Gangster Hunters

How Hoover's G-men Vanquished America's Deadliest Public Enemies

By: John Oller

Narrated by: Sean Patrick Hopkins

The enthralling, can't-put-down account of the birth of the modern FBI.

J. Edgar Hoover was the face of the FBI. But the federal agents in the field, relentlessly chasing the most notorious gangsters of the 1930s with their own lives on the line, truly transformed the Bureau.

In 1932, the FBI lacked jurisdiction over murder cases, bank robberies, and kidnappings. Relegated to the sidelines, agents spent their days at their desks. But all of that changed during the War on Crime. Hunting down infamous public enemies in tense, frequently blood-soaked shootouts, the Bureau was thrust onto the front pages for the first time.

Young agents, fresh out of law school and anticipating a quiet, white-collar job, faced off with murderous felons who were heavily armed, clad in bulletproof vests, and owned cars that outraced the best vehicles the Bureau had. But the federal men were fiercely devoted—to the Bureau, to each other, and to bringing America’s most wanted criminals to justice.

The G-men crisscrossed the United States in pursuit of John Dillinger, Bonnie and Clyde, Ma Barker's criminal family, Baby Face Nelson, and Pretty Boy Floyd. But the green FBI agents were always one step behind and a moment too late, the criminals evading elaborate stakeouts and dramatic ambushes. Facing mounting criticism, with bodies left in their wake, the agents had to learn to adapt. After all, more than their reputations were at stake. Through incredible primary source research, John Oller transports listeners right to the most harrowing and consequential raids of the 1930s, with fast-paced action that shows the lengths both sides would go to win.

©2024 John Oller (P)2024 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“Impressively researched and perceptive… a welcome reminder of the “unsung crime fighters” who, as Mr. Oller says, “created the modern FBI.””
—The Wall Street Journal

“Oller has produced another work of dramatic reality and reading that is far superior to Hollywood myth and popular misunderstanding. Gangster Hunters is a fast read with easy prose that keeps the reader hooked.”
—New York Journal of Books

“Did you think there were no more secrets that the history of the 1930s Public Enemies era hid from view? Think again—John Oller’s Gangster Hunters reveals the unsung young law enforcement heroes who brought down the notorious Barker-Karpis Gang and other infamous scoundrels. A totally excellent story—Gangster Hunters is deeply researched and impeccably told.”
—Paul Maccabee, author of John Dillinger Slept Here

Gang Bangers!

So interesting, and so informative. I have read all of Oller's books and have been smarter afterward for each of them. He is a master of history, with incredible attention to detail. But equally important, he makes that history interesting and propulsive. You not only learn about this lesser known background to the formation and growth of the FBI, you are riveted by the dramatic narration of the stories behind the capture of some of the iconic names in America's criminal pantheon - Dillinger, Baby Face Nelson, and others who took their turns as Public Enemies #1. A great read!

Straighten out the early history of the FBI

FBI Director Hoover was like five star General Douglas MacArthur. No one could be a star, but these two men. I wonder how much better both of the organizations would have functioned under them if they had operated like normal executives. The early interrogation techniques in apartments for more than a few days or weeks by the FBI was shameful.

Interesting & Educational

Gangster Hunters

By John Oller

The book was interesting and educational. My favorite thing about a good book is when I learn something. Mr. Oller takes you back to the 1930’s and follows FBI agents chasing down all of the crime spree bandits. You will learn the stories of many agents, not only the most famous. While honoring them as heroes, Mr. Oller does not sugar coat mistakes made. Mistakes born of the fact the dedicated agents were nonetheless inexperienced for the most part. They learned the job the hard way, by doing.
You will also learn details about the bad guys… who are portrayed as just that, no glorifying here.
I would recommend.