(Thank you, Netgalley, for the copy. Appreciate the chance to preview.)

A good read. Told in a relatable way, by a relatable guy, narrated in a way that was engaging. For a pretty intense topic, the way that it was framed and told really helped keep it palatable. Some pretty raw parts throughout, but the telling of the incidents were tempered by person that Scott Payne was-- and evolved to have been/become.
A large portion of the book was leading up to what the cover and title proclaims it to be, but the entire journey was a very worthwhile read. Tons of things to learn and to have been able to see a bit of from him and some of the work done over the years.. along with the toll it takes and the investment good officers put in. and, those going the extra mile to try to ensure a better world.

Very well done, very informational, and very relatable. Much like a friend or relative sharing some of the amazing things he did his career.

Scott Payne spent a lot of his FBI career working undercover operations. He infiltrated groups such as the Outlaws motorcycle gang and the Base, a neo-Nazi group.

I really enjoyed this memoir. I will say that it was slightly different than what I expected going into it. The title and blurb led me to believe the book would focus on his time with the neo-Nazi group. I was interested to read more about this group and their depraved thoughts and perhaps insights into combating these mindsets. And while we got some of that, over half of the book was Payne’s history with other undercover operations.

I still really enjoyed the peek into a world most of us know nothing about and probably glamorize more than we should. I left the book feeling even more appreciative of the men and women who are willing to risk their lives in order to make the country a better place for all.

This book releases on March 25, 2025. A big thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

This was fine. As someone who reads a lot of memoirs, this one wasn't the greatest, but it could have been a lot worse. The tone is very casual, and it feels as if the (named) ghost writer really wanted it to feel like Payne was telling the story to the reader. The title is misleading, as it is about his biggest infiltrations into criminal gangs, and not just white supremacist groups. This was an extremely fast read, and if you're looking to learn at all about how white supremacist groups (or criminal gangs) run, you're not learning anything here. It's a memoir for the uncle who doesn't read.

Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Code Name: Pale Horse by Scott Payne is nothing like my usual fantasy escapes. Instead of whisking me away to magical worlds, it drags me straight into the harsh reality of today, forcing me to confront the vile ideologies still thriving around us. It’s a sobering reminder of the twisted belief some hold—that they’ve lost their claim to America or no longer belong in it. It’s infuriating and heartbreaking all at once.
As a biracial person, I can’t comprehend the idea that diversity weakens a country. I wasn’t raised to believe in the concept of racial purity because it’s fundamentally false. Scott Payne’s account left me in awe—not just because of his ability to convincingly infiltrate white supremacist circles but also because of the sheer endurance required to do so. The mental and physical toll of managing operations, teaching classes, maintaining a family, and working undercover is unfathomable.
Reading this gave me a greater appreciation for the work of FBI agents like Payne. His story offers a rare glimpse into the complex, often harrowing world of undercover operations and the resilience it demands. This book is both an eye-opener and a powerful reminder of the work being done to combat hatred from within.
Thank you Netgalley and Atria Books for the ARC

A fascinating and authentically written look behind the curtain of both undercover law enforcement and secretive criminal enterprises. Having followed the news about some of these cases that hit close to home I was captivated by the details provided here about the humans involved. This book serves as both a highlight reel of a remarkable career and a stark warning of the dangers facing the country today.

4 stars.

The cover information for the book is a bit misleading in that this covers the highlights of Payne’s career to date, not just his time infiltrating a neo-Nazi group; that part is less than half the book and while it is very interesting, I enjoyed his time spent with the Outlaws biker club just as much.

As to the neo-Nazis, the group was called The Base and he was with their Georgia outlet. They are “accelerationists” which means they don’t believe in a political solution to any of their complaints because the political system/system of government is corrupt. Society will collapse either on its own or due to a man made event so they should attempt to speed up that chaos. The Base specifically thinks that after sparking a race war they will then be involved with creating a white ethnostate. How they are going to do that with so few members is beyond me….maybe they have a great, super-secret recruiting plan or something. However, this appears to be the new thing…according to the book in 2021 90% of white nationalist groups are accelerationists.

I found the book both interesting and entertaining. Payne is not some golden boy plucked from the Ivy League and recruited to the FBI…he worked as a regular cop before he got interested. I think lots of guys who don’t always love to read might like this book.

fascinating look at the life of a brave undercover agent who worked to stop groups of neo-nazi extremists. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.

I have always found the idea of being an undercover agent fascinating. In this book, Payne provides a fascinating look at the life of an undercover agent and the evolution it will be taking on. Overall, the book was well written and enjoyable memoir to read about a job that is fascinating to me.

I received a free advanced copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

A fascinating true story. I really enjoyed the pacing and how the chapters were divided. Each chapter focused on a different time in his career leading up to some of the biggest moments of his undercover career. I found myself fully engrossed in this book despite the content being harrowing and eye opening. I’ll be recommending this one for years to come.