Modern lore about federal agents is that they are excessively aggressive, entrapping poor dumb schlubs into committing crimes they otherwise wouldn’t think of committing, putting words in their mouths, and ramming unconscionable plea deals down their throats.

In fact, the hallmark of federal law enforcement today is caution. Much of their work, it may not surprise you to hear, consists of supervisors, approvals, approvals of approvals, and — the especial bane of agents with backgrounds as beat cops — mountains of paperwork. When the feds go to arrest someone on federal charges, they almost never do so without roping in the locals for backup, and their “ops plans” are gone over well in advance with a fine-toothed comb.

It wasn’t always that way, and John Oller’s excellent Gangster Hunters is a stark lesson in how that caution developed. After Prohibition ended in 1933, the future of the FBI was uncertain. State legislators jealously guarded the role of local law enforcement in combatting crime. No one saw the reason for a powerful federal police force.

And they weren’t without decent arguments on their behalf. There were few federal crimes then. It wasn’t even a federal crime to assault or murder a federal agent. But kidnappers and bank robbers had an annoying way of refusing to remain within the jurisdiction of one county or state to await arrest and trial in state courts.

Gangster Hunters is the story of how federal criminal law began to evolve in response to interstate organized crime. Familiar names (and nicknames) appear — Machine Gun Kelly, Baby Face Nelson, John Dillinger, Bonnie and Clyde. Today, the notion of the same criminals kidnapping several wealthy business owners is well nigh unthinkable. In the 1930s, it happened pretty regularly. So did the tendency of desperate criminals to fire automatic weapons at “the law” — equally unthinkable today.

For all of his personal faults, J. Edgar Hoover, not the FBI’s first director but its first famous one, correctly saw that his organization needed to grow and develop its authority in order effectively to respond to this epidemic.

As the FBI grew, there were growing pains. As Oller shows, its agents had almost no idea how to arrest someone if that someone preferred not to be arrested. The agents barely knew how to shoot. (Today, regular range days are a requirement.) They trudged through the snow, in the dark Wisconsin winter, to a location to which they had never been, hoping for the best — with tragic consequences for civilians and agents alike. Oller writes of this scene, “it was out of the ashes of the firefights at that remote, snow-covered Wisconsin hideaway that the modern FBI was born.” They learned quickly from their mistakes, casing potential arrest scenes carefully to minimize the risk of harm.

However unfashionable it is to say, long sentences work. The deterrent effect of life imprisonment simply makes risky behavior less attractive. Organized violent crime persists, but today’s perpetrators are remarkably stupider — boasting of their feats on social media for clout — and are easily caught and prosecuted.

Gangster Hunters is a fascinating look at the heyday of outlawry in the United States. It is as much a chronicle of the development of federal law enforcement officers into who they are today: an elite group of intelligent, hardworking men and women rightly celebrated for their candor, professionalism, and respect for all citizens.

Gangster Hunters How Hoover's G-men Vanquished America's Deadliest Public Enemies by John Oller was received directly from the publisher and I chose to review it. I had never read this author before but yes indeed, I had heard of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Gangster Hunters is a history of the FBI from its earliest iteration and tells how J. Edgar Hoover made it into the competent, non-politicized agency it used to be. This book tells the tales of famous gangsters such as Bonnie and Clyde, Pretty Boy Floyd, Baby Face Nelson, John Dillinger, as well as their companions and other gangsters who may be as well known but were just as vile. This book takes place mostly during the three year stint known as the War on Crime. If you, or someone you buy gifts for wants to know the history of the FBI or to simply read more about these gangsters than you ever have, give this book a read.

4 Stars

My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher Penguin Group Dutton for an advance copy of this history about the early days of the FBI when it turned from being a small part of the Justice Department, to the wide some would call over reaching law enforcement group that it is today.

For a country that spends as much money as it does on law enforcement, this nation sure does love its bad guys. Songs are written even entire genres in country music are filled with outlaw songs. Romances always have the protagonist thinking about the bad guy, rather than the safe good guy. Video games, comics all have bad guys doing great things. Politics is loaded with bad guys, winning the good people's votes. This is not a new phenomenon, brought on by a break down of morals or outside influences. During the 30's when banks were being robbed, people killed in shot outs between gangsters and law men, people clapped in theaters watching stories about this people. Banks were considered worse than the people who robbed them. Women wanted to be gangster girlfriends or molls, living lives of excitement and money. Into this lawless phase a man, J. Edgar Hoover, with dreams of power and control saw a place for a national police force, one that he would mold and control in his own image, and with his scathing reports. Gangster Hunters: How Hoover's G-men Vanquished America's Deadliest Public Enemies by writer and historian John Oller,tells of how the FBI came of age, learning from victories and mistakes, changing from accountants to gunslingers.

The 1930's were a difficult time in America. Prohibition was ended, an idea that instead of making a cleaner, more righteous people had led to criminal gangs, lots of police and political bribery and looser morals in people looking as alcohol became cool again. The Depression was still raging, people losing homes, and even their lives as banks seized farms and properties. Cars made it easy to rob a bank in Indiana and flee to other states, safe from arrest. Thompson BAR rifles, even machine pistols made by a gunsmith in Texas led to police being outgunned by determined robbers. Into this stepped J. Edgar Hoover, a man with a love of press, control, and a want for success. Using the many kidnappings that were happening, Lindbergh's son being the most popular, laws slowly began to change allowing for a government group to pursue criminals across state lines. The Bureau, which had gone through a few name changes, were mainly staffed by people like Hoover, accountants, lawyers, people familiar more with ledger book crimes and stolen cars, rather than bank robberies, or gangsters. And what a Rouge's Gallery there was. John Dillinger, Baby Face Nelson, Pretty Boy Floyd, and more. This group of investigators slowly changed from investigators to gun slingers, winning battles, making mistakes, but in the end always getting there man.

I never knew the role of states rights in the development, or even hindering of the start of a national police force. That is one of many fascinating things I learned in this book. So many people were afraid of a national police force, that many laws were just left to be forgotten, until so many rich and famous people were being kidnapped, the government had to do something. There was a lot more to this book than I expected. I thought this was more stories about good and bad guys clashing. However Oller is a much better writer than that. Oller does a lot of research, talking to members of the family, finding old FBI records and trying to get to the truth that has been lost in the propaganda history, or tall tales common among law enforcement, and criminals. There are tales of battles and arrests, but a lot more about the misery of being on the run, and more of being on stakeouts for days, and still missing one suspect. Oller has a you-are-there kind of style, that makes the pages go by, and really keeps on interested.

A very good book about the early days of the FBI with a lot of derring-do and information. Fans of history, law enforcement, true crime junkies will enjoy this quite a bit. Fans also of podcasts about this subject will also get a lot from it. This is the second book I have read by Oller, and I can't wait for more.

A riveting history of the FBI and the young men who led the early organization - a resourceful group who were truly dedicated to catching the criminals. The book is well researched and reads like fiction at times.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Gangster Hunters: How Hoover’s G-men Vanquished America’s Deadliest Public Enemies by John Oller is a riveting dive into the tumultuous era of the 1930s, when the FBI’s G-men took on America’s most notorious criminals. Oller, a seasoned historian, brings to life the high-stakes cat-and-mouse game between law enforcement and gangsters, painting a vivid picture of the birth of the modern FBI.

The book meticulously chronicles the rise of J. Edgar Hoover and his transformation of the Bureau of Investigation into a formidable force. Hoover’s G-men, often young and fresh out of law school, were thrust into a world of violence and danger, facing off against heavily armed felons. Oller’s narrative is both thrilling and informative, providing a detailed account of the strategies and operations that led to the downfall of these infamous criminals.

Oller delves into the personal stories of these men, highlighting their bravery and dedication. The book is filled with tense, action-packed scenes that read like a Hollywood thriller, yet are grounded in historical accuracy. Oller’s research is impeccable, drawing from a wealth of primary sources to provide a comprehensive view of this pivotal period in American history.

The book also explores the broader social and political context of the time, examining how the Great Depression and Prohibition contributed to the rise of organized crime. Oller deftly weaves these elements into the narrative, offering readers a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by law enforcement. The portrayal of Hoover is nuanced, acknowledging his significant contributions while also critiquing his methods and the cult of personality that surrounded him.

Gangster Hunters is not just a tale of crime and punishment; it is a study of the evolution of American law enforcement. Oller’s writing is engaging and accessible, making complex historical events understandable and compelling. His ability to humanize the G-men, while also providing a critical analysis of their actions, sets this book apart from other works on the subject.

In conclusion, Gangster Hunters: How Hoover’s G-men Vanquished America’s Deadliest Public Enemies is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of the FBI, organized crime, or the 1930s. John Oller has crafted a masterful narrative that is both educational and entertaining, shedding light on a fascinating chapter of American history. Whether you’re a history buff or a fan of true crime, this book is sure to captivate and inform.

Gangster Hunters recounts the stories of the men who, behind the scenes, led the charge against organized crime in the U.S., starting from the Prohibition era to the late 20th century. Oller focuses on the intersection between notorious criminals like Charles "Lucky" Luciano, Al Capone, and Meyer Lansky, and the often under-appreciated government agents and detectives who pursued them. He highlights iconic figures such as Eliot Ness, J. Edgar Hoover, and Thomas E. Dewey, painting a vivid picture of their successes, challenges, and moral compromises in their battle against the mob.

Oller doesn’t just retell familiar stories of famous mobsters. He also dives into the evolving tactics of law enforcement, charting the shift from basic police work to the more sophisticated investigations involving wiretapping, infiltration, and undercover operations. This detailed look at the innovation of crime-fighting tools alongside mob strategies makes the book feel dynamic and multi-dimensional.

Critical Examination
What makes Gangster Hunters particularly compelling is Oller’s balanced portrayal of both sides of the law. He acknowledges the mythic status of mobsters but does not glamorize their violence or corruption. Likewise, the agents who fought against them are not presented as flawless heroes; their victories often come at personal and moral costs, revealing the complexity of the fight against organized crime.

Oller’s focus on the human element—the motivations, fears, and ethical dilemmas of both criminals and law enforcers—adds depth to what could have otherwise been a straightforward historical recounting. His research is thorough, and he draws from a wide range of sources, including court documents, FBI files, and interviews, providing a richly textured narrative. However, Oller doesn’t shy away from addressing the limitations of law enforcement, particularly in relation to corruption and the political hurdles that sometimes hindered justice.

While the book covers a vast timespan and a multitude of figures, at times, the narrative feels dense with information. Readers new to the history of organized crime may find the breadth of characters and events overwhelming. However, Oller’s engaging writing style keeps the momentum steady, and his ability to make historical events read like a thriller is impressive.

As a reader, I found Gangster Hunters both fascinating and enlightening. Oller’s take on the mob's evolution and the U.S. government’s evolving strategies in combating organized crime offered fresh insights, even for someone with a basic understanding of the subject. The book maintained my interest throughout, not just through its thrilling recount of events but through the author’s clear passion for the topic. The pacing, coupled with Oller’s talent for suspense, made this book a genuine page-turner. His attention to both the technical and human aspects of crime-fighting made for a well-rounded and deeply satisfying read.

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher, provided through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

I enjoy true crime stories so when this book came my way, I decided to jump in. I was intrigued by the stories of the early days of the FBI in this book, like in Killers of the Flower Moon.

This book went into detail about the capture of the infamous public enemies of the 1930s. I had heard all of these names before - Baby Face Nelson, John Dillinger, Bonnie & Clyde. I didn't realize that they all were wreaking havoc across the country all at the same time.

The FBI's strategies from this time period were interesting. The capture or killing of these public enemies predated the protocol that you see today in law enforcement. It kind of felt like the wild wild west in many senses.

I enjoyed the detective work featured in this book and how these agents followed bread crumbs and tips to lead them to the assailant. I also liked a look into the inside of the FBI - the politics and drama were just as interesting as the capture of the bad guys.

The stories bogged down in details at some points, but overall, I liked the book.

Can you even have a bad book which contains John Dillinger, Bonnie and Clyde, Pretty Boy Floyd, Machine Gun Kelly (the criminal, not the musician), and Baby Face Nelson? We won't know the answer to whether or not that is possible because John Oller's Gangster Hunters has all of these characters and is a fantastic read.

Oller's stated purpose is to highlight the rise of the FBI and, more specifically, the agents who never got their due because J. Edgar Hoover was a spotlight hog while also being a huge weirdo. To tell the story of these agents, you have to tell the story of the criminals they are hunting. These types of books can be very challenging to read it the wrong hands. You need to introduce a litany of names and connections while keeping the narrative well paced. I've enjoyed previous books from Oller and this is no exception. He makes characters memorable while using very little page count. He makes you care about each of them by giving the reader just enough insight to give them a hook.

Meanwhile, Oller presents the political circumstances of how the FBI grew during this time period without drowning the book in extraneous information. The fact that all the criminals listed above met their ends (both literally and figuratively) in about a two year period is astonishing. Luckily for us, the book is, too!

(This book was provided as an advance copy by Netgalley and Dutton Books.)

Thanks to John Oller, Penguin Group Dutton, and NetGalley for access to the Advanced Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is a very readable and comprehensive account of the gangster era. It’s clear the author has done considerable research (as noted by the extensive notes and bibliography in the back of the book) and he has used that research to great effect.

This is a very interesting and well-done book about a fascinating time in US history. Recommended.

While the FBI is now considered an elite law-enforcement agency, we sometimes overlook that it had to start somewhere. During its early years, it had none of the capabilities, expertise, manpower or funding that we now consider essential. In Gangster Hunters, John Oller takes us through some of those early days.

=== The Good Stuff ===
* The material contained in the book was not something I ever appreciated. The early FBI was very small, very poorly funded, had no powers of arrest, and really no mandate to do much of anything. In a way, the FBI needed nationwide bankrobbers and kidnappers to give them a reason to exist. Oller takes us through these early years, and we watch the capabilities of the FBI and its agents grow.
* The book is also a nice history of American crime. It is not comprehensive by any means, but has a nice selection of stories of a few of the criminal gangs of the early 20th century. Of course John Dillinger gets his due, but so do a number of other lesser known rouges. Each of their stories is well told and reasonably complete.
* It was very interesting to watch the evolution of an FBI agent. The first agents were not especially well trained, and criminals often evaded arrest even when they were “surrounded”. But within 10 years, many had college or other formal training, and criminals had a much harder time avoiding the agents and their more sophisticated techniques.
* Oller writes in an easy-to-read style, and the narrative was easy to stay engaged with.

=== The Not-So-Good Stuff ===
* The book could get a little repetitive. Many of the criminal gangs discussed had the same basic story, and there wasn’t much development in either their criminal techniques of the FBI’s crime-busting abilities.

=== Summary ===
I enjoyed the book, but would have preferred a more structured look at the growth of the FBI and its crime-fighting abilities rather than an ad-hoc collection of criminals and their capers. Still, it was an enjoyable read of events I had never read anywhere else.

5 stars

This is a very good book. It is filled with facts, personalities and some very audacious crimes.

At the inception of the FBI (only later renamed to FBI), the agency did not have arrest powers. They did not catch violent criminals or kidnappers. They were empowered to investigate white collar crimes.

However, that changed in 1933 when a “War on Crime” was proclaimed by the government. During the years between 1933 and 1936, the FBI chased, captured and killed (and were killed), many, many “public enemies.” Pretty Boy Floyd, Baby Face Nelson, Ma Barker, Bonnie & Clyde and John Dillinger were just a few of the miscreants and killers the FBI caught and/or killed. They also worked and solved some high profile kidnappings.

The Bureau had arrived. They made the front pages of newspapers, they were the subjects of radio programs. They were proclaimed heroes in pulp fiction. As a group the men (no women allowed at that time), were intelligent, dedicated and wholly devoted to their jobs. My feelings for Hoover aside, they were a group of individuals to be admired.

Mr. Oller tells a good story. The book is not at all dry or difficult to follow. The author takes the reader on an informative and fascinating journey. I liked this book very much and recommend it to anyone who enjoys the history of law enforcement, true crime, or American history.

I want to thank NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Dutton/ Dutton for forwarding to me a copy of this very entertaining book for me to read, enjoy and review. The opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.

4.5/5 stars. John Oller's 'Gangster Hunters' was a fascinating account of the FBI's War on Crime, which served as the inception of the FBI as we know it today. Oller details the critical few years in which the bureau necessarily evolved in order to track down and apprehend famous gangsters like Bonnie & Clyde, Baby Face Nelson, and Pretty Boy Floyd.

Perhaps this is well-known, but the FBI began as an organization riddled with young, middle/upper-class, law-school graduates who had zero qualifications to serve as FBI agents (at least those we're familiar with in present-day). Contextualized by the Great Depression, the FBI served as an ideal opportunity for a well-paying desk job with a prestigious title - yet these young men were met with quite the surprise when J. Edgar Hoover turned the FBI into a frontline crime-fighting organization. What was most fascinating, to me, was reading these accounts of ill-equipped young men fumbling investigations - particularly when compared to modern day stories of the FBI, like those portrayed through shows like Criminal Minds.

Despite being a non-fiction, Oller's writing style allows this book to read more like a fiction. I'm generally a fan of non-fictions, but am able to recognize that many non-fictions can be difficult to get through. Instead, I found myself drawn to this book, unable to put it down.

I would definitely recommend this book to others, especially history buffs - in fact, I'm planning to gift this book once it's published. Thank you, NetGalley and Penguin Random House for this ARC!