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Cold Zero: Inside the FBI Hostage Rescue Team
For the first time a member of the F.B.I.Us elite Hostage Rescue Team--its most highly trained and specialized squadron that handles large-scale emergencies in the U.S.--reveals his experiences, describing in breathtaking detail the brutal training, the weapons and tactics, and the dramatic showdowns that marked many of his missions, including Ruby Ridge and Waco.
528 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 1, 2001
56 people are currently reading
510 people want to read
About the author
Christopher Whitcomb
8 books27 followersHis three books have been released by major publishers and well reviewed. You can find some details about him here:
http://www.bookreporter.com/authors/a...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
May 9, 2020
Christopher Whitcomb, who is also a fiction writer, originally went to Washington DC to be congressional speechwriter. He decided to join the FBI and eventually found his footing in the Bureau after being exiled to a satellite office in Missouri during his first year. He decided that he needed a new challenge and passed the demanding selection process for the Hostage Rescue Team.
Whitcomb’s prose is direct, sharp, and explicit regarding what he sees as well as his own impressions of the people he deals with. Whitcomb deployed with the HRT to the standoffs at Ruby Ridge and Waco (among others) and he struggles with searing memories from both incidents.
While Whitcomb generally sticks to his subject matter, he inserts stories from his childhood into the middle of his chapters which, though relevant to the author, can be a distraction for the reader.
Still, it’s a good read for those who are interested in how these types units are used.
Whitcomb’s prose is direct, sharp, and explicit regarding what he sees as well as his own impressions of the people he deals with. Whitcomb deployed with the HRT to the standoffs at Ruby Ridge and Waco (among others) and he struggles with searing memories from both incidents.
While Whitcomb generally sticks to his subject matter, he inserts stories from his childhood into the middle of his chapters which, though relevant to the author, can be a distraction for the reader.
Still, it’s a good read for those who are interested in how these types units are used.
December 25, 2024
After reading many recent ‘FBI exposure’ articles about the politicization of the Bureau, this insider’s book from 2001 is like a drink of cold water on a hot day. The author’s perspective that ‘we are the good guys’ may be colored by the fact that the FBI reviewed the book (standard request for name changes etc), but it’s not a super flattering portrayal of the bureaucracy. It is an affirmation that good organizations need good leaders.
Clearly, former Director Sessions had major issues, whether or not the ethics investigation was motivated by someone desiring to replace him. Any attorney who moves from USDC Chief Judge position to directing the FBI to representing Mogilevich the head boss of the Russian Mafia (of course with ties to Putin) doesn’t sound like a savory character.
The Ruby Ridge and Waco situations were aggravating to read about from a tactical standpoint. It’s hard not to be an armchair quarterback of these situations (the benefit of hindsight has already been highly colored by agendas), but hearing from cult leaders with silver tongues getting away with broken promises is guaranteed to undermine confidence that your leaders have a clue. That applies to the Hostage Rescue Team as well as for everyday Americans. Give us leaders with…brains, or give us death. It does not surprise me that cowards are assigned places in hell (Revelation 21:8).
Various team leaders were discussed, from the natural leaders who didn’t like the limelight to those egotists who clearly craved the perks of authority. I wish comeuppance came sooner.
The writing style is humor mixed with realism. The scene with the woman who claims alien abduction is amusing, heightened by the author’s self-confessed blue fire of ambition slightly dimming at the realization that newbie status came with interviewing complete nut jobs in a professional manner. And getting rid of them as fast as possible.
Good plane fare, or Saturday afternoon reading. In a comfy chair. Recognizing that the common American’s ability to nap in the comfy chair in a relatively safe house, rather than waking up from dreams about bones underfoot, is due to others’ ability to take vows and take risks. Thank God for brave men (and women) keeping us safe, despite the politicians.
Clearly, former Director Sessions had major issues, whether or not the ethics investigation was motivated by someone desiring to replace him. Any attorney who moves from USDC Chief Judge position to directing the FBI to representing Mogilevich the head boss of the Russian Mafia (of course with ties to Putin) doesn’t sound like a savory character.
The Ruby Ridge and Waco situations were aggravating to read about from a tactical standpoint. It’s hard not to be an armchair quarterback of these situations (the benefit of hindsight has already been highly colored by agendas), but hearing from cult leaders with silver tongues getting away with broken promises is guaranteed to undermine confidence that your leaders have a clue. That applies to the Hostage Rescue Team as well as for everyday Americans. Give us leaders with…brains, or give us death. It does not surprise me that cowards are assigned places in hell (Revelation 21:8).
Various team leaders were discussed, from the natural leaders who didn’t like the limelight to those egotists who clearly craved the perks of authority. I wish comeuppance came sooner.
The writing style is humor mixed with realism. The scene with the woman who claims alien abduction is amusing, heightened by the author’s self-confessed blue fire of ambition slightly dimming at the realization that newbie status came with interviewing complete nut jobs in a professional manner. And getting rid of them as fast as possible.
Good plane fare, or Saturday afternoon reading. In a comfy chair. Recognizing that the common American’s ability to nap in the comfy chair in a relatively safe house, rather than waking up from dreams about bones underfoot, is due to others’ ability to take vows and take risks. Thank God for brave men (and women) keeping us safe, despite the politicians.
Read
May 7, 2013The book that I will be reviewing is the popular New York Times bestseller is cold
zero.
This was written by an author that I had never heard of his name is Christopher Whitcomb but this was his first book and was a great success. I’ll start by writing a little about the author Chris Whitcomb is a 15 year veteran of the F.B.I, serves in the critical incident response group’s tactical intelligence unit. In this role he oversees FBI intelligence gathering and information management operations during weapons-of-mass-destruction attacks, terrorist threats, and excotic cirminal cases, thats what Chris Whitcomb is about. Then many years later he was to write a book called Cold Zero. This book explains his journey from being a speechwriter for government officials. Then he was noticed by a FBI agent which was friends with the officials Chris was writing for then with Chris having so many connections with the government he was noticed by an FBI agent and was asked if he would consider trying to join the bureau, so he was very surprised because he wanted to be an agent for as long as he could remember. So he acquired a application and sent it in, then weeks later he received a letter saying that he needed to go to the FBI’s new applicant building in D.C, so he went and there he took a test that would determine if he was to move on to the interview process. Well he to the test and passed with flying colors. A few weeks later he received another letter saying that he had a interview scheduled the next week, so he went to the new applicant building again and had his interview with two special agents which he said that “you could cut the tension with a knife”. The interview went good. So once again he receives a letter saying that he will sent to Quantico, Virginia. So he went then he was there for his basic training for four weeks he returned to D.C for his job as a special agent, for many years he worked as an agent then he was offered a position on the very elite hostage rescue team he accepted almost instantly, so he went to training for that and how he described as, “the most physically demanding thing he ever did”. after that he spent the rest of his early years at the FBI scaling the higher position ladder and how he got to the place where he is at now.
zero.
This was written by an author that I had never heard of his name is Christopher Whitcomb but this was his first book and was a great success. I’ll start by writing a little about the author Chris Whitcomb is a 15 year veteran of the F.B.I, serves in the critical incident response group’s tactical intelligence unit. In this role he oversees FBI intelligence gathering and information management operations during weapons-of-mass-destruction attacks, terrorist threats, and excotic cirminal cases, thats what Chris Whitcomb is about. Then many years later he was to write a book called Cold Zero. This book explains his journey from being a speechwriter for government officials. Then he was noticed by a FBI agent which was friends with the officials Chris was writing for then with Chris having so many connections with the government he was noticed by an FBI agent and was asked if he would consider trying to join the bureau, so he was very surprised because he wanted to be an agent for as long as he could remember. So he acquired a application and sent it in, then weeks later he received a letter saying that he needed to go to the FBI’s new applicant building in D.C, so he went and there he took a test that would determine if he was to move on to the interview process. Well he to the test and passed with flying colors. A few weeks later he received another letter saying that he had a interview scheduled the next week, so he went to the new applicant building again and had his interview with two special agents which he said that “you could cut the tension with a knife”. The interview went good. So once again he receives a letter saying that he will sent to Quantico, Virginia. So he went then he was there for his basic training for four weeks he returned to D.C for his job as a special agent, for many years he worked as an agent then he was offered a position on the very elite hostage rescue team he accepted almost instantly, so he went to training for that and how he described as, “the most physically demanding thing he ever did”. after that he spent the rest of his early years at the FBI scaling the higher position ladder and how he got to the place where he is at now.
November 4, 2020
I grabbed this not really thinking about what it was about. Just going by the cover and thinking it was a piece of fiction. Reading through it I was pleasantly surprised at how it was laid out and written. It gives a very good, first-hand account of one person's rise through the ranks in the FBI. The author is able to convey not only the personal stresses and rigors of his job but also the effect it had on his family and friends, leaving you with a better understanding of the HUMAN side of holding a position like his.
July 29, 2019
Whitcomb's biography of life as an FBI agent is well-written and engaging. He is confident in his abilities, also evidenced by the successes of his career, and provides a, I presume, lightly filtered account the challenges of being an agent
There are two missed opportunities in Whitcomb's narrative. The most glaring is the disconnect between his contempt for the political process during Ruby Ridge and Waco and his appreciation for the ability of CIRG to professionally manage crisis. As a participant in Ruby Ridge and Waco and an early member of CIRG, Whitcomb was in a position to walk the reader through the failures of the FBI in the earlier events, even if the failures of the political leaders and media to accurately apprise the situation may or may not have been worse, and how those weaknesses were overcome later on with CIRG.
Another flaw of this book is Whitcomb's struggle to find a balance between being humble and arrogant and between being over-confident versus humbly taking credit for his career accomplishments. For the most part, he finds a good balance between these qualities. Whitcomb owns up to some mistakes, but not as many as one suspects a junior agent makes early in their career. However, he also betrays a lack of confidence in his ability to make HRT, but seems to have certainly put in enough effort to easily make the cut over other highly qualified candidates.
Whitcomb also betrays a lack of confidence following Waco that seems out of character with the type of person who makes it through selection for HRT. As morale in HRT plummets and Whitcomb wrestles with his personal feelings, he seems to lack confidence in the reasons why he joined the FBI and HRT.
I listened to an abridged version of this book, so perhaps the full book covers some of these gaps. Overall, this book will appeal to prospective FBI agents and others interested in a candid take on the organization.
There are two missed opportunities in Whitcomb's narrative. The most glaring is the disconnect between his contempt for the political process during Ruby Ridge and Waco and his appreciation for the ability of CIRG to professionally manage crisis. As a participant in Ruby Ridge and Waco and an early member of CIRG, Whitcomb was in a position to walk the reader through the failures of the FBI in the earlier events, even if the failures of the political leaders and media to accurately apprise the situation may or may not have been worse, and how those weaknesses were overcome later on with CIRG.
Another flaw of this book is Whitcomb's struggle to find a balance between being humble and arrogant and between being over-confident versus humbly taking credit for his career accomplishments. For the most part, he finds a good balance between these qualities. Whitcomb owns up to some mistakes, but not as many as one suspects a junior agent makes early in their career. However, he also betrays a lack of confidence in his ability to make HRT, but seems to have certainly put in enough effort to easily make the cut over other highly qualified candidates.
Whitcomb also betrays a lack of confidence following Waco that seems out of character with the type of person who makes it through selection for HRT. As morale in HRT plummets and Whitcomb wrestles with his personal feelings, he seems to lack confidence in the reasons why he joined the FBI and HRT.
I listened to an abridged version of this book, so perhaps the full book covers some of these gaps. Overall, this book will appeal to prospective FBI agents and others interested in a candid take on the organization.
November 27, 2024
Good description of a remarkable career
I first heard about this book via an interview with the author on the radio a few years ago; its description was intriguing, and I was pleased when I finally picked up a second hand copy on Amazon. Reading it, I thought he gave a good account of his motivation for joining the FBI and (eventually) the HRT; his description of the gruelling training process was particularly compelling. Inevitably, most of the space is devoted to his time at Ruby Ridge and Waco, but he also describes other cases with a nice eye for detail. His writing is good, although I thought his prose became somewhat lumpen towards the end (some paragraphs are so laden with abbreviations they read like an internal report). Ironically, the book ends with an optimistic description of the response to a terrorist incident in New York City - just a few months before September 11.
Originally reviewed 15 May 2006
I first heard about this book via an interview with the author on the radio a few years ago; its description was intriguing, and I was pleased when I finally picked up a second hand copy on Amazon. Reading it, I thought he gave a good account of his motivation for joining the FBI and (eventually) the HRT; his description of the gruelling training process was particularly compelling. Inevitably, most of the space is devoted to his time at Ruby Ridge and Waco, but he also describes other cases with a nice eye for detail. His writing is good, although I thought his prose became somewhat lumpen towards the end (some paragraphs are so laden with abbreviations they read like an internal report). Ironically, the book ends with an optimistic description of the response to a terrorist incident in New York City - just a few months before September 11.
Originally reviewed 15 May 2006
December 6, 2024
Purchased this book at my local used bookstore. I found it to be an honest assessment from the viewpoint of the agent. Although the book is almost 25 years old, Ruby Ridge and Waco still loom large. Some of the things he painted Randy Weaver as are not, were not and never will be true. I believe he was correct about David Koresh and his apocalyptic death cult. I don’t agree with everything the author says on all topic. Most of the time if I disagree we could be in the same ballpark and probably find some common ground. However I believe he provided his perspective with candour and clarity of how he sees it all. Certainly some insights into the inner workings of the FBI up to that point that aren’t widely known. The only drawback is the liberal use of imagery and metaphors. It was for me too dramatic at times and tedious. Aside from that the book didn’t disappoint.
November 16, 2020
I found Cold Zero: Inside the FBI Hostage Rescue Team by Christopher Whitcomb when I was browsing a used bookstore in my hometown. It was only 50 cents so I said why not. I only read the first 100 pages and decided it was time to DNF the book. The book was well written and Chris described circumstances very well. However, I think it came down to personal preference. I just found the book to be boring. I thought it would be a very interesting tale about the FBI but I found it rather dull and slow. Some circumstances I feel shouldn't have been described as much as they were. But, that's just me. Most of the reviews on here were positive so I believe I just didn't find the topic of the book interesting enough.
October 3, 2020
Mr. Whitcomb's description of life in the FBI prior to HRT seems idyllic--more like propaganda--compared to the bureaucratic blockades of other books from Special Agents. This may reflect the decade in which he served, prior to HRT. Upon further reflection, it could be the experience of those who perform at the highest levels--those who are the best of the best. The complaints of those who fail various selections or fail to advance in a military or government position can overshadow the intransigent voice of the victors.
February 25, 2018
A Terrific Experience
Lucky to have a well-educated former English major student as the protagonist. This is a real-life adventure. And I feel relieved that you didn’t take the shot.
Lucky to have a well-educated former English major student as the protagonist. This is a real-life adventure. And I feel relieved that you didn’t take the shot.
April 12, 2021
A somewhat routine thriller about a kidnapped first lady of the USA. Readable, but not very mysterious and some threads which are introduced during the story are never followed up on or resolved before the book ends. Lots of mayhem and bodies.
December 10, 2023
I loved this book! I don't read much non-fiction, but if I was going to read one, this was the perfect choice. Interesting, fast paced, and extremely well written. Can't wait to check out his fiction books.
November 16, 2017
Terrific Read
Easy page turner and Whitcomb puts you into the action. It feels like he is whispering into your ear as you walk into one harrying situation after another.
Easy page turner and Whitcomb puts you into the action. It feels like he is whispering into your ear as you walk into one harrying situation after another.
March 26, 2020
I could not put this book down, which is rarely true for me. I found the material fascinating and the prose outstanding.
February 23, 2022
Well written look at the FBI as it matured in a pre-911 time. Thanks to the author for opening up and sharing his thoughts
October 11, 2023
Traditional military style biography with fewer than average stories (about 3 discussed in detail).
May 12, 2010
This close-up look at the FBI's most elite unit by a 15-year veteran including firsthand accounts of actions at Waco and Ruby Ridge is alternately funny, exciting and disturbing.
With his liberal arts background and experience as a D.C. speechwriter, Whitcomb was an unusual candidate for special agent. Currently director of information management for the Bureau's Critical Incident Response Group, he recounts his 1980s epiphany, following a State of the Union address, that he wanted to help preserve American democracy; he chose the FBI as his medium. He details the tricky, competitive process of becoming an agent, and humorously recalls how, as a cocky, ambitious FNG ("fucking new guy"), he clashed with his conservative superiors, yet soon valued their expertise as he chased an assortment of fugitives, bank robbers and kidnappers from a rural Missouri field office.
He details these cases and his own growing expertise, then depicts with gallows humor the "physical and emotional hell" of applying to join the Hostage Rescue Team's (HRT). He succeeded and became a sniper, and offers excellent insight into the science and mindset of this rarefied killing art.
In skillful prose, Whitcomb upholds the FBI's party line. Alongside sharp observations of the rituals and absurdities of federal law enforcement, he fiercely espouses an unreconstructed "thin blue line" philosophy whereby he perceives figures such as David Koresh and Randy Weaver simply as evil men and incompletely addresses civic disillusionment with the Bureau following Waco, Ruby Ridge and the FBI crime lab scandals. Still, Whitcomb ably portrays conflicts between the agency's factions Washington bureaucrats, profilers and negotiators, and the gung-ho HRT during these major crises. This valuable book makes a compelling read for armchair G-men everywhere.
Forecast: There's always a market for insider FBI stories, and Whitcomb's involvement in the controversial Ruby Ridge and Waco incidents gives this one extra currency.
With his liberal arts background and experience as a D.C. speechwriter, Whitcomb was an unusual candidate for special agent. Currently director of information management for the Bureau's Critical Incident Response Group, he recounts his 1980s epiphany, following a State of the Union address, that he wanted to help preserve American democracy; he chose the FBI as his medium. He details the tricky, competitive process of becoming an agent, and humorously recalls how, as a cocky, ambitious FNG ("fucking new guy"), he clashed with his conservative superiors, yet soon valued their expertise as he chased an assortment of fugitives, bank robbers and kidnappers from a rural Missouri field office.
He details these cases and his own growing expertise, then depicts with gallows humor the "physical and emotional hell" of applying to join the Hostage Rescue Team's (HRT). He succeeded and became a sniper, and offers excellent insight into the science and mindset of this rarefied killing art.
In skillful prose, Whitcomb upholds the FBI's party line. Alongside sharp observations of the rituals and absurdities of federal law enforcement, he fiercely espouses an unreconstructed "thin blue line" philosophy whereby he perceives figures such as David Koresh and Randy Weaver simply as evil men and incompletely addresses civic disillusionment with the Bureau following Waco, Ruby Ridge and the FBI crime lab scandals. Still, Whitcomb ably portrays conflicts between the agency's factions Washington bureaucrats, profilers and negotiators, and the gung-ho HRT during these major crises. This valuable book makes a compelling read for armchair G-men everywhere.
Forecast: There's always a market for insider FBI stories, and Whitcomb's involvement in the controversial Ruby Ridge and Waco incidents gives this one extra currency.
October 29, 2012
Cold Zero
The book that I read was cold zero by Christopher Whitecomb and it is about an FBI agent who goes through training and how it affected his home life and all of the hardships that he had to go though in moving his family around and how his training was. Also Whitecomb tells us about how he had to go through training and he tried to win shooting competitions and how the FBI is so particular in everything that they do. I would probably rate this book a four out of ten because it wasn’t very interesting to me.
The book was mainly about how he was an FBI agent and was involved in ruby ridge and even Waco. Whitecomb tells us about working with the families in the cases he had to deal with like in one he had to talk to the subject’s wife as she was a nark and how crazy some of the families really were. Whitecomb tells us about how he is a sniper and how he is pretty much a spy and has to learn everything about his subjects and has to learn their whole schedule. I like how Whitecomb uses his writing style by being very descriptive and he really knew what he was talking about. Whitecomb used very descriptive words like ragged and lean. When I read cold zero I did not like how the author sometimes went into so much detail that the description just kept dragging on and on when I just wanted to get to the action. I did not like the books content because it took a long time to get to the interesting parts and I loved the books theme because it was very exciting yet he made it sound kind of James bond where its just business. I personally think that this book is good for people that like more informational books because this book just bored me out of my mind. I do not recommend this book but if you like the FBI and you want to find out different procedures that they use and what the job is all about.
The book that I read was cold zero by Christopher Whitecomb and it is about an FBI agent who goes through training and how it affected his home life and all of the hardships that he had to go though in moving his family around and how his training was. Also Whitecomb tells us about how he had to go through training and he tried to win shooting competitions and how the FBI is so particular in everything that they do. I would probably rate this book a four out of ten because it wasn’t very interesting to me.
The book was mainly about how he was an FBI agent and was involved in ruby ridge and even Waco. Whitecomb tells us about working with the families in the cases he had to deal with like in one he had to talk to the subject’s wife as she was a nark and how crazy some of the families really were. Whitecomb tells us about how he is a sniper and how he is pretty much a spy and has to learn everything about his subjects and has to learn their whole schedule. I like how Whitecomb uses his writing style by being very descriptive and he really knew what he was talking about. Whitecomb used very descriptive words like ragged and lean. When I read cold zero I did not like how the author sometimes went into so much detail that the description just kept dragging on and on when I just wanted to get to the action. I did not like the books content because it took a long time to get to the interesting parts and I loved the books theme because it was very exciting yet he made it sound kind of James bond where its just business. I personally think that this book is good for people that like more informational books because this book just bored me out of my mind. I do not recommend this book but if you like the FBI and you want to find out different procedures that they use and what the job is all about.
July 11, 2015
I really enjoyed this. Mr. Whitcomb writes well. I'm always a little leery going into autobiographical stories, because the quality of the writing varies so much, but I can guarantee that isn't a problem with this one. (He does have a degree in English, and spend part of his career as a writer.)
I think my favorite part about this books was Mr. Whitcomb's ability to let the reader see the wide variety of people that join the FBI, and to portray the personalities involved. There's a certain degree of arrogance in the narrative, but it's not offensive--it's the kind of arrogance that comes with the territory of doing a job that not many people can do, and doing it well. I was worried for a while at the beginning that he would become the star of the book, always swooping in to save the day, but he's very even-handed with the spotlight.
I learned an incredible amount in this book, and enjoyed every moment of it immensely. Definitely recommend this if you're doing research on the FBI, or just want a snapping good read.
I think my favorite part about this books was Mr. Whitcomb's ability to let the reader see the wide variety of people that join the FBI, and to portray the personalities involved. There's a certain degree of arrogance in the narrative, but it's not offensive--it's the kind of arrogance that comes with the territory of doing a job that not many people can do, and doing it well. I was worried for a while at the beginning that he would become the star of the book, always swooping in to save the day, but he's very even-handed with the spotlight.
I learned an incredible amount in this book, and enjoyed every moment of it immensely. Definitely recommend this if you're doing research on the FBI, or just want a snapping good read.
October 27, 2010
In this sort-of memoir Whitcomb tells many stories from a ground-level perspective, relating details of day-to-day life in the FBI's elite Hostage Rescue Team. He was on-site for both the Ruby Ridge and Waco stand-offs in the 1990s and provides an interesting view into those events, though I wish he gave more context and analysis of what were major law enforcement egagements. In some ways it's understandable that he talks mostly about what he saw directly at the time. However, as the book continues and he rises to an important position in the effort to coordinate the work of the FBI with other agencies, it feels like Whitcomb is telling a somewhat narrow story of both the FBI and his own life. It doesn't seem white-washed, but I found myself repeatedly longing for further details or context for his anecdotes.
February 9, 2013
Good book that will not only teach you some things about the FBI HRT but also give some insights on the author's own life, his personal issues in serving with the FBI and the morality of doorkicking LEO in the civilian world.
Unfortunately much of the book is spent by the author in waiting for things to happen, related to very important cases such as Ruby Ridge or Waco... interesting and relevant for the issues outlined above and the transformations applied to the FBI afterwards ... but frustrating for someone looking to read more on actual Counter Terrorism ops.
It's definitely a boots on the ground experience, but this means you will share the author's frustration, and came out wishing he could share more of cases that haven't made the news.
Unfortunately much of the book is spent by the author in waiting for things to happen, related to very important cases such as Ruby Ridge or Waco... interesting and relevant for the issues outlined above and the transformations applied to the FBI afterwards ... but frustrating for someone looking to read more on actual Counter Terrorism ops.
It's definitely a boots on the ground experience, but this means you will share the author's frustration, and came out wishing he could share more of cases that haven't made the news.
April 10, 2013
Whitcomb is not your traditional FBI lawyer type. He came from an English literature background and was a Congressional speech writer before he joined the bureau. However, after working a short time in Missouri as a field agent, he was selected for duty on HRT. He participated in Ruby Ridge and Waco among other missions. The book has some introspective qualities but it also has curse words and feels realistic. While all FBI books must be pre-approved by HQ, this one does manage to speak in some negative terms about the bureau and its follow up to Waco. I thought the perspective was interesting and for anyone who has an interest in LE you’ll like this book.
July 17, 2007
I enjoy a good thriller as much as the next airport reader, but sometimes one craves a bit of truth in their diet. Two books dealing with special operations and clandestine operatives stand out. For those interested in the life, both books cover the recruiting and training aspects, as well as some of the actual operations.
Cold Zero is written by a former FBI sniper that was part of their elite Hostage Rescue Team. By Way of Deception provides a some what scary depiction of the inside workings of the Mossad.
Cold Zero is written by a former FBI sniper that was part of their elite Hostage Rescue Team. By Way of Deception provides a some what scary depiction of the inside workings of the Mossad.
October 13, 2014
A disappointment after making promises to be a first-person account of thrilling FBI sniper missions. The first half of the book was just about engaging with its descriptions of the tough training required to make it to FBI's elite units. After that, the missions Whitcomb described were just plain dull and dreary. His philosophical musings make for more entertaining reading than his missions and it wasn't supposed to be that way. I am sure there are better books of this sort out there and I am going to find them. Whitcomb has written more books after this one but I am not interested.
October 13, 2011
This book is enlightening as to some of the training involved in becoming and being a member of the FBI and the personal character and physical stamina of the agents. The field of law enforcment demands many sacrifices, and it takes a special person indeed to perform the duties with honesty, integrity, and commitment. The author is obviously proud of his service and achievements during his career.
October 31, 2012
This was a good book.The theme of the book was justice.In this book the author moved from state to state arresting bad guys.From rapist to drug lords he shot hand cuffed and killed some of the worst people alive.Him and his team do it all and I really enjoyed reading it.The author was telling the readers about what it was like to be in the FBI.I think males would enjoy it over females.It was very long.
July 2, 2013
Definitely not jam-packed with what you'd expect: covert missions and hostage rescue attempts. There was a lot of detail - almost too much - but before you'd get to where you thought the action would be described, the chapter was ended and there would be a new story started. Compared to other books of this genre, I felt that's where it was lacking. However, this book does provide some great FBI insights if you're not looking for non-stop action.
December 16, 2015
I literally couldn't put it down. A man who made determined choices to succeed and have a better life and serve his country, and he accomplished all of it. He took part in important hostage-raid situations in Ruby Ridge and Waco with the Davidians. I was working for Congress the day that attack went down and I remember it well. Written with heart. Written pragmatically. You finish feeling you really know what these men go through to perform their duties.
October 29, 2011
An interesting outline of the author's experiences of some of the major events in the last twenty years of the FBI's history. Many of the experiences were either comical or enlightening in some form. Great book for thisee who have an interest in major actions of law enforcement, however the last fifty pages did get a little dry.
August 16, 2015
This is the history of the FBI's Hostage Rescue Team (HRT). I read it during another time when I was testing for another tactical team, and found it full of insights regarding the requirements, training, and mindset of Operators.
This books a great look into the team that sets the bar for all local Police tactical teams.
This books a great look into the team that sets the bar for all local Police tactical teams.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews