Book Review: STORIES by Former FBI Special Agent & Bronx Native NEIL MORAN

 

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Retired FBI Agent Neil Moran possesses a natural gift for storytelling, much to our delight! His personal account of growing up in the Bronx, running the streets with a group of kids during an era when free-range childhood was the norm, evokes a warm, nostalgic feeling for that bygone time. His tales of Grandma Margaret resonate strongly with me, reminding me of my own grandmother and my Irish-heritage family.


Neil’s journey to the FBI is a winding one, marked by obstacles that may have contributed in shaping his character. This character shines through as he investigates organized crime from the New York City office, tackling cases such as hijacked trucking operations and the Lufthansa robbery, immortalized in the film Goodfellas. In a variety of roles, he goes undercover to infiltrate the heart of the racketeering underworld, successfully dismantling major criminal rings. Lighter moments sprinkled throughout the narrative invite readers to laugh, only to be pulled back into the tension of his investigations, making you impatient to discover how it all unfolds. His reflections on the Etan Patz investigation are heart-wrenching, as are his recollections of his involvement in the tragic TWA Flight 800 crash off the coast of Long Island. Few of us consider the emotional toll such duties take on FBI agents. Additionally, Neil shares wonderful experiences from his family trips, celebrating his deep roots in Ireland and the joy of being surrounded by cousins and extended family.


Overall, this book is a testament to Neil Moran's life, both at home and during his time with the FBI. It is filled with engaging and compelling stories. I was fortunate to have Neil as a guest on my podcast, the Murder Shelf Book Club, where we discussed these experiences in detail. He captivated us with story after story. I give it 5 stars.