Going Under: Kidnapping, Murder, and a Life Undercover

by John Madinger

“I just want to make sure I’ve got this right. You hanged all three of them? ...” That’s how it began, a case where the cops are crooks and the crooks are cops, a kidnapping where the victim is the bad guy, and the good guys must cross some lines to get him back. Welcome to the upside down and backward world of the undercover agent, where nothing is as it seems, and people – including the undercover – may not be what they appear.? GOING UNDER: Kidnapping, Murder, and A Life Undercover by former undercover agent John Madinger takes you into that world, and closer to the truth of the undercover experience than any other law enforcement memoir has ever gone. ""What is it like to work undercover?"" You’re a sheepdog in wolf’s clothing, running with the pack, and Madinger ran with the wolves for almost two decades. Now he shares his story to give you a unique look at American crime and the ""War on Drugs"" from the perspective of both cops and criminals. You’ll go with the undercover cops to meetings with street-corner hustlers and rip-off artists and into the lives of the America’s biggest rock stars, the world’s richest man, an Academy Award-winning actor, the marijuana traffickers conspiring to assassinate a federal judge, and the President of the United States. It’s an amazing ride, and there has never been another story like it.

Genres: True Crime, Audiobook

280 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 13, 2022

Reviews

[Valerity (Val) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book about a cop who did undercover work in Oklahoma. He shares several different cases he worked on throughout his long career using both gravity and humor. There are plenty of surprises to keep it interesting. It's action-packed with some really wild stuff.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book on so many levels. On one hand, it’s a collection of fascinating short stories about dealing with some terrifying and some hilarious criminal minds, on the other, it’s structured like a novel or narrative nonfiction, keeping the reader glued to two of the most suspenseful cases. Well written, funny and full of insight, it’s a look into the career of a DEA agent, who transcends any stereotype you might have about someone involved in law enforcement —- someone who is always thinking and sometimes coloring outside of the lines —- for all the right reasons.

[Linda Howe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I used to wonder how much acting skill was needed by 'under cover cops' ... after reading this insightful memoir, it is clear to me that a sense of humor, solid grip on the law, integrity, confidence in yourself and your colleagues...and some luck are ALL necessary. Thanks to those who did/still do this work.

[Erik Sapp · Rating 1 out of 5]

Could have been good

The idea behind this book is a good one. It could have been exciting, full of stories of what life is like undercover. Instead, it’s more of a recitation of facts. The stories told are dry and slow.

[Daniel W Morris · Rating 2 out of 5]

Could have been good II

Generally good content and prose. The story was a conglomeration of information and did not follow a comprehensive chronology. Some of the subplots were interesting but overall it was slow at times and hard to follow.

[Kathleen Riggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Undercover A Fascinating Read
The idea behind this book is excellent and I really enjoyed reading it as it is engaging and a fascinating read. I really liked this book about a cop who did undercover work in Oklahoma
This book has plenty of surprises to keep it interesting, and It is action-packed with some really wild cases undercover in Oklahoma. This type of work can be very dangerous as there are Kidnappings, and Murders, and you are a sheepdog in wolf’s clothing, running with the pack unable to make a mistake as this can cost you your life.
It is clear to me that to do this job you need a sense of humor, integrity, confidence in yourself and your colleagues and a solid grip on the law. Plus, some luck is very necessary as the War on Drugs is very cunning and you meet the addicts and dealers who know all the tricks. You meet celebrity’s rock stars, hustlers, rip of artists marijuana traffickers and much more.
This is far from the average guy or girl who literally risks their lives every day to protect communities all over the world. Thank you for all you do and did. Thanks to WildBlue Press I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.