📖 Overview
Peter Lance is an American journalist and author known for his investigative work on terrorism, organized crime, and law enforcement. His career spans over 40 years, including work as a five-time Emmy-winning investigative reporter and network correspondent.
Lance has written multiple non-fiction books examining the events leading up to 9/11 and alleged intelligence failures, including "1000 Years for Revenge," "Cover Up," and "Triple Cross." His detailed investigations into FBI counterterrorism efforts and Al-Qaeda's activities in the years before September 11th gained significant attention in security and intelligence circles.
Beyond terrorism coverage, Lance has investigated organized crime, particularly focusing on the relationship between law enforcement and criminal enterprises. His book "Deal with the Devil" explored the FBI's decades-long relationship with Mafia informant Gregory Scarpa Sr.
Lance's work frequently examines complex investigative cases through extensive document research and interviews with key figures. His background includes journalism positions at ABC News, WNET, and the First Amendment Project, along with teaching investigative reporting at multiple universities.
👀 Reviews
Readers consistently highlight Lance's extensive research and detail-oriented approach to investigating complex cases. Amazon reviewers note his ability to connect disparate pieces of information into coherent narratives.
What readers liked:
- Deep documentation and source material
- Clear presentation of complex intelligence/law enforcement relationships
- Revelatory information about FBI and law enforcement operations
- Thorough chronologies and timelines
What readers disliked:
- Dense writing style with overwhelming detail
- Repetitive information across chapters
- Complex narratives that can be hard to follow
- Some readers question certain conclusions/interpretations
Ratings across platforms:
Amazon: Average 4.3/5 across books
Goodreads: 3.8/5 average
- "1000 Years for Revenge": 4.1/5
- "Triple Cross": 4.0/5
- "Deal with the Devil": 3.9/5
Sample reader comment: "Lance dumps an avalanche of facts and connections that takes concentration to absorb, but the payoff is worth it." (Amazon review of "Triple Cross")
📚 Books by Peter Lance
1000 Years for Revenge - An investigation into the decades of planning behind the September 11 attacks, tracing connections between terror cells and intelligence failures.
Cover Up - An examination of FBI Special Agent Lin DeVecchio's alleged role in organized crime cases and counter-terrorism investigations.
Triple Cross - A detailed account of how terrorist Ali Mohamed infiltrated U.S. intelligence while working for al-Qaeda throughout the 1980s and 1990s.
Deal with the Devil - The story of Gregory Scarpa Sr., a Mafia capo who worked as an FBI informant while continuing his criminal activities.
First Degree Burn - A crime novel following an arson investigator's pursuit of a serial killer in New York City.
Stingray - A thriller centered on an NYPD detective investigating corruption within the police department.
Shadow of Justice - A legal thriller about a prosecutor who uncovers a conspiracy while investigating a murder case.
Cover Up - An examination of FBI Special Agent Lin DeVecchio's alleged role in organized crime cases and counter-terrorism investigations.
Triple Cross - A detailed account of how terrorist Ali Mohamed infiltrated U.S. intelligence while working for al-Qaeda throughout the 1980s and 1990s.
Deal with the Devil - The story of Gregory Scarpa Sr., a Mafia capo who worked as an FBI informant while continuing his criminal activities.
First Degree Burn - A crime novel following an arson investigator's pursuit of a serial killer in New York City.
Stingray - A thriller centered on an NYPD detective investigating corruption within the police department.
Shadow of Justice - A legal thriller about a prosecutor who uncovers a conspiracy while investigating a murder case.
👥 Similar authors
James Bamford writes investigative non-fiction focused on U.S. intelligence agencies and national security. His works like "The Puzzle Palace" and "Body of Secrets" expose detailed insider accounts of NSA operations.
Gerald Posner specializes in historical investigations and conspiracy theories, with emphasis on crime and terrorism. His research methodology parallels Lance's approach to uncovering hidden connections in complex cases.
John Miller combines his experience as a journalist and former FBI spokesperson to write about law enforcement and terrorism. His background in both media and federal agencies provides access to sources and details similar to Lance's work.
Joseph Wambaugh writes both non-fiction and fiction based on real police work and criminal investigations. His books draw from his LAPD experience to reveal the inner workings of law enforcement operations.
Lawrence Wright focuses on investigative journalism relating to terrorism and criminal organizations. His book "The Looming Tower" examines the rise of Al-Qaeda through detailed research and interviews with primary sources.
Gerald Posner specializes in historical investigations and conspiracy theories, with emphasis on crime and terrorism. His research methodology parallels Lance's approach to uncovering hidden connections in complex cases.
John Miller combines his experience as a journalist and former FBI spokesperson to write about law enforcement and terrorism. His background in both media and federal agencies provides access to sources and details similar to Lance's work.
Joseph Wambaugh writes both non-fiction and fiction based on real police work and criminal investigations. His books draw from his LAPD experience to reveal the inner workings of law enforcement operations.
Lawrence Wright focuses on investigative journalism relating to terrorism and criminal organizations. His book "The Looming Tower" examines the rise of Al-Qaeda through detailed research and interviews with primary sources.