Mary Kennedy: September 2010 Archives

  Recently, I sat down with M.E. Harrigan, author of 9800 Savage Road.

You've received wonderful reviews for 9800 Savage Road, your first novel. General Michael Hayden, who was Director of the NSA from 1995-2005 says you "put a human face on one of America's most secret--and most valuable--intelligence organizations." How did the book come about, and were you surprised at the very positive reviews from your colleagues?

I actually wrote the book to honor the memory of my father, a newspaper editor who taught me the value and wonder of words. The subject I knew most about was NSA, so that's what a decided to write about. I was thrilled to receive such a glowing review from General Hayden--and Nelson DeMille and all the others.

I noticed that you've worked for the NSA in a variety of positions, including Somali linguist, technical editor, missile system analyst and manager of Elite engineers and projects. How does your own work experience at NSA compare with that of Alexandra O'Malley, your protagonist?