Agents Unknown: True Stories of Life as a Special Agent in the Diplomatic Security Service

by Cody J Perron

Special Agents of the Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) have been on the front lines of securing diplomacy for over a century. From the Fall of Saigon to the U.S. embassy bombings in east Africa, and the Iranian Hostage Crisis to the attack on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi, special agents of the DSS have relentlessly put their lives on the line to protect their fellow diplomats around the globe. Agents Unknown reveals the story of Cody Perron, a former Special Agent of the DSS, and his journey through the Middle East and Southeast Asia, negotiating international fugitive returns, interviewing ISIS hostages, and protecting the highest level U.S. government officials in some of the most volatile places in the world. Raw and unfiltered, Perron offers the perspective of a ground level agent revealing the unconventional duties and accomplishments as one of many “agents unknown.”

Genres: Biography

226 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 25, 2018

Reviews

[Hank Glover · Rating 4 out of 5]

Agents Unknown offers a fascinating and honest look into the life of a Diplomatic Security Service Special Agent. As someone curious about the DSS career path, I found Cody Perron’s storytelling engaging and insightful. He does an excellent job bringing his experiences to life and illustrating the realities of the job beyond the glamour often associated with federal service. What stood out most was the authenticity. Cody’s career is remarkable, and his candid, matter-of-fact tone made the stories both gripping and believable. That said, I would have loved to learn more about his personal journey, especially his transition from the Marine Corps to DSS, his initial training experience, and a deeper dive into other overseas postings. Including more of that context would have rounded out the memoir nicely. Still, a great read for anyone interested in federal law enforcement, diplomacy, or life overseas in high-threat environments.

[Timothy D. daly · Rating 5 out of 5]

O remember Cody from Ho Chi Minh City 2013

I thought the book was well written and very interesting. I Am biased because I worked with Cody in Vietnam. I was on a five month assignment in Hanoi was a WAE retired Security Engineer for DS. During that time I went down to Ho Chi Minh (Saigon) several times to prepare the technical security systems for the introduction of Marine Security Guards in the Consulate. I had worked in Viet Man for three years on my last assignment for the Department of State before retiring.

[Matt Tucker · Rating 4 out of 5]

An incredibly readable and well-written collection of stories for the Author's time in Diplomatic Security (DS). This is one of (if not) the only DS memoir, and I greatly appreciated the Author's candor, openness, and entertaining anecdotes. It was so entertaining that I finished it in a single sitting!

If Cody continues to be an author, which I hope he does, I would love to see some additional through-lines through the book to unite the narrative, and maybe and additional draft or two to really refine the writing. That being said, I loved my time with this book and will be re-reading!

[Mesh009 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book telling g the personal stories of one of the few cadre of U.S. law enforcement officers / diplomats working around the world in strange and at times dangerous situations - all for good ol' Uncle Sam.

Fun, heartfelt, and at times sad. This book gives a real glimpse into the every day good things people do, as well as how they deal with the bad days that befall all of us once in while.

[Stephan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic insight into the world of the Diplomatic Security Service. Mr. Perron does a wonderful job of sharing stories of his career with the DSS and how he was able to take on the many different mission areas that it entails. This book keeps you hooked all the way to the end. Great read for those interested in the field as well as anyone who enjoys politics and diplomatic studies.

[liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this as it was my introduction to the realities of diplomatic service work. The book was well-written and had a great pace, but still felt like I was sitting down with a mentor and hearing about their life experiences (in a good way). I would recommend to someone looking to take the DSSAT or wanting to learn more about the inner working of an embassy.

[Marshall Pierre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written book, it’s nothing fancy or “high speed” flr but it’s real world accounts of his career as a Diplomatic Agent. Certainly worth the read for anything interesting to know what these Unknown Agents face.

[Pushtigban · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mr. Perron has shed light onto aspects of DSS Agents works that are largely unknown among the American public. As you read through interesting his stories and funny anecdotes, it’s hard to not to like Mr. Perron.

[Thu Nguyen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love this book. It touches the bottom of my heart. Thanks Cody to telling us true stories of your life and other Agents Unknown.

[magnolia neri Falin · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s an easy to read/understand book. It has interesting stories if one Law enforcement little acknowledged it, yet that is very important around the world.

[Adam Kosianowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome personal narratives from Cody that give a better understanding of the life and what a DSSA does on a daily basis

[Eric Hallett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very useful for those who want to understand what the Diplomatic Security Service Special Agents do in practice.

[kai · Rating 4 out of 5]

that's why he's the goattttt

[Hilary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cody Perron shares 12 short, but true stories from his time as a Diplomatic Security Service special agent. This easy to read book was entertaining and educational. I don't think I had ever heard of the DSS before reading this but now I know that DSS agents are prepared to give their lives for the people they are assigned to protect.

[Valzebub · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely readable. Written in a familiar, anecdotal style that keeps you turning pages. An excellent insight into the often overlooked world of Diplomatic Security. Mr. Perron did great work for the US. He keeps the stories short and to the point. No ego, no unnecessary side stories.

There are some spelling, grammatical errors but it is self published. A fun read.

[Matt Connolly · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read about the security side of life in the State Department. Even though it only covers 9 years, Cody describes a wide variety of projects and stories from Houston to Vietnam and Iraq (twice). A must-read for anyone interested in DSS or the State Department more generally.

[Frank Andree · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid read.

A diverse look at the wide spectrum of duties and tasks a DSS agent has to deal with. An Interesting, dry humor weekend read.