Becoming Fire: Chasing the Passion to Protect, Serve, and Love: A True Crime Memoir

by Jennifer Clarke Eskew

SHE WAS ONE OF THE FIRST. SHE WAS BORN FOR THIS. AND SHE DID MORE THAN SURVIVE-SHE MADE HISTORY.



JENNIFER CLARKE ESKEW always felt a spark within her-a calling to serve and protect. When she steps into the all-male world of the Virginia State Police, she faces grueling challenges at the academy before earning her badge that ignites her spark for law enforcement. 

Determined to prove herself as one of the first female troopers in Virginia, she faces rookie mistakes and high-stake decisions. But her biggest challenge lays ahead.

Chosen as the first full-time female undercover state police officer, Jennifer finds herself immersed in a world of drug dealers, gun traffickers, and the resultant adrenaline rushes that come from the danger. In the midst, she wonders where the act ends and Jennifer begins. 

With her fire burning stronger than ever, she continues to fan the flames and chase her passions to fulfill the ultimate purpose in her chosen career. You'll laugh, you'll cry, but you won't forget this true story of grit, courage, and a woman who refused to be extinguished.

406 pages, Paperback

Published November 13, 2025

Reviews

[Santan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the good fortune to meet Jennifer and I read the book in her voice. I was hooked from the beginning and read it in one day. This book is a window into the challenges she faced as one of the first Female VSP officers and first full time VSP undercover officers. She made me feel like I was there with her in the blue and grey feeling the roller coaster of emotions and challenges she faced. I look forward to her next book!!

[Jackie Hissam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book Jenn! Thanks for sharing your story. You truly were an inspiration to many females and I know you paved the way for many in Law Enforcement careers! I always appreciated your advice when we started together as ATF agents in Bristol, VA! You go girl and look forward to your next book.

[Matthew D · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great read! True telling of young woman’s path to become one of Virginia’s first female State Troopers and the first full time female undercover. A compelling tale of both the public and intimate struggles that come along with shattering glass ceilings. Whatever you expect, you won’t be disappointed!!!

[Molly Jaber (Audiobooks And Sweet Tea) · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you've got a fire burning within you, don't put out. Reach for it. Ignite it. Grow it. That's what Jennifer Eskew, author of BECOMING FIRE did. And reach for it she did! Starting at the very bottom, as a rookie, Jennifer joined the Virginia State Police. She learned a long the way. She grew from her mistakes. She was challenged because she was a female officer in a male dominated field. She reached for that fire within and it grew. She later became the first female undercover trooper in Virginia (hello childhood home!) and she excelled. Her story is raw. Real. Intense.

This true crime memoir takes the reader on Jennifer's journey. You get to experience life as a trooper through her eyes. Every moment of the ride is intense. You get the first hand account of the crimes she worked & the evidence that was gathered. You get to feel what she felt. It's a wild ride but oh so worth it!

True crime fans everywhere need to have this in their life! I loved getting to know Jennifer and feeling the passion she had for her career as if it was my own. Do not miss this one, folks!

[Irvin Moran · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written book by a career law enforcement officer. The author holds nothing back as she relates her experiences as a female Virginia State Trooper during a time when most of us male law enforcement officers were very skeptical of whether or not females could perform the job effectively and safely. The author provides the reader with real world experiences. This book is informative and entertaining. Well done. I highly recommend.

Irvin Moran
Retired ATF Senior Special Agent

[Chara Kiskadden · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is absolutely fantastic and a must-read for anyone who is interested in true crime! It keeps you on your toes the entire time and I appreciate her telling us to keep pushing forward, that our dreams are possible.

[Karen H · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had heard about this book and really wanted to read it. At our weekly family Sunday supper I asked my youngest daughter, Sally, if she had read the book yet. She said she had ordered and received the book but she was currently reading 2 other novels and wouldn't get to start reading it for some time. She went and retrieved the book from her library of books and handed it to me to read since I hadn't received mine in the mail yet. I started reading as soon as I got home. I didn't want to put it down. I would constantly keep reading just one more chapter then just one more chapter, before going to bed! I stayed up later than I ever have to get just one more chapter read! I loved the book! I couldn't believe that by the following Saturday before noon I had completed the book! I can't wait to read it again when I get my very own copy and am hopeful that there will be more books by Jennifer Clark Eskew continuing the sequence of her life in the AFT and even to the present day!

[Susan The Book Dragon Campton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A tale of fortitude, heartache and suspense. This is Jennifer Eskew's "Becoming Fire".
This is Jennifer's memoir of becoming one of the initial female Virginia State Troopers.
She takes us on our own private 'ride along' with her as she first conquers the highways and byways of the academy, her time as a trooper which morphs into her becoming a UC or Undercover officer.
This was a great read. From her helping make her first arrest at age 6 (and yes that is correct) to trading in her Troopers Cover for the ATF!
If true crime and police procedurals had a baby - this is it!

[Tammy Horvath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jennifer had a challenging, intriguing, and rewarding career. This book is full of amazing stories about Jennifer’s career climb. I loved reading about the obstacles she faced as a female Virginia police officer. Some stories made me laugh, some brought me joy, and others made my heart ache for how people treated Jennifer. Yet, she persevered through it all. I highly recommend this book, complete with adventure, danger, and sometimes life-threatening situations.

[Betsy Tuck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous book! I can’t wait to read about the ATF years! My husband picked it up when I brought it home and he read it in a day, that never happens.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a great read I love true crime and hearing from the officer herself made it so much better grab this quick

[Melanie Quakenbush · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible read and person! Personally know her. You won’t regret reading this book. Lots of great stories and very informative.

[Nina Langley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Law enforcement memoir worth reading! Author Jennifer Clarke Eskew is a very brave woman for what she has done in law enforcement. Chronicling her true-life experience as a young woman of the 1980's entering law enforcement and sharing her personal growth journey during that time was inspiring and, at times, shocking to read. Most authors would not show the “warts and all” to the world. That takes guts. Despite the obstacles of that era, her fiery passion to serve as a Virginia State Trooper fueled her career, and subsequently, trailblazed the acceptance and appreciation of women in undercover investigations.

[Jimm Langley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding! Great story of a true warrior who despite having the odds (and the boss) against her, prevailed. Great read - I found it hard to put down.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must read for any girl who has aspirations of being in law enforcement. Jennifer truly paved the way for all of us. How her desire to be the best she could be is reflected in her personal life as well as her professional life. Becoming Fire is now one of my personal favorites & I can't wait to read her next book!

[Jane Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written and hard to put down! Enjoyed it and looking forward to Jennifer’s next book! Would make a great movie!

[Valerie Dvorak · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed it. Her rise up through the ranks in spite of all the obstacles that were in her way was very inspirational and I loved reading about her experiences as an undercover agent. Had me celebrating the wins with her.

[Renee Simmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Becoming Fire is an amazing book, with true accounts of Trooper Jennifer Clarke Eskew. Jennifer knew she wanted to be in law enforcement and was determined to make that dream come true. With the hopes of one day becoming a special agent, but knew she had to start at the bottom. In 1985, she enter the academy and after graduating became State Trooper Jennifer Clarke. Learning the ins and outs, and making a few rookie mistakes, she grew and became an excellent trooper. But she was met with discrimination from supervisors that didn’t like women in her position. Pushing through and putting up with unfair evaluations. When she met the one person that gave her the confidence she needed. Later becoming the first full time female undercover trooper, she quickly proved herself and was wanted by all divisions in the Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, and surrounding areas. Jennifer became Lee as her undercover name, but it became her life, no longer knowing who Jennifer is. Working for several divisions at a time, it consumed her life. They commended her to her face, because they knew they couldn’t do it without her, but behind the scenes, the discrimination continued. Until a heartbreak awoke her inner strength and she once again knew she was good enough to make her dreams come true. This book is full of emotions, heartbreak, and finding an inner strength and becoming that fire that always burned but needed to be ignited. Due to release Nov 18th by Jennifer Eskew Author. I commend you Jennifer for you service and dedication. You are a true hero

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

A MUST READ!!

If you love true crime book this IS the book for you.

Jennifer opens up about her real life experiences about her time as one of the first women Virginia State Troopers. She does an amazing job retelling the details that troopers not only have to handle to keep the community and themselves safe. The amount of true, honest, and heartbreaking cases she puts in this book is tremendous.

She brings a human aspect to what women troopers had to endure from co workers, senior leaders and judges just to be able to answer their calling to this vocation to preserve honor and protect. Proves that women are just as valuable and their male counterparts. Her undercover work was above reproach from all around her and yet she had to fight so hard from her own senior leaders for her own protection! But man she set the path a blaze and truly opened the door for so many others to follow in her footsteps!


Jennifer exposes her heart and soul in such a vulnerable way to share these stories and so much more.

You need this book in your life and so do your friends and family!

You won’t regret it and it will leave you wanting more!

[Mary Jackson _TheMaryReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jennifer Eskew was one of the first and she shares her success with us in her new true crime memoir. This is an emotional, heartbreaking, read showing us what a strong woman Jen is. Reading this book is like was doing like a ride along with Jennifer. I wonder if I am the only one who has always wanted to do a ride along with the best officer. I feel like I finally got too.
I hope everyone reads this book and sees what good officers deal with in real life and I hope all the feels and emotions open your eyes to all the heroes that wear badges not capes.
Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are our own.

[Roni Garbo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was an excellent easy read. Loved going back in time to pagers and payphones. She captured the era of women in LE to a T - and how she navigated that turbulent sea was magnificent. She never gave up even though there were so many instances she could have. She was (is) strong minded, very competent and dedicated to her cause. She used her smarts and corky sense of humor to push against the naysayers. VSP had and lost a good one...ATF gained a great one.

[Mark M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was blessed to meet Jennifer at CrimeCon 2026, and while there, i purchased a copy of her book which she signed for me. Becoming Fire is an exceptional book and highly inspirational. Despite the many challenges she faced, Jennifer continued to persevere and to thrive. If you enjoy true crime and/or factual accounts of law enforcement, I would highly recommend her book! I'm hoping that she continues her career as an author and resumes her amazing story.

[Megan Hanks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Randomly met Jennifer in SC last month and got a great first hand account of her long career in law enforcement. I love to read so I got her book. The genre isn’t typically I what tend to read, but her book was fascinating. So interesting following her as young woman fighting for her place in what was then totally a man’s world and dealing with the extreme difficulties of the job. It’s great when a true story is exciting enough to read like fiction. Bravo, Jennifer!

[Megan Fuson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must read for first responders, especially female first responders. Never backing down from what she wanted, Jenn pushed through with grit and determination to make history. I appreciate her being honest about rookie mistakes, reminding us all to question everything and lastly, reminding us all why we do what we do every day.

[Mark Kirkland · Rating 5 out of 5]

That was an awesome read! I couldn't put it down. That girl is something else! Lotsa courage and brave beyond... The only way for a female LEO to survive amidst the good ol' boys in the VSP was to work twice as hard and be twice as bad ass! Cudo's! Good job! Looking forward to your next adventure! Had to have lots of fun with the ATF! Can't wait to read some more!

[Wendy Martin-Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read of a woman on a mission to serve and make history! Proud to call her family and even more proud of her accomplishments! I know for a fact her parents are proud of her accomplishments.

Great details of undercover work and how she navigated a male-dominated field. I’m sure there is so much more to uncover! Hoping for a sequel!!!

[Mark Sutherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the most riveting book I have read in years. This author makes you feel like you are riding along with them. The attention to detail is amazing and the dangers are real. I hope to see a follow up book soon. I have been in law enforcement for 41 years and this book hits the nail on the head.

[Donna Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I started reading this I didn’t want to put it down. I would come right back and pick it up and start reading again. We don’t appreciate our law enforcement enough! Jen put herself in danger to help her community and fellow officers. Thank you Jen for a job well done !

[Yvonne E. Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book about a dedicated law enforcement officer and in spite of her challenges being one of the first women state police officers she prevailed!!

[Patricia Braxton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. She is very personal and detailed on her thoughts and feelings. Her strength and resolve with situations in her life are amazing. Definitely a must read! Highly recommend.