Murder for Hire: My Life As the Country's Most Successful Undercover Agent

By Jack Ballentine

Jack Ballentine became a Phoenix police officer in 1978 and quickly rose to the top as one of the world's most successful undercover operatives. His specialty: posing as an undercover hit man. None of the people who hired him had any inkling that he was actually a cop, and his work led to a perfect rate of twenty-four convictions out of twenty-four indictments on murder conspiracy charges. Murder for Hire is Ballentine's story. He worked with criminals of all sorts, from vengeful spouses and partners to the criminally insane, all who had one thing in common: the desire to have someone killed. Ballentine could change his character at the drop of a hat, often imitating characters and "bad guys" from television and movies. In assuming an alternate identity and developing a reputation among the Phoenix underground---bikers, strippers, junkies, and thugs---he developed an intricate network of sources who fed him work and kept him extremely busy. All the while, the author strove for the semblance of a normal life and balanced his rough-and-tumble career with a new wife and stepson. His story is a unique look at how law enforcement delves into the heart of the criminal world.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0312384521
• ISBN13: 9780312384524
• Release Date: June 2009
• Publisher: Thomas Dunne Books
• Length: 320 Pages
• Weight: 0.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.5" x 1.1" x 5.8"

Customer Reviews

Thank God He's On Our Side

What a book! Stop reading this review and go purchase a copy. One of the most compelling -- can't put down book that I've ever read. Ballentine makes you feel like you are sitting with him as he recounts his experiences as an under-cover police officer. Some books tend to drag out to long, not so with Murder for Hire. This is a real page turner, absolutely perfect for the beach or airplane. Easy to read and some very gripping stories. Jack -- best wishes to you and your lovely family (with whom I feel as I if I already know). Make it 10 Stars for Murder for Hire.

Can't put it down....

This is a well written book. You feel like youre in the passenger seat the shole time. I couldn't stop reading until I finished the last sentence.

Murder For Hire

Incredible book, incredible man. Well written and takes you into the life Jack lived, as if you were a part of his undercover team. The principles Jack lived by should be everyone's goal in life. Well done Jack!

Hard to put down

I have been looking forward to the release of this book for 7 months. I had a hard time putting it down. Because life is so busy and this book is so good, I actually took a vacation day to finish it! My daughter was able to swim while I lay by the pool reading about the grungy undercover work of a hitman. I loved the balance of grittiness with the underlying love story. Something for everyone.