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Rating: 
Summary: A good read, but is something missing?
Review: I enjoyed this fast paced view into the life of a turncoat. Some interesting introductions to Opus Dei too. However, I found one glaring inconsistency that makes me wonder if something is left unsaid...The fouth page into Chapter 17 (page 199 in my hardcover edition) the authors detail an investigation into a suspected spy at the FBI. Interviewing his children they "...seconded their father's assertion that his computer skills weren't remotely sufficient to have enabled him to encrypt messages to the KGB on diskettes." In my reading of the book this occurs before October 1999. This is a full year earlier than the November 2000 acquisition of the KGB files that contained the encrypted diskettes. At the time of the interview the intelligence services did not have the details of Hanssen's betrayal. They supposedly knew nothing about the diskettes. Did I miss something in the story? Or did the intelligence services know more about the betrayal before October 1999 than the book tells us? Anyone else find this curious?
Rating: 
Summary: Not a bad book
Review: I found the book easy to read. It dwells too much on Hanssen's wife, and not on the details of how he was being watched by the FBI and what was his reactions before the arrest. I also found some factual errors, like calling Rumsfeld the Secretary of State, he was one of the people who wanted President Bush not to follow the advice of Aschcroft for death penalty for Hanssen. I recommend it if you are interested in these genres.
Rating: 
Summary: What a great read!
Review: I loved every word. The Spy Next Door reads like the great spy book it is. Bob Hanssen is dissected with a scalpel by two skilled and meticulous writers who probe the traitor's life from childhood through his suspenseful and long-overdue capture by fellow FBI agents. After reading the book, I think I finally understand Hanssen well enough to know why he betrayed his country, but like any good mystery, there is no single, simple explanation. Shannon and Blackman explore every avenue and come up with some fascinating clues.
Rating:
Summary: A Good Spy Thriller (That Just happens to be TRUE)
Review: I thought this book was good. I thought there was a lot of good research done, that this was not some book simply put out by greed unknown journalists capitalizing on the recent events of America. However, I have reservations, however, the foremost being that the book was put out a little early and more research could have been done. (I understand that Bob and Bonnie Hansen did not participate, however I would like some more concrete evidence rather than the authors' speculations). With the amount of research and time that was invested in the book,, however, I am reasonably satisfied with the result and give it 4 stars overall.
Rating:
Summary: Interesting, but thorough?
Review: I was intrigued by the information in this book.I wanted more detail and a clearer understanding. I remember searching for this book and waiting for it to arrive. I was a little disappointed that it was not better, having seen several interviews with the authors.
I have found that "Spy" by David Wise is a more detailed and better written book. I believe Robert Hanssen and his family cooperated with Mr Wise.
Rating:
Summary: You're Right - Lazy, but Certainly not the Last....
Review: Somewhere along the way, Bob Hanssen wrote this statement:"The problem with genius is that it often borders on insanity. The problem with truth is that it sometimes seems utterly fantastic." This statement becomes the defining statement for the book "The Spy Next Door." The ways Hanssen elluded the FBI was incredible. He casually gives the KGB information that results in the immeidate execution of three double agents. Time and time again he places in jeopardy his children and his wife's future happiness and well being. Yet, at the same time, he adores them. Hanssen is not of the same make-up as other famous spies such as Ames, Pollard and Pittman. Greed largely explains their behavior. Hanssen is more like a serial killer who is very cunning, creative and stealthy. Also, Hanssen's motives are much more complex and there lies the puzzle. The authors do an excellent job laying out salient evidence. Their analysis is compelling but in the end, I think the authors would agree, it is not complete. Some day the Justice Department may let someone with the skills of a Truman Capote, author of "In Cold Blood" probe the mind of Bob Hanssen. Until that happens, we are not likely to get a more definitive book. Let us hope that the understanding of Bob Hanssen's behavior comes soon because as a nation we cannot afford to grow another Bob Hanssen.
Rating:
Summary: A good biography of Hanssen...
Review: This biography gives the reader a complete glimpse into the life of master spy Robert Hanssen. While many details of his spying career remain secret for national security purposes, this book does attempt to detail the vast damage his spying did to the intelligence community and the nation as a whole. Also, while the majority of the book is devoted to Hanssen's days as a spy, the book does contain considerable portions which detail his early years and attempts an effort to make an explanation for his treason.
Rating:
Summary: A Great Story
Review: This book was a good read. It seemed to be more thoroughly researched(although there are still open questions) and was not simply rushed out by two greedy authors capitalizing on recent events. I understand that Bob and Bonnie Hansen's position was not represented in this book. I would've liked more concrete evidence rather than author speculation, but that is implausible in this case. With the amount of research and time that was invested in this book, I am reasonably satisfied with the result and give this book 4 stars
Rating:
Summary: The spy next door.
Review: This is a very well written book and well researched. I have read 4 of the Hannsen books because I was in military intelligence while serving in the US Army. This is well worth reading and the two women did a great job on this book.
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