Book Review of
Gray Day

Lynn's Review

Gray Day by Eric O’Neill is a memoir that was published in 2019.

Gray Day is a memoir, but it is also a true crime mixed with spies, Russia, and the FBI. 

I heard Eric O’Neill on a podcast talking about his new book Spies, Lies, and Cybercrime. His latest book sounds interesting and timely, but when he mentioned his memoir, Gray Day, about his work undercover to catch America’s first cyber spy, I knew I had to read it first. 

This is precisely that type of nonfiction book that I love. It tells a story that very people know about. It is also a fact is stranger than fiction. Why read a fiction book when you can read the real thing? 

Gray Day by Eric O’Neill is the story of Robert Hansen’s capture, an FBI agent turned Russian spy, but it also includes a lot of FBI history. 

It is about the early days of computers in the FBI. It is about the politics of the FBI and how Russia was dominant ni the world of cyber espionage. 

It is also about the FBI agents and the sacrifices they make to catch criminals harming America.

If you are looking for a nonviolent true crime book, this is a great one. It would also make an excellent gift for a guy who enjoys reading. 

I am pretty sure this will be one of my top nonfiction books of 2025.