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Storefront Sting: An ATF Agent's Life Undercover
This thrilling story memorializes one of the most dangerous--and successful--series of undercover operations conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Written by the special agent who took these operations from disrupting small time fencing schemes to infiltrating major criminal organizations, this book is the first story of these secretive operations.
During the operation's run from 2006 to 2014, Lou Valoze's fictitious businesses allowed his team of undercover agents to take thousands of weapons out of circulation and millions of dollars of drugs off the street. Through these covert "storefront" operations, the author developed a unique investigative blueprint for removing guns from the hands of violent felons and drug dealers. This book also explores the dark reality of living a double life and how it becomes difficult to tell the difference between the good guys and bad guys.
During the operation's run from 2006 to 2014, Lou Valoze's fictitious businesses allowed his team of undercover agents to take thousands of weapons out of circulation and millions of dollars of drugs off the street. Through these covert "storefront" operations, the author developed a unique investigative blueprint for removing guns from the hands of violent felons and drug dealers. This book also explores the dark reality of living a double life and how it becomes difficult to tell the difference between the good guys and bad guys.
- GenresNonfiction
232 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 10, 2022
15 people are currently reading
109 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
July 12, 2022
Excellent!!!!
In doing research for a new novel I read this book. This book was truly excellent. It was Lou Valoze's experience setting up stings to get guns and drugs off the street. It was a blow-by-blow of interesting stuff with a lot of colorful personalities.
What I liked:
-It gave me a whole new appreciation for the ATF.
-I now understand their priorities much better.
-The stories were real as he kept making the storefront sting bigger and bigger.
-The true situations made me more than once.
-Easy to read and follow, it puts you right into the story.
-Happy ending!
What I didn't like:
-Nothing at all.
In doing research for a new novel I read this book. This book was truly excellent. It was Lou Valoze's experience setting up stings to get guns and drugs off the street. It was a blow-by-blow of interesting stuff with a lot of colorful personalities.
What I liked:
-It gave me a whole new appreciation for the ATF.
-I now understand their priorities much better.
-The stories were real as he kept making the storefront sting bigger and bigger.
-The true situations made me more than once.
-Easy to read and follow, it puts you right into the story.
-Happy ending!
What I didn't like:
-Nothing at all.
October 27, 2022
Fascinating
I’d never read about this type of ATF operations. This was a fascinating look into the minds of different criminals and the actions these brave men took to bring them down.
I’d never read about this type of ATF operations. This was a fascinating look into the minds of different criminals and the actions these brave men took to bring them down.
January 16, 2025
An amazing book that gives you so much detail on how the ATF moves and how much they do to keep people safe! Lou Valoze and the rest of the ATF agents are beasts!! Thank you for your service!
March 16, 2025
This is a fascinating “behind the scenes” glimpse into the life of strong, courageous, macho officers who go deeply into the violent world with criminals who have no code of honesty. They worship power, other peoples’ material possessions, drugs, weapons and whatever they want. The takedowns by these brave officers are successful due to teamwork, trust and cunning;.
June 19, 2024
Good, quick read on an interesting life undercover and the Risks agents face every day fighting organized crime
February 22, 2025
I watched Valoze's special and new show "Operation Undercover," and as a true crime junkie and someone interested in law enforcement, I had to pick up this book. If you enjoy crime shows, true or fiction, or just want to read about how undercover operations work, this is a solid choice. I've read similar books by former SWAT officers and FBI agents who wrote about their work as if they were the only people in the world capable of doing their jobs, so Valoze's attitude, care for the people in the book, and acknowledgement that he made mistakes during his time with ATF is refreshing.
What I Enjoyed:
- Valoze's recollection of various storefront stings are entertaining and insightful.
- Valoze doesn't just recount his heroic tales, he explores the emotion, the failures, and the lessons within them.
- The honesty and transparency involved in a firsthand look at dangerous undercover operations.
What I Didn't Enjoy
- The book isn't written overly well; it would benefit from a few edits.
With the exception of some grammar errors and a level of informal writing that is hard to occasionally follow, this is a solid read and one I'd highly recommend to adult readers, especially if you enjoy true crime!
What I Enjoyed:
- Valoze's recollection of various storefront stings are entertaining and insightful.
- Valoze doesn't just recount his heroic tales, he explores the emotion, the failures, and the lessons within them.
- The honesty and transparency involved in a firsthand look at dangerous undercover operations.
What I Didn't Enjoy
- The book isn't written overly well; it would benefit from a few edits.
With the exception of some grammar errors and a level of informal writing that is hard to occasionally follow, this is a solid read and one I'd highly recommend to adult readers, especially if you enjoy true crime!
February 12, 2022
This book is the real deal and so is the author. It takes you on the inside of investigations few have ever heard of and gives you the gritty details while at the same time showing surprising emotion. Well written and a great story. Well done!
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews