Customer Reviews

Very Special Agents

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

The reason for such a low score is that I had such high hopes for this book.

What I first thought would an in-depth look at "honest agents in a failing agency" turned out to be just an exercise in "finger-pointing" and 20/20 hindsight.

Instead of investigating the deep-rooted causes of some of the ATF's problems along with some possible solutions; he blames such groups as the FBI and the NRA while calling for the abolishment of the ATF itself.

The ATF has a lot of internal as well as external problems. On occasion they have made serious mistakes in judgement that should be corrected. In my opinion, this book does nothing to aid an already embattled agency in a struggle for its very existence.

After I read the book, I donated it to my public library. I couldn't place it next to other books I own such as "Inside the CIA" or "The Puzzle Palace"

His book displays too many prejudicial notions about various classes of people, and should not be taken seriously. The author should focus on proven facts the next time he writes such a text.

Too many allegations, not enough proof!

This book was written by former agent, Jim Moore, in an attempt to portray the BATF as a well trained, lawfully authorized, federal law enforcement agency. Nothing could be further from the truth. This agency, armed tax collectors, which has now been authorized to investigate "suspicious fires" in the wake of the church burnings across the nation, is a blight on constitutional law. Mr. Moore's paean to his former agency is sophomoric, poorly written, and frankly, disgusting in light of the many innocent people killed and jailed by this agency yearly.

A very engaging history of one of America's most misunderstood federal law enforcement agencies. From the early days of prohibition to the bombing of the World Trade Center, the individual casehistories presented give the reader a true sense of how law enforcement operates. Much of the book is written from first-hand knowledge.

The BATF has been much in the news but very few serious studies have been published on its history or operations. As a former ATF agent, the author is in a position give an honest perspective from the "inside". However, given the often hysterical accusations thrown at the FBI, NRA, and others, this reader fears that he lost his battle to be objective.

Truly a horrible book. Don't buy it - get it from a library or buy a used copy. Mr. Moore shouldn't receive a dime in royalties. This retired BATF agent doesn't attempt to hide his hatred of the FBI, The National Rifle Association (NRA), and "Gun Lovers" (his description) of all types. To try to smear the NRA, he states that the NRA lied about BATF, yet he wrote numerous falsehoods (lies) about the NRA. For example, he falsely wrote that the NRA sold the rifle (that killed President Kennedy) to Oswald. Such false statements make an intelligent reader question all his so-called "facts". A reader would have to review all his footnotes and source material to judge if his "facts" and conclusions are accurate or just a reflection of his bias, hatred and prejudice. Is the BATF filled with agents such as this? If so, we may have a real problem. Mr. Moore clearly advocates ignoring citizen rights to nail BATF targets. The Second Amendment? It doesn't exist for Mr. Moore.

(Previously posted on August 2, 2007 under an alternate title of the same book)

This is the first book written by an insider to tell the whole truth without self-protection, coverup, anger, or revenge. It's the firsr book to give a true and honest picture of ATF and, indeed, the larger federal law enforcement community. The facts are conveyed via exciting accounts of real cases and events within this agency, all documented thoroughly with a huge appendix giving sources.

While I've read reviews claiming this book is not well researched, anyone considering this purchase should know that 60 of its 384 pages consist of appendices documenting sources for everything stated by its author. It should be obvious that those dissing the book are probably gunlovers who simply don't like what the author says and proves. I'm an NRA member and a little truth doesn't bother me. I support the 2nd Amendment but I've also known gunlovers who happened to be idiots! Other than that, I found it the most objective treatment of federal law enforcement I've ever read -- including the turf wars between ATF and ther FBI which, frankly, make me sick. Exciting too. As for giving ATF too much praise, this is silly. The author details crimes committed by some ATF agents and illustrates how, for a long period of time, there was gross incompetence at the very highest levels of its management. But if facts frighten you, skip this one.

The author, Jim Moore, makes a commendable effort to portray the BATF in a positive light.

Unfortunately, the BATF does not lend itself to being portrayed in such a manner.

While reading this book, I was greatly disturbed to notice several distinct parallels to another book I read about 20 years ago. That book was the memoirs of a former SS officer.

I did not sleep well that night.

I just love true crime books and this is one of the best I ever read, mostly because the author provides a comprehensive appendix giving the sources for all the amazing facts he reveals. This book is an education for anybody interested in "the feds" and how they operate. The good ones and the bad ones.