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Boots in the Ashes: Busting Bombers, Arsonists and Outlaws as a Trailblazing Female ATF Agent
The thrilling career of ATF agent Cynthia Beebe is told through the lens of six-high profile cases involving bombings, arson, and the Hell's Angels.
Boots in the Ashes is the memoir of Cynthia Beebe's groundbreaking career as one of the first women special agents for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, (ATF). A smart and independent girl growing up in suburban Chicago, she unexpectedly became one of the first women to hunt down violent criminals for the federal government.
As a special agent for 27 years, Beebe gives the reader first-hand knowledge of the human capacity for evil. She tells the story of how, as a young woman, she overcame many obstacles on her journey through the treacherous world of illegal guns, gangs, and bombs. She battled conflicts both on the streets and within ATF. But Beebe learned how to thrive in the ultra-masculine world of violent crime and those whose job it is to stop it.
Beebe tells her story through the lens of six major cases that read like crime fiction: four bombings, one arson fire and a massive roundup of the Hell's Angels on the West Coast. She also shares riveting never before revealed trial testimonies, including killers, bombers, arsonists, victims, witnesses and judges.
Boots in the Ashes is the memoir of Cynthia Beebe's groundbreaking career as one of the first women special agents for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, (ATF). A smart and independent girl growing up in suburban Chicago, she unexpectedly became one of the first women to hunt down violent criminals for the federal government.
As a special agent for 27 years, Beebe gives the reader first-hand knowledge of the human capacity for evil. She tells the story of how, as a young woman, she overcame many obstacles on her journey through the treacherous world of illegal guns, gangs, and bombs. She battled conflicts both on the streets and within ATF. But Beebe learned how to thrive in the ultra-masculine world of violent crime and those whose job it is to stop it.
Beebe tells her story through the lens of six major cases that read like crime fiction: four bombings, one arson fire and a massive roundup of the Hell's Angels on the West Coast. She also shares riveting never before revealed trial testimonies, including killers, bombers, arsonists, victims, witnesses and judges.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published February 25, 2020
14 people are currently reading
1329 people want to read
About the author
Cynthia Beebe
10 books21 followersCynthia Beebe is a retired Senior Special Agent with the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). She spent 27 years investigating bombings, arson, murder, illegal firearms, gangs and other crimes. She was the first woman to be "Top Gun" at the ATF Academy, where she later taught as an instructor. Her cases were chronicled in the New York Times, Washington Post, Chicago Tribune and Ladies Home Journal, and were covered on ABC, CBS, NBC, PBS, 48 Hours and the Phil Donahue Show.
Beebe is a member of the International Association of Bomb Technicians and Investigators, the International Association of Arson Investigators and Women in Federal Law Enforcement. She has a B.A. in English Literature and a Master's Degree in Journalism, both from Northwestern University. Since her retirement she has appeared as an expert commentator on law enforcement issues for WGN radio and television.
Please follow her on all social media @CynthiaBeebe4.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
December 3, 2021
"In the process of looking into [career opportunities with] the FBI, I learned about other federal law enforcement agencies, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF). When I found out they investigated guns, arson, and bombings, I was intrigued . . . " -- the author, page 18
Although not the first female federal agent, when the athletic and educated (a softball scholarship and a Master's Degree at Northwestern University) Cynthia Beebe began her career in the U.S. Treasury - a bureau which includes the ATF, the IRS, the Customs Service and formerly the Secret Service among its agencies - back in 1987 the women employed were relatively few in number. As a native Chicagoan, when she initially attempted to obtain placement in that specific field office she was bluntly advised by the irritated male special agent-in-charge that "there were already too many women agents" in said city. The actual ratio? Out of nearly 100 agents, seven of them were women.
Beebe's Boots in the Ashes delves into her 27-year career with the ATF, during which she was first assigned to the Minneapolis/St. Paul and then the Chicago branch office in the midwestern U.S. As correctly noted in the book's subtitle, a number of her investigations (at least those profiled here) are specifically connected to bombings and arson, but no so much the three distinct things that are in the title of her employer. Still, the in-depth look at the some of these memorable 'greatest hits' cases - like the sleazy defense attorney who had hired a notorious outlaw biker to set a homemade bomb in his wife's sedan - make for good reading in the author's plainly direct and no-nonsense style.
Although not the first female federal agent, when the athletic and educated (a softball scholarship and a Master's Degree at Northwestern University) Cynthia Beebe began her career in the U.S. Treasury - a bureau which includes the ATF, the IRS, the Customs Service and formerly the Secret Service among its agencies - back in 1987 the women employed were relatively few in number. As a native Chicagoan, when she initially attempted to obtain placement in that specific field office she was bluntly advised by the irritated male special agent-in-charge that "there were already too many women agents" in said city. The actual ratio? Out of nearly 100 agents, seven of them were women.
Beebe's Boots in the Ashes delves into her 27-year career with the ATF, during which she was first assigned to the Minneapolis/St. Paul and then the Chicago branch office in the midwestern U.S. As correctly noted in the book's subtitle, a number of her investigations (at least those profiled here) are specifically connected to bombings and arson, but no so much the three distinct things that are in the title of her employer. Still, the in-depth look at the some of these memorable 'greatest hits' cases - like the sleazy defense attorney who had hired a notorious outlaw biker to set a homemade bomb in his wife's sedan - make for good reading in the author's plainly direct and no-nonsense style.
February 18, 2020
An interesting biography of a woman who tackles a career as an ATF agent when women agents were still fairly rare. I love stories about groundbreakers like these. Despite some pushback from some Neanderthal type men, most of them carry on and continue, going on to have excellent careers. Caroline Beebe was doing well in her job, quickly learning as she worked on cases of arson, guns, bombs, drugs and conspiracy. There were also times that they worked guarding different government officials, including the Vice President and President and the presidential candidates during election years, working with the secret service.
She recounts some fascinating cases she worked on, like a mentally ill bomber who lived in a shack. He was suspected of having planted bombs that blew up the homes of two judges, one while the family was home. She went out to interview him and he did his best to convince her that he was God, among other things. She also questioned him about the many ranting, threatening letters he sent to people all the time.
I really enjoyed this book, reading about her different cases as she investigated and built them towards prosecution. Bombings and arson cases. Really fascinating to me, if you’re into this kind of stuff, check it out and see what you think. Advanced electronic review copy was provided by NetGalley, author Cynthia Beebe, and the publisher.
She recounts some fascinating cases she worked on, like a mentally ill bomber who lived in a shack. He was suspected of having planted bombs that blew up the homes of two judges, one while the family was home. She went out to interview him and he did his best to convince her that he was God, among other things. She also questioned him about the many ranting, threatening letters he sent to people all the time.
I really enjoyed this book, reading about her different cases as she investigated and built them towards prosecution. Bombings and arson cases. Really fascinating to me, if you’re into this kind of stuff, check it out and see what you think. Advanced electronic review copy was provided by NetGalley, author Cynthia Beebe, and the publisher.
May 12, 2020
Although this is forensic non-fiction, Boots in the Ashes provides superbly interesting and well-written (Beebe trained as a journalist before becoming an ATF agent) accounts of significant bombing and fire cases Beebe handled, first in St. Paul, but mainly around Chicago--as far west as western Illinois and as far east as northwest Indiana.
Beebe's experience and knowledge of explosives, interviewing suspects, and biker gangs is worthwhile for any author; readers will be fascinated by her profiles of the postcard bomber, the hobby shop arsonist, and the slick defense lawyer who attempted to kill his wife with the help of a 340-pound biker gang enforcer.
Highly recommended for those in the greater Chicago area (Rockford biker clubs, who knew?) and readers who like mystery/thrillers/suspense and true crime.
Beebe's experience and knowledge of explosives, interviewing suspects, and biker gangs is worthwhile for any author; readers will be fascinated by her profiles of the postcard bomber, the hobby shop arsonist, and the slick defense lawyer who attempted to kill his wife with the help of a 340-pound biker gang enforcer.
Highly recommended for those in the greater Chicago area (Rockford biker clubs, who knew?) and readers who like mystery/thrillers/suspense and true crime.
January 29, 2020
Cynthia Beebe captures her remarkable career as the country’s first female Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms (ATF) agent in her memoir, Boots in the Ashes. She was hired in 1987, and her story is astonishing --even now when women account for only 16 percent of Criminal Investigators in the Department of Justice’s Law Enforcement component.
In one case after another, Beebe reveals how her fearlessness and valor commanded the respect of her extremely masculine peers and even the vicious criminals she investigated. Her opening story reveals her steeliness in the arrest of Ron Petkus, a Hells Angel who had murdered 46 people. When Beebe apprehended him in 1994, he tells her that if he’d known she was a cop, he would have shot her. “No, you wouldn’t,” she said, “because I would have shot you first.”
In profiling a variety of cases, readers not only discover Beebe’s fierce character; they also learn about the psychology of the perpetrators. In a chapter called, “Burn Money,” for example, we discover through Beebe’s persistent questioning how an arsonist rationalizes his actions. In his mind, setting a massive fire that gutted a commercial warehouse in 1991 is the fault of a former employee who had ordered too much inventory, the banks that had lent him too much money, and the firefighters who did a lousy job of putting out the fire. Like many suspects, everything was always someone else’s fault.
Boots in the Ashes offers a rare opportunity to experience the first female’s arrival in the all-male bastion of criminal investigation, and the book offers Beebe’s valuable insights into perpetrators. In her epigraph, Beebe quotes the Outward Bound message: “To Serve, to Strive and Not to Yield.” Beebe has lived up to this mandate -- even in writing this memoir. Well worth reading!
In one case after another, Beebe reveals how her fearlessness and valor commanded the respect of her extremely masculine peers and even the vicious criminals she investigated. Her opening story reveals her steeliness in the arrest of Ron Petkus, a Hells Angel who had murdered 46 people. When Beebe apprehended him in 1994, he tells her that if he’d known she was a cop, he would have shot her. “No, you wouldn’t,” she said, “because I would have shot you first.”
In profiling a variety of cases, readers not only discover Beebe’s fierce character; they also learn about the psychology of the perpetrators. In a chapter called, “Burn Money,” for example, we discover through Beebe’s persistent questioning how an arsonist rationalizes his actions. In his mind, setting a massive fire that gutted a commercial warehouse in 1991 is the fault of a former employee who had ordered too much inventory, the banks that had lent him too much money, and the firefighters who did a lousy job of putting out the fire. Like many suspects, everything was always someone else’s fault.
Boots in the Ashes offers a rare opportunity to experience the first female’s arrival in the all-male bastion of criminal investigation, and the book offers Beebe’s valuable insights into perpetrators. In her epigraph, Beebe quotes the Outward Bound message: “To Serve, to Strive and Not to Yield.” Beebe has lived up to this mandate -- even in writing this memoir. Well worth reading!
January 24, 2020
This is a fast, fascinating read about the author's career as one of the first female ATF agents. It's more than that, though; it's a detailed, insider look at how professional law enforcement agents solve crimes. When I got to the end, I wanted more. Let's hope Ms. Beebe writes a sequel, or does a new edition with more of the cases she worked on.
January 28, 2020
I love this book! It's a spellbinding story of a woman's courage in the dangerous wold of law enforcement.
February 6, 2020
Wow! As a fiction lover, I sorta thought if you'd read one federal agent memoir, you'd read 'em all. Boy, was I wrong! This book is FASCINATING and a fast read, too! HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!!
March 14, 2020
According to the author, here is a conversation she had with a member of an outlaw motorcycle club who was involved in an attempted murder by car bombing:
Beebe: Police! ATF! Get out of the car!
[drags him out of the car while holding a gun in his face, forces him to the ground, cuffs him]
OMC member: If I'd known you was a cop, I woulda shot you!
Beebe: No you wouldn't because I would've shot you first!
And then they both laughed and laughed and developed a very productive working relationship.
(Will the guy get convicted? What about the guy who paid for the hit—a rich and charismatic lawyer who wanted to get rid of his wife so he could marry his girlfriend? It's in the book.)
Beebe was named Top Gun at her ATF branch, meaning she performed best at marksmanship (markswomanship?) at the gun range. So she probably would have shot him first.
The other Goodreads reviews keep using the word "fascinating," which is accurate. Beebe had a successful, varied, and mostly very exciting career, even though when she started out in the late 1980s and early 1990s, some of her colleagues explained to her that only a white man could be smart enough to be an effective ATF agent.
Beebe credits Title IX with opening doors for her. She was able to go to Northwestern University on a softball scholarship even though she and her parents were broke.
It's always fun to read a book by a local author. I got to the acknowledgments section and said, "Wait a minute, my doctor is in her book club?"
Beebe: Police! ATF! Get out of the car!
[drags him out of the car while holding a gun in his face, forces him to the ground, cuffs him]
OMC member: If I'd known you was a cop, I woulda shot you!
Beebe: No you wouldn't because I would've shot you first!
And then they both laughed and laughed and developed a very productive working relationship.
(Will the guy get convicted? What about the guy who paid for the hit—a rich and charismatic lawyer who wanted to get rid of his wife so he could marry his girlfriend? It's in the book.)
Beebe was named Top Gun at her ATF branch, meaning she performed best at marksmanship (markswomanship?) at the gun range. So she probably would have shot him first.
The other Goodreads reviews keep using the word "fascinating," which is accurate. Beebe had a successful, varied, and mostly very exciting career, even though when she started out in the late 1980s and early 1990s, some of her colleagues explained to her that only a white man could be smart enough to be an effective ATF agent.
Beebe credits Title IX with opening doors for her. She was able to go to Northwestern University on a softball scholarship even though she and her parents were broke.
It's always fun to read a book by a local author. I got to the acknowledgments section and said, "Wait a minute, my doctor is in her book club?"
February 7, 2020
Cindy Beebe’s “Boots in the Ashes” is the compelling story of a fearless Midwestern girl whose tenacity, guts, and emotional intelligence help her to navigate the boys’ club of the ATF in the earliest days of its admitting women agents. Hunting down bombers and bikers, Ms. Beebe’s professional success stems in large measure from the deep humanity that drives her to get the bad guy; we are lucky to take the wild, fun ride with her! This book is a great read you’ll want to share with girlfriends, sisters, daughters, and sons. It manages to be heartwarming, interesting and real (not reality tv). Solving crime the smart way, Beebe gets her man.
February 28, 2020
A very interesting biography by one of the first female ATF agents. Easy to read, flowing nicely, her stories of pursuing bombing and arson suspects were captivating. And of protecting political people, up to and including the President, during campaign seasons. And of dealing with the sexism that one would (unfortunately) expect during the days of her career.
Not the typical retelling of macho, gun-slinging stories that one has come to anticipate in these type of books. Beebe shows the benefits of patience, careful investigations, and staying out of the political games.
I admire the author, and her dedication to her craft.
Excellent book!
Not the typical retelling of macho, gun-slinging stories that one has come to anticipate in these type of books. Beebe shows the benefits of patience, careful investigations, and staying out of the political games.
I admire the author, and her dedication to her craft.
Excellent book!
February 9, 2020
Boots in the Ashes is a compelling glimpse into the world of the ATF and what it took to make it as a woman in this boys club. It manages at once to be personable and yet gritty, open hearted, but still a clear eyed look at the dark world that these agents inhabit. Each chapter pulls you in and draws you along in a fast paced narrative that is difficult to put down. I hope this author finds it in herself to tell more of her stories soon, I was definitely left wanting more!
February 7, 2020
Cindy's mind is brilliant, her writing is clear and thorough, all while being the most down-to-earth person possible. She is able to explain the science and art of "catching the bad guys," keeping her eye on her purpose as she scientifically gathers evidence, and carefully approaches strategies to arrest the perpetrators. She excelled at her job, including earning the "Top Gun" award at the ATF Academy, the first woman to do so. She does this all the while separating her own ego from, and dealing effectively with the blatant sexism of this male dominated federal agency.
Her story is a page turner. We should get to know her through it. It is worth your time.
Her story is a page turner. We should get to know her through it. It is worth your time.
February 10, 2020
Reading “Boots in the Ashes” was an enjoyable and vicarious experience – in essence, following the author’s path through her exciting career as one of the first female ATF Agents, a career she never even dreamed about as she was growing up as an Honor Student and athlete in suburban Chicago.
Filled with detailed stories about horrible crimes that occurred in the Midwest (areas near Minneapolis/St Paul and suburban Chicago), the book held my attention for all 20 chapters. As a Midwesterner myself, I was fascinated to read about the various types of crimes that occurred in my “backyard,” from arson to murder, and involving characters ranging from wealthy lawyers to motorcycle gang members. It was even more fascinating to read about how such crimes were investigated, solved, and prosecuted and what the author’s role was in all of that.
The author’s writing style was very engaging, almost conversational; I felt I was listening to a friend. Her recollections about her 27-year career working for the government were captivating. As a woman, it made me proud to read about her entrance into this mostly male-dominated world in the mid-1980’s and how she withstood – and defeated -- the negativity often shown to her. I was kept “on edge” throughout the book and truly feared for the author’s life in a few instances.
It was great that some of the horrific crime stories were also balanced with lighter material based on some of her assignments with the Secret Service, ranging from political forums to accompanying/guarding the President of Greece in New York City. She also described much about various training sessions she attended, at which she often attained high levels of achievement.
For someone who doesn’t watch crime shows on TV and dislikes high-action films on the big screen, I found that reading this book was an important way for me to understand the criminal activities that take place, often “under my radar,” all across our country every single day. Interacting with victims (and victims’ families), suspects, fellow law enforcement agencies/officers, and the U.S. judicial system is not easy, especially when the work on a single case often can drag on for months or even years. “Boots in the Ashes” made me value the ongoing hard work of people like the author – and made me appreciate their great contributions to getting the “bad guys” off the streets! We are all indebted to career ATF agents like Cynthia Beebe and I am very grateful that she took the time to write this informative and interesting book.
Filled with detailed stories about horrible crimes that occurred in the Midwest (areas near Minneapolis/St Paul and suburban Chicago), the book held my attention for all 20 chapters. As a Midwesterner myself, I was fascinated to read about the various types of crimes that occurred in my “backyard,” from arson to murder, and involving characters ranging from wealthy lawyers to motorcycle gang members. It was even more fascinating to read about how such crimes were investigated, solved, and prosecuted and what the author’s role was in all of that.
The author’s writing style was very engaging, almost conversational; I felt I was listening to a friend. Her recollections about her 27-year career working for the government were captivating. As a woman, it made me proud to read about her entrance into this mostly male-dominated world in the mid-1980’s and how she withstood – and defeated -- the negativity often shown to her. I was kept “on edge” throughout the book and truly feared for the author’s life in a few instances.
It was great that some of the horrific crime stories were also balanced with lighter material based on some of her assignments with the Secret Service, ranging from political forums to accompanying/guarding the President of Greece in New York City. She also described much about various training sessions she attended, at which she often attained high levels of achievement.
For someone who doesn’t watch crime shows on TV and dislikes high-action films on the big screen, I found that reading this book was an important way for me to understand the criminal activities that take place, often “under my radar,” all across our country every single day. Interacting with victims (and victims’ families), suspects, fellow law enforcement agencies/officers, and the U.S. judicial system is not easy, especially when the work on a single case often can drag on for months or even years. “Boots in the Ashes” made me value the ongoing hard work of people like the author – and made me appreciate their great contributions to getting the “bad guys” off the streets! We are all indebted to career ATF agents like Cynthia Beebe and I am very grateful that she took the time to write this informative and interesting book.
March 2, 2020
Fascinating True Crime
Cynthia Beebe has led an extraordinary life as one of the first female agents in the ATF.
Boots in the Ashes, is a must read for true crime aficionados. It depicts Beebe’s amazing career investigating arsons, explosions, bombings, and infiltrating dangerous biker gangs.
What strikes me most about her story is her undeniable ability to persuade the most hardened criminals to open up to her. Her instinctive talent for handling perpetrators, witnesses, and personality conflicts within and without the Agency is undeniable.
This is an immersive story of dangerous raids, takedowns, investigations, and interrogations.
What a remarkable story of one woman’s remarkable career in the ATF.
Cynthia Beebe has led an extraordinary life as one of the first female agents in the ATF.
Boots in the Ashes, is a must read for true crime aficionados. It depicts Beebe’s amazing career investigating arsons, explosions, bombings, and infiltrating dangerous biker gangs.
What strikes me most about her story is her undeniable ability to persuade the most hardened criminals to open up to her. Her instinctive talent for handling perpetrators, witnesses, and personality conflicts within and without the Agency is undeniable.
This is an immersive story of dangerous raids, takedowns, investigations, and interrogations.
What a remarkable story of one woman’s remarkable career in the ATF.
March 3, 2020
Boots in the Ashes is the memoir of Cynthia Beebe's groundbreaking career as one of the first women special agents for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, (ATF). It was very interesting to read about her career and the things that she encountered!! I really enjoyed this book!! It was very interesting and written very well!
February 25, 2020
Boots in the Ashes is gripping and terrifying and heartwarming. In her debut work, author Cynthia Beebe does a wonderful job of providing enough details that the reader is transported into the scene -- the heat of a bomb blast or the pounding heart just before a mid-street arrest.
And yet, this is no "just the facts" police report. Memories of her mother who was taken too soon, her determination when facing down the male-dominated world of federal law enforcement, or staring into a psychopath's chilling eyes while he calls himself a beautiful god, all work together to humanize the author. Beebe's amazing story of "busting outlaws" is all the more powerful because of her human-ness.
Boots in the Ashes is a perfect read for fans of True Crime, autobiographies, and especially works that give us genuine, honest, empowering stories of real women accomplishing great things.
February 26, 2020
Boots in the Ashes is a revealing look at what it is like to be one of the first female agents at The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the ATF.
Staring down bombers, murderers and arsonists retired senior special agent Cynthia Beebe grabs you in the opening pages and takes you on the incredible ride of her career at the ATF. Cynthia’s writing is honest and engaging as she tells her story through some her biggest cases and the dangerous and grueling work it takes to hunt down the bad guys.
Breaking down barriers and facing the challenges of a woman working in a male dominated field Cynthia’s gripping story blazes a trail for other women to follow.
Staring down bombers, murderers and arsonists retired senior special agent Cynthia Beebe grabs you in the opening pages and takes you on the incredible ride of her career at the ATF. Cynthia’s writing is honest and engaging as she tells her story through some her biggest cases and the dangerous and grueling work it takes to hunt down the bad guys.
Breaking down barriers and facing the challenges of a woman working in a male dominated field Cynthia’s gripping story blazes a trail for other women to follow.
February 29, 2020
I LOVED this book. Such an interesting perspective on crime and law enforcement from a badass female agent. I couldn’t put it down. I hope Cynthia Beebe writes more in the future!
February 21, 2020
STOP Reading whatever book you are reading now and dive right into this book!
I could NOT stop reading this book. It was spellbinding.
The writing was personable: Learning about the murder of a dear friend when the author was a young adult, struggles with her mom dying, to adoption.
The writing was clear and concise: I never felt like Ms Beebe was too technical, she spoke plainly and eloquently about arson and bomb investigations.
I learned so much about the ATF, mostly how long a case can take to go to trial. Also the trailblazing way in which she joined the ATF!
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and I hope that the author opens up more of her vault of cases and writes more!
I can't recommend this book enough!
I could NOT stop reading this book. It was spellbinding.
The writing was personable: Learning about the murder of a dear friend when the author was a young adult, struggles with her mom dying, to adoption.
The writing was clear and concise: I never felt like Ms Beebe was too technical, she spoke plainly and eloquently about arson and bomb investigations.
I learned so much about the ATF, mostly how long a case can take to go to trial. Also the trailblazing way in which she joined the ATF!
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and I hope that the author opens up more of her vault of cases and writes more!
I can't recommend this book enough!
February 23, 2020
We should all be glad that Beebe found her way into a career in federal law enforcement at a time when so few women did. “Boots” is a fascinating memoir detailing the cases, struggles, and triumphs faced by one of the pioneering female agents in ATF. While she never says so overtly, it struck me that the very traits more typically associated with women were some of the keys to success in her remarkable career: good listening, empathy, patience. I couldn’t put the book down...full of interesting stories about how Beebe helped solve some seriously wild crimes (think biker gangs, serial bombers, and the like), what a movie it would make!
February 25, 2020
I remembered, from news stories, some of the accounts Beebe shares in her new book, "Boots in the Ashes," but not most of them. What I did not expect was the candid frankness with which she shares her world as a female ATF agent. The details, tough to swallow, allow the reader to truly picture the author's work, co-workers, supervisors, and crime scenes. The cases Beebe shares, well, they are almost unbelievable. The bad guys hadn't expected such a diligent, collaborative agent!
February 26, 2020
Impelling crime fighting memoir
This compelling memoir gives the reader a unique perspective on the inside working of federal law enforcement.For those interested in the inside scoop of true crime fighting this is a must. This would also be an excellent recommendation for people interested in going into this career so they can experience what it’s really about.
This compelling memoir gives the reader a unique perspective on the inside working of federal law enforcement.For those interested in the inside scoop of true crime fighting this is a must. This would also be an excellent recommendation for people interested in going into this career so they can experience what it’s really about.
February 21, 2020
Cynthia Beebe's tales of her time as a Special Agent for the ATF made for a riveting read. Her perspective as a female agent in the male-dominated field of federal law enforcement brings a perspective that few others could speak to. However, the story does not revolve around her gender. Far from it. Beebe's direct involvement taking down serial arsonists and murderers is gripping stuff. Her memoir is a testament to her life's work of confronting some of society's trickiest criminals. I recommend this book to anyone who likes the True Crime genre, detective mysteries, or those who appreciate a fascinating life story.
February 20, 2020
This was so much fun to read! I don’t read much nonfiction. I prefer fiction. And while this book was incredibly informative, it was also just a blast. 😉
February 12, 2020
Wow— this is an eye-opening look into ATF and the world of bombs, arson, and motorcycle gang crime. I was riveted by the author’s experiences in investigating these high-profile crimes. The fact that she was one of the very first women to break into this type of work adds another deep layer to her story. It is interesting to learn about how her emotional intelligence and approach in dealing with suspects helped in investigations.
As a literature buff, I also appreciated how well-written the book is— no doubt this is attributable to the author’s journalism background. I’d recommend this book to anyone who enjoys true crime stories and to those who enjoy learning about the experiences of groundbreaking women in male-dominated fields.
As a literature buff, I also appreciated how well-written the book is— no doubt this is attributable to the author’s journalism background. I’d recommend this book to anyone who enjoys true crime stories and to those who enjoy learning about the experiences of groundbreaking women in male-dominated fields.
February 14, 2020
This is a fascinating memoir by one of the first female ATF special agents, told in such riveting detail that I felt like I was right there on each dangerous assignment! Each case was artfully told with just enough explanation into bomb making or legal procedures so we understood what she was up against without bogging down the pace. I highly recommend this book of courage and grace in the face of so much peril. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 3, 2020
Genre: Adult | True Crime/Crime| Autobiography/Memoir| Non-Fiction
5 out of 5 stars!
One incredibly impressive women!
Or shall I say a straight up bad ass!
I have always had an interest in law enforcement and Cynthia’s hard work and determination is absolutely inspiring. Especially during a time when women were not really accepted in that line of work.
Boots in the Ashes takes you through the thrilling ride of 6 major and very dangerous cases Cynthia faced during her career as an ATF agent. These cases are (excuse the pun) mind blowing. You hear of these awful moments in the world happening on the daily through the news and social media. It’s completely different reading it directly from an agents personal experience.
Cynthia was and still is absolutely brilliant! She was trained well and knew exactly how to use her skills. The way she dealt with heated situations and the criminals wrapped up in them, was fantastic. She knew exactly how to read the room and how to work the suspect to find out exactly what they were looking for.
“Timex, it takes a licking and keeps on ticking.”
Boots in the Ashes – Cynthia Beebe (an old Timex advertisement from the 1950’s).
Now just when you see how unbelievable Cynthia is with her career and you don’t think she could get any more fascinating. You get to see a glimpse into her personal life and the struggles she faced but also one of the most heart warming moments in her life, all while being an excellent agent. I know I am being pretty vague with those comments because I try my hardest not to give any spoilers away in my reviews. Which is very hard when you loved a read as much as I loved Boots in the Ashes. I guess you will just have to read it for yourself so see exactly what I mean.
I know 2020 is still so fresh being we are only in the beginning of April but I can easily say that Boots in the Ashes is absolutely one of my favourite reads for 2020.
Boots in the Ashes released February 25, 2020. So be sure to get your hands on it. Read about Cynthia’s compelling ATF agent career!
A read that is easily devoured but yet one that you will want to take your time with.
Thank you so much to Cynthia Beebe for sending me a copy for review. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about your work and experiences. I could sit for hours picking your brain and listening to more stories like these!
Publisher: Center Street
Release date: February 25, 2020
And of course thank you all for reading.
Your Impressed Book Worm
-Nichole
5 out of 5 stars!
One incredibly impressive women!
Or shall I say a straight up bad ass!
I have always had an interest in law enforcement and Cynthia’s hard work and determination is absolutely inspiring. Especially during a time when women were not really accepted in that line of work.
Boots in the Ashes takes you through the thrilling ride of 6 major and very dangerous cases Cynthia faced during her career as an ATF agent. These cases are (excuse the pun) mind blowing. You hear of these awful moments in the world happening on the daily through the news and social media. It’s completely different reading it directly from an agents personal experience.
Cynthia was and still is absolutely brilliant! She was trained well and knew exactly how to use her skills. The way she dealt with heated situations and the criminals wrapped up in them, was fantastic. She knew exactly how to read the room and how to work the suspect to find out exactly what they were looking for.
“Timex, it takes a licking and keeps on ticking.”
Boots in the Ashes – Cynthia Beebe (an old Timex advertisement from the 1950’s).
Now just when you see how unbelievable Cynthia is with her career and you don’t think she could get any more fascinating. You get to see a glimpse into her personal life and the struggles she faced but also one of the most heart warming moments in her life, all while being an excellent agent. I know I am being pretty vague with those comments because I try my hardest not to give any spoilers away in my reviews. Which is very hard when you loved a read as much as I loved Boots in the Ashes. I guess you will just have to read it for yourself so see exactly what I mean.
I know 2020 is still so fresh being we are only in the beginning of April but I can easily say that Boots in the Ashes is absolutely one of my favourite reads for 2020.
Boots in the Ashes released February 25, 2020. So be sure to get your hands on it. Read about Cynthia’s compelling ATF agent career!
A read that is easily devoured but yet one that you will want to take your time with.
Thank you so much to Cynthia Beebe for sending me a copy for review. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about your work and experiences. I could sit for hours picking your brain and listening to more stories like these!
Publisher: Center Street
Release date: February 25, 2020
And of course thank you all for reading.
Your Impressed Book Worm
-Nichole
April 7, 2020
I recommend reading Boots in the Ashes, written by Cynthia Beebe. Cynthia Beebe provides the inside track to how the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) gets the job done. The author educates the reader—explaining the strategy for interviewing persons of interest to gain information and create air-tight cases to highlighting the chatter at the water cooler to provide insight into how the team worked together, and what it was like to work in a male-dominated field. I was fascinated by the cases told in Cynthia’s matter-of-fact voice, describing the gruesome details of multiple, impactful bombings. Amazingly, on a lighter note, we also gain an understanding on how the Secret Service works, since she was part of multiple non-ATF assignments, protecting international leaders, presidential candidates, and US presidents.
I gained a much better understanding of the dangerous efforts to capture the bombers, and then all of the hard, painstakingly-detailed work needed to convince the jury that the person is guilty.
The narrator’s compelling voice drove me to want to learn more—how is Cynthia/the ATF team going to prove this person did commit the crime—causing me to quickly consume each chapter (most chapters are self-contained stories with their own villains/heroes). Lastly, as a result of reading Boots in the Ashes, my gratitude has grown for these ATF teams who are working to help make our world safer.
I gained a much better understanding of the dangerous efforts to capture the bombers, and then all of the hard, painstakingly-detailed work needed to convince the jury that the person is guilty.
The narrator’s compelling voice drove me to want to learn more—how is Cynthia/the ATF team going to prove this person did commit the crime—causing me to quickly consume each chapter (most chapters are self-contained stories with their own villains/heroes). Lastly, as a result of reading Boots in the Ashes, my gratitude has grown for these ATF teams who are working to help make our world safer.
May 9, 2020
True crime fascinates me, I can never get enough of it. So to read of one woman’s account of getting into the ATF and some of the cases she worked was so interesting.
The prejudice that is there initially after all, there weren’t many women accepted in the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and explosives, more commonly known as the ATF. Cynthia Beebe grabs you from the beginning until the final page, with the misogyny she had to overcome over her long career as an agent.
Some of the people she was up against, murderers, bombers, and arsonists. The determination she had to see these people go to trial, and to see justice served. Believing in the Justice system to do the right thing, but making sure the evidence was there to keep the jury well and truly informed of as many facts as possible. Despite on some cases being told by her superiors that there wasn’t enough evidence on some cases, she didn’t give up and proved them wrong.
Hopefully a book like this will give other women the courage to take on such a role, and not to let anyone tell them they can’t do it.
A truly inspiring read, as well as interesting and exciting. A great debut novel
I would like to thank Cynthia Beebe for an eARC in exchange for an honest fair and unbiased review.
The prejudice that is there initially after all, there weren’t many women accepted in the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and explosives, more commonly known as the ATF. Cynthia Beebe grabs you from the beginning until the final page, with the misogyny she had to overcome over her long career as an agent.
Some of the people she was up against, murderers, bombers, and arsonists. The determination she had to see these people go to trial, and to see justice served. Believing in the Justice system to do the right thing, but making sure the evidence was there to keep the jury well and truly informed of as many facts as possible. Despite on some cases being told by her superiors that there wasn’t enough evidence on some cases, she didn’t give up and proved them wrong.
Hopefully a book like this will give other women the courage to take on such a role, and not to let anyone tell them they can’t do it.
A truly inspiring read, as well as interesting and exciting. A great debut novel
I would like to thank Cynthia Beebe for an eARC in exchange for an honest fair and unbiased review.
March 4, 2020
My first thought after completing Boots in the Ashes, was that I sure hope Senior Special Agent Beebe got an excellent pension. Exciting from page one until the very end of the book, we learn what kind of woman enters a male-dominated field and not only succeeds but excels, despite the hurdles. Hard-working and driven to not only be the best woman, but the best agent, she tells the history of the ATF, from bomb and arson investigation to firearms, drugs, explosives, and the conspiracies surrounding them.
I loved learning about why some cases went to state versus federal and why some prosecutors simply dragged their feet until the agents brought them more. On television and movies these cases appear to move fast and be a slam dunk when in fact it’s how hard the special agent(s)/prosecutors are willing to work to put these criminals behind bars. It’s slow, methodical and dangerous work and Boots in the Ashes gives a first-hand account of how and why.
Filled with touches of humor, compassion, but mostly the desire to find justice for victims, I found Boots in the Ashes, a fabulous learning experience and a very fast read. I highly recommend.
I loved learning about why some cases went to state versus federal and why some prosecutors simply dragged their feet until the agents brought them more. On television and movies these cases appear to move fast and be a slam dunk when in fact it’s how hard the special agent(s)/prosecutors are willing to work to put these criminals behind bars. It’s slow, methodical and dangerous work and Boots in the Ashes gives a first-hand account of how and why.
Filled with touches of humor, compassion, but mostly the desire to find justice for victims, I found Boots in the Ashes, a fabulous learning experience and a very fast read. I highly recommend.
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