Book cover of Sleeper Agent: The Atomic Spy in America Who Got Away

Book description

The dramatic and chilling story of an American-born Soviet spy in the atom bomb project in World War II, perfect for fans of The Americans.

George Koval was born in Iowa. In 1932, his parents, Russian Jews who had emigrated because of anti-Semitism, decided to return home to live out…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

2 authors picked Sleeper Agent as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

I operated as a KGB illegal agent in the US for ten years. This book is about George Koval, who served as a KGB illegal for 8 years. 

His background made him an ideal candidate for the KGB. He was born in the US to Russian parents. The family returned to the Soviet Union, where George studied economics and was recruited by the KGB. 

In 1940, he went back to the US and lived under his American birth name. He wound up working for the Manhattan Project, the huge team that developed the nuclear bomb. He spent four years stealing…

This is a book about George Koval, the most successful KGB sleeper in the United States. 

George was born in the United States to Jewish parents who had immigrated from Russia in 1910. George and his family returned to the USSR where George became infatuated with communism. He was recruited by the GRU (military intelligence) and re-injected into the US. 

As a born US citizen, he got clearance for the Manhattan Project. The atomic secrets he sent to the USSR allowed that country to accelerate the development of the nuclear bomb and become a superpower.

If you love Sleeper Agent...

Book cover of Aggressor

Aggressor by FX Holden,

It is April 1st, 2038. Day 60 of China's blockade of the rebel island of Taiwan.

The US government has agreed to provide Taiwan with a weapons system so advanced that it can disrupt the balance of power in the region. But what pilot would be crazy enough to run…

Want books like Sleeper Agent?

Our community of 13,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like Sleeper Agent.

Browse books like Sleeper Agent

Book cover of The Spy and the Traitor: The Greatest Espionage Story of the Cold War
Book cover of Operation Whisper: The Capture of Soviet Spies Morris and Lona Cohen
Book cover of Man Without a Face: The Autobiography of Communism's Greatest Spymaster

Share your top 3 reads of 2025!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,395

readers submitted
so far, will you?

📚 If you like Sleeper Agent, you might also like...

Book cover of Ramón Ramirez's Dog: Reflections on Then and Now

Ramón Ramirez's Dog by David J. Dunford,

Ramon Ramirez’s Dog is a collection of essays written over the years about the adventures and misadventures, mostly outside but occasionally inside the diplomatic career of a U.S. ambassador. Common threads weaving the stories together are a desire for a life well-lived, balancing career with family and friends, keeping physically…

Book cover of I, Robot Alien

I, Robot Alien by Joel R. Dennstedt,

“Intelligent, unique, and tremendously entertaining.” - Readers' Favorite 2025

BOOKLIFE EDITOR’S PICK!

EARTH… CENTURIES AFTER THE FALL!

I was created by beings who couldn’t touch this world... only watch it crumble. Every twenty years, a new tribe... a new hope... a new failure.

I was told, “Do not interfere.” But…

5 book lists we think you will like!