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Spooked: The Trump Dossier, Black Cube, and the Rise of Private Spies
Now in paperback, a Pulitzer Prize winning investigative journalist’s journey into a billon-dollar secret industry that is shaping our world – the booming business of private spying, operatives-for-hire retained by companies, political parties and the powerful to dig up dirt on their enemies and, if need be, destroy them. For decades, private eyes from Allan Pinkerton, who formed the first detective agency in the U.S., to Jules Kroll, who transformed the investigations business by giving it a corporate veneer, private spies were content to stand in the shadows. Now, that is all changing. High-profile stories grabbing recent headlines – the Steele Dossier, Black Cube, the Theranos scandal, Harvey Weinstein’s attacks on his accusers – all share a common thread, the involvement of private spies. Today, operatives-for-hire are influencing presidential elections, the news media, government policies and the fortunes of companies.. They are also peering into our personal lives as never before, using off-the shelf technology to listen to our phone calls, monitor our emails, and decide what we see on social media. Private spying has never been cheaper and the business has never been more lucrative—just as its power has never been more pervasive. Spooked is a fast-paced, disturbing and, at times, hilarious tour through the shadowlands of private spying and its inhabitants, a grab-bag collection of ex-intelligence operatives, former journalists and lost souls. In this hidden world, information is currency, double-crosses are commonplace, and hacking can be standard procedure. Drawing on his journalistic expertise and unique access to sources, Barry Meier uncovers the secrets private spies want to keep hidden.
336 pages, Paperback
First published March 2, 2021
79 people are currently reading
625 people want to read
About the author
Barry Meier
5 books97 followersAward-winning journalist, ex-New York Times.
Author, Pain Killer, now a Netflix dramatic series, Missing Man, The American Spy Who Vanished in Iran and Spooked, the Rise of Private Spies.
Author, Pain Killer, now a Netflix dramatic series, Missing Man, The American Spy Who Vanished in Iran and Spooked, the Rise of Private Spies.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
June 24, 2021
A intriguing, if not erratic, look into private spies, coalescing into a story about the Steele Dossier and Trump. Personally, I liked it better when spies had to do the field work (or so it goes in my imagination), coaxing information out of an unsuspecting mark, bantering over martinis in a smoke-shadowed lounge.
We do get some of that! I love when the high-tech meets the low-tech, when an overheard conversation in a restaurant sparks a million rumors on conspiracy theory boards. However, much of private spying has gone online, with hacking, encrypted emails, and killing viral stories. Some Russian dork hacking into my Gmail might be the more reasonable risk to fear, but it's just not sexy.
There are some fascinating tidbits, throughout, about how stories reach us, the average citizen. While I assumed (because I didn't consider the alternatives) that the equation was simple (people make news, reporters report it, with political spin if necessary), that is not always the case. Information is bought on black markets, spies offer confidential leaks under the guise of anonymity, and groupthink is calcified as journalists race to break the story first.
Should you trust this book and its author? I have no idea! Trust is a social construct and none of us can socially construct anymore. Have fun!
We do get some of that! I love when the high-tech meets the low-tech, when an overheard conversation in a restaurant sparks a million rumors on conspiracy theory boards. However, much of private spying has gone online, with hacking, encrypted emails, and killing viral stories. Some Russian dork hacking into my Gmail might be the more reasonable risk to fear, but it's just not sexy.
There are some fascinating tidbits, throughout, about how stories reach us, the average citizen. While I assumed (because I didn't consider the alternatives) that the equation was simple (people make news, reporters report it, with political spin if necessary), that is not always the case. Information is bought on black markets, spies offer confidential leaks under the guise of anonymity, and groupthink is calcified as journalists race to break the story first.
Should you trust this book and its author? I have no idea! Trust is a social construct and none of us can socially construct anymore. Have fun!
June 1, 2021
Focused on "Russiagate" and some related private investigation/opposition research firms, rather than a really broad or comprehensive study of the intelligence and research industries. Does a great job of making everyone in the industry seem like a scumbag, which is fairly realistic. I'm much more familiar with the counterintelligence and technical signals intelligence/counterintelligence side, and with open source intelligence, but the book seems pretty in line with other information and contacts I've had. The dividing line between an effective journalist and a "private spy" is really about intent, more than methods.
June 23, 2021
How can I suggest this book? It's well written, well researched and spot on. The problem is, if you distrust the media, this thing is going make you suicidal.
I have ZERO respect for journalists. I find them stupid and not worth listening to. If you think like me, we don't know the half of it. This book makes journalists out to be the scum of the earth.
I have ZERO respect for journalists. I find them stupid and not worth listening to. If you think like me, we don't know the half of it. This book makes journalists out to be the scum of the earth.
July 27, 2021
This book is a mess.
July 4, 2022
I got halfway through this and completely lost the plot. I could not follow it at all. What I did understand, I found informative.
May 27, 2021
Perfect companion to Kleptopia by Tom Burgis.
November 26, 2021
Intriguing glimpse into the world of private intel business. Readers need some prior knowledge of events Meier describes in this book. 3.5 stars
July 21, 2021
Confusing inside-baseball account of private spying
I first became aware of Barry Meier earlier this year (2021) when I watched "The Vow", the short TV series about the NXIVM cult. Meier was the reporter who wrote up the story for the New York Times. He has quite a reputation as a reporter. And I will say this for Spooked, it is well documented. Meier backs up virtually every major point he makes with on-the-record quotes from sources or public information, e.g. information presented in trials. The book is not really about politics, not primarily, but because there is a focus on the Trump Dossier, politics plays a large role.
Meier himself doesn't come across as terribly political. He is not a fan of Donald Trump
But he is also hard on many of Trump's opponents in the press.
If it's not about politics, what is the book about? It is about the Private Spying Industry, or private investigators. Meier wants us to understand that, unlike their depiction in old movies, private investigators are not typically Bogart-like gumshoes working as individuals. If they ever were that, things have changed. Now there are large-ish corporate enterprises from whom you can buy investigative services. And this industry is unregulated, and, according to Meier, pretty much devoid of quality standards.
That is all pretty convincing. What was less convincing to me was the idea that this is something I should care deeply about. Meier tells us a lot about how private spying intersects with journalism. In fact, he pretty much says that private spies are just journalists without journalistic standards. And he tells us that journalists often rely on private spies.
Meier is of course a journalist himself. Like many books by journalists, Spooked reads as an inside baseball account of something that a journalist should probably care a lot about.
My other main beef with Spooked as that it isn't easy to follow. Fusion GPS and the Trump Dossier are the biggest story told herein, but Meier also has a lot to say about other firms in the private spy industry and other players. There are a lot of names and a lot of scandals, and it isn't always easy to remember who all the players are.
Overall, I found Spooked informative, but not terrifically interesting, nor necessarily the best way to have spent valuable time.
I first became aware of Barry Meier earlier this year (2021) when I watched "The Vow", the short TV series about the NXIVM cult. Meier was the reporter who wrote up the story for the New York Times. He has quite a reputation as a reporter. And I will say this for Spooked, it is well documented. Meier backs up virtually every major point he makes with on-the-record quotes from sources or public information, e.g. information presented in trials. The book is not really about politics, not primarily, but because there is a focus on the Trump Dossier, politics plays a large role.
Meier himself doesn't come across as terribly political. He is not a fan of Donald Trump
Donald Trump’s election would mark the start of an unparalleled era of governmental corruption, political cowardice, and social upheaval. Russia’s efforts to meddle in U.S. politics were a real threat to America, one that Trump seemed to care little about. But there were other serious threats emanating directly from the Trump administration: attacks on science, contempt for the rule of law, campaigns to silence critics and intimidate career public servants.
But he is also hard on many of Trump's opponents in the press.
If it's not about politics, what is the book about? It is about the Private Spying Industry, or private investigators. Meier wants us to understand that, unlike their depiction in old movies, private investigators are not typically Bogart-like gumshoes working as individuals. If they ever were that, things have changed. Now there are large-ish corporate enterprises from whom you can buy investigative services. And this industry is unregulated, and, according to Meier, pretty much devoid of quality standards.
That is all pretty convincing. What was less convincing to me was the idea that this is something I should care deeply about. Meier tells us a lot about how private spying intersects with journalism. In fact, he pretty much says that private spies are just journalists without journalistic standards. And he tells us that journalists often rely on private spies.
Meier is of course a journalist himself. Like many books by journalists, Spooked reads as an inside baseball account of something that a journalist should probably care a lot about.
My other main beef with Spooked as that it isn't easy to follow. Fusion GPS and the Trump Dossier are the biggest story told herein, but Meier also has a lot to say about other firms in the private spy industry and other players. There are a lot of names and a lot of scandals, and it isn't always easy to remember who all the players are.
Overall, I found Spooked informative, but not terrifically interesting, nor necessarily the best way to have spent valuable time.
June 28, 2021
OMG. Your worst fears about the media are not fearful enough. Hard not to be angry about professional malpractice and lack of remorse.
May 14, 2021
Thank you Harper and Netgalley for providing this ARC. I thought this nonfiction book about spies for hire and the Steele dossier was fair to average. It was very confusing in parts, whether because of the number of characters in it or because some parts seemed to end abruptly and not be further discussed. I didn’t feel I learned that much of interest beyond “don’t be a sucker.” It also needs additional proofreading and editing (even for an advance copy) as it had a fair amount of missing words or extraneous words.
September 21, 2021
You can take the reporter out of the NYTimes but you can't take the NTTimes out of the reporter even after he retires. Meier does a fairly good job of exposing the seamy side of private investigators (PIs). Ok. But in the process of exposing the lies promoted by those PIs against Trump, Meier gives cover to his Left leaning, former colleagues from the NYTimes and other like-minded media outlets for their gleeful swallowing and regurgitation of those lies. In the process, Meier doesn't pass an opportunity to subtly smear those he opposes - i.e. Devon Nunes, Lee Smith - whenever he mentions their names but refrains from the same, gratuitous labeling when it comes to his ideological pals such as Rachael Maddow. Meier's bias undercuts his credibility though he makes the case on the primary premise of the book - private investigating is rife with corruption. Hardly a revelation, is it? PIs need to make a living and they can't do that very long w/o telling their client what the client wants to hear. Public investigators, on the other hand, have guaranteed income once they are vetted into their service. When was the last time FBI agents, for example, were fired? Yes, indeed, Comey and McCabe but what was the impact of their dismissals? Both heralded as heroes, both signed lucrative book deals, both landed high paying jobs. Neither has been held accountable for their misdeeds. This is where Meier missed a golden opportunity to actually expose corruption in a meaningful way. The research he conducted into the Steele fabrication known as the 'Dossier' could have been the basis for exposing a corrupt and politically compromised FBI. But as I said, you can take the reporter out of the NYTimes but not the NYTimes out of the reporter. Thus we get an interesting but hardly meaningful book.
July 6, 2021
Barry Meier follows the convoluted trail of the infamous "Steele Dossier" to the ultimate source, the man the FBI named the "Collector". Along the way, he lays out the business of professional spies, many whom are ex-journalists hiding behind that mantle as they collect information or strategic intelligence. Dealings with numerous clients - Russian oligarchs, investment banks, celebrities like Harvey Weinstein, businesses like Theranos, and others - are examined, as well as the intricate web that exists between spies as they trade information, that is sometimes merely gossip and innuendo. Meier suggests that the spies claim they "are selling [clients] 'strategic intelligence' when what they are often doing is selling them smoke." They aren't just playing their targets, they are often playing their customers too. With regard to the Steele dossier, one alleged source stated "If you take this fake stuff for real stuff then you have to be just brave enough to believe, to completely dismiss all your special services, all your intelligence staff, all your FBI, CIA, national security agency, to dismiss all of them because all those people who most obviously have people in the Soviet and all their structures what that talented person managed to find out without ever leaving his room." After reading Spooked, I'm reminded of the wordless Mad magazine cartoon strip "Spy vs Spy", featuring two agents involved in comical espionage activities. Todays spooks play the same game, just at a higher level aided by the internet and social media.
April 30, 2021
Spooked: The Trump Dossier, Black Cube, and the Rise of Private Spies is what I would describe as an informative, thrilling non-fiction novel. Barry Meier discusses the events which took place at the 2016 election, anything from Christopher’s Steels memos on Trump and Russia to the infringement of data. Unlike a lot of non-fiction novels I read, I was able to connect with what Meier was writing. I just finished an Information System University class, with doing so, we discussed topics such as private spies, data infringement, and how easy hacking is. Also, the fact that nothing is safe and anything that is put upon the cloud is essentially available for anyone. That is what Meier was essentially establishing with his non-fiction. Without giving too much away, Private Spies, which is a reoccurring topic throughout the novel gains access to data, which is provided through the cloud, while not illegal, not necessarily “ethical” either.
I cannot give enough praise for Barry Meier’s non-fiction. It has the components which are essential for reading not only for pleasure but for information as well. An easy 5 stars.
I cannot give enough praise for Barry Meier’s non-fiction. It has the components which are essential for reading not only for pleasure but for information as well. An easy 5 stars.
September 28, 2021
Over the past decade, private spies have been utilized by companies & political parties to invade our personal space
This book is a deep dive into the private spying business, which consists of ex-intelligence officers, former journalists and other people in need of a job. These individuals are influencing elections, the news media and the fortunes of companies by uncovering dirt
The author demonstrates the underhanded tactics that these private spies utilize, including hacking personal electronic devices, lying to gain access to documents, misrepresenting themselves, and intimidating witnesses through the threat of lawsuits and blackmail.
The examples used in the book to showcase the power of private spies to tip the scales in favour of their employer are well-known as we have began to realize just how pernicious companies and individuals like Black Cube, the Trump Organization and Harvey Weinstein have been
The book concludes with a call for news media and journalists to provide unbiased information. Reporters must break their pact of secrecy with private spies as we have a right to know when any material was provided by an operative.
Definitely check out this great book!
This book is a deep dive into the private spying business, which consists of ex-intelligence officers, former journalists and other people in need of a job. These individuals are influencing elections, the news media and the fortunes of companies by uncovering dirt
The author demonstrates the underhanded tactics that these private spies utilize, including hacking personal electronic devices, lying to gain access to documents, misrepresenting themselves, and intimidating witnesses through the threat of lawsuits and blackmail.
The examples used in the book to showcase the power of private spies to tip the scales in favour of their employer are well-known as we have began to realize just how pernicious companies and individuals like Black Cube, the Trump Organization and Harvey Weinstein have been
The book concludes with a call for news media and journalists to provide unbiased information. Reporters must break their pact of secrecy with private spies as we have a right to know when any material was provided by an operative.
Definitely check out this great book!
January 5, 2022
When former Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein was being accused of sexual assault by a variety of women, he decided attack was his best defence. In a tactic that’s becoming increasingly common in business and politics, he hired private investigation firms to dig up dirt on his accusers. In Spooked, journalist Meier explores the world of private spies, and exposes a billion-dollar industry built on computer hacking, illegal surveillance, elaborate cons and manipulating social media. From high profile cases, like the Steele Dossier on former US President Donald Trump, to fake journalists attempting to ensnare people into agreeing with racist comments, Meier delves into a dirty world where lies destroy more than just reputations. Despite his wide-ranging research, and interviews with key players, at the end of the book one is left with the feeling that Meier has still only just scratched the surface.
November 29, 2023
Shadow Games: Unveiling the Murky World of Private Intelligence
Barry Meier's "Spooked" illuminates the shadowy world of private intelligence, a theme resonant with Luke Harding's "Collusion." Focusing on the infamous Christopher Steele dossier and its implications for Donald Trump and Moscow, Meier, an acclaimed journalist, explores the predatory nature of corporate intelligence firms. The book reveals the ethical erosion of former national intelligence officers and journalists as they delve into private espionage, engaging in hacking, disinformation, and other underhanded tactics. Meier critically examines the complex interplay between private spies, government agencies, and the media, raising questions about the moral integrity of intelligence work. Concluding with suggestions for industry reform, "Spooked" offers a grim view of the influence and impact of private intelligence in politics and business, particularly in relation to Trump, Putin, and global geopolitics.
Barry Meier's "Spooked" illuminates the shadowy world of private intelligence, a theme resonant with Luke Harding's "Collusion." Focusing on the infamous Christopher Steele dossier and its implications for Donald Trump and Moscow, Meier, an acclaimed journalist, explores the predatory nature of corporate intelligence firms. The book reveals the ethical erosion of former national intelligence officers and journalists as they delve into private espionage, engaging in hacking, disinformation, and other underhanded tactics. Meier critically examines the complex interplay between private spies, government agencies, and the media, raising questions about the moral integrity of intelligence work. Concluding with suggestions for industry reform, "Spooked" offers a grim view of the influence and impact of private intelligence in politics and business, particularly in relation to Trump, Putin, and global geopolitics.
November 27, 2024
"While Spooked offers a chilling look into the shadowy world of private espionage, it ultimately left me underwhelmed. The book covers a lot of material, attempting to tackle diverse topics such as the rise of private spies, the Steele dossier, Trump and Russia's involvement, and even the Thanos story. While each subject is intriguing on its own, the narrative feels fragmented, making it hard to connect the dots between these disparate threads.
Barry Meier provides detailed recounts of notable cases like Black Cube’s tactics and the Steele dossier, but much of the content will feel familiar to anyone who has followed these stories in the news. The writing is solid, but the book struggles to weave these elements into a compelling, unified narrative. For me, it read more like an assemblage of past headlines than a fresh exposé. A promising premise that didn’t quite deliver.
Barry Meier provides detailed recounts of notable cases like Black Cube’s tactics and the Steele dossier, but much of the content will feel familiar to anyone who has followed these stories in the news. The writing is solid, but the book struggles to weave these elements into a compelling, unified narrative. For me, it read more like an assemblage of past headlines than a fresh exposé. A promising premise that didn’t quite deliver.
September 16, 2023
Я намагався тричі дочитати цю книгу. Це реально специфічна книга про політику і журналістику, точніше про політику Трампа і росії та журналістські розслідування.
Мало того, що тема вельми вузькоспрямована, то й подача інформації дуже складна, взагалі губишся в прізвищах і назвах компаній, коли це взагалі немає сенсу. Багато складних довгих речень з перескакування на інші теми і події. Нудно. Не цікаво. Все перемішано і без логіки подачі інформації.
Дуже рідко не дочитую книги до кінця, але це одна з них.
Раджу тим, хто цікавиться історією політики Трампа в росії і роллю журналістів в отримані інформації (ніякі подробиці не описуються, все дуже загального) та хоче згаяти час цією нудною книгою.
П.С. Це суто моя думка
Мало того, що тема вельми вузькоспрямована, то й подача інформації дуже складна, взагалі губишся в прізвищах і назвах компаній, коли це взагалі немає сенсу. Багато складних довгих речень з перескакування на інші теми і події. Нудно. Не цікаво. Все перемішано і без логіки подачі інформації.
Дуже рідко не дочитую книги до кінця, але це одна з них.
Раджу тим, хто цікавиться історією політики Трампа в росії і роллю журналістів в отримані інформації (ніякі подробиці не описуються, все дуже загального) та хоче згаяти час цією нудною книгою.
П.С. Це суто моя думка
January 21, 2022
I received a PRC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review... I was hooked to this book upon starting it, but as I went through I started losing interest due to the shifting of the stories and the long list of unconnected characters (I couldn't remember who was who?!). I thought it might've just been me that had a hard time keeping up, but I realize other readers have also felt the same way. So overall, the topic is definitely interesting and there's plenty to learn from this book, it just has some flow issues.
June 6, 2023
3.5. It was interesting, but if the material interests you, I would advise against the audiobook and get the physical copy. It's a lot to keep track of, between names, companies, etc. It got to be a little too much for me personally, as with these types of things I like to research some of the stuff online.
Definitely written objectively, and pretty neutrally. I read one review that basically said if you distrust the media as it is, this will make you want to off yourself. Well, I definitely agree it definitely made me a bit more cynical.
Definitely written objectively, and pretty neutrally. I read one review that basically said if you distrust the media as it is, this will make you want to off yourself. Well, I definitely agree it definitely made me a bit more cynical.
July 13, 2021
Informative work on Simpson, Steele and the Russian "dossier" on Trump, on the blurred lines between journalism, legal affairs, lobbying in DC and corruption, with the rise of Erik Prince's private armies. The best is where Meier throws much needed light on the shadows and shade surrounding Christopher Steele and the genesis of the document used to impeach Trump in the first trial.
At times, too much inside baseball.
At times, too much inside baseball.
August 12, 2021
An interesting subject matter, but suffers in comparison to books I've read recently like Bad Blood and Empire of Pain that do a better job of pairing thorough reporting with gripping narrative. The main story about the (mostly bogus) Steele dossier is well-told, but the book is crammed with side stories and subplots that end before you've had a chance to wrap your head around the players and the stakes.
May 14, 2022
I struggle between wanting to lock myself in a bubble and wanting, at all times, to be duly informed as to the inner workings of my country. This one made me want to lock myself in the bubble again.
I have heard so many news stories related to the Dossier, but Mr. Meier's book offered the most solid and detailed explanation I could have ever hoped or asked for.
What we don't know, could, in fact, harm us and certainly harm our collective American futures.
Scary stuff.
I have heard so many news stories related to the Dossier, but Mr. Meier's book offered the most solid and detailed explanation I could have ever hoped or asked for.
What we don't know, could, in fact, harm us and certainly harm our collective American futures.
Scary stuff.
June 23, 2021
An interesting take on the Russia, Russia, Russia story with some good information about the tangled web woven by former intelligence, private spies, journalists, three letter agencies, and the purveyors of narratives formerly called news.
It's also a vindication for people who thought the Steele Dossier was kinda sus.
It's also a vindication for people who thought the Steele Dossier was kinda sus.
July 15, 2021
So, Nick Kroll's dad is the pioneer of an evil industry? Did not see that coming. Does mildly ruin Big Mouth.
This was all well researched and reported, and it makes solid recommendations on reining in a problem that most aren't even aware existed, but the throughlines were messy and there just wasn't much about Black Cube.
This was all well researched and reported, and it makes solid recommendations on reining in a problem that most aren't even aware existed, but the throughlines were messy and there just wasn't much about Black Cube.
October 2, 2021
Very interesting how companies and political parties hire these amateur spies. Now there’s more coming out about Christopher Steele and Clinton’s lawyers activities.
No wonder the price of goods increases when corporations use a lot of their money to spy on each other. Too many “James Bond” want-to-be’s!
No wonder the price of goods increases when corporations use a lot of their money to spy on each other. Too many “James Bond” want-to-be’s!
October 24, 2021
3.5 stars. Initially, I thought, this is definitely a five star read! It was still a quick and often engaging read, but it felt a bit sloppy at times and finished off with a lackluster, 'This needs to stop!' style one-liner, with no in depth solutions or what we may expect to happen over the next couple of years.
December 26, 2021
Thoughtfully provacative and reads like a thriller. It doesn't give you the whole picture of the corporate intelligence industry but focuses on how this secretive sector played a role in the controversial Steele Dossier. There are also lessons for journalism on how this period marked one of the profession's lowest points in modern times.
January 23, 2024
3.5 stars. An interesting insight into the world of private spying, but a challenging book to keep track of through its story telling. Might be down to the reader but i preferred the story telling of the general industry more than the impacts of the Trump Dossier. A good read to understand business intelligence though
July 8, 2025
more like 2.5*
not enough focus on how private spies and companies work, and too much on the trump dossier and people trying to get that into the open. Teased some other interesting stories which I feel like he could have gone into more detail about.
not enough focus on how private spies and companies work, and too much on the trump dossier and people trying to get that into the open. Teased some other interesting stories which I feel like he could have gone into more detail about.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews