Mass spectrometry has long served as an invaluable tool for detection of type and concentration of chemicals present in carefully prepared laboratory samples. Ambient ionization has emerged as one of the hottest and fastest growing topics in mass spectrometry, enabling sample analysis with minimal sample preparation. Marek Domin, director of the Mass Spectrometry Center in Boston College’s Chemistry Department, has co-edited a book on this topic.  Ambient Ionization Mass Spectrometry (Royal Society of Chemistry, 2014) is the first book to offer a comprehensive, unique treatise devoted to the subject. Written by leaders and practitioners in the field, it serves as an excellent gateway to understanding the benefits and uses of this new technology — which has applications in fields ranging from biomedical, food safety and pollution to criminal analysis and national security and beyond. Domin was interviewed by BC Libraries about the book.