Candice DeLong has been called a real-life Clarice Starling and a female Donnie Brasco. She has been on the front lines of some of the FBIs most gripping and memorable cases, including being chosen as one of the three agents to carry out the manhunt for the Unabomber in Lincoln, Montana. She has tailed terrorists, gone undercover as a gangster's moll, and posed as the madam for a call-girl ring. Now, in this updated edition of her bestselling book, she reveals the dangers and rewards of being a woman on the front lines of the world's most powerful law enforcement agency. She traces the unusual career path that led her to crime fighting and recounts the incredible obstacles she faced as a woman and as a fledgling agent. She takes readers step by step through the profiling process and shows how she helped solve a number of incredible cases. The story of her role as a lead investigator on the notorious Tylenol Murderer case is particularly compelling. Finally, she gives the true, insider's story behind the investigation that led to the arrest of the Unabomber, including information that the media can't or won't reveal. A remarkable portrait of courage and grace under fire, Special Agent offers a missing chapter to the annals of law enforcement and a dramatic and often funny portrait of an extraordinary woman who has dedicated her heart and soul to the crusade against crime.
I had never heard of Candice DeLong until I attended crime con. I got to hear her speak and immediately stopped back by the book shop for her book on being a woman in the FBI.
She was an amazing speaker and I really enjoyed her book. I wish I’d had an opportunity to meet her as she seems like a total bad ass.
I did find the chapters to be a bit long but I was also trying to read this book while I was super busy and exhausted. Some days I only got 4-5 pages in, if any.
Her story is worth reading. It’s very insightful and at times amusing. I enjoyed getting an inside look at the FBI through her eyes.
She also has a podcast called Killer Psyche that I’m adding to my list.
Delong’s description of working as an FBI agent contains trials & triumphs. Her matter-of-fact approach conveys the difficult but intriguing work. Along with intriguing cases she offers good advice for personal safety.