The Bomb Doctor: A Scientist's Story of Bombers, Beakers, and Bloodhounds

by Kirk Yeager, Selene Yeager, Paul Bellantoni (reader)

A rare peek behind the curtain into boots-on-the-ground, in-the-lab scientific bomb forensics—told with humanity, heart, and even a bit of humor.This is not CSI. What you encounter as a true bomb detective—or “Bomb Doctor,” as some in the FBI call me—are fields of twisted metal containing soot-covered fragments intermingled with human remains. You have carnage and chaos. As you wade into that sea of wailing sirens and screaming survivors awash with the stench of diesel fuel and decaying bodies, your job is to ferret out forensic clues in a type of macabre scavenger hunt to ultimately reconstruct the scene and the explosive device and determine what happened and what the bomb looked like before it was torn asunder. None of this happens overnight. Nor does it happen in a timeframe that can be neatly packaged in an hour-long made-for-TV drama. The scavenger hunt can take months—or, in the case of the infamous Collar Bomber, seven painstaking years. The work is worth every second and every horrific image that etches itself into your brain because it helps prevent new horrors. Not all, obviously. We are not superheroes. But unlike shooters, who often just “snap” or seem to act out in random ways, bombers almost always have a story—one that follows an arc. In The Bomb Doctor, my goal is to explain that arc, explode myths, reconstruct reality, and build an understanding of the reason and means behind the mayhem, as well as pull back the curtain on the investigative process that brings bombers to justice.

Genres: Audiobook, Nonfiction

1 pages, Audio CD

Published June 11, 2024

Reviews

[Damon Robbins · Rating 5 out of 5]

From a retired public safety bomb technician’s perspective who has attended many training conferences where Dr. Yeager has presented, this book did not disappoint! Thank you for your service and sharing your insights and humor. “One Team, One Fight”

[Jazzy Lemon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was by a man who defused bombs and dealt with the aftermath, so this book was extremely interesting but often brutal. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC/audiobook, good narrator.

[Blaque Ace · Rating 1 out of 5]

The Bomb Doctor: A Scientist's Story of Bombers, Beakers, and Bloodhounds

Thanks to Netgalley for this audiobook.

The Bomb Doctor is a gripping tale of bombs, the people who use them and the people affected by them. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Paul Bellantoni and I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. I enjoyed the history of bombings espoused in the book and the work that goes on behind the scenes to arrest a bomber.

When I started this book, I was so sure I was going to rate it four or five stars but the more I listened, the less I liked. While the part explaining how bombers are caught and the damage they left behind is eye-opening, the lack of depth and impartiality when discussing the FBI and the Israel-Palestine conflict is disappointing for what is on the surface an intelligent book. Let me explain.

The author mentions numerous times that the FBI provided assistance to other countries when said country requests assistance or if an American person, entity or embassy was involved. How nice of the FBI, right? I’ll let you be the judge of that.

I don’t have a problem with the FBI providing assistance to other countries during a time of crisis, I have a problem with the author’s description of the reactions to the FBI’s involvement. Almost every country in the African, Asian and South American continent has a tumultuous history with the FBI or any of the other so-called intelligence agencies of the USA. The reason varies by nation but it always has something to do with meddling in non-American politics and causing irreparable damage to the sociopolitical and economic situation of a country.

So when the author describes some countries having an attitude to the FBI’s involvement, we don’t learn why they might feel the way. All we’re told is the country just doesn’t want America to take their shine. Which might be partly true but the FBI is painted as this angelic agency that just wants to make the world a better place, not the malevolent force that destroyed queer and non-white communities, actively fought against the civil rights movement and till this day discriminates POC with extreme prejudice.

I know the author is still working for the FBI and any criticism can be taken in bad faith but it doesn’t make the whitewashing of the FBI any better.

The other problem I had with this book that I tried so hard to ignore but it just kept popping up is the inclusion of the genocide of Palestinians. Only the author doesn’t see it as a genocide or even indiscriminate act committed against a group of people, the author sees it as “Palestinian terrorists” attacking the nice Israel forces for no fucking reason.

Now I’m not saying the author is Pro-Israel, what I’m saying is there is a clear bias when talking about Israel versus anything Palestinian. Israel is afforded the grace of a proper military but Palestine has to be suffixed with militant or terrorists, anything to show that they’re inherently violent and are the offending party. We get no history of the conflict, why Palestinians would risk their lives making bombs that are unstable, we get nothing because this is a one-sided tale.

The author mentions being offered a tour of Gaza but the offer was denied because the violent terrorists will surely kill him if he stepped in their land. (I’m paraphrasing a lot but that’s basically the reason why the offer was rejected)

Yet, the author travels to Israel numerous times, enabling him to see Israelis as humans while the faraway Palestinians are just a clump of monsters and suicide bombers.

The author also mentions visiting West Bank while working on the case but no mention of the restrictions placed on Palestinians in the West Bank or the harrowing conditions in which they live. Either the Israelis took him past these ‘landmarks’ or he just didn’t notice them. Maybe if he did, he’d understand why Palestinians give their life to protect a land that has been taken from them over and over again.

Again, I’d like to reiterate that the author at no point exalts The State Of Israel but the language used when talking about Israel versus Palestine shows a clear bias that is frankly sickening to listen to especially given the genocide currently happening.

I tried so hard to enjoy this book despite the flaws I saw in it but the FBI and Israel-Palestine were such a huge and recurring part of the book that it’s so hard to ignore it. Outside of that, I actually enjoyed the book but it left such a bad taste in my mouth that I just couldn’t remember the parts I even enjoyed.
I’d like to end this by saying Israel’s actions the past eight months and the last 76 years has shown us who the actual terrorists are. If the Palestinian Resistance are terrorists then the IOF are much more worse. Let’s not sugarcoat it.


Free Palestine 🇵🇸

[J Kromrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC in audiobook format.

📚In this gripping account, Dr. Kirk Yeager and Selene Yeager take us behind the scenes of bomb forensics—a world far removed from the polished glamour of TV crime shows. Narrated by Paul Bellantoni, “The Bomb Doctor” offers a rare glimpse into the gritty reality of explosive investigations.

🔍 What You’ll Discover:

Humanity Amid Chaos: As a true bomb detective, you’re not just dealing with twisted metal and soot-covered fragments. You’re navigating chaos, wailing sirens, and the stench of diesel fuel and decay.

Macabre Scavenger Hunt: The hunt for forensic clues can take months, unraveling the mystery behind each explosive device.

The Collar Bomber Saga: Dive into the seven-year pursuit of justice, where every second counts.

Bombers’ Stories: Unlike random shooters, bombers follow an arc—a reason and means behind their mayhem.

Why You Should Listen:

Real-Life Drama: “The Bomb Doctor” explodes myths and reconstructs reality, revealing the painstaking process that brings bombers to justice.

Humanizing the Bureau: Through down-to-earth accounts, it humanizes the FBI, its scientists, and bomb technicians during high-profile events.

🎧 Dr Kirk Yeager’s expertise and Selene Yeager’s storytelling prowess combine to create an unforgettable journey through the heart-pounding world of bomb forensics. 

[Marty Doskins · Rating 4 out of 5]

There was a lot of interesting information about the science of bomb-making and the investigative process to solve bombing cases. The author definitely has the experience in both areas. As a warning, there are some rather gruesome and vivid descriptions of bombing scenes, which include the remains of human bodies. This may not be your cup of tea.

There are a couple things I didn't like about the book. First, it seemed really unorganized. It didn't follow a chronological path. And it didn't stay with topics sorted into general categories, like chemistry, bomb-making, investigation, etc. It made the story hard to follow sometimes. Second, the author's humor seemed out of place. I know that law enforcement officials lot of times use humor as a defense mechanism. To me it just didn't fit with the seriousness of a world-renowned chemistry professor and FBI consultant. It was a bit awkward for me.

Thank you to HighBridge Audio and NetGalley for an ARC audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is how things happen in REAL life, not REEL life. No speed-up to get things accomplished in the 45 minutes (60 minus times for commercials) per episode. This is a science nerd's view of selected calls out to do the intricate forensic examinations necessary following bombings at home and around the globe regardless of the pervading politics. Yeager is a Forensic Examiner in explosives and hazardous devices and is currently the Senior Explosives Scientist. His humor is as good as his credentials, and I have already bought the audio and recommended the print to others.
Paul Bellantoni is an excellent voice actor who gives a meaningful interpretation and delivers the snarks very well, thank you!
I requested and received (after I preordered a copy!) a free temporary audio copy from HighBridge Audio via NetGalley. Thank you.

[Cheyenne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you, NetGalley and HighBridge Audio for this advanced audiobook. This book was super interesting, and I don't know if it should have been, but I laughed out loud at points, but I might have a macabre sense of humor. Bomb detectives are made out to be calm, cool, and collected and come in to save the day when showed on cop shows. They save the day in a matter of minutes. The author is a REAL bomb detective and tells his story of how they are scared, and real cases take time. This story was not for the faint of heart as he describes what bombs really do to bodies and buildings when they explode. But it was very informative as it speaks about different scenarios and cases where bombs were used.

[Phillip Murrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm an Explosive Ordnance Officer (EOD) with fifteen years of experience. This book was right up my alley. I loved the dark humor and true accounts of a "bomb doctor." My only gripes are "Have Bombs, Will Travel" is a better title, and the author occasionally sounds a bit full of himself. Other than that, I had a fantastic time and can overlook minor annoyances. I recommend it to anyone curious about authentic bomb forensics.

[Michelle Principe · Rating 5 out of 5]

PHENOMENAL BOOK

I can't say enough about how wonderful this book was! Once I started reading, I couldn't put it down. Even in some of the grittier sections, I found myself laughing at the comments he was including. He's not only an acclaimed scientist but also a phenomenal storyteller!

[Jason Suptic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written and reviewed. A good expose into the work that goes into investigations of bombings, told through narratives. Each chapter is a deeper dive on a specific case. The data is sufficient and not over bearing with technical details.

[Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really interesting and touched on a lot of high profile cases.

I was provided with a free ALC for library workers by Libro.fm.

[Roger · Rating 5 out of 5]

very interesting!

[KarnagesMistress · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bomb Doctor: A Scientist's Story of Bombers, Beakers, and Bloodhounds was enjoyable on so many levels. I don't know which Yeager sibling was most responsible for the book's voice, but It served the story. This is serious subject matter. So serious that the book ends with a call to action to report suspicious activity in the hope that you could prevent the next bombing.
Along the way we travel from Boston to Bali to Bangledesh, with many ports of call in between. Dr. Yeager incorporates science with memoir and history to create a cohesive work that was over far, far to swiftly for me. Paul Bellantoni's narration was spot-on, providing just the right amount of serious/sassy attitude to match the Yeagers' words. There is levity in this book, needed comic relief given some of the other heavy sections. {As a fellow resident of the DC metro area during the sniper attacks in 2002, I personally thank you for sharing your story. I got a chill when I realized, too.}

Whether you pick up the audio or the print version of The Bomb Doctor: A Scientist's Story of Bombers, Beakers, and Bloodhounds is up to the reader. While several photos that appear in the text were unavailable to me, I didn't feel like I lost out. The main thing is: read it. If there is any subject matter, no matter how tangential, to this book's blurb that you are interested in, you owe it to yourself to read The Bomb Doctor: A Scientist's Story of Bombers, Beakers, and Bloodhounds. I would like to thank HighBridge Audio for allowing me to experience the NetGalley audiobook.

[Elisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

When you think that your job is stressful, just think about the “Bomb Doctor.” He works for law enforcement, but he is a scientist, a chemist who can figure out how a bomb was built. It’s a little disappointing to learn that it’s not like CSI. These investigations last a long time and, sometimes, they don’t even catch the bad guy. The author has devoted years of his life to these pursuits and, most of the time, he’s not involved until it’s too late and people have died. The type of work required is not for the faint of heart, so readers with a weak stomach may have a hard time reading this. I loved Paul Bellantoni’s audiobook narration. He sounds like a friendly expert, always the smartest guy in the room but humble enough that he sounds relatable. I also enjoyed the humor. It’s hard to imagine how reading about death and devastation can make you guffaw, but gallows humor sometimes is the only way to endure. Some parts were horrifying, others were as suspenseful as a fiction thriller, even if you figure that he made it, considering that he’s writing about it. I was particularly interested in the Boston marathon bombings, since I remember how scary it was, and I was surprised at how they managed to catch the bad guys. Fascinating.
I chose to listen to this audiobook and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, NetGalley/HighBridge Audio.