Without a Badge: Undercover in the World's Deadliest Criminal Organization

Someone who thought that I'd really enjoy this book gave it to me. I was actually going to put it on my shelf for another time to read, but decided to open it to the first page. What a nice surprise. I was hooked from the first paragraph! It was difficult to put down. I do enjoy true crime, but I'm picky about my choices. I really enjoy books that are written with genuine honesty through the ups and downs of life. It gives a sense realism that rings true with straightforward writing. Great adventures and true stories are never easy when you live through them, and Speziale's story is truly exceptional. Speziale puts his life on the line to pursue Columbian drug cartels away from his family for extended lengths of time. This story puts you there with him, that's why it's so captivating and even frightening at times. I'm glad that he wrote this book because so many times the general public doesn't understand the sacrifices and heroism that members of law enforcement make to fight crime. If you enjoy true crime, this book will definitely be one of your favorites. -Jennifer Chase, author of thriller "Compulsion"

I have to say this is the best book written in a while. I admire Jerry Speziale. The author in this book details the sacrifice officers make when going undercover. People seem to forget what the officers give up to make a difference and the risks they take. The sacrifice the families go through when there loved ones are taking a risk with their lives. I admire Jerry and the officers who took the time to make a difference. I definitely recommend this book. It is realistic and it isn't exaggerated.

This is a very compelling book. It is the true story of NYPD undercover officer on "loan" to the DEA. This cop turned author, literally wrote the book on wiretaps. He risked his life to make major drug busts. However, by pursuing the Columbia drug cartels so aggressively, he also risked the lives of many innocent (and some not so innocent)others. He does not hide this fact in his book and he should be applauded for his honesty. If you, read a "true crime" book only now and again -- buy this book. If you read "true crime" regularly this will be one of your all-time favorites.

This by far is one of the best books I have read in a while. I read it cover to cover in one day and I am a fairly slow and detailed reader. I could not put it down. Without A Badge takes you deep into the life of a narcotics investigator with such a zeal for cleaning up the streets that it is personally motivating. I am now reading for the second time. I can't wait until I see this one in the movie theater.

From what seems like real danger in the begining while acting like a low life junkie ends up later looking like childs play. Later Mr. Bartone goes deep undercover and goes on to con and collect several thousand dollars in cash and drugs from key members of the Cali Cartel. Even though the situations that Speziale gets himself into are very dangerous you often find yourself laughing because he always finds a way to pin the drug bust on someone other than himself and even having the nerve to ask for retribution for his losses. Along the way he meets up with and learns from an interesting character named Paul Lir Alaxander who is as mysterious as he is savy when it comes to understanding the drug business. The book reads like a novel but the story is anything but fiction. If anyone takes the time to read this book it will be one of thier best reads ever.