I Spy: The U.S., Cuba, and the Secret Deal That Ended the Cold War

by Dan Ephron, Skybound

In 2014, American private contractor Alan Gross was rotting in a Cuban prison, convicted of undermining the Havana regime. At that same time, Cuban intelligence agent Gerardo Hernández was serving two life sentences in a US federal penitentiary on charges related to espionage. Then, it all changed.

I The U.S., Cuba, and the Secret Deal That Ended the Cold War describes how secret negotiations to free the two men helped bring an end to half a century of hostilities between the United States and Cuba. Host and reporter Dan Ephron interviews agents, diplomats, negotiators, and the prisoners themselves to tell the story of the last prisoner exchange of the Cold War.

I The U.S., Cuba, and the Secret Deal That Ended the Cold War describes how the agreement reshaped the relationship between the two countries—until it didn’t.

Genres: Nonfiction

Audible Audio

Published July 3, 2025

Reviews

[Tara Cignarella]

I Spy The US, Cuba, and the Secret Deal That Ended the Cold War
Audio Version
Writing: B
Story: B
Narration: B
Best Aspect: Some very interesting facts.
Worst Aspect: Overall lots of slow spots.
Recommend: Yes.

[Hunter Ross]

Thoughtful and thought provoking. Gave a balanced view from both sides Cuba-US. Very interesting to see all the work that went on behind the scenes to create this opportunity that was then crushed under a giant orange wave of pessimism-mongering and demoralizing policies. The live interviews were very insightful from the people who lived this. Very thorough.

[Zoey Bornstein]

I listened to this on my way to work for the past week and I found it very informative. The real interviews being included was great.

[Ian MacIntyre]

Interesting. The best laid plans ...

[Velma Bennett]

I enjoyed this book.

[S. Shigemitsu]

An eye-opening account of the Cold War and its shaky conclusion thus far.

[Eileen Yu]

I wanted to learn more about America’s history with Cuba, and this really delivered. The interviews brought out the personal stories of Alan Gross and the Cuban Five, adding a human side to the politics and showing how fragile the situation was. With Cuba still highly relevant today and many of the same tensions brewing, it is clear these issues are not just history but continue to shape the present. A short, easy, and interesting listen—I'd recommend it.