THE LIFE OF A SPY

In 1971, Rod Barton applied for a junior scientist role in the Australian Department of Defence. Little did he know what it entailed: as the Cold War intensified, Barton was inducted into the murky world of espionage.

For the next few decades, Barton lived a life straight from an adventure novel. In war-torn Mogashidu, he disarmed militia, while sleeping in rat-infested barracks. As a UN weapons inspector, he flew to Baghdad on special missions, interviewing top scientists to uncover an illegal weapons program, and raced to chemical firms across Europe, tracking materials sold to the Iraqis.

After 9/11, Barton became senior advisor to Hans Blix, seeking the truth on Iraq's WMDs. His clashes with the CIA over what he saw – and what he didn't find – reveal the terrible politicisation of the War on Terror. It prompted him to step from the shadows and share a truth about Iraqi prisoners – and to tussle with the Australian government.

This is an extraordinary behind-the-scenes account of a world marked by risk, secrecy and individual acts of courage. The Life of a Spy will introduce you to a man of principle in a time of chaos, and take you to the frontlines of politics and war.

Rod Barton is a former Australian intelligence officer. Since the first Gulf War, his unique expertise has been sought by the CIA, the Australian government and the United Nations. His previous book is The Weapons Detective: The Inside Story of Australia's Top Weapons Inspector.