Bullet Riddled

By: Grant Whitus, Thom Vines

Narrated by: J. Scott Bennett

Length: 5 hrs and 12 mins

Publisher's Summary

Grant Whitus joined the Colorado SWAT in 1992. His 17 year career was one of constant headlines. Among leading countless drug raids and hostage situations, he was on the front lines of the Columbine Massacre, the Platte County Tragedy, the Albert Petrosky shooting, and the Granby tank rampage.

Speaking for the first time, Whitus gives the unvarnished truth of those, and many other, major SWAT operations. Now retired, he opens up about his time behind the shield. Bullet Riddled is the full unabridged disclosure of what happened during his storied career; including the brutal morning of the Columbine Massacre. More than just a retelling, Bullet Riddled is an in-depth look at the day-to-day of SWAT and focuses on the men and women who inherit so much pain to keep us safe.

Nowhere is this more apparent than in the aftermath of the Columbine tragedy. The following days saw major changes within SWAT: Men cracked, leaders folded and the entire country demanded changes. But these changes, like all reforms, met with stiff resistance from the old guard. Friendships turned into rivals and the infrastructure of SWAT began to unravel. As resignations piled up, Grant rebuilt the entire team from hand-selected recruits. He finally had his elite team, one that would face new demons and disorders.

©2016 Waldorf Publishing (P)2016 Waldorf Publishing

First Responder

Any additional comments?

This book tells the story of a member and leader of an elite SWAT team. The writer is frank, arrogant, foul-mouthed, and often offensive. He's probably not someone most of us would like to have as a friend, but he's sure someone we'd like to have coming to the rescue if we were in trouble. I am really thankful for first responders.

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Real life drama and the effects

Where does Bullet Riddled rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Bullet Riddled brings you face to face with realities of law enforcement, and especially SWAT. Grant Whitus comes across as totally believable and sincere. If this type of genre is of interest, I highly recommend.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Bullet Riddled?

The Columbine ordeal is interesting. However, the activity was pretty much over when SWAT entered the building. The stories of SWAT involved in active shooter crimes were most interesting and intense. The clear descriptions of what happened throughout the horrendous ordeals can't help to add to your respect of law enforcement.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

The book gives you additional insight into the lives of the men and women in blue. It can be an incredibly tough and rewarding job at the same time. The scars the job can leave are often not just physical.

Any additional comments?

I received this audio book at no charge in exchange for a honest, unbiased review.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Outstanding!!

Bullet Riddled: The First S.W.A.T. Officer Inside Columbine...and Beyond by Grant Whitus and Thom Vines, narrated by J. Scott Bennett was absolutely amazing! I was immediately drawn to this audiobook because I have done quite a bit of reading about the tragedy of Columbine, and to be able to hear about it from a different perspective, peaked my interest. I got that and so much more! This audiobook isn't just about the Columbine incident; it tells the story of a man, motivated and determined to no end. His name is Grant Whitus. His story is engaging, inspiring, admirable, and I highly recommend it to all of you! I was on the edge of my seat absorbing every little detail as each story unfolded before my eyes!

The narration by J. Scott Bennett was excellent! This is not the first time I have listened to him narrate. He is easy to understand, speaks clearly, and has perfect volume and pace. His performance made me happy I chose the audiobook instead of reading the book, itself. I definitely plan to hear more from him in the future...great job!

This audiobook deserves 5/5 stars across the board. I learned quite a bit, and even though (in my mind) I know that it takes hard work and dedication to become a S.W.A.T. officer, hearing it first hand reinforced how truly amazing these men really are. Grant Whitus...at the end of the book, I swear to you, I was yelling out, "I will go into battle with you!" You, sir, are awesome!! Thank you for everything you have done, and thank you for everything you still do today! Your expertise and high expectations (for yourself and others) change lives every single day. You make a difference, and I cannot even put into words the huge amount of respect I have for you. Thank you for sharing your story!

Thank you for reading my review. I hope it was helpful. :-)

**Due to language and potentially disturbing content, this audiobook may not be suitable to young listeners.**

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I READ THIS BOOK IN ONE SITTING! YOU WILL TOO!

Grant Whitus is an amazing story teller and his stories will have you up all night. Grant is authentic and honest. From his time entering Columbine to the insurmountable task of neutralizing the Granby tank, you will feel a rush of adrenaline as every story is a true page turner! I lived in Denver when the Platte Canyon incident happened I remember watching it on TV to hear what really happened from such a brave yet humble man who is a modern day hero is something all Americans should do so that we understand what cops go through on a daily basis! God Bless America!

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Behind the Scenes in Swat

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I loved how the you got to hear about what SWAT life is like. I know they work out, but never really knew how much they worked out.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The story on Columbine really interested me since you got to hear the story from someone who was there. It isn't a story by someone guessing what went on, they were there right afterwards walking the halls. The dedication that goes into that type of job deserves it's own medal.

Which scene was your favorite?

There were some really interesting stories, but I really do not have a favorite.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

SWAT, more than just police

Any additional comments?

This audiobook was provided by the author/narrator/publisher free of charge in exchange for an unbiased review.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Engrossing. I don't want to get out of my car.

What did you love best about Bullet Riddled?

The story grabs you from the first paragraph and you simply don't want to stop listening. This is gritty and honest. We all know the police are faced with tough decisions, it's good to hear it straight and (mostly) unfiltered.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Bullet Riddled?

When he describes the encounter with the gunman at the Albertson's. I happened to live about a mile from this store when this occurred. I never knew the entire story and was amazed to hear the story from the police officer's point of view.

Have you listened to any of J. Scott Bennett’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have not heart J. Scott Benett's performances. Honestly it was hard to imagine he wasn't the actual author, so believable.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

yes!

Any additional comments?

yes. respect our police officers. they more than deserve it.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Wow! Absolutely a must read!

If you could sum up Bullet Riddled in three words, what would they be?

Real Unsung Heroes

What did you like best about this story?

Such an honest, heartfelt look into the people who put their lives on the line for others. Even those who don't rise to the level of SWAT are heroes for stepping into a job where they are shot at, ridiculed and vilified in the press. Should be required reading for all students - for everyone!

Have you listened to any of J. Scott Bennett’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

This is my first audio book by Bennett. It was very easy to listen to - I enjoyed it very much.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I did listen to it all in one sitting - I couldn't stop. We lived 2 miles from Columbine and shopped at the Albertson's Grocery store. I haven't been able to read anything about those days until recently. I'll never forget the funerals with police officers standing shoulder to shoulder all around the inside walls of the church. They literally stand between us and every bad thing that happens. This book should be used as a discussion in every middle school and high school.

Any additional comments?

The book didn't just focus on Columbine, but covered many other events in the area. The author very elegantly shows the humanity in these officers - just trying to do a tough job. Somehow we need to do a better job of getting truth out instead of letting the press determine the story.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

S.W.A.T. Stories

Would you consider the audio edition of Bullet Riddled to be better than the print version?

I absolutely LOVED this audiobook! I found each part of the book to be fascinating: the author's childhood and how he ended up becoming a police officer; the author's experience as a rookie cop in Colorado; his story of being a S.W.A.T. officer inside Columbine High School; being a S.W.A.T. trainer; the emotional Impact of being a S.W.A.T. member, and life after S.W.A.T.

In one moment, the author comes across as harsh and judgmental, and then a moment later, he comes across as surprisingly open and vulnerable. A very interesting man, this fellow, with stories that are equally interesting! No matter how you feel about him, Grant Whitus is somebody you'd want to have on your side during a firefight!

Great audiobook!

Any additional comments?

I was provided this audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator in exchange for an unbiased review.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Wow! Gripping and genuine reflection on a SWAT job

What made the experience of listening to Bullet Riddled the most enjoyable?

Bullet Riddled is an unapologetic, interesting autobiography of Grant Whitus, who has been in "the force" for many years yet inarguably his most known experience was as a key team member at Columbine. His story is humble, fascinating..I couldn't put this book down!

What did you like best about this story?

I think I liked the tone, the direction, the humbleness of the story. There was no dull point in the story, and it was nicely modest too.

What does J. Scott Bennett bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I really liked Scott Bennett! Great voice.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

In the bullet line--a story of a storied hero

Any additional comments?

I received this book in exchange for an honest review.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Firsthand account of a SWAT officer

Any additional comments?

I received the audiobook version for free from the narrator in exchange for an honest review. The narrator is a good fit for this book and did a good job in vocalizing the author’s thought. The author has more than a few cursing words in the text but the narrator handled it well and without sounding too offensive to the reader.

Finished this book in the same week of two high profile controversial police shootings followed by officers getting targeted and killed in protests that followed, making it pretty tough to write this review without getting influenced by either side of arguments.

One of the core believes of the author is the police force needs to be equipped with superior firepower and cannot hesitate to use them. But there is a fine line between using and abusing. For quasi-military forces like SWAT I think it is absolutely necessary– SWAT is not deployed unless there is a known threat. But these days many street polices seem to think they are in SWAT operations or in a war zone. I am glad to see the author does not shy away from condemning police misconduct.

The book is not a light read, and it should not be surprising. It is a firsthand account from a frontline lead SWAT officer involved in gruesome and horrible events. The author is also very frank in expressing his feeling – disgust against the criminals, disappointment with other first responders including his own teammates, getting pissed by politics and public opinions. It is a bit self-centric but that is also expected. As with many memoirs, it shares what went through his mind in decision making and also how to cope with the aftermath.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Great insight but peaks too early

This true life account of one man's experience of working in SWAT is good. It starts with some background info to give some context but it doesn't get bogged down with personal history. This leads into detailed accounts of several incidents which the author was involved with. Most notably was the incident at Columbine school.

The description of the incident, procedures and responses was very interesting. I know nothing about SWAT and the author takes care to explain things like acronyms and processes. He made it easy to visualise the scenario. He also describes reflection afterwards to show the team can learn from each experience to do a better job next time.

My main issue with the book is that it peaks early by covering Columbine in the first half of the narrative. Although the author goes on to detail other events, including a hostage situation, these didn't have the same impact for me. I also found the author came across as rather conceited at times. I guess self confidence comes with the territory but he expressed some views very strongly and it just took me out of the story in a jarring way.

The narrator did a good job. I thought he had the right tone of voice for this serious subject but a warmth at times that reminded me it's a memoir and not a factual history.

I would recommend this as an interesting listen to gain a glimpse into this elite team from the perspective of one man. There is infrequent use of bad language but this is in context and not over done.

Action packed and honest account

Would you consider the audio edition of Bullet Riddled to be better than the print version?

I think the audio book is better than the print version as it truly feels like you're sitting down for a few drinks with Grant and he is giving you a honest, funny at times, heartbreaking at times account of his life.
The book is written so you get the feeing this is how the author actually talks - he doesn't mince words and there are a few F bombs in there but they made the book more enjoyable and more real to me.

What other book might you compare Bullet Riddled to, and why?

I've not read or listened to a book that compares to Bullet Ridden.

Which scene did you most enjoy?

There are so many scenes I enjoyed in this book it is really hard to choose but my top 3 scenes are:

1) The description of the S.W.A.T team training, I got tired just listening to the description of what these men go through just in training. And 'Don't dance with it!' really cracked me up.

2) The 'bear episode' - you will understand why when you listen to the book.

3) The description of the team going through and securing Columbine in the mayhem of that day. This was really immersive and very sad to listen to. Even when you know the outcome you can't help but pray for all those involved. The paramedic scene was really heart wrenching and to be honest I commend Grant for reacting the way he did.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I did listen to the book in one sitting.

Any additional comments?

This audiobook was given by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review via Audiobook Boom