"COREY PEARSON- CIA SPYMASTER" Series- Take a Journey of Espionage & Intrigue!

                                                              

CIA Spymaster Corey Pearson strategizing with his elite team.

The Human Connection: Why a Spy Thriller Proves CIA’s HUMINT is Better Than Online Recruiting

Welcome to the world of Corey Pearson, CIA Spymaster! If you're a fan of high-stakes espionage and covert operations, you've come to the right place. My new spy thriller series, Corey Pearson- CIA Spymaster, follows Corey and his elite CIA counterintelligence team as they dive deep into the shadows of global intrigue.

Start your journey with Mission of Vengeance, the second book in the series, available now on Amazon. It’s a pulse-pounding ride that will have you hooked from the first page. And the best part? You can dive into the rest of the series in any order. The first novel, Penumbra Database, is being revamped to reflect the rapidly changing world of intelligence, while The Shadow War is coming soon. I'm currently writing Assassin, the fourth book in the series.

So, what are you waiting for? Get to know Corey Pearson now with Mission of Vengeance, and prepare yourself for the rest of the adventure.

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Get 'Mission of Vengeance' now! Corey faces off against Russian assassins in a web of international espionage, setting the stage for electrifying adventures to come. Get ready for an adrenaline-packed ride! 

The Human Connection: A Spy Thriller Proves CIA’s HUMINT is Better Than Online Recruiting

Old-school trust vs. new-age tactics: CIA spy recruitment in Russia blends face-to-face connections with digital outreach in the age of surveillance.

      Recruiting spies isn’t exactly a walk in the park, especially when you’re dealing with a place like Russia. CIA operatives are constantly being watched, tailed, and harassed by teams of Russian agents. The risks are high, but the good old-fashioned face-to-face method of recruiting spies, using HUMINT, still holds its own against the slick new digital techniques. Sure, the CIA’s online recruitment efforts are innovative, but nothing beats sitting down with someone, looking them in the eye, and building trust.

     These days, the CIA has had to get creative. They’ve taken their recruitment game online, especially in places where it’s too risky to have boots on the ground—Russia being a prime example. Using social media and the dark web, they’re reaching out to Russians who are fed up with the corruption or who can’t stomach the war in Ukraine anymore.

     The CIA has even rolled out a series of slickly produced videos, making it easy for these disgruntled folks to contact the agency anonymously. And people are biting—the videos have racked up millions of views, proving there’s a serious audience for this kind of thing.

     But for all its convenience, digital recruiting still falls short of the real deal. You can’t replace the power of a face-to-face conversation when you’re trying to turn someone into a spy. CIA Director William Burns said it himself: the anger and disillusionment over Russia’s war in Ukraine is a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” to recruit new spies. The Agency has jumped on this chance, putting out detailed online guides showing Russians how to get in touch with the CIA through secure channels.

     And it’s working—over 2.5 million views in just a week. But while this digital approach is great for casting a wide net, it lacks something crucial: the personal touch. That face-to-face connection you get in traditional human intelligence recruitment, or HUMINT, just can’t be replicated online.

     At the core of espionage, as Jim Olson, former CIA Counterintelligence Chief, always says, is the human element. You can’t get around it. The CIA spends years training its operatives in the art of spycraft at "The Farm," a secret facility in Williamsburg, Virginia. And one of the key skills they drill into recruits is how to recruit a spy face-to-face. When a CIA operative meets a potential asset in person, it’s not just about gathering information; it’s about building a psychological bond, even a false friendship, that’s based on shared experiences and trust. You can’t make that happen with a few clicks on the dark web or a slickly produced video.

     Take Corey Pearson, the CIA spymaster in Mission of Vengeance. Pearson is a master at HUMINT recruitment. When he’s in Nassau, Bahamas, he doesn’t just drop off some money and hope for the best. He gets out there and talks to people. He befriends local street vendors, takes the time to ask about their families, their financial struggles, and what keeps them up at night.

     It’s that personal connection that makes all the difference. Pearson gains their trust, and soon enough, they’re working for him, providing valuable intel. It’s a classic example of how real human interaction pays off in ways that digital outreach simply can’t match.

     Pearson also knows how to play the long game. He recruits the Deputy Commander of the Royal Bahamian Police Force by offering something no online guide could—real, tangible help. He brings in the CIA’s forensic analysis department to help solve local crimes, giving the Deputy Commander access to cutting-edge tools. In return, Pearson earns his loyalty and cooperation. This kind of quid-pro-quo is another thing digital recruiting lacks—the ability to offer real, immediate benefits that seal the deal.

     Sure, online recruitment is convenient, and it definitely reaches people who might otherwise be out of the CIA’s grasp, but it lacks the depth and punch of good old-fashioned HUMINT. Sure, going digital lets people stay anonymous, but that anonymity can make the whole thing feel more like a business transaction than a relationship. With HUMINT, a CIA operative isn’t just playing on a target’s vulnerabilities—they’re in it for the long haul, building a relationship that takes time and effort. And that investment? It usually leads to more reliable, more loyal informants.

     The CIA’s traditional seven-step recruitment process shows just how important personal interaction really is. It starts with spotting and assessing a target, then developing a connection, and eventually bringing them into the fold to provide valuable intel. Each step builds on the last, and by the time an asset is fully recruited, they don’t just feel useful—they feel loyal. They’ve got skin in the game, and that’s something you just don’t get with a faceless chat on the dark web.

     Take Corey Pearson in Mission of Vengeance. He’s a pro at the HUMINT game. Pearson doesn’t just see his targets as intel sources; he sees them as people. He listens to their stories, learns about their families, and offers them real help when they need it. That’s how he locks in their loyalty. You can’t get that kind of personal connection through an anonymous online message.

     Sure, the CIA’s digital efforts are impressive—there’s no denying that. And in today’s world, they’re absolutely necessary. But no matter how advanced our tech gets, nothing will ever beat the personal touch of HUMINT.

     Recruiting spies isn’t just about passing along instructions or information—it’s about trust, understanding what makes people tick, and building relationships that go far beyond a simple transaction. As long as espionage is around, HUMINT will always be the gold standard.

 

Robert Morton is a member of the Association of Former Intelligence Officers (AFIO) and the author of the "Corey Pearson- CIA Spymaster" spy thriller series. Check out his latest spy thriller, Misson of Vengeance

Spy Stuff! CIA Missons Improve Our Daily Lives

From Satellites to stethoscopes, CIA technology now powers breakthroughs in medicine, security, and agriculture—transforming everyday life  

 

     When we think of the CIA, most people picture covert missions, secret operatives, and high-stakes intelligence gathering. But what you might not know is that the agency’s mission has had a ripple effect, bringing some real benefits to everyday life.

     Take the medical field, for instance. Technology that was originally developed to analyze satellite imagery has now been repurposed to help radiologists detect breast cancer more accurately. That’s right—tools made for spotting threats from space are now being used to save lives here on Earth.

     And that’s not all. The CIA’s work in biometric security, used in their covert operations, has trickled down into airports and government facilities worldwide, improving the way we handle security checks and identification.

     Let’s not forget cybersecurity, where CIA-developed encryption and data analysis techniques have found their way into the tech industry. These innovations help protect businesses and personal information from hackers, making the internet a little safer for all of us.

     Then there’s disaster response. The CIA’s satellite and surveillance technology, initially used for tracking enemy movements, is now helping monitor natural disasters like hurricanes and earthquakes, providing real-time data that’s crucial for relief efforts. Even farmers are benefiting from CIA research, with geospatial tech helping them manage crops more effectively through better weather and land analysis.

     The CIA’s influence extends to law enforcement as well. Their collaboration with agencies like the FBI strengthens counterterrorism efforts, keeping our homeland safer. They’ve also contributed to supply chain security, using their global reach to help track logistics and ensure critical supplies reach their destinations without disruption.

     So, next time you think about the CIA, remember it’s not just about spies and covert missions. Their innovations are woven into the fabric of our daily lives in ways we often don’t even realize. From protecting our data to improving our health, their influence stretches far beyond the shadowy world of intelligence.

     How do you feel knowing that the technology developed by the CIA for national security is now helping in everyday fields like medicine and agriculture? Does it change your perspective on the agency’s broader impact? Let me know your thoughts- post a comment below! 

Robert Morton is a member of the Association of Former Intelligence Officers (AFIO) and the author of the "Corey Pearson- CIA Spymaster" spy thriller series. Check out his latest spy thriller, Misson of Vengeance.

 

Stay Where Spies Meet: The British Colonial Hotel and Its Iconic Spy History

 

Vacation Like a Spy: Luxury and Intrigue at the British Colonial in Nassau, Bahamas

     If you’ve ever dreamed of a vacation where you could relax on a talcum-powdered beach and maybe bump into a secret agent, the Nassau British Colonial Hotel is calling your name. This historic gem, nestled right on Bay Street in the heart of Nassau, offers the perfect blend of luxury, tropical beauty, and a dash of espionage. You might not just be soaking up the sun—you could be sitting where real-life spy novels and iconic films were made.

     This hotel, often called the “BC,” isn’t just any beachfront retreat. It’s the only beachfront hotel in Nassau, offering jaw-dropping views of the cruise ship harbor, and a lush, private 8-acre garden behind it that’s perfect for a peaceful stroll. Oh, and did I mention it’s pet-friendly? So, bring the family, bring your dog—everyone’s welcome.

     And while you’re at it, enjoy the nearby duty-free shops and famous Junkanoo Beach, just a 10-minute walk away. That’s where CIA spymaster Corey Pearson, the hero in my spy thriller series, hangs out.

     But here’s where things get interesting. The British Colonial Hotel is more than just a place to unwind; it’s been the backdrop for some serious spy action. James Bond himself, Sean Connery, stayed here while filming Thunderball in 1965. The underwater battles, high-stakes action scenes, and Connery’s iconic 007 persona left an unforgettable mark on the place.

     Fast forward to Never Say Never Again, another Bond classic, and you’ll realize this hotel practically oozes secret agent vibes. Who knows, maybe you’ll catch a glimpse of a modern-day spy sipping a cocktail at the bar.

     Speaking of spies, the British Colonial Hotel also plays a starring role in my spy thriller, Penumbra Database. It’s where CIA spymaster Corey Pearson and his elite CIA team meet contacts, plot covert operations, and strategize to recover a stolen database algorithm.

     The plush Bullion Bar, with its mahogany top and panoramic views of the tropical gardens, is the perfect place for clandestine meetings. Picture this: Milo, the bartender, wipes down the bar and then discreetly sets a vase of ornamental reeds on top of it—a subtle signal to Corey that the coast is clear for a rendezvous. Every corner of this hotel screams intrigue and mystery—who needs a movie when real-life espionage and my thrillers unfold here?

     And don’t worry, you can enjoy all of this with a cocktail in hand at the hotel’s Patio Grill & Pool Bar. It’s where Corey Pearson himself (well, in Penumbra Database) unwinds and meets his contacts, while the breeze from Nassau Harbor keeps things cool. Whether you’re there for the history, the views, or to imagine yourself in the middle of a high-stakes spy operation, the British Colonial Hotel has it all.

     So, if you’re planning a family vacation, but secretly hoping to feel like James Bond (or Corey Pearson), the British Colonial is your spot. It’s where luxury meets espionage, and who knows—you might just have spies in your midst. 

Robert Morton is a member of the Association of Former Intelligence Officers (AFIO) and the author of the "Corey Pearson- CIA Spymaster" spy thriller series. Check out his latest spy thriller, Misson of Vengeance.

CIA Spooks, Mad Magazine, and the Comic Relief of Spy vs. Spy

 

How Spy vs. Spy Helped CIA Operatives Laugh Through the Cold War

     Who knew the CIA and Mad Magazine had something in common, right? But it turns out, during the height of the Cold War, Mad’s infamous Spy vs. Spy cartoon strip did more than just entertain teenagers and young adults—it provided a little comic relief for our very own CIA spooks! I mean, when your day job involves playing mental chess with the KGB, you probably need a laugh. And what better way to unwind than watching two beak-nosed spies blow each other up in ridiculous fashion?

     Here’s the backstory: Antonio Prohías, a Cuban cartoonist who had to flee his homeland after Fidel Castro accused him of—wait for it—being a CIA spy, turned that wild accusation into a lucrative venture. Prohías came to America and hit it big when he started drawing those two iconic spies, one in black and one in white, locked in a never-ending battle of wits, sabotage, and booby traps.

     That’s how Spy vs. Spy was born in Mad’s January 1961 issue, and it quickly became one of the most beloved features in the magazine.

     The strip became especially popular with CIA officers. Why? Well, for starters, it hit close to home. During the Cold War, these intelligence agents were neck-deep in a shadowy world where they constantly fought against Soviet spies. 

Get ‘MISSION OF VENGEANCE’ and take a journey of espionage and intrigue with CIA Spymaster Corey Pearson!

      Watching the Black Spy and White Spy continually try—and fail—to outsmart each other probably felt all too familiar. The cartoon’s simple humor was a welcome break from the high-stakes espionage these agents were involved in, and it gave them a chance to laugh at the absurdity of their own situations. I imagine a few CIA officers might have even had a quiet chuckle at the thought of how eerily accurate Spy vs. Spy was to their own operations.

     There’s even an archived CIA file from 1977 titled “Psychological Assessments,” where agency employees shared their thoughts on Mad Magazine and its cartoon. At one point, the joke was about the CIA’s new Director, Stansfield Turner. The joke got so much attention that the CIA’s Assistant for Public Affairs, Herb Hetu, was informed about it. That’s right, folks—Mad Magazine was on the CIA’s radar! Who would’ve thought?

     Prohías’s background made him uniquely qualified to pen a Cold War parody like Spy vs. Spy. After all, he had firsthand experience with political oppression. Castro’s regime accused him of working for the CIA, and he had to flee to the United States in 1960, three days before the Cuban press was nationalized. Talk about a close call. But instead of brooding over it, Prohías turned Castro’s paranoia into sweet, sweet revenge: a highly successful comic strip that made fun of the very concept of spies and espionage.

     One of Prohías’s best lines came when he told the Miami Herald, “The sweetest revenge has been to turn Fidel’s accusation of me as a spy into a money-making venture.” And boy, did he do just that. Not only did Spy vs. Spy become iconic in the pages of Mad, but the characters also made their way into video games, TV shows, and action figures. Not bad for a couple of cartoon spooks who never utter a single word!

     Prohías drew 241 Spy vs. Spy strips until he passed the torch to other artists in 1987, but the essence of the original series remained the same: a relentless back-and-forth of espionage, where neither spy could ever truly win. Kind of like the Cold War itself.

     So, if you’re ever wondering what kept those undercover CIA spooks sane during the intense days of tangling with the KGB, it wasn’t just the caffeine and classified briefings. Nope, it was Spy vs. Spy giving them a reason to laugh at the absurdity of it all. Imagine them, covertly flipping through Mad Magazine, grinning at Black Spy and White Spy’s ridiculous antics before heading back into their own cloak-and-dagger missions. Who knew Mad had a seat in the CIA breakroom?

     And let’s be honest—maybe you’ve imagined yourself as a spy too. Sneaking around in a trench coat, trading witty one-liners with your enemies, and pulling off the perfect sabotage. Well, while the real CIA agents were dealing with life-or-death stakes, they probably found a little comfort in knowing that somewhere, two cartoon spies were blowing each other up in the most comical way possible.

Robert Morton is a member of the Association of Former Intelligence Officers (AFIO) and the author of the "Corey Pearson- CIA Spymaster" spy thriller series. Check out his latest spy thriller, Misson of Vengeance.

 

 

Porfirio Rubirosa: The Secret Agent Life That Inspired Ian Fleming’s Bond

Porfirio Rubirosa: The Real-Life James Bond Who Lived on the Edge

 

     Porfirio Rubirosa could’ve easily walked straight out of a James Bond novel. The Dominican diplomat, playboy, and polo player lived a life so glamorous and dangerous, it almost seems like fiction—but it wasn’t. Picture Sean Connery in his Bond prime, and you’re probably picturing Rubirosa. No wonder people speculate that Ian Fleming himself might’ve looked at Connery and thought, “That’s my man.” There’s a good chance Fleming saw the resemblance between Rubirosa and Connery, which might explain why Connery landed the role of Bond in Dr. No.

     But Rubirosa didn’t just look like Bond—he lived like him. His life was filled with espionage, seduction, and adventure, much like everyone’s favorite British secret agent. While Bond was busy chasing down villains around the globe, Rubirosa was rubbing shoulders with the elite, passing along secrets, and likely gathering intel for the CIA during the Cold War. As a Dominican diplomat with ties to powerful figures like dictator Rafael Trujillo, Rubirosa was navigating real-life danger, not the fictional kind.

     Take his involvement with the CIA, for instance. Rubirosa wasn’t just a charming playboy; he had real connections with U.S. intelligence. During the Cold War, he acted as an unofficial asset, passing along valuable intel. One time, he discreetly shared with the CIA Trujillo’s plans to align with European fascist regimes—a move that sent Washington scrambling. This kind of insider info helped the CIA keep tabs on Trujillo and adjust their strategy in Latin America. Just like Bond, Rubirosa was deep in the shadowy world of international intrigue, where charm and information were as valuable as any weapon. 

Take a journey of espionage and intrigue with CIA spymaster Corey Pearson in the spy thriller “MISSION OF VENGEANCE”!

     Things got particularly dicey when Rubirosa’s relationship with Trujillo soured. Trujillo wasn’t a man who tolerated disloyalty, and even his closest allies weren’t safe. Rumors started swirling that Rubirosa had fallen out of favor, likely because of his closeness with foreign diplomats and powerful women.

     In a scenario that sounds ripped from a Bond film, Rubirosa had to carefully balance his loyalty to Trujillo while keeping his international dealings under wraps. One wrong move could’ve meant his execution. Like Bond, Rubirosa relied on his quick wit, charm, and connections to stay one step ahead of danger.

     And it wasn’t just Trujillo or the CIA that Rubirosa had wrapped around his finger. His charm extended to some of the wealthiest and most powerful women in the world. Much like Bond’s famous romance with Vesper Lynd, Rubirosa had his fair share of high-profile relationships.

     One of the most legendary examples? His marriage to Doris Duke, one of the richest women in the world. Duke fell head over heels for Rubirosa, and though their marriage only lasted a year, it was long enough for Rubirosa to work his magic. When it ended, he didn’t just walk away with memories—he left with a B-25 bomber and a hefty cash settlement. That’s the kind of charm Rubirosa had; he didn’t just sweep women off their feet, he left them giving him fortunes.

     But his life wasn’t all about women, fast cars, and glamorous parties—though there was plenty of that. His ties to the CIA made him more than just a playboy; they made him a player in the real-world espionage game. Just like Bond, Rubirosa found himself rubbing shoulders with European royalty, attending lavish soirées, and driving the fastest cars money could buy. And, just like Bond, danger was always lurking around the corner.

     Picture Rubirosa at a high-stakes diplomatic event, charming the room, while quietly passing crucial intel to his CIA contacts. It sounds like something from a Bond film, doesn’t it? But that was Rubirosa’s real life—luxury, danger, seduction, and intrigue, all wrapped up in one man.

     So while Bond may be fictional, Rubirosa was the real deal. He embodied everything that makes 007 a legend: the elegance, the danger, the mystery. Fleming may have written Bond’s adventures, but it’s not hard to imagine that he found his inspiration in Rubirosa—a suave, globe-trotting diplomat who, like Bond, always found himself in the middle of the action, martini in hand, ready for whatever came next. 

Robert Morton is a member of the Association of Former Intelligence Officers (AFIO) and the author of the Corey Pearson- CIA Spymaster spy thriller series. Check out his latest spy thriller, Misson of Vengeance.

Espionage in Ukraine: How Democracies and Dictatorships Fight a Different Intelligence War

 

Contrasting Worlds In Ukraine: The CIA upholds democratic values and human rights, while Russia's GRU operates in the shadows, marked by oppression and war atrocities

    When it comes to espionage in Ukraine, Russian intelligence plays by a completely different rulebook than the U.S. Here’s the lowdown: Russia’s tactics are all about brute force, chaos, and a complete disregard for the rules. They mix old-school spycraft—think covert operatives and hidden assets—with cutting-edge cyber warfare.

     We’re talking about disinformation campaigns that flood social media with fake news, spreading lies to create confusion. Then there are the cyberattacks that cripple Ukraine’s infrastructure, hacking into power grids and stealing sensitive government data.

     On the ground, Russian operatives lean heavily on their human assets. These are locals they’ve been grooming for years, sometimes decades. They are used for everything from gathering intelligence to stirring up political unrest or even sabotaging key facilities. And Russia’s intelligence agencies, like the FSB and GRU, don’t shy away from direct action either—assassination attempts, kidnappings, you name it.

     They play dirty, and the moral high ground isn’t in their playbook. A prime example? The abduction and torture of civilians in Bucha, where Russian operatives violated basic human rights in the name of “defending the motherland.” These are the kinds of tactics that set Russian espionage apart: they don’t just cross the line, they obliterate it.

     In fact, I dive into this ruthless approach in my spy thriller Mission of Vengeance, where CIA spymaster Corey Pearson and his elite team run into GRU atrocities in the Caribbean. Russian Spetsnaz assassins, under GRU command, are deployed to take out Caribbean leaders who refuse to go along with Russia’s plot to undermine U.S. influence in the region. It’s a chilling example of how Russian intelligence operates—not just in Ukraine, but on a global scale. Their tactics are about intimidation and force, no matter the cost.

     Now, let’s look at how the U.S. intelligence community—particularly the CIA—operates. They’re in Ukraine too, but their playbook is much more strategic, less reckless. Western intelligence, especially the CIA, is focused on gathering actionable intel, supporting Ukraine with the tools and information they need to defend themselves.

     They’re not flooding social media with lies or hacking into civilian infrastructure. They’re providing behind-the-scenes support to shore up Ukraine’s defenses and help counter Russian aggression. And while Russia is throwing everything at Ukraine, with zero concern for collateral damage, the CIA is operating with a much clearer set of rules—rules that respect human rights.

     Note: Actually, both the CIA and Britain’s MI6 are working undercover in the Ukraine- Read:  CIA & MI6: United in Strategy, Turning the Tide in Ukraine’s War Against Russia.

     The big difference here? Russia’s intelligence agencies are willing to violate human rights to achieve their goals. The CIA, by contrast, has strict regulations that prevent them from engaging in such activities. It’s all about strategy versus brute force, and respect for life versus a complete disregard for it.

     At the end of the day, Russian intelligence sees Ukraine as a high-stakes chessboard, and they’re playing dirty to win at any cost. The CIA and its Western allies, on the other hand, are focused on keeping Ukraine in the game—without burning the rulebook or trampling on human rights. Two very different styles, two very different outcomes. 

Robert Morton is a member of the Association of Former Intelligence Officers (AFIO) and the author of the Corey Pearson- CIA Spymaster spy thriller series. Check out his latest spy thriller, Misson of Vengeance.