To Catch a Fascist: The Fight to Expose the Radical Right

by Christopher Mathias

A searing, provocative investigation into the rise of white nationalist and neo-Nazi movements in the United States, centered on the anti-fascist groups working to expose and stop these hateful factions.

Demonized as “extremist” by conservatives and liberals alike, “antifa” became a bogeyman during Donald Trump’s first term. But few Americans understood the dangerous work antifa was doing to disrupt and unmask a new generation of white supremacists or listened when antifa sounded the alarm about these white supremacists taking positions of power. Now this underground network of militant anti-fascists is determined to stop the rising tide of fascism in America. No matter the cost.

In the tradition of in-the-room investigative classics such as The Smartest Guys in the Room and Bad Blood, To Catch a Fascist follows different factions of antifascists as they work to unmask hateful extremists before they commit devastating acts of violence. With searing detail and exclusive reporting, To Catch a Fascist paints a vivid picture of the stakes in this ongoing, often unseen war between opposite ends of the political spectrum, highlighting the scrappy resourcefulness and resilience of anti-fascist movements against their increasingly violent adversaries. Utilizing razor-sharp storytelling and eye-opening insight, this timely and necessary book reveals the human cost, moral dilemmas, and unwavering determination involved in fighting white supremacy.

Both a call to action and a pulse-raising look at the powerful work being done to combat today’s gravest threat to democracy, To Catch a Fascist will inspire you to fight for your community.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Politics

336 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication February 3, 2026

Reviews

[Shan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Simon & Schuster for the ARC of this book. Here is an honest review.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was equal parts scary, educational, and delightful in a strange way. Scary learning that there are these people out there. Educational because of the depth that the author went into. And delightful knowing that these fascists are getting exposed.

For example, what I knew of the Charlottesville event was the two scenes that are always shown, but afterwards I learned that this event was much worse.

I don't want to give away any more but if you want to know more about how the radical right is destroying our country, this is a good read.

[Erin (Brooklyn Book Fanatic) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Should be recommended reading for all, to understand how we got to where we are, what systems and groups are in place to create the chaotic world we live in, and how you can understand it impacts the way you experience it and ideally stand against it.

[Jackie Sunday · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two sides -- fascism and antifa – are highlighted in this book.

Christopher Mathias provides readers with a backdoor examination of white supremacist organizations and neo-Nazi activists in the US. He also reports how anti-fascists have been diligently working to identify those involved from various sources and to stop the violence.

This book touches on brutal parts of our past with the three phases of Ku Klux Klan from 1865 to 1944. Readers are brought up to date with protests and violence with hate crimes towards Blacks, Jews, Muslims, Latinos and immigrants in clubs, churches, synagogues and on the streets. It includes the rally in Charlottesville in 2017 along with various other atrocities.

Then there’s the suspense from a spy who for years worked to unmask some of the identities of neo-Nazis. Does he get caught? It’s a chase that involves highly guarded secrets.

It’s well written by a journalist who did an intense amount of research. We think we know everything until we read a book like this. It’s packed with history and it brings us to the current times with the fears, dangers and unknowns of where it’s going. The book has a perfect ending.

My thanks to Atria Books and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book with a release date of February 3, 2026. The opinions that I have shared are my own.

[Liz Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

I deeply enjoyed this. This book felt incredibly engaging and exciting while shining a light for audiences onto lesser known stories of individuals who put their safety on the line so that a better future may be attainable. To Catch a Fascist shares with readers the difficult work that is put in every day in the fight against fascism. The real stories shared in this book are sad and angering, but they are stories which more people need to be aware of. Mathias describes fights, espionage missions, and mass unmasking events by antifascist activists throughout the last ten years. It describes briefly the work done by activists before them, but the main focus of this book are the current fights against modern fascist groups that have grown online. Despite how difficult the fight against the pervasiveness of fascism is, the fight is still happening everyday. This book ends on a hopeful note, even though there is work to be done there are people happy to do it.

Thank you Atria Books and NetGalley for a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Patrick Fassnacht · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for the ARC and opportunity to read.

Lots of things relayed in this one. Sharing some real under-cover happenings, wrapping some historical contexts around them along the way, and weaving the work and efforts of those being studied and shared. Obviously, there is a distinct point of view inherent in the writing. One that owns it and says it. One that shares their interpretation of any number of underlying happenings and events.
Whether 'believing' whatever one is predisposed to.. or filtering through one's accumulated lens on life.. another read here where both/any/all Sides can learn something impactful from this one.
We don't have to 'like' what is being said on any level, from anyone, to learn and shape things for ourselves.

This reader's 5-star rating sure does not purport a resounding agreement or like-minded belief on all the pages within this book... but the work itself and the merit of the research and how it made me think and reflect as I decide where my life heads next.

[Lexi readingwhilehot · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you live in the PNW, and want to read a history book of why “antifa” became a buzzword, look no further this book ROCKS!! Who doesn’t want to read the POV of someone infiltrating a nazi group in your hometown?

The author calls antifa “the modern folk devil” and makes a compelling argument for why we should be a lot more fearful of the white suprematists they dox. Disturbing and grounded in reality. Anyone can benefit by reading this book but it will likely correct misinformation from 2015-2026 about 1) who is antifa 2) what is antifa doing in the PNW. As a local Portland leftist, the detailed and sometimes mind numbing documentation of what happened here is vital, and I will be using it to call in my local family and loved ones since it changed some of my own perception of events.

Impressive to compile a history book of something so secretive and current. Thank you net galley, the publisher, and the author for the free ebook in exchange for my honest review.

[Dustin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must read and I feel like a required read. I throughly enjoyed this book, however, so parts were a little hard to read. That's the point though and I feel the author did really well not making it a smear campaign, instead they focused on bringing forth evidence showing the direction our country is headed in.

[Aura · Rating 5 out of 5]

To Catch a Fascist by Christopher Mathias is one of those books that grabs you from page one and doesn’t let go. It is intense, smart, and honestly kind of wild in the best way. Mathias dives deep into the radical right, but he does it with this mix of solid reporting, real-world stories, and a voice that feels both urgent and totally readable.

What I loved most is how human this book feels. Mathias is not just listing facts or shouting warnings. He shows the people doing the work behind the scenes, putting themselves on the line to expose dangerous movements. It gives you a clear look at what it actually takes to confront extremism in real time, and it is equal parts impressive and terrifying.

It is definitely heavy at times, but in a necessary, eye-opening way. If you enjoy investigative journalism, want a clearer picture of what is happening in far-right spaces, or appreciate fearless reporting, this is worth picking up. It feels like one of those books that stays with you long after you close it.

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I appreciate receiving an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. I found it topical and alarming as I learned the depth and breadth and strategies of the neo-fascists. It’s interesting to read now as the Administration speaks of cracking down on “antifa” and all the commentary about how antifa is an idea not a specific group…although there are clearly many groups actively working to unmask the far right movements.
In terms of writing style and engagement, though, I found it hard to get involved with in the way I usually do w narrative non-fiction.
It’s an important and edifying read regardless and I’m glad I read it.

[Sharron · Rating 5 out of 5]

* I received an advanced readers copy in a goodreads giveaway.

I'm not familiar with this journalist; the book is well sourced with over 40 pages of end notes, but doesn't read like an article. It is engaging and a quick read. My two major beefs with it are at the beginning and the end.

It takes a few pages into the introduction for him to say antifa is not an organization, but then he continues to make it sound like one throughout the book.

The end of the book is very frustrating, because JUST after expressing concern that doxing may not work going forward and this is all becoming acceptable, "George" delays releasing information. How stupid.

[Roger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Insightful reading on the workings of antifa as they work to undermine and expose fascists. The political climate is changing, making white supremacy acceptable and targeting antifa as extremist terrorists. This is a book all Americans should read.

[J R · Rating 5 out of 5]

unique documentary-ish book that's really well-written and details how people go undercover to find the identities of members of far-right militias and neo-nazi groups. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.

[clairecurrently]

ARC REVIEW ⭐️ 5 Stars

Wow. I thought this was fantastic. Christopher Mathias not only provides research and historical context to the topic but also weaves in the stories of the everyday people who have and are working on the ground (and online) to expose fascists.

I think this is a very necessary read. I will be recommending it and picking up a physical copy for my personal library.