True Stories from the Files of the FBI

By: W. Cleon Skousen

Narrated by: Corey M. Snow

Length: 4 hrs and 21 mins

Publisher's summary

Be the FBI Agent in training under J. Edgar Hoover and run the gauntlet of Machine Gun Kelly, Baby Face Nelson and the Barker Karpis Gang. Step back into downtown Chicago of the 1930s and retrace the steps of some of America's most notorious mobsters.

True Stories from the Files of the FBI was written by W. Cleon Skousen under the direct supervision of Mr. Hoover himself. These first-hand accounts of actual "do or die" situations were used for decades to train thousands of FBI agents.

In this riveting retelling of "G-men" arresting or killing perpetrators of the country's most violent crimes, learn how the investigations led to clues for the Charles Lindbergh kidnapping case, the Kansas City Massacre, the raids by John Herbert Dillinger and his gang, "Killer" Kinnie Wagner's murder spree, and more.

©2014 Izzard Ink, LLC (P)2014 Izzard Ink

Critic reviews

" True Stories from the Files of the FBI is an amazing book! A lot of history, a lot of detail, a lot to learn!" (Michael J. Thompson, AML)

"True Stories from the Files of the FBI captures the history of landmark criminal cases with riveting, quick-read storytelling - a must for every crime reader's most wanted book list." (Mark Singer, Founder of Chicago Crime Tours)

True Crime Audiobook of the Year 2015 (Izzard Ink Publishing)

A Fascinating Read

While some of the stories dragged on for quite a bit, the overall thrust of the book was engaging and enlightening. Crime is centuries old and same with the mindset. I would recommend it for it's inside perspective on some of the notorious stories and characters of the last century.

Truly fascinating and well written!

What made the experience of listening to True Stories from the Files of the FBI the most enjoyable?

Not a dull moment! I was amazed to hear about the gangsters of the American past. Great details, great description, great storytelling. Turns out, the movies are pretty accurate with their descriptions of mobsters and their dark and wild ways.

What did you like best about this story?

The story about mobster lady Ma Barker was amazing. It was funny how she cared so much about her boys but little about those she robbed.

What does Corey M. Snow bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I think Corey did a good job performing the various characters.

Any additional comments?

I recommend this book to anyone who loves capers and adventure. This book is full of it!

This is a really good book

Where does True Stories from the Files of the FBI rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

this book is in the top 10 of all the audiobooks I have listened to so far.

What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?

These stories are true stories from someone that worked for the FBI

Which character – as performed by Corey M. Snow – was your favorite?

Corey M. Snow. read true stories from the FBI files.so there was no character but the story of Kenny Wagner was really interesting

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

the stories kept me very interested.

Perfect Audiobook for the History of the FBI

What made the experience of listening to True Stories from the Files of the FBI the most enjoyable?

I really enjoyed the fact these are true stories. Many of the cases I did not know how they ended. I liked how the author presented facts as well.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I loved all of the characters. One of my favorite sections was about the Barker-Karpis Gang. Nicely done!

Which scene was your favorite?

The scene or section of the book that I was my favorite was the foreword by Paul B. Skousen. I felt that really set the scene and the pace for the entire book. The "clean up America" part was nicely done.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I really had a different time with what happened in the Charles Lindbergh kidnapping. Have a young kid of my own what happened really hit home.

Any additional comments?

True Stories from the Files of the FBI is a wonderful listen. Corey Snow did a great job. It is one of the best true crime books out there.

Best True Crime Story!

Would you listen to True Stories from the Files of the FBI again? Why?

I really enjoyed this book. The detail of what happened and what formed the FBI was very interesting. I understand this book is pro FBI but with some portions used as a training manual I understand that. Each of the stories from Killer Kinnie Wagner to Baby Face Nelson had new information that I did not know.

What did you like best about this story?

What really struck me was the Charles Lindbergh kidnapping. That was a horrible story. I always questions if the case was ever solved but with the evidence provided it made it so I have a good understanding of what happened.

What about Corey M. Snow’s performance did you like?

Corey is a true professional narrator. His voice drew me in. He has the perfect voice for a non-fiction book like this.

What’s the most interesting tidbit you’ve picked up from this book?

I loved all of the facts from each of the cases. I learned a lot about the background from some of the most interesting criminals in history. This is a great listen!

Any additional comments?

I would not hesitate to listen to this book again for give it to a friend. Well done!

Loved it.

I love this book. It's a fascinating insider's look at the golden era of the FBI. The historical context and details make the stories come alive. I'm definitely listening again.

Important FBI history

I found this an important reminder of the importance of FBI & police law enforcement.

Captivating and enlightening American history!

What did you love best about True Stories from the Files of the FBI?

The stories kept me so captivated that I didn't realize I was learning American history!

What was one of the most memorable moments of True Stories from the Files of the FBI?

Every story (and there were many) had a different "flavor," but the one that stands out in my mind was how the FBI took out the 8 Nazi saboteurs so quickly, that the ink on their forged travel documents was probably still wet. Baby Face Nielsen was also good!

What about Corey M. Snow’s performance did you like?

Magnificent job. His voice matches the era of "the greatest generation," during which these stories take place. Excellent delivery.

If you could give True Stories from the Files of the FBI a new subtitle, what would it be?

American Exceptionalism - Fights and victories which demonstrate the reliability of the American form of government and its people.

Any additional comments?

Easy to listen to this audio book - about stories and information that I thought I knew, but realized I'd only heard names and vague references. This book gives the juicy details of the lives and stories about people larger than life, in American history, that we should know.

The history of the FBI

Would you consider the audio edition of True Stories from the Files of the FBI to be better than the print version?

I really liked the performance by Corey. I liked both audio and the book very much, it is nice to listen to to the book while I drive.

What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?

He brought a lot of the characters to life.

Have you listened to any of Corey M. Snow’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I haven't, but I will now.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Mobsters crime and intrigue.

Any additional comments?

I'm younger, these are stories I have heard mentioned but I never really knew how they unfolded. It was interesting and I learned a lot.

Compelling Stories

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

A good history review of the FBI to set up listening to the compelling stories most of us have only heard through the movies.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I was drawn to each story to understand the real happenings behind John Dillinger and Baby Face Nelson.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I certainly could have listened to this in one sitting. It kept me wanting more.