Synopsis
"Above Suspicion: An Undercover FBI Agent, an Illicit Affair, and a Murder of Passion" by Joe Sharkey is a gripping true-crime narrative that delves into the shocking story of Mark Putnam, an ambitious FBI agent whose career took a dark and deadly turn. The book chronicles Putnam's involvement with Susan Smith, a troubled informant in the rural town of Pikeville, Kentucky, whose relationship with Putnam evolved from a professional alliance into a complex and illicit affair.
Mark Putnam, driven by his desire to make a name for himself in the FBI, moved to Pikeville with his wife, Kathy. Assigned to investigate a bank robbery, Putnam enlisted the help of Susan Smith, a local woman with a checkered past and a connection to the criminal underworld. As Putnam and Smith worked closely together, their relationship grew increasingly personal and eventually crossed professional boundaries. The affair became a clandestine yet consuming element of their lives.
As their relationship spiraled out of control, the emotional and psychological pressures on both Putnam and Smith intensified. Smith, who had harbored hopes of a future with Putnam, found herself trapped in a web of deception and desperation. The situation reached a tragic climax in 1989 when Smith threatened to expose their affair, leading to a fatal confrontation. Putnam, in a moment of panic and rage, strangled Smith, ultimately disposing of her body in a remote area.
The murder investigation that followed revealed the depth of Putnam's duplicity and the extent of his betrayal of both the FBI and his own moral compass. The case shook the FBI to its core, raising questions about the integrity and vulnerability of its agents. Putnam's subsequent confession and conviction for manslaughter marked a dramatic fall from grace for the once-promising agent.
Joe Sharkey's "Above Suspicion" offers a meticulous and nuanced exploration of this tragic tale, providing insights into the personal and professional dynamics that led to such a devastating outcome. Sharkey paints a vivid picture of the individuals involved, the Appalachian setting, and the broader implications of the case, making it a compelling read for those interested in true crime and the complexities of human behavior under extraordinary circumstances.