A study of SMERSH, a counterintelligence agency in the Soviet Union at the end of World War II, whose director reported directly to dictator Joseph Stalin, detailing the known activities of SMERSH, including "radio games" used to lure German intelligence into traps using captured German officers, mass vetting of Soviet troops who had been imprisoned by Germany, the arrest and persecution of Red Army generals, and much more.

The big picture -- The roots of SMERSH -- Military counterintelligence: July 1941-April 1943 -- German intelligence services at the Eastern front -- The birth of SMERSH -- SMERSH in action: 1943-44 -- Towards Berlin -- The end of WWII -- SMERSH after the war: 1945-46 -- Epilogue: the road to the top: Abakumov becomes a minister.