![]() For one who enjoys crime dramas, such as Law and Order, or other such entertainment, this collection of the real-life experiences of an undercover agent is fun and entertaining.In 1998, William Queen was a veteran law enforcement agent with a lifelong love of motorcycles and a lack of patience with paperwork. That said, the book was fun to read in some places, and is not bad as a light read. This is a book for those would would like to hear stories from a former law-enforcement professional similar to what one might hear in a bar over a few beers, rather than a scholarly or otherwise carefully researched account. Many of the stories are not presented in great detail, most likely as a result of an attempt to not include classified details or other information that could be detrimental to US national security, but this creates a breeziness and casualness that while simple to read is much less satisfying than an in-depth account with well-researched historical detail would be. The author describes stories from his experience as an FBI undercover agent, which is both extensive and broad. This is a very easy read, as the sentences are short and concrete, sometimes giving the impression that they were transcribed through dictation. ![]() Overall, McGowan's book has much to offer, but is probably only worthwhile for people with a great degree of interest in the subject. People interested in FBI undercover operations should check out The Pretender by Marc Ruskin before turning to this book. This book is engaging, but ultimately disappointing. It is disappointing that McGowan does not reflect on the dilemmas facing law enforcement officers in the United States and how they can be overcome. This book was written in 2017, in the midst of protests against law-enforcement confrontations with the public that ended violently. McGowan also could have reflected on how law enforcement has changed over the past 35 years. If McGowan was so disappointed in management for his entire career, why did he never pursue promotions to ASAC or SAC, or positions in the Criminal Division at FBI HQ? His lack of respect for management and leadership is readily apparent, but he seems to have had no desire to take on challenging positions that he seemingly felt he was more qualified to hold. McGowan should have let his story and experiences, personally and with leadership, speak for themselves. While McGowan has a great story to tell, the narrative over-relies on police-officer cliches and gripes about supervisors and management. His experience and competency speaks for itself and the fast-paced story, covering 30+ years of experience, keeps the reader engaged. McGowan has many great stories to tell about his time undercover. Ghost is the ultimate insider's account of one of the most iconic institutions of American government, and a testament to the incredible work of the FBI. Along the way, we meet his partners and colleagues at the FBI, who pull together for everything from bank jobs to the Boston Marathon bombing case, mafia dons, and, perhaps most significantly, El Chapo himself and his Sinaloa Cartel. McGowan infiltrates groups at home and abroad, assembles teams to create the myths he lives, concocts fake businesses, coordinates the busts, and helps carry out the arrests. Ghost is an unparalleled view into how the FBI, through the courage of its undercover Special Agents, nails the bad guys. In this extraordinary and unprecedented book, McGowan will take readers through some of his biggest cases, from international drug busts, to the Russian and Italian mobs, to biker gangs and contract killers, to corrupt unions and SWAT work. ![]() ![]() Over the course of his career, McGowan has worked more than 50 undercover cases. And of those, less than 10% of them have been involved in more than five undercover cases. A quarter of those agents have worked more than one undercover assignment in their careers. 10% of FBI Special Agents are trained and certified to work undercover. Within FBI field operative circles, groups of people known as “Special” by their titles alone, Michael R. The explosive memoir of an FBI field operative who has worked more undercover cases than anyone in history.
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