Ever wonder what spy novels a real-life Special Forces and CIA operative can't put down? Former Special Forces & CIA Officer James Stejskal reveals his top five spy thrillers on Spybrary's Dead Drop 5. The Dead Drop 5 is back! In this much-requested Spybrary feature, our guest is embedded behind the Iron Curtain and can request five spy books, a gadget, luxury items and more from their handler.

Today's guest is James Stejskal, a former U.S. Army Special Forces and CIA operative, turned military historian and author. James spent 35 years operating in high-stakes locations across Africa, Europe, the Balkans, and the Near and Far East. Now an accomplished writer, he's best known for his Cold War thriller series, The Snake Eater Chronicles, and the highly regarded non-fiction book Special Forces Berlin: Clandestine Cold War Operations of the U.S. Army's Elite (1956–1990). In this episode, James shares his five essential spy reads—spy thrillers that influenced him and shaped his view on espionage fiction.

James Spy Book Picks can be found at www.spybrary.com/256