Rating: 
Summary: okay but not great
Review: 1. first book of its kind, provided an interesting view into culture of FBI HRT2. author's prose is a little irritating; he obviously has a very high opinion of himself and tends to use overly dramatic wording for events that are dramatic enough already 3. book does not gloss over Ruby Ridge or Waco but does not spend enough time on either of those incidents; it's been eight years now and there still isn't an objective book about Waco (just a bunch of anti-government propaganda and a few quicky books). 4. author states that all of the names have been changed and descriptions of techniques have been altered to protect privacy and FBI tradecraft; this raises questions about how much is fiction versus fact 5. author carries out principal discussed in item 4 to ludicrous degrees by not naming the FBI agent who shot Randy Weaver's wife to death. C'mon! it's a matter of public record that the agent in question is Lon Horiuchi (by the way, I believe that Weaver and the FBI share equal blame for what happened up there and that Horiuchi does not deserve to be punished if his superiors aren't). 6. book suffers from lack of pictures and diagrams (would have helped to explain Ruby Ridge and Waco better). 7. I'd recommend buying this book as used or checking it out from the library.
Rating: 
Summary: Cold Zero
Review: A candid and inspiring insight into the author's different positions in the FBI. Christopher clearly identifies the leadership issues that led to Ruby Ridge and Waco, but more importantly outlines the rigorous training regimen in his unit that should make us all sleep easier at night. I can't recommend this enough to those already fascinated with the machinations of law enforcement. For those who like a well written story, this is absolutely the best way to get your wife agitated when you don't turn the lights out. I would genuinely like to meet this man, he's an example of the highest caliber citizen we have.
Rating:
Summary: Great read from an articulate FBI insider
Review: This book surpassed all of my expectations. I did not expect to get such vivid description and eloquent writing when i opened this book to read. That the author was a political speechwriter before becoming an FBI agent explains the excellent wording throughout the novel. The author is crisp, funny, and intriguing as he describes his time in the FBI's elite unit. This book is definitely a must-read for anyone who aspires to be an FBI agent and is interested in special forces-type literature.
Rating: 
Summary: An interesting insight
Review: Well, I'm a Brit so I found this an intersting view of a bit of the FBI we do not often hear of. This is an account of the training and the attitudes of the Hostage Rescue Team and then a glimpse into some real life situations. Okay it is a little gung ho and patriotic but this is the sort of job where those are key requirements. It is much like many of the SAS 'I was there' books but it is well written and there is no harm in that!
Bottom line is that I enjoyed it and you should sleep safer in your beds knowing that people like Mr Whitcomb are out there.
By the way, for a British equivalent book, try The Good Guys Wear Black by Steven Collins.
Rating:
Summary: Inside the mind of the FBI.
Review: I was captivated with high profile stories that all of us have read about and seen in the news in years past, and the ones that many of us may not have heard. I was sickened at the depths that the criminal element can sink to, and saddened at the toll that it takes upon the men and women in the FBI who have willingly protected us from the sick side of society. And I was angered at the ignorance of those of us who have harshly criticized, not knowing the whole story. But through the criticism and the mistakes, the agency has evolved into a more formidable and discerning tool for justice. My thirst for the technical, scientific, psychological and suspenseful was satisfied. I admired Whitcomb's writing. He is outspoken and courageous in expressing his feelings. This well-spoken man framed vivid detail with tact and sensitivity. From the ripping pain of training school; lying on the cold, hard ground staring through a sniper's scope for days on end to learning how to control the adrenaline flow and breathing so a shot can executed perfectly, to the haunting echoes of David Koresh's voice over a loud speaker, attempting to beguile the world with his craziness. Find out for yourself what "ordinary people...with an extraordinary calling" do.
Rating:
Summary: A good source of excuses and apologia for FBI mistakes
Review: Christopher Whitcomb is the self-admitted propaganda officer for
the Critical Incident Response Group - and this book is a major
piece of their efforts at public persuasion. It is well written,
but the reader should keep in mind that Chris needs to play
the "good guy" and is unwilling, or unable, to admit his
employer's continuing flaws. To read his telling, the FBI has
been completely revamped and no longer has a heavy hand in
repressing legitimate dissent in this country, (or Puerto Rico). I think 1,300 detained muslim men might argue with that notion. [...]
Rating: 
Summary: couldn't finish it
Review: It seemed like an interesting topic, but I couldn't get over the cheeseball writing. I could write a long review, but I figure repeating the first line would be enough... "Life looks different through the eyes of a sniper scope" nuff said. I am definitely the wrong target for this book
Rating:
Summary: Wish I could meet this fascinating man
Review: An amazing book by an adrenalin-junkie warrior with empathy, idealism, a deep desire to protect his country, a degree in English and no small writing talent. His account is passionate and rich in detail. Lots of good weapons and tactics information. Great profiles of the other agents. Fascinating chapter near the end on interview/interrogation techniques, with techniques for reading people. My only mistake was getting this book at the library, so I have to return it.
Rating:
Summary: Very Good Expose on One Agent's Career
Review: I picked this book on a whim and was delightfully surprised. This book is very well written and takes the reader through the eyes of Special Agent Whitcomb as he progresses through his career at the FBI. While most autobiographies are boring this one is not. Special Agent Whitcomb definately has the ability to tell a story. The book progresses through most of the major events (ruby ridge, waco, etc.) of the FBI over the last decade and gives the reader a look at events through an agent who was actually at these events rather than an outsider's view. This book also gives a person a rare look at the life of an FBI agent. If anyone is considering a career with the FBI or is interested in the FBI this is a must read.
Rating:
Summary: An excellent book from a 'real' point of view
Review: I could not put this book down. I am facinated with military and anti-terrorist groups and was so excited when I heard about this book. This book was from a point of view of a real agent. You saw the life of a HRT operative through his eyes. It wasn't glamourized or over dramatized like you see on tv. Whitcomb also as a lot of personality. You see that he has real fears and real concerns about the world and also a sense of humor through all of it. It is refreshing to see someone as passionate about serving the people and doing what is right. I congragulate Whitcomb on a wonderful book and look forward to his next one in early 2002.
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