Field notes.
Story origins, previews of new work, and things that don't fit neatly anywhere else.
Subscribe via RSS- July 20, 2026
The Making of the Agency's Most Elite Assets
An author's dedication to the men and women of the CIA who serve without recognition, applause, or public acknowledgment.
Read the file → - July 17, 2026
If You Love Jack Carr, Vince Flynn, or Brad Thor — Read the CIA Cowboy Series
A readalike guide for fans of Jack Carr, Vince Flynn, Brad Thor, and Mark Greaney. Nine books from a writer who lived the work — with a reading order that actually makes sense.
Read the file → - July 16, 2026
Modern Western Thrillers: Where the Frontier Meets the Modern Fight
The best modern western thrillers trade cattle drives for covert operations — dust, silence, and a code that predates any agency. Here's why the CIA Cowboy series belongs on the shelf next to your favorites.
Read the file → - July 14, 2026
The Most Realistic Espionage Movies — A CIA Cowboy Review
Which spy films actually resemble the work? A field-level review of the best espionage movies — Bourne, Zero Dark Thirty, Munich, and more — graded against real intelligence discipline.
Read the file → - July 14, 2026
Welcome to the Dossier
A note from Sam Martin on why the CIA Cowboy stories exist, and what's next.
Read the file →