Tracers in the dark review

I recently finished reading Tracers in the Dark, and I found it an engaging exploration of the darknet and the underground marketplaces that have transitioned into the digital age. The book covers major stories from 2011 to the present day, weaving these narratives into a thriller-esque style that’s reminiscent of Andy Greenberg’s previous hit in Sandworm, another excellent book.

Side note: I’ve also recently been enjoying these animated summarized documentaries on similar cases to the ones wrote about in the book Fern

Unlike dry, purely factual accounts, the Greenberg successfully crafts a compelling, novel-like experience that keeps the reader hooked.

One standout aspect of the book was its thought-provoking conclusion. Greenberg delves into how tools like Chainalysis were pivotal in cracking some of the largest darknet cases. A striking example is the takedown of AlphaBay, where information was allegedly gathered by deploying Bitcoin nodes to track IP addresses linked to payments. Interestingly, this insight came from a former AlphaBay lieutenant, who discovered leaked data from an Italian law enforcement agency suggesting such techniques were used.

I appreciated how the book debunked the myth of anonymous payments often associated with cryptocurrencies. Illustrating how even supposedly untraceable systems can be unraveled with the right tools and determination.

While I enjoyed the book, I wouldn’t describe it as an edge-of-your-seat thriller. It didn’t feel like a read I couldn’t put down, but at the same time, I never struggled to pick it up again. This balance might be due to the overarching negative tone of the book, which is understandable given the topic. There were moments, particularly in the beginning, that felt slower, but such pacing issues are common in many books. Maybe I’m the problem.

This book’s style makes it highly approachable for non-technical readers. It navigates the nuances of technical concepts effectively, often framing them within first-hand accounts of law enforcement agents interacting with digital technology for the first time. However, if you’re looking for deep technical insights, this might not be the book for you. As someone with a technical background, I didn’t learn much in that regard, but I still found the stories compelling and thoroughly enjoyable.

Overall, I would recommend Tracers in the Dark to anyone interested in the intersection of technology and crime. Its engaging storytelling and accessible explanations make it a great choice for both casual readers and those with a more technical bent who are curious about the darknet’s history. While it might not leave you breathless, it will certainly leave you informed and intrigued.