My Mother, The Spy: The daring and tragic double life of ASIO agent Mercia Masson

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Cindy Dobbin Freda Marnie Nicholls

My Mother, The Spy

The daring and tragic double life of ASIO agent Mercia Masson

Cindy Dobbin, Freda Marnie Nicholls

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English

Allen & Unwin
01 August 2023

Biography: historical, political & military; Espionage & secret services; Biography - Australian

"'I have lost everything in coming here. I have lost my friends... I have probably lost my position; I shall probably have to remove my child from the school and my mother from the house in which she lives. I do not think there is anything else I can possibly lose.'

Mercia Masson dressed stylishly and loved to host a party. She was a journalist in an era when there were few female journalists, she always wanted to be in the thick of things, and she knew people in very high places. She also led a dangerous double life.

This is the remarkable story of an ASIO agent who was hung out to dry. She was exposed at a royal commission called to investigate the extent of Soviet espionage in Australia, following the defection of Vladimir and Evdokia Petrov. Written in association with Mercia's daughter Cindy, this story brings to life a determined woman at the centre of dramatic events in Australian politics during the Cold War.

'The story of the personal price paid by a woman spying for her country, and the story of a daughter who never knew her mother.' -Sandra Hogan, author of With My Little Eye

'ASIO agent Mercia Masson was let down by the very system she was trying to uphold. This fascinating account takes us into the life and times of ""Mrs A"", from backroom debriefings to the benches of the Petrov Royal Commission.' -Dr Rhys Crawley, co-author of the Official History of ASIO"

By: Cindy Dobbin, Freda Marnie Nicholls
Imprint: Allen & Unwin
Country of Publication: Australia
Dimensions: Height: 234mm, Width: 153mm,
Weight: 404g
ISBN: 9781761067280
ISBN 10: 1761067281
Pages: 320
Publication Date: 01 August 2023
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

Cindy Dobbin is the daughter of ASIO agent Mercia Masson. Freda Marnie Nicholls is the author of The Amazing Mrs Livesey,Love, Sweat & Tears,andBack of Beyond.