Tracers in the Dark: The Global Hunt for the Crime Lords of Cryptocurrency Paperback – January 16, 2024

I absolutely love all of Andy's books. I've read them all, and his style of writing puts me right there in the action. I'm a heavy reader, so it takes a lot for me to be so moved as to write a review. This book is freakin amazing. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. It's part investigative journalism, true crime, crypto hacking, blockchain shenanigans, I LOVE IT! It's a nerds dream novel, but easily enjoyable from someone unfamiliar with bitcoin or the blockchain. Such a wild story, holy moly. I can't say enough good things about this book. I bought 4 copies (3 to give to my sons), and I just now purchased the Kindle Edition. Thanks Andy for all your incredibly rigorous investigations and work that you do.

Andy Greenberg is a GREAT storyteller and podcaster. Anything he writes is a must read. Tracers in the Dark was a super enjoyable, easy read. He covers, using people and stories, the basics of bitcoin and the people who try to follow the money to catch cybercriminals. I knew most (but not all) of the people and stories he covered, but Greenberg added a ton of detail I didn't know. He added timelines and color that fleshed out what happened, in each story and the overall timeline. It's a great, easy, read and I'm a better cybersecurity defender for having read it. Although don't read it for any super technical details. You're not going to learn the details of blockchain, bitcoin, or blockchain analysis...only how it's done, generally, and the people involved.

This is a great look at what Bitcoin is and isn’t. The misconceptions about it gave rise to tools to track it, leading to the high profile cases Greenberg covers in the book. Not a highly technical book, but there are enough references to papers and authors to find out more. Very cool,

Incredible job taking these real life stories and situations and writing them in such a captivating way that really draws the reader in. As fascinating as the forensic aspect of the dark web activities and investigations are, there were some very disturbing and dark areas that the book justifiably went at some readers may find very uncomfortable so just be ready for that

"In "Tracers in the Dark", Andy Greenberg delves into the world of cryptocurrency and cybercrime, revealing the fascinating story of how law enforcement has adapted to combat digital threats. With unparalleled access to the FBI's dedicated crypto unit, Greenberg takes readers on a thrilling journey through the dark web, exploring the cat-and-mouse game between cybercriminals and the agents tasked with tracking them down. This gripping narrative offers a unique perspective on the evolving landscape of digital forensics and the future of online security."

This is a well written and easy to follow tale of crime in the modern age with parallels to prohibition era mob stories. The language is clear, and it explains the blockchain and its use numerous times in a way that helps without the book being exclusively about that. All of the Major platters are fleshed out and explored beyond just being good guys or bad guys, and I felt both sides of the privacy argument get explored though there’s a seemingly obvious bias here in favor of the story.I think it would be a wonderful moneyball type of film as long as Bitcoin could be explained well enough at some point.With the Time to read, informative and fun.

The author, Andy Greenberg, takes the reader through a series of actual whodunit cases where the blockchain is used to trace illicit transactions on the dark web. From corrupt FBI agents to drug sales on the Silk Road, culprits are rooted out by following cryptocurrency through the blockchain. Each case is different and often involves an international game of cat and mouse. In addition, the author discusses some of the ethical issues surrounding an anonymous currency. Most readers will find this book an easy and engaging read, even if they are not familiar with the blockchain.

This is quite a story. While it requires some in depth explanation of technologies, the heart of the book focuses on cyber crime investigations, the business and economic impact of crypto currency and a slew of interesting personalities.