Boots in the Ashes by Cynthia Beebe

Boots in the Ashes by Cynthia Beebe ISBN-13: 9781546084594 Hardcover: 304 pages Publisher: Center Street Released: February 25th 2020

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Boots in the Ashes is the memoir of Cynthia Beebe's groundbreaking career as one of the first women special agents for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, (ATF). A smart and independent girl growing up in suburban Chicago, she unexpectedly became one of the first women to hunt down violent criminals for the federal government. As a special agent for 27 years, Beebe tells the story of how, as a young woman, she overcame many obstacles on her journey through the treacherous world of illegal guns, gangs, and bombs. She battled conflicts both on the streets and within ATF. But Beebe learned how to thrive in the ultra-masculine world of violent crime and those whose job it is to stop it.

Beebe tells her story through the lens of six major cases that read like crime fiction: four bombings, one arson fire and a massive roundup of the Hell's Angels on the West Coast. She also shares riveting never before revealed trial testimonies, including killers, bombers, arsonists, victims, witnesses and judges.


My Review:
Boots in the Ashes is a memoir by one of the first female special agents for the ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives). The author briefly talked about her childhood and how she got interested in joining the ATF. She then talked about six of her most notable cases, including the steps she took to investigate the case all the way through to the court verdicts. At the end, she briefly talked about why she retired and her life now. Her cases were interesting, and she also talked about what it was like to be one of the few female agents at the beginning of her career. Overall, I'd recommend this book to true crime fans or those interested in what an ATF field agent does.


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