As featured in

AirMail - Royal Air Forces Association - Autumn 2024

Mike Murtagh - Man on a Mission

Lincolnshire Life Magazine

*****
What a well written, interesting read about a life with so many incredible incidents. Most of us will never experience anything like the life he lived, but Mike tells it in such an engaging way, as if you were sat in a cosy pub hearing the most incredible story! Told with occasional humour and also open personal feelings, to invite the reader in further. Throughly enjoyable.

'Jagman', Amazon Reviewer

*****
Normally, when I post a book review, I do it the next day after reading the book. This keeps things fresh in your mind but often it results in what media-types call a ‘hot take’. I expect they say something else now, but it means an immediate response. So, circumstances dictating that it should be so, this is a more considered opinion than it might have been.

Mike’s voice was audible in my head from page one. It’s a great trick if you can pull it off – invaluable if you are writing a memoir or “Life-Writing” – and Mike does it well. What this book is not, is an autobiography: as such, there can be no cavilling at what Mike leaves out. Besides, the episodic approach makes for a punchy and pacy read.

I’m sure, as I did, you will laugh – and be appalled at some of the things in this book – sometimes at the same time. The events or places described that I knew something about, are all pictured in fine detail.

This is a beautifully presented book, the photographs alone are more than enough to attract those with an interest in the Cold War and what came after. Do not be fooled by the sub-title: while it may be accurate, it does not reflect how interesting the contents are, by any means. I often like to give books I read an alternative title in my head, but I’m going to share the one I gave Mike Murtagh’s fine book

'Ewan', Amazon Reviewer

Another “Kind Of” Book Review : Spying on the Kremlin by Mike Murtagh

Ewan Lawrie Writer

***** 'Heart of a soldier, soul of an artist – a compelling read!'

I really enjoyed this memoir. I am not someone who reads a lot of military nonfiction, but I found this to be an extremely engaging account of a career and a life. Mike is a great storyteller and doesn't shy away from the more difficult aspects of being a career RAF man, as well as the darker sides of his own nature, and how he worked to overcome them. But he managed to get up to lots of fun in between it all! His willingness to always say yes to adventure is to our benefit. I think this would be especially interesting to people who want to see firsthand what the end of the Cold War was like from a military perspective in Germany and Russia. But this goes beyond just a military career – he also shares lots of great stories of the UK music scene in the 70s and an epic Route 66 roadtrip. Would definitely recommend!

Trista Smith, Amazon Reviewer

War of the playground - podcast episode

While North Korea sends hundreds of balloons, loaded with rubbish and manure, across the border, South Korea is setting up giant speakers to blare K-pop music for miles into the North.

Sitrep assess the risk of a playground scrap going out of control, and explains why many heavily armed nations indulge in childish tactics when they don’t want an all-out fight.

Ukraine has been trying out experimental AI drone technology on the battlefield to lock onto targets by identifying their voice, or avoid Russian jamming. Olivia Savage from Janes tells us what she’s seen and heard.

And former RAF Officer Mike Murtagh shares stories from his time spying on the Kremlin in the 1990s, including fake firefighters, honeytraps and a bear on the loose.

British Forces Broadcasting Service

'...a fascinating and very nicely written piece of work. I found it hugely enjoyable...'

Tony Walton

Article: 'The Kremlin, Oscar-Winners and the Azeri Mafia: Lincoln Man Recalls Eventful Life'

Lindum Colonia Newspaper

Article: Spying on the Kremlin in April

Read the full article here

The Lincoln WI

Article by the author: 'Why Russia never changes: Insights from a former Lincoln spy's eye-opening memoir'

Read the full article [https://mylocal.co.uk/feed/188668]here[/link]

My Local Lincolnshire