Interview of Thursday, 20 July 2023 between David Bickford, Former UK Under Secretary of State & MI5 & MI6 Legal Director, on his novel “Katya”, and AFIO President James Hughes, a former senior CIA Operations Officer. They discuss the plot, the use of Katya – an urchin living on the streets of Russia – and Bickford’s professional insights on full display as his protagonist faces difficulties all spies are familiar with…and some they aren’t. Katya finds herself in a race against time, navigating a treacherous landscape of deception, money laundering, prostitution, and terrorism. The outcome remains uncertain as she battles Cartwright’s schemes and confronts her own demons. With her team at her side, Katya must rely on her training and experience to survive and succeed in her mission to retrieve Gadaifi’s stolen fortune. Bickford also closes with advice to those considering a career in the intelligence services. “Katya combines just enough professionally informed realism with great plot and character development to hold a former intelligence officer’s attention – a great read as only the Brits can do it.” — Paul Redmond – Chief, CIA Counterintelligence, Retired; AFIO Member. “Bickford is a legend from the world of espionage and counter-espionage.” — James Adams, Advisor National Security Agency