Stalling for Time

My Life as an FBI Hostage Negotiator

By: Gary Noesner

Narrated by: Gary Noesner

Length: 8 hrs and 24 mins

Publisher's summary

The FBI’s chief hostage negotiator recounts harrowing standoffs, including the Waco siege with David Koresh and the Branch Davidians, in a memoir that inspired the miniseries Waco, now on Netflix.

“Riveting . . . the most in-depth and absorbing section is devoted to the 1993 siege near Waco, Texas.”—The Washington Post

In Stalling for Time, the FBI’s chief hostage negotiator takes readers on a harrowing tour through many of the most famous hostage crises in the history of the modern FBI, including the siege at Waco, the Montana Freemen standoff, and the D.C. sniper attacks. Having helped develop the FBI’s nonviolent communication techniques for achieving peaceful outcomes in tense situations, Gary Noesner offers a candid, fascinating look back at his years as an innovator in the ranks of the Bureau and a pioneer on the front lines. Whether vividly recounting showdowns with the radical Republic of Texas militia or clashes with colleagues and superiors that expose the internal politics of America’s premier law enforcement agency, Stalling for Time crackles with insight and breathtaking suspense. Case by case, minute by minute, it’s a behind-the-scenes view of a visionary crime fighter in action.

©2010 Gary Noesner (P)2018 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“Captivating . . . an electrifying read . . . No Hollywood movie can top this story for thrills, suspense, or action.”—New York Journal of Books

“Certain to fascinate true crime readers . . . The compelling centerpiece of the book is Noesner’s analysis of ‘what went wrong at Waco’ with the Branch Davidians.”—Publishers Weekly

“Engrossing . . . The book is also an intimate history of contemporary American militia movements.”—New Republic

What you don't see on the news.

When the ATF tried to make a commercial of its brute force at Waco and failed, it was negotiators that worked to save those that got out. The stories in this book are the ones you do not hear on the news. Instead of flash, pow, bang, these are the true stories of the men and women that work to get everyone from babies to perpetrators out of situations alive.

very griping

keeps you on the edge of your seat. I never knew how much negotiators have to deal with. incredible book.

A VERY ENTERTAINING AND QUICK LISTEN

An 8 hour book but it flew by. This man has led a very interesting life as a hostage negotiater working on the highest profile cases from the 70's to the 2000's. He basically helped build the protocols that are still used to this day and his stories are both informative and entertaining. I'll definitely give it a second listen at some point.

Really interesting book

I liked this book a lot, my only complaint is that sometimes it was hard to keep up with the names of the terrorists, and what they wanted.

The Power of Persuasion

This book tells a great story of a man who grew from a negotiator to the main force for finding peaceful outcomes in desperate situations. Gary Noesner grew even after this book into someone who was willing to call out the disastrous death of so many children near Waco, Texas. Compelling story, gripping tale!

an honor

I was a bit sad to finish this book It exemplifies what I consider to be honorable law enforcement. In addition to being an exhilarating account of some of the most publicized hostage situations and terrorist standoffs in modern memory it is also the memoir of a man who forever changed the attitude of the FBI. It is not victory or defeat which defines us but rather how we carry ourselves in the face of adversity. I used the tactics and practices of this book to negotiate with myself specifically to convince myself to enter a long term opiod recovery. in addition to being an honor it quite literally helped save my life. -Sam

Terrific book

I found this book very interesting and full of detailed information on past historical events. I became interested in this book after watching the TV show on Waco. I highly recommend this book for people interested in factual events.

What about Janet Reno's roll in the Waco tragety?!

I have not read the whole book (yet). BUT it seems that Gary Noesner really let Janet Reno off the hook re Waco.
I couldn't believe it.
I'm assuming Noesner is a Democrat based on the way he seems to have let the Clinton administration slide.

I don't care which political party you belong to.
But, FOR THE LOVE PETE, don't gloss over Janet Reno's complicity in the handling of Waco!
I hope Noesner touches on this in later chapters.

Outstanding

the inside the author provides is amazing this book is worth a listen or read

Good story and lessons, but audio was distracting

the overall presentation was a good way to deliver a non-violent approach to terrorism. But often the audio kept cutting between the speaker's active and passive voice which was distracting