The Swamp: Deceit and Corruption in the CIA (An Elizabeth Petrov Thriller)

An Elizabeth Petrov Thriller—Book 1

The Russians have developed a weapons system so powerful and deadly it could alter the balance of power in the world—and in space. What happens when an admittedly nerdy CalTech physics grad, a former model rocket enthusiast turned Ph.D., working at NASA’s renowned Jet Propulsion Laboratory in sunny Pasadena, is recruited by a Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) desperate to close the gap?

Dr. Elizabeth Petrov was brought to the US as a toddler from Russia by her grandfather and speaks the language like a native. Her unique combination of birthright, education, and experience studying the field of hypersonic flight, where spacecraft can reach speeds over five times the speed of sound, brings her country calling. From all indications, the Russian system will soon be operational, a fact too chilling to even entertain.

At first, Elizabeth is awed and fascinated by the unimaginable spy craft put at her disposal by the CIA. Answering her country’s dire call, she martials her every asset and dives in, typical of a woman who went from high school to Ph.D. in only nine years. But when she inadvertently uncovers criminal behavior by a prominent US businessman, Elizabeth begins to understand why insiders call Washington, DC “the swamp.” Wading through the fetid waters of deceit and corruption, she risks her life, and those of the people closest to her—her grandfather and her girlfriend—to do the right thing.

The Swamp: Deceit and Corruption in the CIA is the first volume in the Elizabeth Petrov Thriller series, written by Jeff Grant, who served for 21 years at the CIA and the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO). While at the CIA, Grant worked at the highest levels of technological intelligence gathering. After leaving government service, Grant worked in the private sector, most recently as the VP/General Manager of Space Systems at Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems.

Prior to publication, The Swamp was screened by the CIA and approved for release.

Early Praise for The Swamp

“This is fiction, but I wonder if some people in that most fiction-filled place, Washington, will feel that Jeff Grant is traveling a little too close to the truth. Anyway, you’ll want to go with him. Grant takes you on a journey into the heart and the guts and the cerebral cortex and the lizard brain of espionage.” —P. J. O’Rourke, author of Holidays in Hell and Republican Party Reptile

What High-ranking former government officials are saying about The Swamp

“Jeff Grant has written a spell-binding spy mystery which has an unnerving resonance with events of the day. As an ‘insider,’ he has permeated his novel with an aura of authenticity and realism that makes for a very riveting read—compelling and fast-moving. I was left hanging at the end, wanting to read more. Looking forward to the next in what I hope is a series.” —James Clapper, retired lieutenant general in the United States Air Force and the former Director of National Intelligence.

“A fast-paced, action-packed spy thriller filled with suspense and intrigue. The author, a CIA insider, weaves a tale that is compelling and authentic. There is espionage, politics, diplomacy, romance, technology, good vs. bad – all of it told through a series of twists and turns you would never expect. I can't wait for the sequel.”— Joanne Isham, former deputy director of the Central Intelligence Agency’s Directorate of Science and Technology

“This astute thriller weaves tradecraft, technology, and human intrigue to bring to light the astounding lengths governments will go to gain the upper hand. When it looks too simple, look again. — The Honorable Jeffrey K. Harris, former assistant secretary of the Air Force and director of the National Reconnaissance Office

Jeff Grant served for 21 years at the United States Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) in positions at the CIA and National Reconnaissance Office (NRO). While at the CIA, he worked in the Directorate of Science and Technology, and Directorate of Intelligence, Office of Scientific Intelligence. In his most recent assignment at the NRO, he served as Director, Office of Plans and Analysis. During his time at the NRO, Grant also served as a program director for a satellite, launch and ground segment development. In addition, he was the Chief Systems Engineer on two space intelligence collection projects involving spacecraft in both geosynchronous and low earth orbits. Grant also led an advanced technology division to develop and test advanced imagery, communication, and data processing technologies He left the CIA in 1997 and began working in the private sector and most recently served as the Sector Vice President and General Manager of Space Systems at Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems. He is the recipient of numerous awards, including the CIA's Distinguished Intelligence Medal, Intelligence Medal of Merit, Engineer of the Year, and the NRO's Gold Medal for Distinguished Service. Grant received a Bachelor of Science in Ocean Engineering from the Florida Institute of Technology. He lives with his wife, Margaret, and two daughters, Allison and Kristen in Southern California