsubishi. Eventually he would help design the aircraft carriers that led the Pearl Harbor attack. In Beverly Hills he lived luxuriously and threw huge parties. Invited guests included A list people like Charlie Chaplain, Boris Karloff, Amelia Earhart, Douglas Fairbanks and the father of Yoko Ono. His proximity to the naval yards in San Diego and Los Angeles allowed him to gather much information about the U.S. Navy. What I learned from this book is that the FBI under the direction of J. Edgar Hoover and the leaders of British intelligence missed or overlooked obvious hints about Rutland's warnings regarding the upcoming attack on Pearl Harbor. Lack of communication between various departments did not help the situation. To go further into the story would ruin the book's ending. I did enjoy reading it and am recommending it to fans of World War II history.

[Timothy Grubbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I nice deep dive into 20 years of Japanese espionage between World War I and World War II…with a key British officer seemingly at the center of half of it..

Beverly Hills Spy: The Double-Agent War Hero Who Helped Japan Attack Pearl Harbor by Ronald Drabkin is a misleading title as the key figure in the book did live in that part of California but was not part of the Hollywood industry outside of being a fan and hanger-on.

Frederick Rutland was an interesting figure. An English aviator hero during the Great War, he went on to business, helping modernize the Japanese navy (allegedly encouraged by his government) but ended up spying for the Japanese in various manners. His activities extended to the United States, drawing the attention of the FBI, ONI, and others (in addition to the British MI-6 that already had him on their radar).

The larger espionage picture as Japan, the United States, and the United Kingdom is far more interesting than Rutland’s hypothetical treason.

Across over two decades from the end of the Great War to the bombing at Pearl Harbor, the story features a range of agents, administrators, and military officers. You’ll even have notable cameos by the likes of J Edgar Hoover, Ian Fleming, Charlie Chaplin, Isoroku Yamamoto, and John Lejeune to name a few.

The book also has a healthy index for following up on various figures and notes.

In interesting “road to World War II” chronicle that jumps around quite a bit…