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The Spy Who Was Left Behind: Russia, the United States, and the True Story of the Betrayal and Assassination of a CIA Agent
The shocking true story of international intrigue involving the 1993 murder of CIA officer Freddie Woodruff by KGB agents and the extensive cover-up that followed in Washington and in Moscow.
On August 8, 1993, a single bullet to the head killed Freddie Woodruff, the Central Intelligence Agency’s station chief in the former Soviet Republic of Georgia. Within hours, police had a suspect—a vodka-soaked village bumpkin named Anzor Sharmaidze. A tidy explanation quickly followed: It was a tragic accident. US diplomats hailed Georgia’s swift work, and both countries breathed a sigh of relief.
Yet the bullet that killed Woodruff was never found and key witnesses have since retracted their testimony, saying they were beaten and forced to identify Sharmaidze. But if he didn’t do it, who did? Those who don’t buy the official explanation think the answer lies in the spy games that played out on Russia’s frontier following the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union. Woodruff was an early actor in a dangerous drama. American spies were moving into newborn nations previously dominated by Soviet intelligence. Russia’s security apparatus, resentful and demoralized, was in turmoil, its nominal loyalty to a pro-Western course set by President Boris Yeltsin, shredded by hardline spooks and generals who viewed the Americans as a menace.
At the time when Woodruff was stationed there, Georgia was a den of intrigue. It had a big Russian military base and was awash with former and not-so-former Soviet agents. Shortly before Woodruff was shot, veteran CIA officer Aldrich Ames—who would soon be unmasked as a KGB mole—visited him on agency business. In short order, Woodruff would be dead and Ames, in prison for life. Buckle up, because The Spy Who Was Left Behind reveals the full-throttle, little-known thrilling tale.
On August 8, 1993, a single bullet to the head killed Freddie Woodruff, the Central Intelligence Agency’s station chief in the former Soviet Republic of Georgia. Within hours, police had a suspect—a vodka-soaked village bumpkin named Anzor Sharmaidze. A tidy explanation quickly followed: It was a tragic accident. US diplomats hailed Georgia’s swift work, and both countries breathed a sigh of relief.
Yet the bullet that killed Woodruff was never found and key witnesses have since retracted their testimony, saying they were beaten and forced to identify Sharmaidze. But if he didn’t do it, who did? Those who don’t buy the official explanation think the answer lies in the spy games that played out on Russia’s frontier following the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union. Woodruff was an early actor in a dangerous drama. American spies were moving into newborn nations previously dominated by Soviet intelligence. Russia’s security apparatus, resentful and demoralized, was in turmoil, its nominal loyalty to a pro-Western course set by President Boris Yeltsin, shredded by hardline spooks and generals who viewed the Americans as a menace.
At the time when Woodruff was stationed there, Georgia was a den of intrigue. It had a big Russian military base and was awash with former and not-so-former Soviet agents. Shortly before Woodruff was shot, veteran CIA officer Aldrich Ames—who would soon be unmasked as a KGB mole—visited him on agency business. In short order, Woodruff would be dead and Ames, in prison for life. Buckle up, because The Spy Who Was Left Behind reveals the full-throttle, little-known thrilling tale.
352 pages, Hardcover
Published November 13, 2018
86 people are currently reading
508 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
October 24, 2018
After reading, The Spy Who Was Left Behind, my brain felt like it was overloaded. It felt as if I had sat through an in-depth debriefing. There was so much information that was given, that I was left feeling overwhelmed and at times confused. It felt as if I needed to be creating an outline as I read, to keep all of the information straight. For me, it was a struggle to get through. This book was just not for me.
However, if you enjoy a very detailed, true crime read, this book is for you. The Spy Who Was Left Behind is a book that's information-rich as the author did his homework and relayed everything to the reader as if no stone was left unturned.
However, if you enjoy a very detailed, true crime read, this book is for you. The Spy Who Was Left Behind is a book that's information-rich as the author did his homework and relayed everything to the reader as if no stone was left unturned.
November 7, 2018
A case filled with lost and/or misleading witnesses, shoddy CSI, and political slants. The Spy Who Was Left Behind explores a fascinating case but may have needed an edit or two.
2.5 rounded up to 3.
For the full review: https://paulspicks.blog/2018/11/07/th...
For all my reviews: https://paulspicks.blog
2.5 rounded up to 3.
For the full review: https://paulspicks.blog/2018/11/07/th...
For all my reviews: https://paulspicks.blog
January 3, 2023
This was one of my all-time favorite reads. Still cannot believe it is a true story! It really reads like a spy/conspiracy thriller.
Collapse of a country, Civil Wars, drug smuggling, cover up’s, you name it. Surprising that a certain media tycoon’s true power is also expressed and the ability to use the media as a way to influence. Would recommend for anyone.
Collapse of a country, Civil Wars, drug smuggling, cover up’s, you name it. Surprising that a certain media tycoon’s true power is also expressed and the ability to use the media as a way to influence. Would recommend for anyone.
June 9, 2019
I was in Tbilisi, Georgia in 1993 - delivering donated medicines to regional hospitals from the US. I knew it was unstable, in the throes of lawless civil war and I remember hearing about this murder. So, this book was particularly gripping for me. It is a rather dry procedural investigation, but artfully told and peppered with some great historical details of still fairly recent events. It reminds me of a decent John LeCarre novel, only it's real.
March 25, 2021
I did this one on Audible and had to re-start several times throughout because the narrator kept lulling me to sleep. I would have had better luck had I purchased a hard copy to begin with because it's a thrilling investigation.
May 21, 2019
Situation I was not previously aware of. It would be interesting for someone who like Georgia/Russia or stories about justice. Only three stars because so many details using so many words. The author is a lawyer so I should have expected it, I suppose.
October 6, 2020
I love true crime stories. I find the psychology behind it interesting. That being said, I also love spy stories - James Bond, Jason Bourne, and the like.
I remembered hearing about Aldrich Ames's arrest on the news in 1993, and didn't really pay attention until the reporter said the words "KGB spy". BAM! He had my full attention. But it was a quick news story, and was quickly eclipsed by other news of the day.
I found this book on Audible, and considering all the issues we have with Russia now, I thought it would an interesting listen. I was not wrong.
Freddie Woodruff was a CIA agent who was killed in Georgia, a country in the former Soviet Union. The Georgian authorities tied up the case quickly, arresting a young man who said he was drunk and firing a rifle; one of the shots hit Mr. Woodruff, killing him.
When his body was returned to the United States, it wasn't in the condition expected.
Michael Pullara takes the reader (or listener, in my case) on a wild ride through a dark underworld of a country that is in a political and economic shambles after the dissolution of the Soviet Union, to solve a case that people didn't want solved.
There are a lot of characters in the story, many names to remember. I had to rewind the book quite a few times because I had to find out where a new name was introduced. This is a very extensively researched story, very well crafted, and full of suspense.
I remembered hearing about Aldrich Ames's arrest on the news in 1993, and didn't really pay attention until the reporter said the words "KGB spy". BAM! He had my full attention. But it was a quick news story, and was quickly eclipsed by other news of the day.
I found this book on Audible, and considering all the issues we have with Russia now, I thought it would an interesting listen. I was not wrong.
Freddie Woodruff was a CIA agent who was killed in Georgia, a country in the former Soviet Union. The Georgian authorities tied up the case quickly, arresting a young man who said he was drunk and firing a rifle; one of the shots hit Mr. Woodruff, killing him.
When his body was returned to the United States, it wasn't in the condition expected.
Michael Pullara takes the reader (or listener, in my case) on a wild ride through a dark underworld of a country that is in a political and economic shambles after the dissolution of the Soviet Union, to solve a case that people didn't want solved.
There are a lot of characters in the story, many names to remember. I had to rewind the book quite a few times because I had to find out where a new name was introduced. This is a very extensively researched story, very well crafted, and full of suspense.
February 22, 2019
Fascinating look at espionage history and eastern vs western societies as an American lawyer attempts to figure out how an acquaintance of his has died in Post Soviet Georgia. Spies, criminals and courtrooms, investigations and questions everywhere, and much history of modern Georgia and the relationships with Russia and the USA. The approach of the book is quite detailed and methodical - perhaps too much.
March 14, 2022
Almost a DNF. More of a lawyer story than a spy story.
March 21, 2023
In 1993, Freddie Woodruff was a mid-level state department worker on his third trip to Georgia when he was accidentally killed by a stray bullet, while on a daytrip picnicking through the Georgian countryside. Wait. Not quite. In 1993, Freddie Woodruff was a skilled CIA agent on his third covert trip to barely-out of-the-Soviet-grasp Republic of Georgia when he was deliberately assassinated while on a “fact-finding mission” in the middle of nowhere. He was set up, murdered, and an innocent passerby, Anzor Sharmaidze, the “only man on the face of the earth who couldn’t have murdered Freddie,” was set up as the fall guy, and languished in the Georgian prison system for over a decade. The author was a lawyer with school ties to Woodruff, and set out on a quest to exonerate Sharmaidze and possibly even find the truth. The truth in the years surrounding the fall of the USSR, was often a very dangerous thing to discover, he soon found out, but he accomplished his goal, and Freddie’s family was gratified that an innocent man had his name cleared.
I really liked this book and even halfway through had already recommended it to two or three friends. The author is religious, and while there is rarely a word of religion brought up in the book, the lack of quoted profanity and sticky situations was such a delight. It was clean! This was interesting all the way through, even with the court cases, I didn’t have to bother with junk, and the good guy wins. (If you can say that after a murder.) I was intrigued by the fact of how different the Georgian names were from the Russian, Ukrainian, Moldovan, and Romanian names I was used to from my years in Eastern Europe, and actually found similarities with names of Azerbaijani people that I knew over there. So, broadened my horizons a bit. Anyway, I thoroughly recommend this book. Hands down, best spy book I’ve read so far.
I really liked this book and even halfway through had already recommended it to two or three friends. The author is religious, and while there is rarely a word of religion brought up in the book, the lack of quoted profanity and sticky situations was such a delight. It was clean! This was interesting all the way through, even with the court cases, I didn’t have to bother with junk, and the good guy wins. (If you can say that after a murder.) I was intrigued by the fact of how different the Georgian names were from the Russian, Ukrainian, Moldovan, and Romanian names I was used to from my years in Eastern Europe, and actually found similarities with names of Azerbaijani people that I knew over there. So, broadened my horizons a bit. Anyway, I thoroughly recommend this book. Hands down, best spy book I’ve read so far.
February 10, 2023
CIA agent Freddie Woodruff is murdered in Georgia (the country, not the state) in the early 90s. Anzor Shairmadze is arrested, convicted, and forgotten. Years later Michael Pullara, a lawyer in America, comes across the story and believes the convicted man is innocent, as does Woodruff's family. Evidence doesn't line up. The story line makes no sense. Witnesses have changed their stories or mysteriously cannot be located. And neither the American or Georgian government seems to care. Michael makes it his life's mission to free the wrongly convicted Anzor. He digs and challenges, and it is miracle he isn't killed himself as he relentlessly pushes to uncover the truth.
I would've given this story five stars, except it was hard to keep up. There were so many people involved and many similar names that I had a hard time keeping everyone straight. There is a directory in the front of the book that does help. Michael Pullara deserves a medal of honor for his work to free Anzor Chairmadze, but he'll never get recognition from the US gov because it is not a favorable light for us. If you like a true story that read like a novel, this should be a great fit.
I would've given this story five stars, except it was hard to keep up. There were so many people involved and many similar names that I had a hard time keeping everyone straight. There is a directory in the front of the book that does help. Michael Pullara deserves a medal of honor for his work to free Anzor Chairmadze, but he'll never get recognition from the US gov because it is not a favorable light for us. If you like a true story that read like a novel, this should be a great fit.
January 24, 2022
Childhood friend who is now a lawyer sought justice for Freddie Woodruff, who was assassinated in mysterious situation in Georgia (former USSR country). There are so many tentacles to this story that it is often overwhelming (to say nothing about keeping track of all the Russian names) Was he murdered because of his work with CIA ferreting out Russian/Georgian drug business, or was he a pawn murdered to draw attention away the disgraced CIA spy Aldrich Ames? Georgian justice was content to put an innocent man behind bars for the deed to bring 'closure' to the case. Pullara was never out to determine the assassin, (although he did find out the truth) only to exonerate the man that both Russia/Georgia and the US were content to keep behind bars to thwart the truth from emerging. As it turned out, the CIA/FBI knew all along but were content to keep a lid on secret activities. Truth IS stranger than fiction.
August 22, 2021
How does a small town American boy grow up to be a spy in an Eastern block country?! I kept asking myself this question as I read this captivating TRUE STORY of Freddie Woodruff, a spy for the CIA. Who betrayed him and why was the wrong man convicted of Freddie's murder. The quest of the author is truly an altruistic goal to free this man! The twists and turns as he navigates the political playing field of post Soviet Georgia is a real "who dun it!" You won't put it down!!
August 13, 2022
A decent book but not as good as perhaps the title suggests. It was interesting but not surprising. I believe the authors final analysis of what happened. Sometimes the most simple explanation is correct. But as in all international intrigue and political machinations there’s so many layers of plausible theories it’s not always an easy task to decide. Regardless this was a good library book.
October 18, 2022
A wonderful book. The detail the author went into the methods that he used in researching the redacted texts and finding tidbits of useful information are extremely helpful to those who may find themselves in similar circumstances. The book was a wonderful ride to take with the author. I really felt like I shared a small part at least of his amazing adventure.
July 9, 2024
Excellent audiobook. Yes, all the names have me mixed up. A flow chart would help. But then again, with all of the clues and evidence that was hidden then contradicted, sometimes by the same person, it may not help.
Yes, as with all books, it could’ve used some editing. it must have been difficult for the author to have kept track of it also.
Yes, as with all books, it could’ve used some editing. it must have been difficult for the author to have kept track of it also.
November 11, 2024
Very informative and thorough recounting of the author's quest to find out the truth behind the death of Freddie Woodruff. I did find myself glazing over during some of the political background discussion, and I felt that the book could have been shorter, but overall a very interesting look into the coverup of an assassination.
February 19, 2025
I heard about this true crime story on Houston's NPR station. The author is a local attorney who took the case pro bono and spent an enormous amount of time, money, and risked his life to discover the truth behind the murder of his childhood friend. Makes me realize that international politics and espionage operates in a whole different world from naive American morality.
January 27, 2019
Very interesting story. The author takes a little time to delve into it, and in my opinion to reach his conclusion, but you can really see his investigative thought process. A good description of the complex and interweaving issues at play in the context of the Woodruff murder.
February 19, 2020
write managed to develop expansively on a simple plot. opens up the individual thinking to reality. justice is built upon positions of power and vested interests.
overall, a good book about how nations think and act.
overall, a good book about how nations think and act.
October 9, 2022
A wonderful book which I highly recommend to my friends that are in the investigations, intelligence, and security fields. Those involved in OPSEC should find this an especially important work to read.
February 7, 2023
If you run afoul of of the governments of three countries you must be doing something right.
Intrigue, fear, and roadblocks, and that's just the author.
A twisted tale of the murder of a CIA Agent that the American's, Russians, and Georgians would sooner forget. Yet the solution was simple.
Intrigue, fear, and roadblocks, and that's just the author.
A twisted tale of the murder of a CIA Agent that the American's, Russians, and Georgians would sooner forget. Yet the solution was simple.
March 23, 2019
Thought that this really dragged in places.
April 8, 2019
Outstanding book. Much different than anticipated, but great piece of history. Highly recommended.
June 1, 2019
What an interesting story.
May 3, 2020
Fascinating - I'll definitely return to this one.
September 25, 2020
Fascinating story of a dogged attorney from Houston navigating the culture and corruption to find out who really murdered Fred Woodruff.
February 16, 2021
Interesting spy story I don't know how much is actually true or just speculation but I enjoyed reading it
May 6, 2021
Fascinating true crime story of an assassinated CIA agent and the cover up of his death.
February 5, 2023
An interesting read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews