A companion piece to Susan Orlean's THE ORCHID THIEF. Strong writing, good story! Talked with Rebecca Renner for my podcast Writers on Writing, which should broadcast in June 2024. Such an interesting, articulate writer. I'm so fascinated with Florida writings and this one goes on my shelf.

This true crime book follows Officer Jeff Babauta on his undercover operation into the Florida Everglades’s alligator poaching circles. Babauta created a fake persona and business to bring illegal alligator trappers to justice. But as he was welcomed into their circles and witnessed the realities of their lives, Babauta realized their motives were more complicated than he realized. It’s a twisty, swampy, true story about human survival in a dangerous natural landscape. The secondary focus on poacher Peg Brown didn't really work with the story for me. I personally would have taken more science/nature writing on alligators, swamps, Florida wildlife, etc. But there's so much to explore in this book, and it will definitely leave you looking at gators and poachers a little differently!

This is a fascinating story on gator poaching. The author made the swamp and the alligators come alive. Do you have the intrigue of an undercover officer in a sting operation but also the rich world of the Everglades environment. The narrative treats its characters on both sides of the law with respect. this book depicts the importance of a natural world and environmentalism without ever being preachy. This book thoroughly charmed me.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Flatiron books for this ARC.
4.5 stars

The subject was interesting .. I learned to appreciate Florida and the Everglades more than I ever thought I would. When the author was describing the people she met and their reverence for the land and animals, it was very compelling. The Jeff B. part of the story was gripping. I applauded his dedication and willingness to participate in the Alligator sting operation.

Renner, who is a contributor to National Geographic, has penned a fascinating portrait of Florida Everglades. The book is part reporting of her experience researching tales of legendary alligator poachers, part action story of an multi-year undercover sting operation against current day poachers and part homage to a disappearing wilderness and it’s inhabitants. It was a page turner and an eye opener for me.

Much more enjoyable than I expected. I learned a lot about poaching and regulations surrounding protection of flora and fauna in the course of reading this well-written story of a Florida fish and game warden who goes undercover for over a year to worm into the gator poaching business. He is successful, but not without a steep learning curve on running a gator business, anxiety and fear of getting caught in his undercover role, developing conflicting feelings about those he discovers on the wrong side of the law, etc. I achieved a better appreciation of the everglades and the effort to preserve and protect various habitats.