Under and Alone: The True Story of the Undercover Agent Who Infiltrated America's Most Violent Ou...
In 1998, William Queen was a veteran law enforcement agent with a lifelong love of motorcycles and a lack of patience with paperwork. When a “...
read full description
reviews
Aug 02, 2008
Kirsti
rated it: 
"Shooting pool is a mainstay of the biker lifestyle. So is getting shitfaced on Jack Daniels and being an asshole, but I decided to try pool first."
Memoir by a federal Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms agent who spent two years undercover in the Mongols, a motorcycle gang less famous than (but probably even more deadly than) the Hells Angels.
I figured that anybody who joined a biker gang would feel contempt for rules of any kind. Then I read this book and found out More...
Memoir by a federal Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms agent who spent two years undercover in the Mongols, a motorcycle gang less famous than (but probably even more deadly than) the Hells Angels.
I figured that anybody who joined a biker gang would feel contempt for rules of any kind. Then I read this book and found out More...
0 comments
like
(5 people liked it)
Jun 12, 2009
Dayna
rated it:
This is such a amazing story that it completely didn't matter that the actual writing was terrible. This undercover cop (who became a patched-in member of the biker Mongol gang) has more than a book-full of interesting and dangerous stories to tell about his 2-year undercover assignment.
The author is not the articulate type and even admitted in his book that he hates writing. I'm sure there was a ghost writer or a zealous editor who put a lot of work into turning the author's raw More...
The author is not the articulate type and even admitted in his book that he hates writing. I'm sure there was a ghost writer or a zealous editor who put a lot of work into turning the author's raw More...
0 comments
like
(2 people liked it)
Jun 14, 2010
Pete
rated it: 
So this dude basically goes undercover to bust some bad bad folks in a motorcycle club. But then he ends up getting a little deeper in than he really planned.
It's a quick read, and if you know nothing about motorcycle clubs, it's not a bad place to start. You'll end up learning a lot about this subculture that is still running strong today, and in Colorado no less. That's the good stuff.
The bad stuff is that the book tends towards the real-crime genre in that it tries More...
It's a quick read, and if you know nothing about motorcycle clubs, it's not a bad place to start. You'll end up learning a lot about this subculture that is still running strong today, and in Colorado no less. That's the good stuff.
The bad stuff is that the book tends towards the real-crime genre in that it tries More...
Jan 19, 2010
Quick paced book about William Queen, the ATF agent who went undercover for two years to infiltrate the Mongols motorcycle gang. I listened to the audio version, and the narrator had the tough guy sound down well. The stories Queen tells are mesmerizing, and I can't believe the amount of luck this guy had in never having to do drugs or seriously hurt anyone while running with the gang, and avoided ever being exposed as an ATF agent(he did sell drugs and got in his share of fights). It was sad
More...
Sep 02, 2009
Brett
rated it:
I enjoyed this book, but not quite as much as Dobyns No Angel I don't know if it's because I read Dobyns book first or what; I can't quite put my finger on it. It was still a very good story, and Queen's undercover work paid a lot more dividends than Dobyns in terms of convictions and the number of bad guys that went to prison. This story was similar to Dobyns story in the way that they both started sympathizing with their suspects, and really started feeling like family with them. I thought
More...
Aug 01, 2011
Dachokie
rated it: 
Talk about Courage ..., July 3, 2008
As with most books I've read, there is always something I see or hear that piques my interest in a topic/subject matter creating a domino effect that leads to obsessive reading. This seems to be the case here: "Gimme Shelter" led to Sonny Barger's "Hell's Angel" which led to the "Gangland" television series and then to searching Amazon.com for books about outlaw biker clubs, starting with "Under and Alone". More...
As with most books I've read, there is always something I see or hear that piques my interest in a topic/subject matter creating a domino effect that leads to obsessive reading. This seems to be the case here: "Gimme Shelter" led to Sonny Barger's "Hell's Angel" which led to the "Gangland" television series and then to searching Amazon.com for books about outlaw biker clubs, starting with "Under and Alone". More...
Jan 18, 2012
Gina
rated it:
The book opens with Billy St. John in a field with a bunch of drunk and high Mongol brothers with guns ready to shoot anything and everything. Billy is staring down the barrel of the gun of a particularly ruthless Mongol who has had it out for him since day one. Did Red Dog figure out that Billy St. John was a cover name? Was Billy about to face his execution alone with no backup in sight?
William Queen was an undercover agent working for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, More...
William Queen was an undercover agent working for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, More...
Feb 05, 2009
Queen risked his life when he joined the Mongols as bearded biker Billy St. John. His adventures with one of America's most notorious bike gangs, where he explains "murder and mayhem have become simply a lifestyle choice," resulted in the convictions of more than 50 Mongols and earned him an impressive cache of awards. More important, after harrowing trials that included selling drugs to driving getaway cars, Queen lived to tell all about it. Queen recounts these two years with a strai
More...
May 03, 2011
Katherine
rated it:
I got this book because I was looking for an anthropological outline of the Outlaw Motorcycle Club culture. Prior to watching Sons Of Anarchy, OMCs were not on my radar. Five episodes in I wanted to know more about the hierarchies, rituals, etc.
There is some of that in this book, but the larger part is the author trying to convince us of how harrowing his mission was and what a BSD he is for doing it. It was just a lot of watching one man torn between being a badass and a goody tw More...
There is some of that in this book, but the larger part is the author trying to convince us of how harrowing his mission was and what a BSD he is for doing it. It was just a lot of watching one man torn between being a badass and a goody tw More...
Oct 09, 2010
Jordan
rated it:
When you have a true life story as suspenseful and engaging as William Queen's, it doesn't always matter if it's written in the most profound way. Queen is an ATF agent, not an author, but whoever his editor was certainly helped patch together this 2 and a half year long investigation into quite an exhilarating book. For anyone curious about the protocol and demands of undercover work, this is a must-read. Queen is regularly thrown into compromising situations involving drugs and violence, and s
More...
Jul 07, 2011
Armando
rated it: 
Normally I do not go for this type of "supermarket check-out" type of book, I read this book for personal research as well as to cater to my interest in the Mongols M.C. especially since the club's mother chapter, along with the events transcribed/written for this book, take place for me locally.
Despite the very dangerous perils and dilemmas described on what the undercover agent had to endure, witness and devise ways out from to avoid contributing to any of the club's crimin More...
Despite the very dangerous perils and dilemmas described on what the undercover agent had to endure, witness and devise ways out from to avoid contributing to any of the club's crimin More...
Dec 10, 2011
Scott
rated it:
It is amazing that William Queen, who went undercover as Billy St. John, lived to be able to write this book. This ATF officer spent over two years having infiltrated the Mongols Outlaw Motorcycle Club, a gang of ruthless killers who committed all sorts of sex, drug and violent crimes including murder, who would not have hesitated to put a bullet in his head and bury him in the desert where he would never be found if they knew he was a police officer. For two years he had to live with the fact
More...
Mar 17, 2009
Shivesh
rated it:
Of all the criminal elements in this world, biker gangs are possibly the quintessential American product. In other countries you have urban gangs, the mafia, government goons, weapon runners and drug smugglers. But at the heart of those enterprises is the desire for money and power. Traditional gangsters engaged in gangster shit as a job, a way to earn some scratch. However, every organized crime group had a guy who would be variously known as 'Crazy Joe Spinolli', or 'Loco Lopez' - a hardco
More...
Jul 22, 2007
Rhonda
rated it:
I read this book after hearing Terry Gross interview the author William Queen on NPR.
It gave me insight into a lifestyle I will never know. I would never wish the fear that Billy experienced on anyone! This is definitely not a shy book.
William paints a very vivid picture of the life of a Mongols Motorcycle gang member. Being a Harley lover with the hardcore looks to match, Billy was handpicked for this particular undercover assignment.
In the beginning of Billy's More...
It gave me insight into a lifestyle I will never know. I would never wish the fear that Billy experienced on anyone! This is definitely not a shy book.
William paints a very vivid picture of the life of a Mongols Motorcycle gang member. Being a Harley lover with the hardcore looks to match, Billy was handpicked for this particular undercover assignment.
In the beginning of Billy's More...
Jul 06, 2009
Simon
rated it:
Besides keeping you interested until the end, this book does one other thing - it teaches you bravery. I know you know what bravery is, but do you know what bravery is?
In this day and age when a word like that can only make sense when associated with far away lands of Arabic speaking people, deserts and terrorist actions, this book will bring you back to American soil, to the cities we live in, to the streets we walk on, the roads we drive on, our own back yard. Bravery exists here More...
In this day and age when a word like that can only make sense when associated with far away lands of Arabic speaking people, deserts and terrorist actions, this book will bring you back to American soil, to the cities we live in, to the streets we walk on, the roads we drive on, our own back yard. Bravery exists here More...
Jul 22, 2011
Kit
rated it:
Amazing first eye glimpse into the daily workings of one the nastiest biker gangs to ever emerge from the flames of hell. These desperadoes aren't the sharpest tools in the shed, but they're certainly the most dangerous. I liked how the copy I checked out of the library had portions where the author explains certain ingenious acts of criminality underlined. Like, did you know that if you remove a car's air filter, you've just created a perfect spot to stash a handgun or two? Well, now you do, an
More...
2 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Mar 06, 2011
Jonathan
rated it:
My brothers were watching a documentary about this ATF agent who went undercover for 2 years in a motorcycle gang. I only caught bits and pieces of it, but the story sounded very interesting. I must have kept glancing at the TV while I was reading and eating because one of my brothers said he had the book. It took me three months to finish this, but only because I left it at my parents' house.
Quite the tale. William Queen gave up everything in his life to become Billy St. John, a ful More...
Quite the tale. William Queen gave up everything in his life to become Billy St. John, a ful More...
Dec 27, 2010
Dave
rated it:
I've enjoyed watching Sons of Anarchy (TV show on FX for those not in the know) and got interested in what a real outlaw motorcycle club might look like. This book is an incredible look inside what the gangs are really like, which is obviously a little bit different then the romanticized Hollywood version. I really enjoyed Billy Queen's tale of how he infiltrated the Mongols Motorcycle Club and became one of its highest officers.
Jun 12, 2009
Brian
rated it:
i zipped right through this. i like true stories, i like motorcycles, i dont like informants. i guess i dont really like biker gangs either, but as a dream lifestyle it would be alluring.
my favorite part was when his mom died and none of the ATF folks consoled him or gave a shit about it, but all of the bikers hugged him and told him that they loved him. and then he had a conundrum on his hands.
my favorite part was when his mom died and none of the ATF folks consoled him or gave a shit about it, but all of the bikers hugged him and told him that they loved him. and then he had a conundrum on his hands.
Mar 11, 2011
Zach
rated it:
Pretty good. It would have been better if the story had more details/been more developed. Queen does provide good description of his time as a prospect and also some harrowing times during his time undercover, however I would have appreciated more information about the background of the Mongols and how the ATF chose to focus on this chapter.
No Angel covered very similar ground and was a little bit better as it provided more insight and information.
No Angel covered very similar ground and was a little bit better as it provided more insight and information.
Mar 10, 2009
Gary
rated it:
This is an interesting inside account of infiltrating a criminal gang. Although it has plenty of action, I was a little surprised it did not have more. I also would have liked a little more personal insight by the author. He seemed a bit aloof and "undercover" for the reader as well. Nevertheless, I thoroughly enjoyed "Under and Alone" and likely will buy the author's other book.
Dec 08, 2007
Michael
rated it:
Have you ever known how it feels to be totally alone and afraid for you life? Read Under and Alone, and you will know. William Queen, has done an incredible job of bringing his time as an under cover agent for the ATF to life on these pages.
He gave up three years of being with his family to do the unheard of, becoming a patched in member of the Mongols Motorcycle Club. Then to rise within the club to become an officer. Yet everyday was filled with the fear of being found out and mur More...
He gave up three years of being with his family to do the unheard of, becoming a patched in member of the Mongols Motorcycle Club. Then to rise within the club to become an officer. Yet everyday was filled with the fear of being found out and mur More...
Nov 20, 2008
Thomas
rated it:
A gripping account of Queen's experience undercover in the Mongols motorcycle gang. A fascinating glimpse into the underground biker/criminal culture as well as the difficulties of living the life of someone you aren't for an extended period of time. I don't know how he managed to keep his sanity, but I'm glad he did. The pacing is perfect and he is able to convey the humor inherent in criminal stupidity, as well as the danger. Great writing and a fun read. Queen should get together with Edward
More...
Apr 19, 2010
Lisa
rated it:
Mr. Queen, Thank God your safe. I read your book in 2 days, only because I had to move in between chapters ! By page 236 when you finally told who you really were, I was exhausted ! It was awsome ! The best thing was, "you felt it" and in the end still did the right thing. Your a very strong man and were all lucky to have you. God Bless you. Thank you for your book.
Apr 10, 2011
Haven
rated it:
This book will definitely keep you on the edge of your seat! A true story of Billy, an ATF agent running alone with the Mongol Nation, a small but viscous motorcycle gang willing to war with the Hells Angels. You don't have to be a motorcycle enthusiast to enjoy this well-written true story thriller delving into the crazy lives of "the one-percenters".
Jan 20, 2010
Megafone
rated it:
If you like true crime this is a great read. You may have seen the bio done on nat geo or discovery channel, but obviously they don't cover everything that the book does. Interesting to see how the Mongols rose to power and challenged the Hell's Angels. I give it two snaps up in Z formation. Love Peace and Chicken Grease. =0)
Dec 05, 2009
Jeff
rated it:
One of the best written biker books I've ever read. Good story, really gives you some insight into the brotherhood that these guys feel for each other. The Club is full of not so nice folks, but they do take care of their own, too bad Billy had to be a cop, but then again, if he wasn't we wouldn't get to read the story.
Sep 28, 2009
Wendy
rated it:
I read this out of a recommendation...and it was pretty good!
Of course you know he lives to 'tell the tale', but all through the book, you just think, "This is it...this is when his cover is blown, and he's toast."
I felt bad for him, getting to know the bikers, knowing they are criminals who beat their women, neglect their kids, etc. But starting to know them as people, and caring for them knowing he'll be responsible for them going to jail. Wow. The pressure!!
Of course you know he lives to 'tell the tale', but all through the book, you just think, "This is it...this is when his cover is blown, and he's toast."
I felt bad for him, getting to know the bikers, knowing they are criminals who beat their women, neglect their kids, etc. But starting to know them as people, and caring for them knowing he'll be responsible for them going to jail. Wow. The pressure!!
Nov 09, 2010
April
rated it:
This was a really great book. So interesting to read about what law enforcement is willing to go thru to keep the general public safe from crimes and atrocities that we can't even fathom. Having friends and family in law enforcement, it hits close to home and makes me even more proud of those serving.
Jan 12, 2011
Scott
rated it:
Great insight into the life as an undercover agent, Queen takes us deep into the outlaw motorcycle gand world. This book shows both the good and bad, an unobjective view of both sides of the law. I wish he added a little more about his experience but I can understand why some was left out.
