American Radical

Inside the World of an Undercover Muslim FBI Agent

By: Tamer Elnoury, Kevin Maurer

Narrated by: Peter Ganim

THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

The explosive memoir of a Muslim American FBI agent fighting terror from the inside.

It’s no secret that federal agencies are waging a broad, global war against terror. But for the first time in this memoir, an active Muslim American federal agent reveals his experience infiltrating and bringing down a terror cell in North America.

A longtime undercover agent, Tamer Elnoury joined an elite counterterrorism unit after September 11. Its express purpose is to gain the trust of terrorists whose goals are to take out as many Americans in as public and as devastating a way possible. It's a furious race against the clock for Tamer and his unit to stop them before they can implement their plans. Yet as new as this war still is, the techniques are as old as time: listen, record, and prove terrorist intent.

Due to his ongoing work for the FBI, Elnoury writes under a pseudonym. An Arabic-speaking Muslim American, a patriot, a hero: To many Americans, it will be a revelation that he and his team even exist, let alone the vital and dangerous work they do keeping all Americans safe.

Critic reviews

Praise for American Radical

“[A] multifaceted, action-packed account of real-life spycraft...Elnoury heightens the suspense in vividly described scenes...and provides insight into the worldview and intentions of al-Qaeda affiliates. There is never a dull moment in this intimate story of an American Muslim going to great lengths to serve and protect his country.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“The author reflects compellingly on the challenges of being a Muslim patriot, and he closes with a plea to resist wholesale bigotry: ‘Banning Muslims from the United States throws gas on the myth that the United States is at war with Islam.’ His tale of infiltration is exciting and clearly written...A worthwhile, unique addition to the shelf of post-9/11 memoirs concerning the fight against terrorism.”—Kirkus Reviews

“The first time an active FBI agent has published a book remotely like it.”—The Times (UK)

America is Everyone

Wow. I don't know where to start. This book has had a tremendous impact on my way of thinking and has enlightened me to the heroism and patriotism of an unnamed American Muslim. True heroes don't need public acclaim and they walk and work among us every day. His story kept me listening almost incessantly and the respect both he and his whole team of agents deserves is enormous. I understand now how the perversion of a peaceful religion should be recognized for what it is...a travesty that does not represent true Islam.
To the nameless author, thank you for your courage, patriotism, sincerity, and sense of humor. America is indeed lucky to count you as one of her many wonderful immigrants.

Fascinating

Thank you for putting your life on the line to keep us ALL safe!

Well-written in that I could picture the interactions as they were being described. Fascinating and unnerving at the same time.

Great! Gave me a new perspective and understanding

This story was well written, performed well and gave me a much better understanding of the difference between the believers of Islam and the radical Islamists. This story puts you inside the minds of both. I have a greater respect for the true Islamists and an even greater disrespect for the radicals. Thank you "Tamer" for writing this and sharing the story with us. Thank you for your service to our country and the world. Thank you to the many others that worked with Tamer to accomplish the noble and brave work it takes to bring down terrorists.

Awesome!

I thoroughly enjoyed this story! Very well written; I couldn't put it down. It's like getting a sneak peak into the world of a undercover.

Once I started, couldn’t wait to hear more

I usually have 3-4 books going at a time. The one I enjoy most gets finished first. I got through this one fast. It was a crazy intense true story. Thank you, Tamer, for serving and protecting the United States at great personal risk. You are a hero.

Wow! Mind blown!

I was hooked from the first chapter. Funny at times but always thought provoking. Get inside the mind of a jihadi through the eyes and heart of a Muslim-American undercover FBI agent.

a Muslim, an American hero, a great civil servant

what a great story about a proud American Muslim FBI agent who puts his life at risk to capture the bad guys.

FBI Hero- this story is needed!

A fascinatingly true account of the infiltration and then capture of an Al-Qaeda terrorist cell by a Muslim-American FBI agent. The story had me hooked instantly, very well executed, the narrator was fabulous (one of the best voices yet!), and it gave me so much insight into true Islam versus the radicalization. I saw Tamer Elnoury on Fox and knew I had to listen to his book. Thank you Sir!

Phenomenal

Phenomenal story, perfect delivery, eye opening and a tribute to undercover agents courage & dedication.

I loved this book

The agent involved really represents what is best about America, Muslim Americans and the FBI. Highly recommend it - our intelligence services do so much to keep this country safe and all of them should be proud of their work, even if it is not always in the public eye