More Cloak Than Dagger: One Woman's Career in Secret Intelligence

by Molly J. Sasson

More Cloak Than Dagger is Molly J. Sasson's personal story of her 40 years in the secret services, monitoring Nazism and communism in Britain, Holland and Australia. (She retired in 1983 before the era of terrorism.) But it is her cool appraisal of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) that will command most attention and raises still unanswered questions of great importance.

Genres: Nonfiction

338 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2015

Reviews

[Richard Danks · Rating 3 out of 5]

This turned out to be a disappointment. The title indicated that this would be an autobiography of "One Woman's Career in Secret Intelligence" I was hoping for a background of the author's life in intelligence. In fact there were very few details of her personal activities in intelligence. Instead there was a huge section detailing the activities of British spies. Another large section about the activities of communist infiltrators in Britain, and particularly ASIO in Australia. It especially highlighted the inefficiencies and incompetence of ASIO personnel. There was a large section about the author's political leanings. A complete chapter on the judging of cat shows. And a further section about San Marino presumably as a potential holiday destination for readers.
The book was meticulously researched and provided excellent information on the history and activities of espionage in Australia, Britain, and certain European countries. In short, the book provided a comprehensive outline of the history and activities of intelligence in those selected regions. My only problem was the dishonesty of the title.
Otherwise I highly recommend this for readers interested in this subject.

[Geoff Cumberbeach · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a remarkable career she had, and such varied involvements and experiences.
She was educated at a wonderful European school, giving her a good grounding in languages and music.
She joined the RAF. She was the youngest and most junior on the advanced intelligence course.
After doing excellent intelligence work in Europe, she received shameful treatment by ASIO when she first shifted to Australia.
It was embarrassing to read of the moles and treachery in ASIO and Australian government. I agree with her that special reports should be made public.
The book had a truthful feel about it. A most interesting read, a little tedious in parts as she wanted to name all the bad eggs.

[Ross · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is "dynamite". Don't be misled by the chatty, intimate diary style of this work. It is a soft package for a cutting and fastidiously researched work, containing devastating revelations by an "insider", about treachery at the highest level within ASIO, the dept of foreign affairs and amongst Australian politicians (at least one still in parliament). A must read. Confirms the accusations of earlier authors like Peter Wright (of "Spy Catcher " fame). If you like Le Carré you'll find plenty of real-life examples of his plots in Sasson's excellent work.