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The Secrets of the FBI

Ronald Kessler

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Nov 27, 2012 Gary rated it liked it

Since watching the TV series, The F.B.I. in the late 60's and 70's (the show aired from 1965 to 1974), with Efrem Zimbalist Jr. I have always been fascinated by the FBI.
This is the first book I have read of Kessler. From reading Kessler’s bio, he has written many CIA, FBI, Secret Service and related books). He obviously is trusted by these agencies; because he seems to receive excellent access to research these books (at least he did in this book).
I am afraid that some of his access may have r Since watching the TV series, The F.B.I. in the late 60's and 70's (the show aired from 1965 to 1974), with Efrem Zimbalist Jr. I have always been fascinated by the FBI.
This is the first book I have read of Kessler. From reading Kessler’s bio, he has written many CIA, FBI, Secret Service and related books). He obviously is trusted by these agencies; because he seems to receive excellent access to research these books (at least he did in this book).
I am afraid that some of his access may have resulted in some writing that is a bit painful at times. Kessler tries too hard to impress (as opposed to informing the reader and letting the reader come to his or her own conclusions). He needlessly embellishes some of the tales, when this is not required. I got the feeling that the cost of his special access was to write a book with no critical remarks about any of the current FBI staff. This is understandable (I guess), but he goes past no including any negative remarks and heaps praise (which is the painful part). In truth the information and stories in the book are very entertaining and interesting (with no extra praise or positive adjectives required).
His only critical writing is when he covers past staff and directors of the FBI, including Edgar Hoover, William Sessions and Lois Freeh. He has no problem sharing critical characteristics of these past F.B.I. folks. He clearly writes of their screw-ups and the areas they unperformed in. I had Lois Freh's book, My FBI, so Kessler description of Freh in this book was very interesting to me. He explains how Freh was more interesting in being an agent than running the place. When he describes Mueller he is 100% positive. He makes Mueller out to be a hero who is spotless, unblemished and with no faults. I already had a positive opinion of Mueller and was not looking for dirt on him but we all have our weaknesses and faults but Kessler clearly steers clear of making any comments that might have balanced his high praise of Mueller (and ironically some balance would have given his praise more credence).
Even though I have been critical of some of the writing in this book, I did enjoy it and would recommend it to anyone who is interesting in learning some of the FBI behind the scenes stories and getting a broad overview of the history of the organization. ...more

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