Dan Herbeck

Dan Herbeck is an American investigative journalist and author best known for co-writing the New York Times bestseller "American Terrorist" about Oklahoma City bomber Timothy McVeigh. He has been a reporter at The Buffalo News since 1978, where he has built a career investigating complex stories about corruption, fraud, and criminal justice. During his tenure at The Buffalo News, Herbeck has collaborated with colleagues Lou Michel and Michael Beebe to produce award-winning investigative pieces covering telemarketing fraud, bankruptcy cases, prison system issues, and prescription drug abuse. His work has earned both national and state-level recognition for journalistic excellence. Born in Texas but raised in Amherst, New York, Herbeck graduated from St. Bonaventure University in 1978 with a journalism degree. His ties to local education have been recognized through his induction into multiple halls of fame, including those at Erie Community College and Sweet Home High School. "American Terrorist," published in 2001, represented Herbeck's most significant literary achievement and provided unprecedented insights into McVeigh's life through extensive interviews with the convicted bomber. The book's thorough examination of McVeigh's background and motivations made it a significant contribution to the understanding of domestic terrorism in America.

Readers primarily know Herbeck through "American Terrorist," co-authored with Lou Michel. The book's reviews focus on its journalistic approach and access to Timothy McVeigh. What readers liked: - Direct interviews with McVeigh provide new information - Detailed research and documentation - Clear, straightforward writing style - Balanced reporting without sensationalism What readers disliked: - Some felt it gave McVeigh too much of a platform - Critics noted gaps in covering certain conspiracy theories - A few readers wanted more analysis of broader terrorism issues Ratings across platforms: - Goodreads: 4.0/5 (2,300+ ratings) - Amazon: 4.3/5 (280+ reviews) One reader noted: "The authors let facts speak for themselves rather than inserting judgment." Another commented: "Important historical document but uncomfortable giving voice to McVeigh's perspective." As a journalist, Herbeck's other work at The Buffalo News receives professional respect but limited public reader reviews.

American Terrorist: Timothy McVeigh and the Oklahoma City Bombing (2001) - A detailed account of Timothy McVeigh's life, motives, and actions leading to the Oklahoma City bombing, based on over 75 hours of death row interviews with McVeigh himself.

Lou Michel - As Herbeck's co-author on "American Terrorist," Michel shares the same investigative approach to true crime and domestic terrorism. His work at The Buffalo News demonstrates similar attention to detail and focus on criminal justice topics.

Peter Lance - His books investigating terrorism and organized crime, including "1000 Years for Revenge" and "Triple Cross," follow complex investigative trails. Lance's background as an investigative reporter and his focus on detailed research mirror Herbeck's methodology.

Dave Cullen - His work on "Columbine" demonstrates the same deep-dive investigative style into a major act of violence that Herbeck employed. Cullen's approach to interviewing subjects and analyzing criminal psychology parallels Herbeck's work on McVeigh.

James B. Stewart - His books like "Blood Sport" and "Den of Thieves" showcase investigative journalism applied to complex criminal cases. Stewart's background as a Wall Street Journal reporter and his focus on detailed reporting align with Herbeck's journalistic methods.

Dick Lehr - His work covering organized crime and investigating complex criminal cases for the Boston Globe translates into books with deep reporting. Lehr's focus on local investigations that reveal broader truths about criminal justice reflects Herbeck's approach to journalism.