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Hoover's FBI: The Inside Story by Hoover's Trusted Lieutenant
The FBI is the world's most famous law enforcement agency and also one of the world's most mysterious organizations. Only the few who were part of J. Edgar Hoover's inner circle know the truths of five decades of his authoritarian rule. In this gripping personal account, Deke DeLoach, who was privy to Hoover's thoughts and actions during the FBI's most tumultuous years, tells his insider story.
440 pages, Paperback
First published June 25, 1995
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
August 17, 2013
This book was written not to tell us anything, but to refute other books. It was the most pompous and bigoted book I've read since Tebow's.
February 26, 2012
I listened to the audio version of this book and it was very good. It contains some interesting FBI cases that I didn't know about as well as the large ones. It gives a good history and a counter point to all the anti-Hoover people out there. Read and learn both sides then decide the truth for yourself.
May 16, 2016
For the most part I found this work informative, educational, historic and a glimpse into the workings of a necessary part of the government, especially in the age we live in. It might also be a biography of J. Edgar Hoover and autobiography of the third top most important person in the bureau, the author. The part that seemed redundant was the author's obsession of defending the integrity of Hoover, we get it....I doubt that anyone believes everything they read. I don't care if Hoover was or was not a homosexual or cross-dresser, it's none of my business and has nothing what so ever to do with the job. The second problem I had was with the personal sections that related to the investigations of J. F. K and Eleanor Roosevelt, in the last section he admits they were “orally” given and are just as must hearsay as items relating to Hoover. It seems a bit of a contradiction to denounce one but accept the others. It is just my personal opinion and that's what a review is. There is absolutely a great deal of information from this book that I was not aware of and astounded by, I grew up in the 1960's and must have had my head under a rock. I do recommend this read for those that desire to know what is and what is not the function of this department of government, we may not like the FBI but it is relevant just as much as the CIA.
November 30, 2024
Secret blackmail files? Nothing to see here. Corruption? Nonsense, just good clean hero-worship by the odd billionaire. Being gay? Don’t say “gay”. Just watch me dance, dance around the omnipresence of Clyde Tolson. Discriminatory hiring policies? Those were the days when our FBI agents were the best of the best. Ah, yes, those were the days when men were men.
JFK assassination? FBI could conceivably have prevented it, but there was one agent who failed to speak up with his knowledge of Lee Harvey Oswald’s movements. Did I say we had the best of the best in those days? Yes, except for that one guy. Exception proves the rule, you see. And anyway, we can say that that guy was just following FBI policy of the time.
Let me tell you why the JFK conspiracy theories refuse to go away. It all started when those leftist journalists immediately assumed that the assassination was perpetrated by the right wing. When it turned out to be a leftist, they went into denial and that is where all the conspiracy thinking ultimately comes from: leftists trying to pin the blame on the right wing, and the other bogeymen of the left: FBI and CIA. Of course we knew that the State Department helped Oswald to return from the Soviet Union. They did that sort of thing all the time. Nothing to see there. It’s a real shame that people don’t go and read the Warren Commission report for themselves. There’s so much evidence that we gave the commission, proving that Oswald acted alone. In fact we had a perfect prosecution all planned for Oswald, until Jack Ruby spoiled the whole thing. Another nut, so unfortunate.
As if liberal journalists weren’t enough, we as a society also have to cope with the rampant promiscuity promoted by Hollywood.
Did I mention I was the number-three man in the FBI? President Johnson offered me Hoover’s job but I said no – let Hoover have it. I’m just that loyal.
All kidding aside, I reflect on the book’s title. The “Hoover’s FBI” part, before the colon, is misleading. The book is very much the story of Hoover’s trusted lieutenant, and really nothing much to do with Hoover except that the stories usually involve Deloach calling Hoover (or Tolson, being much the same thing) to deliver breaking news or receive curt instructions.
I give it 4 stars out of respect for the innate credibility that comes from having been so intimately involved with Hoover and the FBI in the ‘60s and ‘70s.
JFK assassination? FBI could conceivably have prevented it, but there was one agent who failed to speak up with his knowledge of Lee Harvey Oswald’s movements. Did I say we had the best of the best in those days? Yes, except for that one guy. Exception proves the rule, you see. And anyway, we can say that that guy was just following FBI policy of the time.
Let me tell you why the JFK conspiracy theories refuse to go away. It all started when those leftist journalists immediately assumed that the assassination was perpetrated by the right wing. When it turned out to be a leftist, they went into denial and that is where all the conspiracy thinking ultimately comes from: leftists trying to pin the blame on the right wing, and the other bogeymen of the left: FBI and CIA. Of course we knew that the State Department helped Oswald to return from the Soviet Union. They did that sort of thing all the time. Nothing to see there. It’s a real shame that people don’t go and read the Warren Commission report for themselves. There’s so much evidence that we gave the commission, proving that Oswald acted alone. In fact we had a perfect prosecution all planned for Oswald, until Jack Ruby spoiled the whole thing. Another nut, so unfortunate.
As if liberal journalists weren’t enough, we as a society also have to cope with the rampant promiscuity promoted by Hollywood.
Did I mention I was the number-three man in the FBI? President Johnson offered me Hoover’s job but I said no – let Hoover have it. I’m just that loyal.
All kidding aside, I reflect on the book’s title. The “Hoover’s FBI” part, before the colon, is misleading. The book is very much the story of Hoover’s trusted lieutenant, and really nothing much to do with Hoover except that the stories usually involve Deloach calling Hoover (or Tolson, being much the same thing) to deliver breaking news or receive curt instructions.
I give it 4 stars out of respect for the innate credibility that comes from having been so intimately involved with Hoover and the FBI in the ‘60s and ‘70s.
May 4, 2012
I'm reading this for an FBI Citizens' Academy I'm taking part in. I'm so glad I picked it up. It details the investigation into the murder of JFK, Lee Harvey Oswald, the investigation into Jack Ruby, the murder of MLK, the hunt for James Earl Ray, etc. I wasn't even born when these events occurred, but it's fascinating to read about the day-to-day problems they encountered and the discoveries they made.
February 4, 2020
I really liked this and would recommend it. It is a bit older (written in the 1990s) but it can be read from a historical perspective of the FBI and JEHoover's influence. Deloach was the third in command under Hoover so he obviously has a bias but he made some effort (some!) to be fair. A few times he went to far with his clear disdain for "liberal democrats" but overall it was a good read. He organized the chapters by events or people which I thought was brilliant.
January 2, 2013
Exposes the FBI as a pompous, overbearing organization. Hoover is a minor character compared to the author the rest of the government are underlings and fools. Like fish, when one person stays around too long they make the whole place smell.
October 17, 2013
This was facinating...since I lived it. A great deal of details and insight thst I never knew.
October 24, 2022
It has been a very news intense year, 2022. A particular agency has been in the news more than others in the last couple of months and I thought to myself that it would be a great idea to read a book on the history of the agency and the legend who made it what it is today.
The author is … a product of his time and that is probably the first and only time I will use that phrase to describe an author, at least on Goodreads. The author was third in command during Hoover’s tenure as the Director and I now have a better idea of what some pivotal cases in the agency’s history were all about.
The chapters on the Civil Rights abuses and murders in Mississippi (“Mississippi Burning” is the name of the chapter, named after the actual operation name) and the JFK as well as the Dr. Martin Luther King, Junior’s assassination investigations and hour by hour, at times, chronicling, is superb and I am glad I listened to those chapters in the audiobook format, as they worked more like thorough podcasts for me.
The author is … a product of his time and that is probably the first and only time I will use that phrase to describe an author, at least on Goodreads. The author was third in command during Hoover’s tenure as the Director and I now have a better idea of what some pivotal cases in the agency’s history were all about.
The chapters on the Civil Rights abuses and murders in Mississippi (“Mississippi Burning” is the name of the chapter, named after the actual operation name) and the JFK as well as the Dr. Martin Luther King, Junior’s assassination investigations and hour by hour, at times, chronicling, is superb and I am glad I listened to those chapters in the audiobook format, as they worked more like thorough podcasts for me.
July 16, 2021
"Hoover's FBI" is well written, well organized, and eye-opening. I changed my mind about a few people after reading it.
However, the account can only be as good as the man who writes it. Everything I can research about Cartha LeDoach says he is respected. I can't see anything to discount what he has written, so all I can do is take the thorns with the roses.
A repeated phrase is "the true role of the FBI," which means it is an investigative unit of government. It seems the President, Congress, the House, and the rest of the US forget this often.
I learned so much that I feel overwhelmed. I am going to research the men and situations that challenged what I thought before.
This is an outstanding book.
However, the account can only be as good as the man who writes it. Everything I can research about Cartha LeDoach says he is respected. I can't see anything to discount what he has written, so all I can do is take the thorns with the roses.
A repeated phrase is "the true role of the FBI," which means it is an investigative unit of government. It seems the President, Congress, the House, and the rest of the US forget this often.
I learned so much that I feel overwhelmed. I am going to research the men and situations that challenged what I thought before.
This is an outstanding book.
May 14, 2022
This book should have been titled: A right winger's biased version of history.
Author cannot hide his hatred for liberals throughout the entire book or anything anti-establishment. He basically blames the civil rights victims in Mississippi of their fate by choosing to go there knowing the situation. He shows empathy and sympathy toward the poor white racist who felt threatened by the civil rights movements. He literally bashes anybody who is not a conservative. Anyone else were a threat to his holy trinity: the white society, the country, and the holy political conservative establishment.
Did NOT learn anything new. Sadly. It seems this book was written to validate conservatives' fears of anybody and everybody.
Author cannot hide his hatred for liberals throughout the entire book or anything anti-establishment. He basically blames the civil rights victims in Mississippi of their fate by choosing to go there knowing the situation. He shows empathy and sympathy toward the poor white racist who felt threatened by the civil rights movements. He literally bashes anybody who is not a conservative. Anyone else were a threat to his holy trinity: the white society, the country, and the holy political conservative establishment.
Did NOT learn anything new. Sadly. It seems this book was written to validate conservatives' fears of anybody and everybody.
December 29, 2017
Five-star; I learned lots from this book and would recommend it. It was just good timing for me; finally wanted to learn about this man, (born 1 January 1895, died 2 May 1972). As I read, I made note that, it doesn't matter in what century you live, there will be controversy and when a person lives in the public life, besides the media, everyone is on your case. It all does not matter, just live. Hoover lived a full life and totally committed; Deloach's tells of his 28 years with the FBI, retiring at age 50 and died at age 92 in 2013. This book was an inspiration. It was well written.
August 22, 2025
Audiobooked this one. It wasn’t good or bad but a very informative “read”. Totally personal interest but glad I listened to it. Extremely detailed about Hoover as well as an abundance of political heavyweights as well as popular false rumors that have been made in the court of public opinion, excepted as truth.
May 31, 2023
Single handily convinced me that Hoover was a closeted self hating homosexual. I felt a bit bad for him though he is still a horrible person. There is some interesting stories about crimes and investigations but overall it is a Hoover henchman trying to justify and refuted their bad behavior.
March 29, 2020
Fascinating perspective on well known historical events. Very surprised about FBI info on MLK Jr!
August 21, 2020
Deke has blinders on in regards to Hoover and the FBI. The bureau's history is not the ivory tower he portrays and Hoover was not the second coming.
February 3, 2013
This is was one of the most fascinating books I've listened to yet. I love non-fiction history and this book is one of the best I’ve listened to yet in that category. Deke LaRoach was part of some of the biggest cases the FBI was involved in for 30 years so he's in the know.
But more interesting is how he claims that all the stories about J. Edgar Hoover’s homosexually are nothing but heresy, rumors and people on the left who in the 60’s were doing everything possible to smear his name and the FBI’s. The recent movie made about his life is a sad characterization of what he really was like.
The story that surfaced about his homosexually was leveled by a woman who had didn’t like Hoover and had an axe to grind. She was a serial lair who committed perjury and her claim though untrue became true because the Liberals of the 60’s wanted to destroy him.
This book deals with many of the hot cases the FBI had to deal with in the 60’s. The book covers the JFK, RFK and MLK assignations, Mississippi Burning, the Civil Rights movement and more. If you’re a child of the 60’s and want the real truth about what when on behind the scenes at the FBI this is a must read book. It goes into great detail to dispel all the myths hatched by the left.
But more interesting is how he claims that all the stories about J. Edgar Hoover’s homosexually are nothing but heresy, rumors and people on the left who in the 60’s were doing everything possible to smear his name and the FBI’s. The recent movie made about his life is a sad characterization of what he really was like.
The story that surfaced about his homosexually was leveled by a woman who had didn’t like Hoover and had an axe to grind. She was a serial lair who committed perjury and her claim though untrue became true because the Liberals of the 60’s wanted to destroy him.
This book deals with many of the hot cases the FBI had to deal with in the 60’s. The book covers the JFK, RFK and MLK assignations, Mississippi Burning, the Civil Rights movement and more. If you’re a child of the 60’s and want the real truth about what when on behind the scenes at the FBI this is a must read book. It goes into great detail to dispel all the myths hatched by the left.
June 15, 2014
Cartha Deloach was either very stupid or a fascist and a racist. This piece of trash was so bad it was hard to read. He claims J Edgar Hoover was not gay, or a crossdresser and not Tolsons butt buddie, but he believes Dr Martin Luther King had bisexual group sex orgies in hotel rooms. The people who opposed the racism in the US in the 60th were according to Deloach either adventure seekers or communists. Cartha Deloach was a horrible person and it is sad this book was ever published.
February 7, 2016
DeLoach was the number 3 man at the FBI during the 1960s. DeLoach was a loyal Hoover man and the book seems to therefore be a means to refute so many of the rumors, allegations, and criticisms of Hoover since his death. I can't really recall any substantial criticism of the FBI chief by DeLoach. For what it's worth DeLoach was also personally close to LBJ and that more or less brought his FBI ambitions to an end when Nixon became president.
September 7, 2012
Awesome book. Highly recommend. It is obviously biased as all accounts are, but extremely informative about specific cases in history during the Hoover administration and the no. 3 in the FBI who wrote this definitely is a genius.
October 27, 2013
A good decent read if you like knowing the inside story of ones life on the inside with the US President and the head of the FBI. Discusses the extent the FBI will go to keep all the good guys in and the bad guys get kicked out. There's no room for a tarnished reputation here.
December 25, 2013
You can expect a certain level of subjectivity wen reading a book about a mans life work, I found I could stomach this book though, this biography picks and chooses which events to talk about and explains bureau policies dishonestly.
April 19, 2015
Interesting story of one man's FBI career, not objective, but an interesting memoir. Not really about Hoover, although he spends a couple of chapters defending Hoover and denying that he was a gay man.
January 8, 2017
This story gave an insight into the FBI during the Hoover Years from Deke's perspective. It was interesting and enlightening. I will find additional stories to add more detail to some of the information.
July 20, 2013
Very interesting inside view from reputable source about Hoover's FBI
October 2, 2013
Now I know more about the FBI than I think I really need to. But an interesting account of FBI under J. Edgar Hoover.
December 6, 2013
Hard to listen to, probably better as a read instead of an audio book
September 22, 2014
Some interesting tidbits but it was too much of defending himself and defending the FBI. It lost my interest when I found myself deep in another book.
January 22, 2017
Overall this was a good book. This is one man's opinion and view of events. It is a snapshot and not a definitive history. There is one chapter I wish that I had skipped.
April 1, 2025
Good, interesting, but longer than I could do.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews