The author had a career at CIA, the anecdotes are believable to some extent. He brings up the issue of human intelligence, humint, and it's value. Clearly he is in favor, but he does point out the moral dilemma. There is tragedy, although the ending is mixed. Careerists are a problem in CIA as much as in any organization. He does not bring up the issue of secrecy in a democratic government, or whether it is overdone in the US. Secrecy is related to the value of humint.