No Angel

My Harrowing Undercover Journey to the Inner Circle of the Hells Angels

By: Jay Dobyns, Nils Johnson-Shelton

Narrated by: Mel Foster

Length: 12 hrs and 27 mins

Publisher's summary

Getting shot in the chest as a rookie ATF agent, bartering for machine guns, throttling down the highway at 100 miles per hour, and responding to a full-scale, bloody riot between the Hells Angels and their rivals, the Mongols---these are just a few of the high-adrenaline experiences Jay Dobyns recounts in this action-packed, hard to imagine, but true story of how he infiltrated the legendary Hells Angels.

Dobyns leaves no stone of his harrowing journey unturned. At runs and clubhouses, between rides and riots, Dobyns befriends bad-ass bikers, meth-fueled "old ladies", gun fetishists, psycho-killer ex-cons, and even some of the "Filthy Few"---the elite of the Hells Angels who've committed extreme violence on behalf of their club.

Eventually, at parties staged behind heavily armed security, he meets legendary club members such as Chuck Zito, Johnny Angel, and the godfather of all bikers, Ralph "Sonny" Barger. To blend in with them, he gets full-arm ink; to win their respect, he vows to prove himself a stone-cold killer. Hardest of all is leading a double life, which has him torn between his devotion to his wife and children and his pledge to become the first federal agent ever to be "fully patched" into the Angels' near-impregnable ranks.

His act is so convincing that he comes within a hairsbreadth of losing himself. Eventually, he realizes that just as he's been infiltrating the Hells Angels, they've been infiltrating him. And just as they're not all bad, he's not all good.

Reminiscent of Donnie Brasco's uncovering of the true Mafia, this is an eye-opening portrait of the world of bikers - the most in-depth since Hunter Thompson's seminal work - one that fully describes the seductive lure criminal camaraderie has for men who would otherwise be powerless outsiders. Here is all the nihilism, hate, and intimidation, but also the freedom - and, yes, brotherhood---of the only truly American form of organized crime.

©2009 Jay Dobyns and Nils Johnson-Shelton (P)2009 Tantor

Critic reviews

"A fascinating look at the Hells Angels and the price one man paid for infiltrating the gang." ( Booklist)

Great read

This book is enthralling from start to finish and Jay and his writer do the story more then justice.

Also would like to call out the excellent narration by the V/O actor.

I felt like I was there !

Very OK

interesting story, but didn't grab me and hold my attention. I've read similar 'biker' aren't stories that are better. not sure if it was the writing or just how it was presented

Incredible Book!!

This is a MARVELOUS read!! I’ve read the paperback at least twice.. but the narrated version adds some special charm that I was NOT expecting! Wonderful experience! I wish it was twice as long!

An eye-opening story into the life of a undercover

It's an amazing and honest account of the life of a undercover cop balancing his biker identity with his suburban Dad life.

How the Hell did he do it

Started out a little slow for me but half thru couldn't stop listening .Under and Alone was a better book

One Man’s Gritty Wrestle Between Good and Evil

I have listened to this book multiple times and each time I did I came to understand the psyches of Jay, the under cover ATF agent and Bird, the nihilistic would be Hells Angels gang member. What’s interesting is how Jay, fueled by his desire to take down the Hells Angels, transforms into Bird, a man bent on doing whatever it takes earn his patch. These two personas vie for dominance over his heart and mind. This memoir weaves the conflicts:
man vs. self; man vs. man; and man vs. society into a fantastic listen.

GREAT STORY LIKE A MOVIE STORY BUT?????

Great story at times thinking your cover was blown and I really like the book you got my money from me buying the book.Here's the BUT to me your a RAT & I hate RATS BUT it's your job right? Well I don't hate police who do there job walking there beat or driving around stopping cars with lights out or speeding.BUT I dislike RAT COPS which is what you are.Story good like a movie COP/AUTHOR/RAT in life dislike.

can't wait to get back to it

This book was very interesting to help understand what a true undercover goes through and sacrifices for their job.

Awesome Read

loved every second of this book! you can't put it down! must read for everyone

Great Book..A must read!

This book opens up the doors and gives you an inside look into the Hells Angels. From start to finish, this book keeps you engaged and motivated, wanting to find out what’s happening next.. Best book I’ve read in quite some time.