Face to Face with Whitey Bulger: An FBI Agent's Account of Capturing and Debriefing Boston's Most Notorious Gangster

by Rich Teahan, Bob Ward

The FBI's high stakes capture of fugitive Boston mob boss James "Whitey" Bulger at his hideout in Santa Monica, California, slammed shut a 16-year-long international odyssey to find one of the FBI's most wanted men. But it was not the end of the story.

In this firsthand account, FBI Supervisory Special Agent Richard Teahan, who commanded the Whitey Bulger Task Force, brings us face to face with Whitey during an epic six-hour transcontinental debrief on board a Justice Department jet as it returned Bulger to Boston. Teahan details the only interview Bulger ever granted to law enforcement, revealing his ruthless and often paranoid world view.

Chronicling his personal quest to confront Bulger, Teahan lifts the veil on the backbreaking, sometimes anguishing effort to bring one of America's most brutal organized crime bosses to justice.

333 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 2, 2026

Reviews

[David Martin · Rating 2 out of 5]

So what was sold as an inside look at Whitey Bulger on his years he was on the run turned out to be only a book on information we already knew!
The first 150 pages are all about the author and his upbringing and journey to becoming an FBI agent. First off, who cares?
The book in the beginning lends you to believe that you will get an inside look at Whiteys life on the run, from Whitey himself during his plane ride from California to Massachusetts to stand trial. Think again. You read more about how great the FBI plane is (The GV as it’s called and you are reminded of way too many times) than Whitey himself.
Honestly this book reads more like an author looking to make some quick money.
There are many good books on James “Whitey” Bulger out there, this just isn’t one of them.

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Face to Face with Whitey Bulger by Rich Teahan and Bob Ward is a fascinating book on the search for the Boston mobster and how he eluded authorities for years. Teahan, a retired FBI agent who interviewed Bulger on the plane back from California, provides riveting details about how the mobster stayed on the run successfully while also peppering in details of his own history tracking fugitives. Ward, an award winning and respected TV journalist, did an amazing job with Teahan in crafting this this book you won't be able to put down.

[William A. Overstreet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in two days. Very well written and the agent really had me thinking I was right there with them during his interview with Whitey. It is a glimpse into the mind of a murderer for sure. Whitey was responsible for taking many innocent lives however it was interesting to hear the old gangster in his own words. Very well done.

[Paul A Faenza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book about the capture of Whitey Bulger

Excellent read! Very interesting story of a fugitive on the run. Can almost picture yourself on the plane listening to the interview. Well written.

[David Monterisi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A BOSTON SCAR

Great read very informative, I feel the author provided true insight into the history of this topic. The good and bad of law enforcement was honest displayed.

[Olivia Mattiola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thrilling details on the case that hit so close to home some. Was enthralled the entire time. Amazing read.

[Evan Bourque · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unreal story, even more unpublished information.