As the pages of history turn, we find ourselves reflecting on a remarkable milestone—the 30th Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, the largest book festival in the United States, held on April 26-27, 2025. Set against the stunning backdrop of the University of Southern California campus, this annual celebration of literature brought together thousands of book lovers, authors, and industry professionals for a weekend brimming with literary magic.
Attracting around 150,000 attendees from Southern California and beyond, the festival was a testament to the enduring appeal of literature and the community it fosters. Each event, each conversation, and each shared moment contributed to a rich tapestry of experiences that celebrated the diverse voices and stories that shape our world.
This year, Citi of Books was thrilled to be part of this vibrant gathering, where the love for literature was palpable in the air. Whether you were a lifelong bibliophile or a curious newcomer exploring the world of books, the festival provided a unique opportunity to connect with fellow enthusiasts and share our passion for the written word.
As we look back on this unforgettable weekend, we invite you to join us in reliving the highlights of Citi of Books’ gallery during the 30th Los Angeles Times Festival of Books—a true celebration of the literary arts! A book included in the gallery was “Chasing Shadows: Terrorists, Gangsters and Bankers and the Al Capone Method The FBI in a Post 9/11 World” by Peter W. Ashooh.
Peter W. Ashooh, a retired FBI Special Agent, first joined the FBI in 1979 after graduation from the College of William and Mary. He served as a firearms instructor, defensive tactics instructor, and tactical instructor for over twenty years. Ashooh acted as the undercover agent in more than twenty separate undercover operations. He trained in martial arts for over 50 years and achieved black belts in multiple styles, currently holding a ninth-degree black belt in Isshin-Ryu style of Okinawa karate, weapons, and jujitsu. He currently teaches classes several evenings per week in Virginia, where he lives with his wife, Wini.
In “Chasing Shadows,” focuses on the journey the FBI, offering a detailed account of how the agency evolved in response to terrorism and organized crime after the events of September 11, 2001. Ashooh’s narrative spans his entire career, beginning in 1979 when he joined the FBI, influenced by a family legacy and a desire to serve in law enforcement. His early years involved undercover operations and organizing crime investigations, including working with Confidential Human Sources (CHSs) and employing sensitive investigative techniques such as wiretaps.
Ashooh’s work was central to major investigations of the Mafia and the emerging threat of Middle Eastern criminal enterprises, which became a significant focus after 9/11. His story details his assignments in New Orleans, Newark, and northern New Jersey, where he successfully contributed to over 90 convictions, many linked to organized crime syndicates like the La Cosa Nostra. He describes the collaborative efforts with other law enforcement agencies, like local police departments and the IRS, which were essential for the success of these complex investigations. Ashooh’s expertise in undercover operations and tactical training also allowed him to take on additional roles, including a firearms instructor and a SWAT operator.
The book also addresses the cultural and organizational shifts within the FBI after the 9/11 attacks. Ashooh details the pressure placed on the FBI to prevent future attacks while navigating the delicate balance between preventing terrorism and safeguarding civil liberties. He emphasizes the challenges of dealing with terrorist networks and their links to financial institutions, noting that the most effective strategies often involved targeting the day-to-day criminal activities of these groups. Human sources, undercover operations, and wiretaps became essential tools for gathering intelligence and building cases without falling into the traps of entrapment or confirmation bias.
Peter W. Ashooh concludes “Chasing Shadows: Terrorists, Gangsters and Bankers and the Al Capone Method The FBI in a Post 9/11 World” by reflecting on the changes within the FBI over the decades, including the challenges it faced in maintaining its integrity during periods of internal turmoil. Despite these challenges, he remains proud of his colleagues and the work the agency continues to do in combating cybercrime, child exploitation, and terrorism. His book is not only a tribute to the men and women of the FBI but also a call to return to the agency’s roots as a non-political, impartial law enforcement organization. Ashooh’s deep respect for his former colleagues is evident throughout, and he expresses confidence that the FBI will overcome its current difficulties and continue to protect the American people.
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