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Kennedy's Spy: A Spy Story
It is the midwinter of 1961-62, a decade and a half into the Cold War
Though continents apart, the flashpoints of tension and political intrigue around the world have never been more intense. The stakes have never been higher. Berlin. Havana. Saigon. Moscow. Tel Aviv. Another world war could start in any of these places.
Thomas Buchanan of the FBI has worked on special assignments for two US presidents, Truman and Eisenhower. He is not inclined to work for a third, their successor, John F. Kennedy. Buchanan has nothing against Kennedy, but is not necessarily a supporter, either. If anything, his feelings on JFK are ambivalent, though like most Americans, Buchanan likes the public persona of JFK but was appalled by the Bay of Pigs disaster of 1961. Nonetheless, Buchanan’s temptation is to leave government work and apply his investigative skills in the more lucrative and less dangerous private sector.
Then everything changes. A disreputable old adversary named Jesse Chadwick - Ann's ex-husband - steps out of the shadows of Tom Buchanan’s past with an astonishing offer. But it is also an offer which carries danger personally and professionally to Tom and Ann Buchanan in addition to President Kennedy.
Thus begins Kennedy’s Spy , the third in an ongoing espionage series by Noel Hynd. The series began with Truman’s Spy and continued with Eisenhower’s Spy . Mr. Hynd’s hew historical thriller careens across the globe in the early 1960s, evokes the era in grand style and speeds to a memorable and high impact conclusion, an astonishing story behind the headlines of the Kennedy era in Washington.
***
"Noel Hynd knows the ins and outs of Washington's agencies, both public and private." - Publishers Weekly .
"Noel Hynd is few notches above the Ludlums and Clancys of the world!" - Booklist
Raves for FLOWERS FROM
"This espionage thriller follows FBI agent William Cochrane's efforts to stop a Nazi spy from assassinating FDR. Toss in a love affair with a British Secret Service operative and you have a page-turner. Complex in characterization, crisp in dialogue, and thorough in its background" - Library Journal
"First rate!" - The Cleveland Plain-Dealer
"A Chiller!" - Los Angeles Times
"A Super spy novel!" - The Savannah News-Presse
“A well-paced yarn.” – The Chicago Tribune
Though continents apart, the flashpoints of tension and political intrigue around the world have never been more intense. The stakes have never been higher. Berlin. Havana. Saigon. Moscow. Tel Aviv. Another world war could start in any of these places.
Thomas Buchanan of the FBI has worked on special assignments for two US presidents, Truman and Eisenhower. He is not inclined to work for a third, their successor, John F. Kennedy. Buchanan has nothing against Kennedy, but is not necessarily a supporter, either. If anything, his feelings on JFK are ambivalent, though like most Americans, Buchanan likes the public persona of JFK but was appalled by the Bay of Pigs disaster of 1961. Nonetheless, Buchanan’s temptation is to leave government work and apply his investigative skills in the more lucrative and less dangerous private sector.
Then everything changes. A disreputable old adversary named Jesse Chadwick - Ann's ex-husband - steps out of the shadows of Tom Buchanan’s past with an astonishing offer. But it is also an offer which carries danger personally and professionally to Tom and Ann Buchanan in addition to President Kennedy.
Thus begins Kennedy’s Spy , the third in an ongoing espionage series by Noel Hynd. The series began with Truman’s Spy and continued with Eisenhower’s Spy . Mr. Hynd’s hew historical thriller careens across the globe in the early 1960s, evokes the era in grand style and speeds to a memorable and high impact conclusion, an astonishing story behind the headlines of the Kennedy era in Washington.
***
"Noel Hynd knows the ins and outs of Washington's agencies, both public and private." - Publishers Weekly .
"Noel Hynd is few notches above the Ludlums and Clancys of the world!" - Booklist
Raves for FLOWERS FROM
"This espionage thriller follows FBI agent William Cochrane's efforts to stop a Nazi spy from assassinating FDR. Toss in a love affair with a British Secret Service operative and you have a page-turner. Complex in characterization, crisp in dialogue, and thorough in its background" - Library Journal
"First rate!" - The Cleveland Plain-Dealer
"A Chiller!" - Los Angeles Times
"A Super spy novel!" - The Savannah News-Presse
“A well-paced yarn.” – The Chicago Tribune
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 2, 2023
About the author
Noel Hynd
74 books225 followers I've been a published novelist for longer than I care to admit, since 1976. I'm frequently asked, however, how I first got published. It's an interesting story and involved both Robert Ludlum and James Baldwin, even though neither of them knew it --- or me --- at the time.
My first agent, a wonderful thorughly perofessional gentleman named Robert Lantz was representing Mr. Baldwin at the time. This was around 1975. Balwin, while a brilliant writer, had had some nasty dealings with the head of Dell Publishing. Dell held Jimmy's contract at the time and he could not legally write for anyone else until he gave Dell a book that was due to them. Nonetheless, he refused to deliver a manuscript to Dell and went to Paris to sit things out.
The book was due to The Dial Press, which Dell owned. Baldwin was widely quoted as saying....and I'm cleaning up the quote here, "that he was no longer picking cotton on Dell's planatation."
The book was due to The Dial Press. The editor in chief of The Dial Press was a stellar editor who was making a name for himself and a fair bit of money for the company publishing thriller-author Robert Ludlum. A best seller every year will do that for an editor. Anyway, Baldwin fled New York for Paris. The editor followed, the asignment being to get him to come happily back to Dial. As soon as the editor arrived, Baldwin fled to Algeria. Or maybe Tunisia. It hardly mattered because Baldwin was furious and simply wouldn 't do a book for Dell/Dial. The editor returned to NY without his quarry. Things were at a standstill.
That's where I entered the story, unpublished at age 27 and knowing enough to keep my mouth shut while these things went down. I had given 124 pages of a first novel to Mr. Lantz ten days eariler. Miraculously, his reader liked it and then HE liked it. It was in the same genre that Ludlum wrote in and which the editor at Dial excelled at editing and marketing.
My agent and the editor ran into each other one afternoon in July of 1974 in one of those swank Manhattan places where people used to have three martinis for lunch. The agent asked how things had gone in Europe. The editor told him, knowing full well that the agent already knew. The next steps would be lawyers, Baldwin dragged into US Courts, major authors boycotting Doubleday/Dell, Dial, maybe some civil rights demonstrations and.......but no so fast.
Mr. Lantz offered Dial the first look at a new adventure/espionage novelist (me). IF Dial wanted me after reading my 124 pages, he could sign me, but only IF Baldwin was released from his obligations at Doubleday. I was the literary bribe, so to speak, that would get Jimmy free from Dial. It seemed like a great idea to everyone. It seemed that way because it was. Paperwork was prepapred and paperwork was signed. Voila!...To make a much longer story short, Dial accepted my novel. The editor instructed me on how to raise it to a professional level as I finished writing it over the next ten months. I followed orders perfectly. I even felt prosperous on my $7500 advance. He then had Dial release Mr. Balwin from his obligation. Not surpringly, he went on to create fine books for other publishers. Ludlum did even batter. Of the three, I'm the pauper but I've gotten my fair share and I'm alive with books coming out again now in the very near future, no small accmplishment. So no complaints from me.
That''s how I got published. I met Ludlum many times later on and Baldwin once. Ludlum liked my name "Noel" and used it for an then-upcoming charcter named Noel Holcroft. That amused me. I don't know if either of them even knew that my career had been in their orbits for a month 1975. They would have been amused. They were both smart gifted men and fine writers in dfferent ways. This story was told to me by one of the principals two years later and another one confirmed it.
Me, I came out of it with my first publishing contract, for a book titled 'Reve
My first agent, a wonderful thorughly perofessional gentleman named Robert Lantz was representing Mr. Baldwin at the time. This was around 1975. Balwin, while a brilliant writer, had had some nasty dealings with the head of Dell Publishing. Dell held Jimmy's contract at the time and he could not legally write for anyone else until he gave Dell a book that was due to them. Nonetheless, he refused to deliver a manuscript to Dell and went to Paris to sit things out.
The book was due to The Dial Press, which Dell owned. Baldwin was widely quoted as saying....and I'm cleaning up the quote here, "that he was no longer picking cotton on Dell's planatation."
The book was due to The Dial Press. The editor in chief of The Dial Press was a stellar editor who was making a name for himself and a fair bit of money for the company publishing thriller-author Robert Ludlum. A best seller every year will do that for an editor. Anyway, Baldwin fled New York for Paris. The editor followed, the asignment being to get him to come happily back to Dial. As soon as the editor arrived, Baldwin fled to Algeria. Or maybe Tunisia. It hardly mattered because Baldwin was furious and simply wouldn 't do a book for Dell/Dial. The editor returned to NY without his quarry. Things were at a standstill.
That's where I entered the story, unpublished at age 27 and knowing enough to keep my mouth shut while these things went down. I had given 124 pages of a first novel to Mr. Lantz ten days eariler. Miraculously, his reader liked it and then HE liked it. It was in the same genre that Ludlum wrote in and which the editor at Dial excelled at editing and marketing.
My agent and the editor ran into each other one afternoon in July of 1974 in one of those swank Manhattan places where people used to have three martinis for lunch. The agent asked how things had gone in Europe. The editor told him, knowing full well that the agent already knew. The next steps would be lawyers, Baldwin dragged into US Courts, major authors boycotting Doubleday/Dell, Dial, maybe some civil rights demonstrations and.......but no so fast.
Mr. Lantz offered Dial the first look at a new adventure/espionage novelist (me). IF Dial wanted me after reading my 124 pages, he could sign me, but only IF Baldwin was released from his obligations at Doubleday. I was the literary bribe, so to speak, that would get Jimmy free from Dial. It seemed like a great idea to everyone. It seemed that way because it was. Paperwork was prepapred and paperwork was signed. Voila!...To make a much longer story short, Dial accepted my novel. The editor instructed me on how to raise it to a professional level as I finished writing it over the next ten months. I followed orders perfectly. I even felt prosperous on my $7500 advance. He then had Dial release Mr. Balwin from his obligation. Not surpringly, he went on to create fine books for other publishers. Ludlum did even batter. Of the three, I'm the pauper but I've gotten my fair share and I'm alive with books coming out again now in the very near future, no small accmplishment. So no complaints from me.
That''s how I got published. I met Ludlum many times later on and Baldwin once. Ludlum liked my name "Noel" and used it for an then-upcoming charcter named Noel Holcroft. That amused me. I don't know if either of them even knew that my career had been in their orbits for a month 1975. They would have been amused. They were both smart gifted men and fine writers in dfferent ways. This story was told to me by one of the principals two years later and another one confirmed it.
Me, I came out of it with my first publishing contract, for a book titled 'Reve
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
June 22, 2026
Kennedy's Spy by Noel Hynd is a sophisticated, fast-paced, and exceptionally well-crafted espionage thriller that transports readers into one of the most volatile periods of modern history. Combining meticulous historical detail, political intrigue, international suspense, and compelling character development, Hynd delivers a novel that captures both the tension of the Cold War and the personal sacrifices demanded by those operating in its shadows.
Set during the winter of 1961-62, a period marked by global uncertainty and mounting geopolitical conflict, the novel immerses readers in a world where every decision carries international consequences. Hynd skillfully recreates the atmosphere of the era, bringing to life the political flashpoints of Berlin, Havana, Moscow, Saigon, Tel Aviv, and Washington. The historical backdrop is not merely decorative it becomes an integral part of the story, amplifying the tension and lending authenticity to every development.
At the center of the narrative is Thomas Buchanan, a seasoned FBI operative whose intelligence, experience, and moral complexity make him a compelling protagonist. Unlike many traditional espionage heroes, Buchanan is neither idealized nor invincible. His skepticism, personal convictions, and reluctance to become entangled in political agendas create a character that feels authentic and deeply human. As events unfold, readers become invested not only in the mission itself but also in Buchanan's personal struggles and evolving sense of duty.
One of the novel's greatest strengths is its intricate plotting. Hynd expertly weaves together intelligence operations, political maneuvering, personal relationships, and hidden agendas into a cohesive narrative that continually surprises and engages. Every new revelation deepens the mystery while raising the stakes, creating a sense of momentum that carries readers through the story with remarkable effectiveness.
The return of figures from Buchanan's past adds emotional depth and unpredictability to the narrative. The appearance of Jesse Chadwick introduces personal and professional complications that transform what initially appears to be a straightforward assignment into a dangerous and multifaceted operation. These personal dimensions enrich the story and elevate it beyond a conventional spy thriller.
Another standout quality of Kennedy's Spy is its attention to realism. Hynd demonstrates a profound understanding of intelligence work, government institutions, and international politics. Rather than relying solely on action sequences, the novel builds suspense through investigation, strategy, deception, and psychological tension. This approach creates a more immersive and intellectually satisfying reading experience for fans of sophisticated espionage fiction.
The pacing is expertly controlled throughout. Political intrigue, covert operations, international travel, and personal conflict are balanced in a way that maintains suspense while allowing characters and themes to develop naturally. The result is a novel that feels both expansive in scope and deeply personal in execution.
The writing is polished, confident, and highly engaging. Hynd's ability to blend historical authenticity with compelling storytelling allows readers to become fully immersed in the world he creates. The dialogue is sharp, the settings are vivid, and the suspense steadily intensifies toward a memorable and impactful conclusion.
Ultimately, Kennedy's Spy succeeds because it combines historical depth with thrilling storytelling. It is a novel about loyalty, duty, power, deception, and the immense pressures faced by those operating behind the scenes during one of history's most dangerous eras. Readers are treated not only to an exciting espionage adventure but also to a thoughtful exploration of the individuals who navigate the complex intersection of politics and intelligence.
Noel Hynd has crafted an outstanding historical spy thriller that showcases his mastery of suspense, character development, and historical storytelling. Kennedy's Spy is an engrossing and highly rewarding read that will appeal to fans of espionage fiction, political thrillers, and Cold War history. Highly recommended.
Set during the winter of 1961-62, a period marked by global uncertainty and mounting geopolitical conflict, the novel immerses readers in a world where every decision carries international consequences. Hynd skillfully recreates the atmosphere of the era, bringing to life the political flashpoints of Berlin, Havana, Moscow, Saigon, Tel Aviv, and Washington. The historical backdrop is not merely decorative it becomes an integral part of the story, amplifying the tension and lending authenticity to every development.
At the center of the narrative is Thomas Buchanan, a seasoned FBI operative whose intelligence, experience, and moral complexity make him a compelling protagonist. Unlike many traditional espionage heroes, Buchanan is neither idealized nor invincible. His skepticism, personal convictions, and reluctance to become entangled in political agendas create a character that feels authentic and deeply human. As events unfold, readers become invested not only in the mission itself but also in Buchanan's personal struggles and evolving sense of duty.
One of the novel's greatest strengths is its intricate plotting. Hynd expertly weaves together intelligence operations, political maneuvering, personal relationships, and hidden agendas into a cohesive narrative that continually surprises and engages. Every new revelation deepens the mystery while raising the stakes, creating a sense of momentum that carries readers through the story with remarkable effectiveness.
The return of figures from Buchanan's past adds emotional depth and unpredictability to the narrative. The appearance of Jesse Chadwick introduces personal and professional complications that transform what initially appears to be a straightforward assignment into a dangerous and multifaceted operation. These personal dimensions enrich the story and elevate it beyond a conventional spy thriller.
Another standout quality of Kennedy's Spy is its attention to realism. Hynd demonstrates a profound understanding of intelligence work, government institutions, and international politics. Rather than relying solely on action sequences, the novel builds suspense through investigation, strategy, deception, and psychological tension. This approach creates a more immersive and intellectually satisfying reading experience for fans of sophisticated espionage fiction.
The pacing is expertly controlled throughout. Political intrigue, covert operations, international travel, and personal conflict are balanced in a way that maintains suspense while allowing characters and themes to develop naturally. The result is a novel that feels both expansive in scope and deeply personal in execution.
The writing is polished, confident, and highly engaging. Hynd's ability to blend historical authenticity with compelling storytelling allows readers to become fully immersed in the world he creates. The dialogue is sharp, the settings are vivid, and the suspense steadily intensifies toward a memorable and impactful conclusion.
Ultimately, Kennedy's Spy succeeds because it combines historical depth with thrilling storytelling. It is a novel about loyalty, duty, power, deception, and the immense pressures faced by those operating behind the scenes during one of history's most dangerous eras. Readers are treated not only to an exciting espionage adventure but also to a thoughtful exploration of the individuals who navigate the complex intersection of politics and intelligence.
Noel Hynd has crafted an outstanding historical spy thriller that showcases his mastery of suspense, character development, and historical storytelling. Kennedy's Spy is an engrossing and highly rewarding read that will appeal to fans of espionage fiction, political thrillers, and Cold War history. Highly recommended.
October 11, 2023
Great series/book
These books in this series are wonderful. All of them were good but, I think this one was the very best. Don't know if there will be another book in this series but, I would sure read it. These books are very fast paced and thought provoking I am sure that simular things go on behind the scenes that the public never knows that we were saved from. And I pray that the wise men continue to save us. Noel is a master storyteller and I highly recommend his books.
These books in this series are wonderful. All of them were good but, I think this one was the very best. Don't know if there will be another book in this series but, I would sure read it. These books are very fast paced and thought provoking I am sure that simular things go on behind the scenes that the public never knows that we were saved from. And I pray that the wise men continue to save us. Noel is a master storyteller and I highly recommend his books.
September 27, 2023
Kennedy's Spy is the third book in a fantastic spy series. The main characters, Tom and Ann, are such a wonderful couple. They truly love and trust each other. What they go through is sometimes frightening. But their love, strength and common sense keep them safe. This book is full of thrills, danger, super scary situations and suspense. Very detailed on history. This series just keeps getting better and better.
February 25, 2024
Another Great Hynd Novel
This was another great read from Noel Hynd. He is truly the master of the historical novel. His research must be extremely rigorous as stories always seem to be historically accurate. This book is no exception. Having lived through the Cuban Missile Crisis it was nice to have the blanks filled in, if only from Hynd’s imagination. His books are addictive, always making one thirst for more. Well done, Noel!
This was another great read from Noel Hynd. He is truly the master of the historical novel. His research must be extremely rigorous as stories always seem to be historically accurate. This book is no exception. Having lived through the Cuban Missile Crisis it was nice to have the blanks filled in, if only from Hynd’s imagination. His books are addictive, always making one thirst for more. Well done, Noel!
August 17, 2023
Another masterpiece
Noel Hynd continues to turn out fantastic historical fiction...or is it? Each book is filled with intrigue, substantially provable facts and the wherewithal to weave it all together in a truly memorable fashion.
I
There hasn't been a Noel Hynd book I haven't enjoyed.
Noel Hynd continues to turn out fantastic historical fiction...or is it? Each book is filled with intrigue, substantially provable facts and the wherewithal to weave it all together in a truly memorable fashion.
I
There hasn't been a Noel Hynd book I haven't enjoyed.
August 27, 2023
Noel, You’ve done it again! Bravo!
For those who lived during the era, this book is a must read! The subtleties, and the “in your face” moments are quite profound. You’ll put the book down; ponder for a moment, take notes, and continue - intensely reading. And memories return of our, thankfully, surviving the crisis.
For those who lived during the era, this book is a must read! The subtleties, and the “in your face” moments are quite profound. You’ll put the book down; ponder for a moment, take notes, and continue - intensely reading. And memories return of our, thankfully, surviving the crisis.
August 6, 2023
Fast paced historical novel based on sixties political events.
Amazing integration of fiction and historical facts keeps the reader engrossed. I vividly recall reading the many facts in the newspapers when I first started following the events as a teenager.
Amazing integration of fiction and historical facts keeps the reader engrossed. I vividly recall reading the many facts in the newspapers when I first started following the events as a teenager.
September 17, 2023
Tense.
A peak into the abyss of what could been the end of the world. The Cuban missile crisis and the agonizing days that followed the Cuban blockade. Great characters, superb plot. Conrad Samayoa.
A peak into the abyss of what could been the end of the world. The Cuban missile crisis and the agonizing days that followed the Cuban blockade. Great characters, superb plot. Conrad Samayoa.
January 15, 2024
Great ending
Great book a little slow at first but it got much better as the story developed. The ending was excellent. I learned some things I did not know about the Cuban middle crisis. I highly recommend this book if you are into historical fiction and spy stories
Great book a little slow at first but it got much better as the story developed. The ending was excellent. I learned some things I did not know about the Cuban middle crisis. I highly recommend this book if you are into historical fiction and spy stories
January 26, 2024
Cuban Missal Story in Depth
I lived through the Cuban missal crisis but never knew the details until reading Kennedy’s Spy. Extremely informative about an important part of American history.
I lived through the Cuban missal crisis but never knew the details until reading Kennedy’s Spy. Extremely informative about an important part of American history.
May 16, 2024
great story wrapped in history that is little known
The book’s story line is excellent and it kept me reading but I was surprised at the many editing errors. I have read many books By the author and did not encounter the problem so apparently he has corrected the situation.
The book’s story line is excellent and it kept me reading but I was surprised at the many editing errors. I have read many books By the author and did not encounter the problem so apparently he has corrected the situation.
August 15, 2023
very poor story
Lot of history , but poor story. If you have not bought it yet, do not . It was a waste of time .
Lot of history , but poor story. If you have not bought it yet, do not . It was a waste of time .
July 3, 2024
An FBI/CIA novel built around the build up to the Cuban Missile Crisis
August 12, 2024
Engaging
I remember these crises it was a scary time. We had drills in school to protect us from a nuclear attack. Having lived these event made this book that more interesting.
I remember these crises it was a scary time. We had drills in school to protect us from a nuclear attack. Having lived these event made this book that more interesting.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews