ISBN: 978-1-57023-306-7 (13-digit); 1-57023-306-3 (10-digit)

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By Bob Bergin

Set in Burma and southern China, this story begins in Burma, just before the start of World War II, and follows the Japanese invasion and the disasters that befall the British Army.

One bright spot in this drama is the American Volunteer Group (AVG) Flying Tigers who join in the defense of Rangoon. These events are the backdrop to the main story, the beginning of the American espionage effort in Asia that becomes known as the Office of Strategic Services (OSS).

Young journalist Harry Ross is sent to Rangoon by “Wild Bill” Donovan. His primary mission is to establish an espionage network and monitor the effectiveness of the Flying Tigers.

When Rangoon falls, the action moves to Kunming as does Harry's stable of sexy and resourceful agents. Readers are well rewarded with a cast of characters from Tai Li, Chiang Kai-shek's espionage chief, to Medal of Honor winner and AVG pilot Greg Boyington.

The book will appeal to readers of military and espionage fiction, and to anyone who enjoys a good adventure. 365 pages. Softcover. 6 x 9. January 2010.

THE AUTHOR: Bob Bergin is a retired Foreign Service Officer and author of two other fiction books. Be sure to explore his numerous articles.

PRAISE FOR THE BOOK

"Bob Bergin knows the Flying Tigers. He tells a good story from an American point of view. If you like war, espionage, seduction, and intrigue this book is for you. Moreover, do not be surprised if you learn about the Flying Tigers along the way. I recommend buying the book."
--Reader, Amazon.com

"A novel of war and espionage, this is the story of a young journalist, Harry Ross, sent as General Donovan's emissary to Rangoon. It is detailed and authentic when it comes to the OSS in Burma, China (particularly Chungking and Kunming), and Thailand. Bergin, himself a former Foreign Service officer and Southeast Asia specialist, has packed his novel treasure with historical characters and data. Recognizable names and scenarios are skillfully integrated into a believable tale, portions of which are undoubtedly fiction-laced, but all widely decorated with a delicious icing of espionage, aviation, romance, antiques, and art."
--Alice A. Booher, The OSS Society Journal

"A vivid picture of what the very beginning of America's espionage effort in Asia must have been like. Spies is rich in detail of the era and the craft of spying, and pulls the reader into the complexities of intelligence relationships and the excitements of intrigue. A spy story that is realistic and thrilling. It proves that truth is not always stranger than fiction."
--Charles Pinck, President, The Oss Society

"Spies in the Garden would be a good read for anyone not acquainted with the history of that time - but for someone reaonably acquainted with the events and the people described, it is a major hoot to read. Spies gave me a feel for the people and the places that no historical account or even biography has ever provided. I appreciated the overlap of espionage activiies with the period the American Volunteer Group (AVG) Flying Tigers were active. Most of what I've read about intelligence activities in Asia during and following World War II took place after the disbandment of the AVG. I began reading in this area because of Chennault's later inviolvemets with China Air Transport (CAT) and CIA. Given the "secret" origins of the AVG and Chennault's later careeer, I think it was very clever to telescope the activity of the AVG with clandestine operations in Asia. I particularly enjoyed the characters discussions about the politics of the time - and the wide range of interests of the various indivividuals and nations involved in the war in Asia."
--Brad Smith, historian, AVG Flying Tigers and China-Burma-India theater of operations

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