Ghost: Confessions of a Counterterrorism Agent

by Fred Burton

For decades, Fred Burton, a key figure in international counterterrorism and domestic spycraft, has secretly been on the front lines in the fight to keep Americans safe around the world. Now, in this hard-hitting memoir, Burton emerges from the shadows to reveal who he is, what he has accomplished, and the threats that lurk unseen except by an experienced, world-wise few.In this globe-trotting account of one counterterrorism agent’s life and career, Burton takes us behind the scenes to reveal how the United States tracked Libya-linked master terrorist Abu Nidal; captured Ramzi Yusef, architect of the 1993 World Trade Center bombing; and pursued the assassins of major figures including Yitzhak Rabin, Meir Kahane, and General Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq, the president of Pakistan–classic cases that have sobering new meaning in the treacherous years since 9/11. Here, too, is Burton’s advice on personal safety for today’s most powerful CEOs, gleaned from his experience at Stratfor, the private firm Barron’s calls “the shadow CIA.”

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Espionage, Memoir, Biography, Audiobook, Military Fiction

290 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2008

About the author

Former police officer and special agent.

Reviews

[Resonance · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ghost had some interesting contents. For people who have read espionage 'nonfiction' there will be things everyone's read several times -- discussions of dead drops, brush passes, surveillance and evasion. There's a couple of intriguing passages that I haven't read anywhere else -- especially speculation about the death/assassination of Zia in Pakistan. And the book brings back a lot of memories about how we viewed terrorism in the 80s.

However, the book is short, and quite short on details, which is probably unavoidable due to security regulations. It seems to try and focus more on what it was like to be a CT agent, how your life changes, and at this task Burton both succeeds and fails -- you get a sense of how different his life has become and what sacrifices the people in his life have had to make, and how his personal resolve and reflection drive him to save lives and nail the bad guys. And this is interesting -- if not expertly rendered, at least rendered well enough to draw the reader in somewhat. Yet it's hard to avoid the realization that this focus on the personal aspects of his life is chosen because there's comparatively little that he's allowed to talk about because of security concerns, and while I'd imagine most readers understand that the bulk of his day to day duties can't be discussed for obvious reasons, the relative dearth of this data is still a little unsatisfying for the reader. The whole point of the book's appeal is that he's a counterterrorism agent, yet like so many other intelligence professionals have found, it's very hard to make a gripping story if you cut out all the stuff you're not supposed to talk about. Although Burton's role grew in importance as time went on, we hear less and less of what he was actually doing in that time and more and more of the focus on personal things, and it almost seems like filler.

The bottom line is that this is an interesting read and worth a look, but don't expect something earth-shattering. For fans of this sort of work, you will find comparatively little to distinguish this work from several others in its kind, but enough that you won't be unhappy.

[Kris Roedig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fred Burton is a brave individual who sacrificed his entire adult life to protecting the US.

There are some really interesting tales about the terror that happens while we sleep on the other side of the world and the terror Burton has stopped before it had a chance to happen.

In addition, it’s fun listening to Burton train the younger crew how to be more covert while in the field. Plus, the friends who became bosses, the bosses who became friends and everyone in between.

These are the type of books I like; they’re riveting and intriguing. Of course, we know the agent survived, but just how he survived is the great part.

Tom Weiner does a great job of getting inside the mind of Burton; what it must have felt like to have whatever is around the corner totally unknown- while also putting on a brave face.

I recommend this one, highly!

[Stefanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Where to begin with this book?

Fascinating content, candid description of how a the US counter-terrorism portion of the diplomatic service originally had 3 overworked agent, 2 of them fresh out of training. Interesting anecdotes about the writer's career.

However, two huge flaws:
(1) Cluttered writing
The author repeats himself ad nauseum - the type of warm jacket he wears, the car he drives, the fact that he sees the world as black and white and the nature of his work is shades of gray.

(2) No narrative
Counter-terrorism grows across agencies, his own organization blossoms, technology changes - but these are mere punctuation and not part of the story. Ugh.

What was truly interesting came in quick glimpses of a mere second or two -
How does one reconcile letting a killer go free (and be on the payroll) for information which may save lives in the future.

How does one balance family with vocation?

[Jerome Otte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Fred Burton reveals the sinister realities of the global counterterrorism game in a very serious, readable, unpretentious way. The book is devoid of the ego-tripping and grandstanding that a lot of these memoirs suffer from (i.e. books like "Jawbreaker" etc.).

I wasn't expecting tales of hair-raising takedowns of terrorists in some Beirut slum or gun battles with Iranian agents in some Middle Eastern embassy, so if you're some ignorant film junkie who thinks that's what counterterrorism is about, avoid this book.

Instead of merely discussing the generally unnecessary (though nonetheless advisable)precautions taken to avoid tails, Burton paints dramatic portraits of imminent danger which ultimately lead to...nothing. It isn't the result (nothing) that I found frustrating, but rather the overly dramatic portrayal of relatively routine occurrences. I have little doubt that at many points in his career he was truly and justifiably frightened, but every recounted story does not warrant a paragraph about how he may never see his family again. Further, his constant referral to himself as a "spook" involved in the perilous "dark world" is destined to annoy some readers.

I also found intersesting Burton's theory that the airplane crash that killed Pakistani President Zia was a KGB hit -- the Soviet Union's "farewell kiss" to the mujahadin as the Red Army withdrew from Afghanistan in defeat. Burton was the lead investigator on that case. In most books I've read,(Ghost Wars: The Secret History of the CIA, Afghanistan, and bin Laden from the Soviet Invasion to September 10, 2001, for example) the incident is regarded as an accident. Burton provides an interesting take on that, but also says that the Soviets would have had no plausible reason to carry out such an operation (besides, plausible reasons that make sense are usually missing from conspiracy theorists. What a surprise). Burton suggests that it could have been India.

On page 30, upon Burton's entering the CIA headquarters for the first time, I read "" ... a statue of Nathan Hale, a Revolutionary War spy who went to a British hangman's noose with the immortal words 'Give me liberty or give me death' on his lips."
Give me liberty or give me death? Those are certainly immortal words! Nathan Hale? Isn't that quote is attributed to Patrick Henry? Hale is remembered for the words "I regret that I have but one life to give to my country."

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a DSS counterterrorism agent in the 80s and 90s, Fred Burton was part of several of that period's major CT cases and investigations, including the Lebanon hostage crisis, the death of Pakistani president Zia-ul-Haq, Lockerbie, and the 1993 WTC bombing. While, as is to be expected with material of this sort, there is at times an annoying lack of specific detail, what he can relate sure makes for interesting reading. I found the section regarding the investigation into the plane crash that killed Zia (along with dozens of others) the most interesting, as I knew the least about that. I can't say I care much for the author's extremely black and white, good vs. evil worldview, and he does seem to greatly enjoy casting himself as the hero in his own action movie, but this nevertheless made for a pretty good read.

[Christian Barraza · Rating 1 out of 5]

At first the premise for the book seemed appealing. Hearing about the life of a counterterrorism agent directly from the source seemed appealing. Like all books written by intelligence officers, it is understood that certain things just cannot be said or talked about for fear of it affecting current operations. This is a real story after all. Still, I jumped at the chance to read it not really sure what to expect. What I got was a bit dissapointing. It's intriguing to see what the author goes through, his thoughts, his view of the things that are going on. Still, that's part of the problem. So many people are referenced/mentioned throughout the chapters that you'd have to spend a day on Wikipedia just to figure who is who and how they relate to the stuff that is going on. It's really just impossible trying to keep track of it all. Don't get me wrong, I have a good memory but without any real depth to the people everyone just blends together and I just couldn't remember who is who. Honestly, I got halfway through the book and just had to put it down. I didn't finish reading it but I have decided to base my review on just what I did read.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this memoir. Perhaps it is because I am about the same age as Burton so it was interesting to read about a peer’s life that was so vastly different than my own.

I remember all of the terror events that Burton described but he added background to give them meaning and depth. It was worthwhile reading about the beginnings of the anti terrorism movement in the US and the learning curve they went through to develop into the massive anti terrorism machine that exists today across multiple government agencies. Can you imagine working with limited computer access and capabilities, no GPS systems, no cell phones??? Burton started his work by using index cards to record information.

As Burton was entering the counterterrorism world I was leaving graduate school to head off to work and I can attest that the technology world as he describes it is dead on. It seems unfathomable today.

I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to take a look back at events that have shaped our current world.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent insight into a murky field

You may not be familiar with the state department DSS AND that’s exactly the way that they want it. This was an excellent book that is well written and that offers a lot of insights into the world prior to September 11, 2001. I highly recommend it and thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Brian Eshleman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book as a reminder that trouble with terrorism did not start on 9/11 and that self-sacrificing heroes, known and unknown, are used for the security we can so easily take for granted. Looking at this world through the author's eyes, I think this book is somewhat impacted by his stiff personality and at least slight trend toward self-aggrandizement. At least the occasional Kennedyesque self-deprecation that he took his job seriously and not himself would have gone a long way.

The section I most enjoyed was an abrupt departure from the rest of the book. Burton suddenly goes into a how-to sequence on the thinking process that goes into trailing a suspect and avoiding such attention. A whole book of this might've been much less interesting than Burton's memoir, but I did like the specific texture this section provided.

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting look at the Diplomatic Security Service (DSS). We always hear about the CIA, FBI, and even the Secret Service, but the DSS gets no press even though they operate in every country we have diplomatic ties to and with in the USA. Had Some insights into tradecraft such as how to stairstep to avoid surveillance, but nothing too enlightening. Additionally, the book seemed to have no climax and wasn't going anywhere as far as story. Then it kind of abruptly ended with the funeral of the author's friend. Other than a few pages about the author going to this guys house to reminisce about their days on the "rescue squad" the guy was absent the entire rest of the book.

[Ray · Rating 2 out of 5]

Snippets of activities covering Fred Burtons career as a counter terrorism agent. Many of the stories are familiar, some are not. None are covered extensively, so to me it was more of an overview of the areas his agency dealt with.

[Carol · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read it all the way through because I'm really curious about the human equation in the world of the spook. I learned little of any depth, so don't expect an exposé. No depth of feeling or learning by the author.

[Kerilotion · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting but hated the way it was written.. How many different ways can you say the same damn thing?!

[Logan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Cool story, too bad it was embellished to make him look cool. Poser.

[Cindy B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fred Burton, former spy & agent is very informative, touching, frightening & comforting. Reader, Tom Weiner, is clear, a rarity for deep voices. Recommended. ©2008

[RICK "SHAQ" GOLDSTEIN · Rating 5 out of 5]

RICK “SHAQ” GOLDSTEIN SAYS: “I ALREADY BLEW MY CHANCE TO LEARN THE “PAKISTANI-TWO-STEP.” “THE TRUTH DOESN’T DANCE!”
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This exciting well written memoir by Fred Burton, former Deputy Chief of the Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), the Department of State’s counterterrorism (CT) division, is among other things, a detailed look back at all the glaring warning signs and signals America was given years before the catastrophe of 9/11. The author had been a Maryland cop. “He protected his community, loved law enforcement, but wanted something more.” He applied for federal service and the DSS whom he had never heard of offered him a job. So in 1986 he entered “THE-DARK-WORLD”, “THE-BLACK-WORLD”… he became a “SPOOK”. His entire life was turned upside down. His normal jogging routes had to be constantly changed as he started carrying paranoia with him along with his sweatshirt. His route to work involved a constantly changing labyrinth of right turns, left turns, double and triple u-turns. His wife was told there would never be any discussions about his workday, and he was trained to understand that sometimes, without a warning, he wouldn’t be home for weeks at a time without his wife knowing he was leaving or where he had gone.
Fred was one of the earliest members of organized counter terrorism (CT) and his early work involved researching almost every terrorist act in modern recorded history including Beirut 1 and 2. He was told to study top secret documents in the “buried bodies” files to see if he could find any patterns or anything that had been missed. From there Fred was thrown to the wolves and had to learn on the job. He started flying all around the world on a moment’s notice, wherever there was a blown up plane, or assassination, or hostage situation. Security was always the top priority, and orders were never questioned. “FRED’S BOSS ONCE TOLD HIM TO GO THE WHITE HOUSE AND DELIVER A BRIEFING. HE ASKED TO WHOM AND HIS RESPONSE WAS, “YOU DON’T NEED TO KNOW THAT. THEY’LL BE WAITING.” “I DID IT AND DIDN’T HAVE A CLUE WHOM I WAS TALKING TO THE ENTIRE TIME I WAS AT 1600 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE.” Another time Fred was parking his car in the garage when his phone rings. He answers it. It’s his boss. “Fred?” “Yes?” Be at Andrews at 2100 hours for a trip. Pack for a week, maybe two. “Okay. Where am I going? “You don’t need to know that yet.” CLICK.
The reader is “dragged” down memory lane through the rubble of destroyed humanity as the author leads you in an effective real-time horrid lesson of modern terrorism. One of the most chilling mental realizations occur after the World Trade Center bombing in 1993, when Fred finds out that the FBI had an informant who penetrated the mosque responsible two years earlier. He had worn a wire and attended planning sessions and meetings with Sheikh Omar Abdel-Rahman the blind Egyptian cleric. Fred convinces his contacts to let him see the transcripts of what this informant recorded. “He is floored!” Part of the transcripts detailed a planned assassination of Egyptian President Mubarak. They had an entire detailed plan to overcome the American government agents that were assigned to protect the President of Egypt. The terrorists knew every move of the American security detail, and their plan probably would have worked. The terrorists had become expertly familiar with every move the American security personnel made… IT WAS FRED’S SECURITY DETAIL! “AS I READ THE TRANSCRIPTS, I REALIZE THAT I HAD BEEN ON SOME OF THE DETAILS THEY’D BEEN WATCHING. THE REVELATION DRAINS THE COLOR FROM MY FACE. WE NEVER EVEN CAUGHT A WHIFF OF THIS SOPHISTICATED SURVEILLANCE OPERATION.”
This memoir is an educational-historical book on America’s battle against terrorism that leads you from the author’s first days that entailed nothing but studying files of “dead-bodies”, all the way through his personal growth, which results in him openly disagreeing with a Pakistani Colonel, who says the plane that crashed killing his countries President was downed by a missile. When you’re done with your “SPOOK’S” tour through “THE-DARK-WORLD”, you will truly feel enlightened!

[Speesh · Rating 4 out of 5]

The reality of the book is perhaps a little less no-holds-barred than the hyperbole above would suggest. Non the less interesting, bordering on the fascinating, but not quite as 'explosive' as I'm sure his publishers wanted it to appear. If that was because he left stuff out, that's certainly quite possible, or that's because I'm just a modern cynic, I'm not really sure. Though, quite what I would expect to be told, to make me feel it was 'no-holds-barred' I can't define either.

His writing style and presentation of his life in terrorist detection, is pretty matter of fact and restrained, as befits a man writing about his job, if you think about it. He certainly was involved in some pretty high-profile cases, and documents this formative period in world spying and terrorism - the change over from le Carré, to Bourne, as I found myself thinking while under way.

What I found most interesting, and affecting personally, was the matter-of-fact documentation of the tolls the work had on him as a person and his family - at the time and future. He kind of understates it, but you are allowed to form your own impression. I came away with the usual - for me at least - feeling of being thankful that there are people prepared to go the extra mile (even Americans) for the sake of us all.

Recommended.

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[Mark Stattelman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good. Much better than expected. I listened to the Audible version. Sometimes books like this are somewhat hyped, often filled with fluff and told by a wanna be John Wayne/Cowboy personality type. There was a little bit of cowboy type here, but not much in the overall scheme of things. I think that type of person just comes with the territory/job.
This book was extremely credible. It took me straight back to the eighties--the headlines and terrorist activities. Only you get so much more than the headlines and brief facts. Here you get an in depth look at everything happening beneath/behind those headlines. Very solid and credible information.
I kept scratching my head, thinking this guy is really saying too much--seems like he is sharing far too much in the way of methods and practices in the field. Then again, I thought, it's probably no more than what you get in an episode of Homeland . . . but this is real. So anyway, I kind of have mixed feelings about that part of things.
I have no mixed feelings about whether the book is worth reading or listening to. This is a good book. Solid factually and very full-bodied as far as what happens behind the scenes. I got chills. Like I said, it brought it all back to me. Not just the eighties . . . everything.

[Garrett]

Brief Review
This was a superb book with stories of our fight with terror groups from the 80s to just before/after 9/11 from a Counter Terrorism Agent. Frank does a immaculate job putting stories in front of you highly the thought process of each step without putting you to sleep.

Why I Read this book
I am a Post 9/11/Global War on Terror/OEF/OIR (Whichever term you prefer) veteran. My first 10 adult years were active duty military with a combat deployment to Afghanistan and a forward deployed liaison position during OIR. Terrorism, whether foreign or domestic, is all I have a good handle on outside my current career. Hearing stories of past events that spearheaded the lessons I was testing from boot camp to what I train in my liaison position is a truly remarkable thing to hear first hand.

For more go to https://boydsbar.xyz/ghost-confession...

[Adele Jennings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not come across this author before,glad I have now.its a great read.lots of events covered from the 70s,80s and 90s.An unexpected find,very informative and interesting read.Especially if you are interested in historical events and how the west dealt with threats and how they worked from inside the public service in America.This is my first book that ive read on terrorism in America and what they did to try to get a handle on the threats they faced in times past.I found this to be an interesting read,at times sad but also funny.Very insightful.would recommend this to anyone interested in historical events and mistakes and success of how they worked to try to deal with threats of terror and what personal cost those who do the job face.

[Dan Ford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ghost is a down in the trenches, career progression story of a Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) counter-terrorisim (CT) Agent, from the early 80’s onwards.

Fred’s account from day one on the job is told with honesty, insight, and the type of macabre humour one could expect from those who study the reports of tumultuous terrorism attacks, criticality analyse mistakes made, then hunt down the perpetrators.

Ghost is a gripping and entertaining narrative that delves into the dark world of ideologically deranged madmen, and those few who make it their mission/life to hunt them down.

The Audible version is Fantastic as well 👍🏻👍🏻

Dan J Ford
Author of ‘Rogue Agent’ and the ‘Agent Series.’

[Kb · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am grateful for the author's service and his details in reporting his life as a "spook". I just found the narrative to be a bit heavy-handed and braggadocious. It was interesting and entertaining nonetheless - and it covered areas of time in my childhood where I failed to realize the gravity of the political scene (think Reagan and Bush 1 eras) - and how the world was (and still is, unfortunately), a hot-bed of potential and devastating disasters, kidnappings, bombings, and destruction. Grateful that I read it.

[Scott · Rating 1 out of 5]

It is so much fun to read a book that you can’t put down. Unfortunately, Ghost: Confessions of a Counterterrorism Agent by Fred Burton is NOT one of these books. This book reads like it was written by a 5th grader for 5th graders. Burton’s exposé is as deep as a mud puddle. I thought it would be interesting to explore the life of a counterterrorism agent. And I think it would be interesting if the writer knew how to write. There is plenty of embellishment in this book. A dime store detective novel stays closer to the truth.

[Wendy · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you're interested in the counter-terrorism world, then this book is enjoyable. Listened to the audiobook for this one and it's good. Feels like listening to an experienced older guy telling stories of his life. One thing that kinda annoys me though is the over-use (in my opinion) of the words, "the dark world". But it's good to know about the workings behind the scenes in the US government when there are major crises happening.

[Jason Vasquez · Rating 4 out of 5]

An insightful, easy read of a former CT agent's experiences n the "Dark World" which he enters in the mid 80's to publication time in 2008. There, Mr. Burton lead us through his agencies CT division's growth dealing with international hijackings and kidnappings of US officials abroad to more recent events threatening the homeland. This book for me was another example of the career path I would've liked to have taken.

[Charles · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pretty bad. Punched up and dramatized autobiography of a midlevel functionary at a small part of the state department - the diplomatic security service. The DSS is not a huge player in the IC or security space - but this dude is a massive narcissist with a PR spin-doctor's penchant for exaggeration and branding. There's plenty of small, important players in the government and security space. I'm not trying to bash the DSS, but this book is just way too much. Skip it.

[Emily Mcauliffe · Rating 3 out of 5]

So I’m currently obsessed with “The Americans” on Prime Video, which has me obsessed with learning more about real-world spycraft. This one - focused on counterterrorism efforts in the 80s and 90s - is accessible and conversational, and a fast, quick read. Enlightening and terrifying to learn how much global terrorism is thwarted behind the scenes, and how little truth likely gets out.

[Alan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A unique perspective…..

I first came across Fred Burton on the Danger Close podcast. I had no idea the DSS was an Intel agency, I was only aware of the CP work they do. This book provides a fascinating history of the years leading up to 9/11 from an unusual angle. Well worth the read.

[Todd Gade · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting look into the Counterterrorism efforts of the 80's and 90's. I was hoping for a little more information on actual historical events rather than a biography of an agent. However, that being said it was good nonetheless and shows development of Counterterrorism efforts pre-9/11.

[Joshua Lawson · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book offers an interesting look into the world of counter-terrorism via the early days of the DSS, but it was redundant and not very well-written. I appreciate Fred Burton's perspective, but it wasn't quite what I was hoping for.