Hazardous Devices - by Barry T Black (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

As an FBI agent for over thirty years, Barry Black has witnessed more than his share of history. This gripping memoir takes you inside some of the most striking cases of the FBI's modern era. From the Branch Davidian standoff in Waco, the Oklahoma City bombing, and 9/11's Ground Zero, it offers a vivid, firsthand account of fraud, money laundering, and the Bureau's war on terror. Barry Black entered the FBI as a 24-year-old accountant imagining a career of ledgers and spreadsheets only to become a SWAT sniper, master bomb technician, and counterterrorism instructor for law enforcement, war fighters, and commandos around the world. Whether tracing money through offshore accounts, diving with the Royal Australian Navy, blowing up drones in Ukraine, or providing expert testimony before Congress, Black's three decades in the FBI highlight the diverse and critical responsibilities carried out by the world's premier law enforcement agency.

Review Quotes

"I have had the privilege of knowing Barry since 1988. As a fellow agent, warrior, and patriot, I can attest to the depth and breadth of his remarkable journey in law enforcement. Barry's career has been as colorful as it has been varied, filled with experiences that would inspire any aspiring agent. Having read his book, I can say without hesitation that he is both a skilled writer and a gifted storyteller. His narrative style doesn't just recount events; it immerses you, placing you right at the heart of the action. For those unfamiliar with the world of the FBI, Barry's writing offers an authentic glimpse behind the badge, making you feel as though you are truly on the scene."--Ed Mireles, retired FBI Supervisor, recipient of the Attorney General's Award for Exceptional Heroism and the FBI Medal of Valor

"This memoir is a master class in vivid detail and an unflinching, honest account from someone who has lived on the very front lines of global counterterrorism. From the harrowing days after the Oklahoma City bombing to critical missions around the world, his narrative offers an extraordinarily rare, inside look at the FBI's astonishing breadth of responsibility. This book is far more than a testament to an exciting career; it is an essential, gripping read that reveals the true costs, profound courage, and relentless dedication required to safeguard our nation. A truly impactful and necessary book for anyone seeking to understand the hidden battles fought for our security."--Jason Jarnagin, Oak Ridge National Laboratories' National Security Sciences Directorate

"Written with an acute attention to detail and the storytelling of someone who lived it, this memoir reveals what it takes to keep America safe. Black's path from young accountant to international explosives expert gives readers a rare look inside some of the FBI's most dangerous work. From stopping domestic terror plots to training bomb squads on six continents, his career spans the modern era of counterterrorism. The book showcases an amazing career matched by few; an honest account of duty, courage, and what it costs to protect others."--Clinton Shelby, physical scientist, National Nuclear Security Administration

About the Author

Barry T. Black is a retired FBI accountant, master bomb technician, and sniper with over 30 years of service around the world. He is an adjunct faculty member at the University of Central Oklahoma's Forensic Science Institute in Edmond, Oklahoma.