RatSnakes

Cheating Death by Living a Lie; Inside the Explosive World of ATF's Undercover Agents and How We Changed the Game

De: Vincent A. Cefalu

Narrado por: Tom Taylorson

Get ready to infiltrate the dangerous, secret world of criminals and cover identities by way of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), where the world’s greatest undercover agents are known as RatSnakes.

RatSnakes are rarely, if ever, visible to the public that they move among and risk their lives to protect. In fact, thanks to their cover personas, they are often assumed to be members of the clandestine criminal world that they investigate. Real-life undercover work is a far cry from the sexy, candy-colored world seen in Hollywood movies. Only those who are strong and clever enough will get inside and survive.

Vincent A. Cefalu would know. He spent 30 years as an ATF undercover operative, in assignments ranging from the Symbionese Liberation Army to Asian organized crime. He has infiltrated notorious outlaw motorcycle gangs as well as splinter groups of the Ku Klux Klan. In RatSnakes, he provides a transparent look at the organization and the operatives with whom he risked his life.

Part field guide, part heart-pounding thrill ride, RatSnakes takes listeners on a tour of what it’s like to confront death on a daily basis. En route, Cefalu gives us a look at the on-the-job techniques of kicking in doors, orchestrating “street theater” to ensnare criminals, and making high-stakes gun buys. His irreverent, explicit stories from the inside are a mix of danger and unexpected hilarity that will have listeners laughing one minute and then biting their nails when things break bad.

Immersive and brutal, RatSnakes offers an in-depth and eye-opening look into the lives of an elite group of men and women who volunteer to do things most couldn’t and wouldn’t stomach. Civilians with common sense and good judgment run from danger, while RatSnakes sprint toward it - smiling.

©2019 Vincent A. Cefalu (P)2019 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

unbelievable and riveting

amazing and crazy stories. this guy and his friends are brave heroes, and little crazy! :)

Not what I was expecting

What I was hoping for was a deeper look into the under cover operations of an ATF agent but what I got was snippets from the exploits of a UC. It was still entertaining but not what I was originally looking for.
Narrator did a great job or else I would have stopped listening in ch 2.

Fun

Great book.well told. Intense. I listened while painting my house. Was sad when it ended.

Fun!

the Narrator did a great job! sometimes m***** f***** can sound funny coming from someone's mouth that doesn't regularly say it but he did well! I have had the pleasure of meeting the Author but had NO idea of his history of which I'm sure this is such a small passage. I was entertained and listening the whole time! it was fun hearing stories and envisioning the shenanigans but also hearing some REAL! FANTASTIC!

Great insight to some of the biggest shit shows

Vince offers great insight to some of the biggest shit show operations ever. More proof that the ATF should be abolished.

Raw

This boom was amazing. Not for the faint of heart.i would recommend this book 10/10.

Down with ATFE

This book is prime example why the ATF should be shut down. The upper management are a clown show. Waco. Ruby ridge and many other reasons why they should be shit down and upper management go to prison. These guys are worse than criminals they go after. Today this clown show is going after patriots. The commie Biden put in place should be example of upper management.

Amazing story

Since I remember this time in history, it’s awesome to hear first hand accounts from a cops cop

the truth

The true challanges of UC work and family role in federal law enforcement. I would recommend this book to any LEO or future LEO.

Excellent book!

Author does an excellent job describing his personal experiences as well as shedding light on the dangers and hardships associated with being an agent. His story flowed well and transitioned beautifully throughout. A must read for all.