The Last Operator
In the Digital Age of Espionage, An Old School Spymaster May Be America's Last Line of Defense
In the heat of the Cold War, John Bishop was the shadow that even shadows feared—the mastermind behind Bureau 61—the CIA's most clandestine operation. But when the fall of the Berlin Wall rendered his skill set obsolete, the agency discarded him like yesterday's intelligence brief.
After eight years of self-imposed exile in the wilds of Alaska, Bishop has made peace with his irrelevance in a world of satellites, algorithms, and digital surveillance. At sixty years old, he's a relic. A warrior without a war.
On September 8, 2001, a cryptic message from a long-dormant asset shatters his isolation: an attack on American soil is imminent. Before he can find out more, his source goes dark. Bishop faces a choice—leave it to the professionals or step once more into the shadows.
With nothing but his outdated talents and a network of contacts from another era, Bishop traverses the globe on a desperate mission. Each step forward reveals a plot more complex and devastating than he could have ever imagined.
As the old and new worlds of spy craft collide, can a man whose greatest victories were won in silence prevent a catastrophe that will echo throughout history?
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Sam Cogley
My passion for storytelling began as a child, sparked by the exploits of James Bond and the action films of the 80s and 90s. As I grew, I found inspiration in the literary works of Tom Clancy, Michael Crichton, and Lee Child.
In 2024, I released my debut novel, Shadow Operative, the first in the Adam Knight Thriller series. What began as a single book has since grown into a fast-paced, globe-trotting series spanning five novels...and counting.
In June 2025, I launched a spin-off set in the same universe centering on Penumbra Division, starting with The Last Operator.
In early 2025, I signed a multibook deal with Boldwood Books to launch a brand-new series featuring Dane Winter, an elite ex-soldier turned freelance operative. The first book, Hostile Asset, was released in October.
My second Penumbra Division book will be available in Mid-November.
Off the page, I’m a devoted husband and proud father to a son and daughter. Without them, none of this would be possible.
Penumbra Division Thrillers
Penumbra Division Thrillers consists of three books and series is set to expand with the upcoming release of one more book. The current recommended reading order for the series is provided below.

