The Gray Bird of Baghdad: An Ex-Secret Service Agent's Desperate Mission to Save an Iraqi Scientist

by Stephen Phillip Monteiro

Overview

A missing Iraqi scientist, an ex–Secret Service agent, and the threat of another biological terrorist attack—all these elements come together in the gripping true story of the Gray Bird of Baghdad.

Iraqi Microbiologist Thamer Abdul Rahman Imran has information vital to stopping the unthinkable: a biological attack on the US. When he learns that the new Iraqi government wants to arrest him and the insurgents want to kill him, he goes into hiding.

Racing against time, ex–Secret Service agent Steve Monteiro and his team set out on a mission to find the missing scientist and learn what he knows. The journey takes them from the White House to the Middle East as they fight bureaucrats in Washington who want them to fail. Why? And what is this vital information that Thamer possesses?

The Gray Bird of Baghdad tells the true story of one’s man’s quest to protect his country and another man’s fight to save his family from the ravages of a country at war.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781684631520
Publisher:	SparkPress
Publication date:	08/30/2022
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	272
Sales rank:	446,632
File size:	6 MB

About the Author

Stephen Phillip Monteiro is an expert in security, forensics, intelligence, and bioterrorism. He spent more than twenty years as a Special Agent with the US Secret Service and served in the US Navy, where he was trained in cryptology. He was a member of the elite Presential Protective Division at the White House and served as the Special Agent in Charge and director of the Forensic Crime Laboratory. Later, he became a Senior Advisor to the Director of Weapons of Mass Destruction Intelligence for the DHS focusing on bioterrorism and received the Director of National Intelligence Meritorious Unit Citation for his work on Iraqi scientists. His expertise has led to appearances on episodes of The Forensic Files, the National Geographic Channel, and the History’s Channel’s America's Book of Secrets, as well as local newscasts. He currently resides in Annapolis, MD.

Editorial Reviews

2022 Foreword INDIES Finalist in War & Military (Adult Nonfiction)

“Monteiro’s account is a compelling story that is ripe for a movie adaptation.”
—Booklist

“As Monteiro and his team fight to locate Thamer and understand his role in the affairs and future of two nations, readers embark on a gripping journey that brings the sights, smells, and politics of the times to life.”
—Midwest Book Review

“Not long ago, the threat of Iraqi government–sponsored biological terror attacks was part of the daily news cycle. Now, former Secret Service Agent Steve Monteiro provides needed insight—and sets the record straight. Steve’s mission is fraught with unexpected obstacles and intrigue—the details of which make this previously unknown adventure a real page-turner.”
—Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr., former Governor of Maryland

“Monteiro’s unrelenting quest gives the reader a shocking view of inside bureaucratic misfeasance and political hedging. His story is a page-turning reveal of how a post-9/11 hatred evolved into a most unusual friendship in the backdrop of a terrible war.”
—Alan Brenham, author of Price of Justice

“Monteiro deftly leads the reader through the halls of power in Washington, the sands of the desert in Iraq, and the steamy beaches of South Florida in a true tale of patriotism and international intrigue. The risks to life and country are real. The telling of the story is honest and personal. The book will have you on the edge of your seat.”
—Kimothy Smith, DVM, PhD, former Senior Advisor for International Biodefense, US Department of Homeland Security

“Cliff hanger, page-turner, edge of your seat—couldn’t wait to find out what happens next.”
—Eric Schubring, WOJB-FM “Local Morning Edition”

“This is a must read. I can’t say that enough. You have to get this book.”
—Sherman Whitman, WPKZ-FM “South Shore Morning News”

“This true story of a rescue of a man and his family by an ex-Secret Service agent is incredible! It would make an amazing movie, and I can tell you, it is difficult to put this story down as what evolves provides a very deep insight into what it takes within a bureaucracy to make things happen.”
—Donna Seebo, award-winning author, radio & television personality, and host of her own daily show The Donna Seebo Show

From the Publisher