September 1 2025
Meet the Author: James Stejskal is an author, military historian, and conflict archaeologist. To gain inspiration and research his writings, he spent 35 years serving with the US Army Special Forces and the Central Intelligence Agency in interesting places like Africa, Europe, the Balkans, the Near and Far East. He is the author of the “Snake Eater Chronicles,” a Cold War military & espionage thriller series as well as the non-fiction books “Special Forces Berlin: Clandestine Cold War Operations of the US Army’s Elite, 1956–1990” and “Masters of Mayhem: Lawrence of Arabia and the British Military Mission to the Hejaz.” He lives in Virginia with his wife Wanda. Learn more here!
“Berlin,” by James Stejskal
About James’ new book: Berlin: A Spy’s Guide to its Cold War History in Story and Image: Many cities have laid claim to the title City of Spies—Vienna, London, Moscow, even Miami. But no city has earned it more than Berlin. From the rubble of World War II to the razor’s edge of the Cold War, Berlin became the epicenter of a secret war fought in the shadows. Divided, occupied, and deeply contested, the city was home to the world’s most elite intelligence operatives. American, Soviet, British, French, East and West German services—and even terrorist and revolutionary factions like the Red Army Faction and the PLO—turned Berlin into a vast chessboard of espionage, deception, and covert operations. In Berlin: A Spy’s Guide to its Cold War History in Story and Image, former Green Beret and intelligence officer James Stejskal delivers a gripping, photo-rich guide to the key players, locations, missions, and betrayals that defined Cold War Berlin. Part travelogue, part historical dossier, this book is your gateway to understanding how the Cold War was really fought—and why Berlin remains the most spy-saturated city on Earth. History. Intrigue. Secrets. Welcome to Berlin, the City of Spies. Click here to buy the book!
About our Elaine’s Literary Salon Host: Bestselling thriller novelist Jeffrey James Higgins is a retired supervisory special agent who writes thrillers, short stories, creative nonfiction, and essays. He has wrestled a suicide bomber, fought the Taliban in combat, and chased terrorists across five continents. Jeff received the Attorney General’s Award for Exceptional Heroism and the DEA Award of Valor. Jeffrey has been interviewed by CNN, National Geographic, and The New York Times. Learn more: jeffreyjameshiggings.com
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Elaine’s Literary Salon
About Elaine’s: A menu filled with delicious modern Mediterranean cuisine selection is sure to please everyone in your party. The dishes are based on exquisite food found in Alexandria, Egypt — a combination of Middle Eastern with French, Greek, and Italian influences. Elaine’s is named for the owner’s grandmother and is based on a promise she made at the age of 12, growing up in Cairo. “I promised my grandma I would someday own a restaurant and name it after her,” shares Cynthia, who is also an author. She and her husband, bestselling thriller novelist Jeffrey James Higgins, are proud to share my family’s recipes with new friends and families in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.” Located in an 1880s building, it was the previous home for 38 years of the beloved bistro Bilbo Baggins. The newly renovated restaurant is located in the heart of Old Town’s Historic District within sight of the Potomac River and Founders Park, just a few blocks from The Torpedo Factory Art Center, and Old Town Alexandria Waterfront. Make a reservation today: elaines-restaurant.com.
About our Elaine’s Literary Salon Host 
