The Pretender: My Life Undercover for the FBI

by Marc Ruskin

Of all the tools available to law enforcement, the living, breathing undercover operative remains the gold standard. This is true in TV shows and in the real world. In the era of electronic surveillance, UC work enforces accountability; it prevents mistakes, and of all the boots on the ground, undercover agents are often the most valuable.

The FBI generally has about 100 UC agents working full-time in the field. In the 1990s and 2000s, Marc Ruskin had the most diverse, and notorious, case list of all, and the broadest experience within the bureaucracy, including overseas. He worked ops targeting public corruption, corporate fraud, Wall Street scams, narcotics trafficking, La Cosa Nostra, counterfeiting—and gritty street-level scams and schemes.

Sometimes working three or four cases simultaneously, Ruskin switched identities by the day: Each morning he had to walk out the door with the correct ID, clothes, accessories and frame of mind for that day’s mission. Meet Alex Perez, Alejandro Marconi, and Sal Morelli, just a few of Ruskin’s undercover personas.

And how is the right UC agent chosen, how is a bogus identity manufactured and “backstopped,” how is the Bureau's long-term con painstakingly assembled? No one has ever given us the inside story like Ruskin. The Pretender is the definitive narrative of undercover ops—the procedures, the successes, the failures--and the changes in the culture of the new-era FBI.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Biography, True Crime, Crime, Audiobook, Thriller

368 pages, Hardcover

First published March 14, 2017

Reviews

[Sara · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book could have, should have, been compelling. It fell quite flat. The author is not a great writer, and the book was almost like reading a rough draft before a ghostwriter cleaned it up for publication, which is honestly what should habe happened.

The subject matter is fascinating, but the adventure and risk were heavily muted by awkward turns of phrase, organization and construction.

Worth it only if you have a particular interest in the subject matter and can look past the construction issues to find the nuggets of great stories inside.

[Philip Guzman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the privilege of working with the author prior to his enlistment in the FBI when were both ADA's in the Brooklyn DA's office. This heightened my enjoyment of the book. However, had I never met the author, I would still have immensely enjoyed the book. It is a rapid-paced series of "adventures" with features that I relish when I read a crime genre book: seedy locals (the back alleys of San Juan, Puerto Rico; White Collar crime on Wall Street; the dark side streets of Harlem and the South Bronx; Chianti with some "Goodfellas" in Queens; and, even a shootout on the streets of Buenos Aires, Argentina), shady characters (some even likable!), action-filled plots, and -- of course -- cops (some good, some not-so-good), in this case FBI agents. . . The key for me is that all the stories were authentic because they were real events, not the concoctions of the imaginative mind of a crime writing author -- this was the "real deal." . . . Detailed and sophisticated FBI investigations -- and when they were botched, the author candidly tells us so! The writing style is smooth and easy to follow. He writes like a beat reporter because that's what he's doing here. Don't look for clever word play, just good hard hitting, well crafted stories based on real cases in his FBI career.

The one idea that sticks with me is the author's comparison of FBI undercover agents (UC's) as "spies" in the wars of crime -- true soldiers who put their lives on the line with each "mission." . . . Like their brethren in the military, some simply do not come home (a "melancholy" day as the author puts it). I can honestly say that I'm grateful to him for having fought so many "battles", and even more thankful that he put these wild tales to paper. . . . We're better (at least I am) for his having done so on both counts, in my view.

[Ashley Hite · Rating 3 out of 5]

Former New York assistant district attorney turned FBI agent, Marc Ruskin recounts his life and some of the highlights of his career as an undercover agent. An interesting look into secret life of undercover work.

[Marc Russo · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truthful, realistic account of undercover work and the human qualities, luck, and raw circumstance that determines its success or failure. Many such books, even the better ones, are simply a litany of exploits. There are plenty of riveting, suspenseful accounts of true adventure in this book as well, but much more. In addition to describing the nuts and bolts of undercover procedure and operations, it's also an analysis of the mindset and skills necessary for "actors" who have to do their jobs without a script, yet, at the same time operate within the constraints of the law and their own bureaucracy. I've read other books about undercover work, but none developed these perspectives to an appreciable degree. Some of this is even a bit mundane at first, but Mr. Ruskin deftly weaves it into this narrative of his career of tense moments. close calls, and thinking rapidly on his feet.

The book is well written and effectively paced. The style is almost conversational, with the author seeming to talk with the readers rather than at them. He comes across as sort of a righteous, thinking man's rogue, fully capable of swimming with the sharks, but assiduously defending his country and society with intelligence and honor. Highly recommended. And a must for anyone contemplating a career in law enforcement or intelligence; especially that which would involve undercover or other covert work.

[S D · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up this book for reference materials and found it to be a wealth of information, although getting to some of those materials was a hard journey.

The book is basically just different UC ops chapter by chapter until the agent in question, Marc Ruskin, finally retires. It ranges from the Chinese mob to corrupt cops, where everything from fusion rods to oxycotin is sold under the counter. The problems with the book is that Mr. Ruskin devotes paragraphs here and there to how smart he personally is and how dumb others are, although sometimes he does speckle insight into these tired rants.

The most damning and applicable part of the book is below:

"Just two months later, in July, Astorino, Garcia, and Lauria all pled out and all went to jail. A couple of months after the convictions, Police Commissioner Isley, in recognition of his integrity and efforts to root out corruption in the MVPD, was fired." (Page 156, end of Chapter 7)

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoughtful, erudite yet surprisingly entertaining (if not outright pacey) review of a fascinating career and an area of work (Undercover or UC as Marc might say) that continues to intrigue us and inspire a plethora of tv shows. Marc is an educated man and so his writing is thoughtful and intelligent, his descriptive powers home in on the necessary without being tiresome and he manages the suspense and the banal with professionalism more akin to a seasoned novelist. His adventures are neither Jack Reacher nor George Smiley but he describes the dangers law enforcement face and he certainly puts himself out there at times. One of the benefits of a long and storied career is that his activities coincide both with famous cases and famous times so they serve as a revision of history, politics and attitudes at the time.

Lastly, Marc is neither glorifying nor grinding an axe in his description of the FBI and so this book may serve as a useful tool for those thinking of a career in such work. As a well written and genuinely entertaining review of modern criminal history and the dangers he and other Agents faced daily I would recommend this book to both fiction (think I am pilgrim) and non-fiction (think Night Dogs) aficionados.

[Book Post Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you liked "The Pretender," you'll probably be interested in Life Undercover: Coming of Age in the CIA the story of her work as a CIA operative. I reviewed it on my weekly newsletter, Book Post, exploring which parts of the thriller don't quite match up with the reality of clandestine operations in the Middle East:

"Fox told NBC two characters are 'composite,' that her 'aim was really to capture the kind of ‘Capital T’ Truth, the emotional truth…' Such are the hallmarks of fiction. Truth, of course, is not absolute. But with so many acting on their “emotional truth” these days, the difference between substantive accuracy and fake news matters. This book proves that Fox has not stopped deceiving people, including herself."

Check out the rest here! https://bit.ly/2TAWOhB

[Jon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an easy read, telling about life as an undercover FBI agent. While the author whines a bit much about bureaucracy, the actual operations (how they are chosen, staffed and executed) were interesting. Also, the effort that goes into backstopping (setting up the fake backgrounds) was something I knew nothing about and had no idea how involved it was. All in all, not a bad book and a quick read.

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Behind the scenes is one thing, but getting inside the truly secret world not many can view is a completely different story. And that is exactly what Marc Ruskin delivers. Non-fiction lovers, this is for you, for sure. Fiction lovers, read and learn.

[Lindsey · Rating 2 out of 5]

The content of this book was extremely interesting to me but the author is not a talented writer. This could have been a much better book if he had partnered with someone who actually knew how to write a book.

[Susan Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book grabs the reader's interest on page 1 and keeps it throughout the book. The storied the Author tells are riveting stories of his 20 years with the FBI. A wonderful read.

[Amanda Nan Dillon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Highly recommend for connoisseurs of Bones, SVU, Quantico, Covert Affairs, and anyone else who has a fascination with undercover work.

[Avis Gill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading this fascinating true story of the author and his life as an undercover agent. Marc Ruskin served two decades with the FBI and as you read his book you’ll find it exciting and chilling at the same time.
Being an undercover agent isn’t as easy as it looks in various television shows and movies. It takes more time to follow and catch the criminals than the hour or so on screen. Basically, undercover agents put their lives on the line more often than not. “The Pretender” is written with such detail that it puts you front and center in a new, dark world of criminality! Sometimes Ruskin works on three or four cases simultaneously and has to change identities almost daily. So, follow along and read the procedures, the successes, the failures and the changes in the culture of the new-era FBI.
Recommend this book to those who enjoy a true story and the ins and outs, ups and downs of an undercover agent.

[Stephanie R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

The stories about UC operations were very interesting, and it was cool to learn about backstopping, dry cleaning, and all the stuff that the FBI has to do before even starting an operation. Learning about false flag operations was cool too. I wish there was some more details, at times the writing gets a little tedious and skips around, and it's hard to keep track of all the different people. Ruskin introduces someone once and never reminds the reader who they are later and that would have been helpful. This last comment isn't a criticism but the book is a little dated; when all this stuff takes place pagers were the hottest technology around (Ruskin even complains about his huge, old Bureau-issued pager compared to the criminals' newer, cooler pagers) and I would love to know how things have changed now that there are cell phones!

[Ronnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first heard about this book on CNN as the author was being interviewed. This is a thoroughly engaging book...along the lines of John Le Carre/ The Man Called Intrepid....Ken Follett. I have always been fascinated with intelligence counter..spying. As I was reading this book episodes of other spying mayhem domestic and International was being played out on radio and TV. It's good read.If the activity presented by the author is mind numbing at times it because spying can be very boring. The daily drudgery of intelligence gathering can be eye and brain burning as one has to be ready at a moments notice to be ready to jump forward or backwards....all the while facing the possibility of a loaded gun pointed at oneself. Read it.

[Jeremy Matthews · Rating 4 out of 5]

I struggled with a 4 or 5 star rating. The book reads like a collection of stories, like you're sitting in the room with Marc Ruskin listening to him tell you about his amazing career. He's a great storyteller with quite a story to tell.

The book feels under-edited. A factor which at times makes you feel closer to the author, and at times feels sloppy. But it makes the book feel all the more authentic.

This was a page-turner for me. Hard to put down, it's smart and exciting, and offers insights into an organization that is changing as fast as the environment in which it operates.

[Naim Peress · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very good book. Marc Ruskin is a good storyteller. He is interesting with his multiple languages and roles as an undercover agent. He portrays the individuals in his memoir like a novelist. I enjoyed the fascinating story of Gil Sandoval, the drug lord turned FBI cooperating witness. Marc Ruskin truly explains the importance of undercover (UC) work in prosecuting and stopping society’s crimes. His adventures are so interesting, especially his work in Paraguay where he is asked to command a kidnapping investigation based on his experience watching TV and movies. The practical problems of UC work are very interesting, as explained by the author. In addition. his UC cases are so interesting, from espionage to Mafia cases.

[Melissa Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Needless to say, it's been a while since I have read some non-fiction. I can't help it, I'm a fiction junkie! But Rebecca brought this book home from school and I knew I had to snag it and read it first. I do love my pioneers and indians in my books, but I love me some good detective/FBI shows on TV.

This book was amazing!!! Marc is an excellent storyteller, mixing in super scary stories with hilarious anecdotes. It took me a while to plug through it, with everything else going on, but I loved every word in it!! It's 5 star for me!!

[Maryan Jaross · Rating 3 out of 5]

Marc shares a unique view of the FBI from the inside and takes us on a variety of adventures, both in the U.S. and abroad. Interestingly, the manuscript was vetted and approved by the FBI, yet he doesn't always paint the organization in the best light so I have to commend whoever at the FBI approved it for allowing criticism to be printed.

I wish his Editor had taken a little more care to tighten up this memoir, but it's an easy read nonetheless.

[Kieran Delaney · Rating 3 out of 5]

I heard about Ruskin on a podcast and unfortunately some of the best stories were recounted there, so I felt a bit like I’d already heard the best bits. There is also a slight issue with the more recent stories being less fleshed out perhaps because some of the details aren’t public yet, which the author is clear about up front. The timeline got a bit confusing toward the end as some of the cases overlap yet each is presented separately.

[Adam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Insightful look at the FBI’s undercover work by an egotist who did it all. Discussing his firsthand account infiltrating white-collar and organized crime, Ruskin addresses moral ambiguity in most of his ops but fails to see it in others. If you can get past this and less savory aspects of the Bureau’s legacy, it’s a fun *listen* on a long drive

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tales from an undercover agent for the FBI that doesn't disappoint.

I really enjoyed the stories he told about his assignments and tribulations as a UC as they are called.

I do recommend this book for anyone wanting insight into the world of Undercover agents that is not made for tv.

[Kathy Smitheman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed book overall. Some parts were kind of hard to get through, perhaps i was expecting less ‘this happened then that happened’ & more exciting prose. But overall excellent source of what i presume is factual information.

[Jacob · Rating 3 out of 5]

Average at best

This story had the potential to be good. However Ruskin repeatedly telling the reader how great an FBI agent he was grew tiresome. I appreciate the work Ruskin and his colleagues did. But this book is average at best.

[Darren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book. It is a good non fiction book about the life of the author when he was undercover for the FBI. It took me longer than normal to read because I was only reading a bit of it each day.

[Joe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Learned things about undercover work, nice to know. Dinged this rating because some of the descriptions were hard to follow. Nice that people are willing to take risks to put bad actors in jail or get them out of their element.

[Deanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting stories about an inherently interesting topic (undercover life of an FBI agent), but told with so much unnecessary detail that much of the book dragged.

[lara phillips · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting, though bogged down a bit when covering FBI bureaucracy. my favorite part was about "backstopping": creating a paper trail and contacts from the past to bolster a fake identity.

[Johann Lilly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A somewhat rare look at the world of undercover agents in the FBI. It was interesting to read about how he used lessons from working in law to be more effective as an undercover agent (UC).

[Carol Bedin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting but not great, lots of jargon and ego.