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Willie Morris Books in Memoir and Biography
Confessions of an Undercover Agent: Adventures, Close Calls, and the Toll of a Double Life
This true story of an ex-Marine who fought crime as an undercover cop, a narcotics agent, and finally a federal prosecutor spans a decade of crime fighting and narrow escapes. Charlie Spillers dealt with a remarkable variety of career criminals, including heroin traffickers, safecrackers, burglars, auto thieves, and members of Mafia and Mexican drug smuggling operations. In this riveting tale, the author recounts fascinating experiences and the creative methods he used to succeed and survive in a difficult and sometimes extremely dangerous underworld life.
As a young officer with the Baton Rouge Police Department, ex-Marine Charlie Spillers first went undercover to infiltrate criminal groups to gather intelligence.
After Baton Rouge, he joined the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics and for the next five years continued working undercover, from the Gulf Coast to Memphis and from New Orleans to Houston. He capped off a unique career by becoming a federal prosecutor and the justice attaché for Iraq.
The book is published by University Press of Mississippi.
As a young officer with the Baton Rouge Police Department, ex-Marine Charlie Spillers first went undercover to infiltrate criminal groups to gather intelligence.
After Baton Rouge, he joined the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics and for the next five years continued working undercover, from the Gulf Coast to Memphis and from New Orleans to Houston. He capped off a unique career by becoming a federal prosecutor and the justice attaché for Iraq.
The book is published by University Press of Mississippi.
- GenresNonfiction
Audible Audio
Published July 27, 2016
About the author
Charlie Spillers
4 books14 followers Writer Charlie Spillers, a former Marine, undercover agent, federal prosecutor and DOJ Justice Attaché for Iraq, is the author of "Confessions of An Undercover Agent: Adventures, Close Calls and the Toll of a Double Life" and "Whirlwind: A Frank Marsh Novel." Confessions was an Amazon #1 New Release nationwide, a top 10 weekly bestselling book and was nominated Best Nonfiction by the MS Institute of Arts and Letters.
The book describes his harrowing experiences during a decade of undercover crime fighting. He infiltrated drug trafficking groups, burglary rings, Dixie Mafia auto-theft rings, Mafia-linked drug smuggling operations, and fought police corruption.
He puts readers in the middle of hair-raising experiences. He also frankly describes the toll that years of undercover work took on him and his family.
As a federal prosecutor he volunteered and served three tours in Iraq for the U.S. Dept of Justice. His work related to Iraq was commended by the FBI Director, the British Ambassador and Britain's Minister of State for the Armed Forces.
His latest book, "Whirlwind: A Frank Marsh Novel," an international thriller, evokes Tom Clancy novels. Whirlwind is filled with intrigue and action from the Middle East to the Deep South, and from Washington, D.C. to Europe. The sequel, "Flashpoint: A Frank Marsh Novel," will be released soon.
The book describes his harrowing experiences during a decade of undercover crime fighting. He infiltrated drug trafficking groups, burglary rings, Dixie Mafia auto-theft rings, Mafia-linked drug smuggling operations, and fought police corruption.
He puts readers in the middle of hair-raising experiences. He also frankly describes the toll that years of undercover work took on him and his family.
As a federal prosecutor he volunteered and served three tours in Iraq for the U.S. Dept of Justice. His work related to Iraq was commended by the FBI Director, the British Ambassador and Britain's Minister of State for the Armed Forces.
His latest book, "Whirlwind: A Frank Marsh Novel," an international thriller, evokes Tom Clancy novels. Whirlwind is filled with intrigue and action from the Middle East to the Deep South, and from Washington, D.C. to Europe. The sequel, "Flashpoint: A Frank Marsh Novel," will be released soon.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
August 18, 2022
Review of Kindle edition
Publication date: March 24, 2016
Publisher: University Press of Mississippi
Language: English
ASIN: B01C90QYYE
I was an intelligence analyst at the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics while Charlie Spillers was an agent and, later, a lieutenant. This book is no exaggeration. Spillers was a top agent and supervisor. His account of life as an undercover officer with the Baton Rouge PD is a little slow compared to his account of life at MBN. Perhaps I'm biased, but, to me, working at MBN in the early years, particularly under Captain Claude Stuckey, was a great adventure, interesting and exciting. It ruined me for any kind of normal job. Apparently Charlie felt the same as he too remained in and associated with the criminal justice system.
I wish Charlie had included the story of the case against major Chicago gang leader Jeff Fort. Even though he did not work undercover in that case, he had a lot to do with it as supervisor. Fort was co-founder of the Black P Stone Rangers and remained a leader through its various name changes and incarnations. Once Fort was arrested and the existence of the investigation became public knowledge, one of my sources with the Illinois Bureau of Investigation called me to express amazement at Fort's arrest. My sources with the Illinois Bureau of Investigation and the Chicago PD were almost as stunned as Fort himself.
This book does a fine job of capturing the stress, uncertainty and hardships of working undercover. However it also delves into the excitement, adrenaline rush and addiction of that life. In the long run the combination of conflicting emotions proves to be physically and mentally exhausting for most agents. Few of those with whom I worked retired as undercover agents.
Publication date: March 24, 2016
Publisher: University Press of Mississippi
Language: English
ASIN: B01C90QYYE
I was an intelligence analyst at the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics while Charlie Spillers was an agent and, later, a lieutenant. This book is no exaggeration. Spillers was a top agent and supervisor. His account of life as an undercover officer with the Baton Rouge PD is a little slow compared to his account of life at MBN. Perhaps I'm biased, but, to me, working at MBN in the early years, particularly under Captain Claude Stuckey, was a great adventure, interesting and exciting. It ruined me for any kind of normal job. Apparently Charlie felt the same as he too remained in and associated with the criminal justice system.
I wish Charlie had included the story of the case against major Chicago gang leader Jeff Fort. Even though he did not work undercover in that case, he had a lot to do with it as supervisor. Fort was co-founder of the Black P Stone Rangers and remained a leader through its various name changes and incarnations. Once Fort was arrested and the existence of the investigation became public knowledge, one of my sources with the Illinois Bureau of Investigation called me to express amazement at Fort's arrest. My sources with the Illinois Bureau of Investigation and the Chicago PD were almost as stunned as Fort himself.
This book does a fine job of capturing the stress, uncertainty and hardships of working undercover. However it also delves into the excitement, adrenaline rush and addiction of that life. In the long run the combination of conflicting emotions proves to be physically and mentally exhausting for most agents. Few of those with whom I worked retired as undercover agents.
March 22, 2016
This Undercover Agent's Laughs Jumpstart Your Heart After The Fear He Sews
I just finished reading Confessions of an Undercover Agent written by Charlie Spillers. The first thing that struck me was, Man, is this guy an amazing story teller. The second thing that struck me was, Charlie Spillers is one of the most courageous men I have encountered. The true story of Spillers as an undercover cop, a narcotics agent, and a federal prosecutor is delivered in both an entertaining and humble manner that makes a reader feel like they are sitting on a porch with Charlie. He regales tales in a fun but modest way that pulls you in to the laughs, spine tingling, and palm sweating details that only a master story teller could do. But don’t get me wrong, these aren’t spun tales. Charlie and the fellow agents he shares harrowing tales about were the real deal when brass badges came with brass b*lls to walk within the criminal underground danger close—and he gave them his home phone number! This unique book opens a door to enter the life of undercover agents with near death experiences and true pucker moments as things go awry. Do yourself a favor and pick up the book so with Charlie can sit down beside you and entertain for hours. It’s a real treat by a legend and a humble but heroic man! Well done, Agent Spillers.
I just finished reading Confessions of an Undercover Agent written by Charlie Spillers. The first thing that struck me was, Man, is this guy an amazing story teller. The second thing that struck me was, Charlie Spillers is one of the most courageous men I have encountered. The true story of Spillers as an undercover cop, a narcotics agent, and a federal prosecutor is delivered in both an entertaining and humble manner that makes a reader feel like they are sitting on a porch with Charlie. He regales tales in a fun but modest way that pulls you in to the laughs, spine tingling, and palm sweating details that only a master story teller could do. But don’t get me wrong, these aren’t spun tales. Charlie and the fellow agents he shares harrowing tales about were the real deal when brass badges came with brass b*lls to walk within the criminal underground danger close—and he gave them his home phone number! This unique book opens a door to enter the life of undercover agents with near death experiences and true pucker moments as things go awry. Do yourself a favor and pick up the book so with Charlie can sit down beside you and entertain for hours. It’s a real treat by a legend and a humble but heroic man! Well done, Agent Spillers.
May 24, 2016
What a fascinating look inside of the life of an undercover agent. This is a well-written book about a man who was able to keep his life compartmentalized in such a way that very few people can. I've always heard that most agencies only keep their officers that deep for a period of five years. This was back in the 70's before they realized what a toll it can take on a person's life. I can't imagine how Mr. Spiller's dealt with all his different personas.
This is a great read and it also gives the reader a glimpse of how far law enforcement has progressed over the years.
I would like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with e-galley of this insightful book in exchange for my honest review.
This is a great read and it also gives the reader a glimpse of how far law enforcement has progressed over the years.
I would like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with e-galley of this insightful book in exchange for my honest review.
March 9, 2023
Jaw dropping!
Jaw dropping! I couldn't put this book down! Thank you Mr Spillers for everything you do! I'm eager to read the next one.
Jaw dropping! I couldn't put this book down! Thank you Mr Spillers for everything you do! I'm eager to read the next one.
February 20, 2019
Excellent book
This is story telling at its finest. It was an excellent book that once I picked it up I couldn’t put it down. It details the hard and scary life of being an undercover agent. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to learn more about the hard work and life of law enforcement. It will open your eyes.
This is story telling at its finest. It was an excellent book that once I picked it up I couldn’t put it down. It details the hard and scary life of being an undercover agent. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to learn more about the hard work and life of law enforcement. It will open your eyes.
August 23, 2023
Don’t let the stars deter you. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with this book. It was really good. I usually just save 4 and 5 stars for life changing books. I wish he’d included stories from his time as a prosecutor and from his time overseas. Overall very good though.
October 18, 2016
This nonfiction book could be the stimulus for so many fiction books. Great characters, real dialogue, life-and-death situations, unbelievably incredible pacing--all make for a great story. Charlie lived the life of an undercover agent 10+ years, and these are the people and the places where he lived out his role while attempting to keep separate his home life with wife and young son. He was actively involved in from-page news bringing down crooked politicians, other public officials, and lay enforcement cohorts. Yes, sometimes he took down the lower level of criminals, but his goal was to bring down the big guys. Spillers had to be a skilled actor with others working with him who were not as skilled. One of my favorite stories concerns two women who become confidential informants to bring down a drug dealer because he had molested the child of a friend. I will not spoil the story by telling the process, the juke joint threat, but I will say these two women kept him from being maimed or killed.
The book is extremely well-written, and the author comes across as brilliant man who lets us in on a life serving and protecting in a Mississippi/Louisiana milieu that is part swamp, part jungle, part urban plantation, and shows us this setting at night when the monsters are out and the good folks sleep. Thank you, Charlie, for your service.
The book is extremely well-written, and the author comes across as brilliant man who lets us in on a life serving and protecting in a Mississippi/Louisiana milieu that is part swamp, part jungle, part urban plantation, and shows us this setting at night when the monsters are out and the good folks sleep. Thank you, Charlie, for your service.
September 6, 2016
Thoroughly enjoyed this book!!!
Very well written, and the subject matter was captivating. Not so much the case for so much on non-fiction these days...
Would love to read about his legal career; what he can write about it, that is! Same for the involvement in the War on Terror, though I'm sure most of that would be classified as well, and thus, off limits...
I could certainly see this author writing a wide range of novels; one can only hope...
Very well written, and the subject matter was captivating. Not so much the case for so much on non-fiction these days...
Would love to read about his legal career; what he can write about it, that is! Same for the involvement in the War on Terror, though I'm sure most of that would be classified as well, and thus, off limits...
I could certainly see this author writing a wide range of novels; one can only hope...
January 1, 2018
A bold and courageous uncovering of an undercover agent. Charlie Spillers manages to tell a tale ABOUT being an undercover agent while simultaneously pulling back the curtains to reveal the inner workings of law enforcement and the world of criminals. His writing is detailed. Spillers comes out from underneath his “cover” in the writing, exposing himself as a person, revealing his vulnerability as a human being. An informative, well-written, interesting read.”
October 11, 2017
Great book! Loved reading about the Baton Rouge policemen, especially my Father-In-Law.
April 28, 2018
Awesome book! This book lets you know that there are some good ones left in law enforcement! Very informative! Would recommend to every one!
September 3, 2019
Heard Charlie Spillers speaks at my Rotary meeting. A real life book about living an undercover life. Highlights and dangers they face daily. Adventures, close calls, and the toll of a double life!
Fascinating book!
Fascinating book!
September 24, 2018
Exceptionally vivid story-telling, despite the dangers. From an emerging writer who avoided the close calls toward an awesome career in justice and now the literary arts!
May 24, 2021
Pretty blah. Spillers just isn't a very good storyteller, there's not much personality on the page. I felt obligated to finish this one because I paid for it, but it wasn't really worth the time.
November 21, 2019
Confessions of an Undercover Agent was truly heart wrenching true story of an undercover agent. It was an amazing story of what agents deal with on a daily basis, especially with the perils that are involved in their work.
July 4, 2018
Set mainly in Mississippi
January 3, 2024
To me the most amazing part of his life is that his wife remained his wife. She must be an extraordinary woman.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews