No Heroes: Inside the FBI's Secret Counter-Terror Force: Amazon.ca: Danny O Coulson, Elaine Shannon: Books

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From Publishers Weekly

After 31 years as an FBI agent and commander, Coulson counts only two of those years as badAthe ones following his involvement with the notorious confrontation with separatist Randy Weaver at Ruby Ridge, Idaho, in which civilians were killed by federal agents. Though Coulson was ultimately cleared of charges of perjury and obstruction, he clearly still feels the sting of the accusations. Much of this memoir takes pains to underscore his deep sense of fair play and respect for human life. Not that this is a sanctimonious tome designed only to sanitize the image of a wronged author. With the deft help of coauthor Shannon, Coulson presents himself over the course of his entire careerAboth good and badAas a motorcycle-riding, hell-raising crime buster who has more than a streak of the wisecracking braggart in him. But he is an immensely likable braggart who tells great stories. There is Coulson chasing cop killers in the incendiary early 1970s; facing off with a hostage-taking bisexual who wants money and airplane transportation for his lover's sex-change operation (immortalized in the film Dog Day Afternoon); working with legendary Delta Force commando Charlie Beckwith to develop the FBI's counter-terror team. Coulson is at his best when recounting the investigation of the Oklahoma City bombing and the subsequent hunt for Tim McVeigh, and is especially riveting when detailing the tense negotiations with Weaver. Presenting the right mix of gossip and crime fighting, this engrossing work should quickly move off the shelves.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

Those FBI folks keep spilling their secrets. Here, the founder of the agency's Hostage Rescue Team talks about cases spanning his 30-year career.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Inside This Book (Learn More)
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First Sentence
Back around 1964, when I was in my first year at Southern Methodist University Law School, I got this idea that I could make a difference. Read the first page

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Customer Reviews

44 Reviews

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4.2 out of 5 stars (44 customer reviews)

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4.0 out of 5 stars Sincere and fascinating, Aug 26 2008

By

Jack Blatant (Ontario, Canada) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)

This review is from: No Heroes: Inside the FBI's Secret Counter-Terror Force (Hardcover)

I absolutely loved this book. It's not stylistically brilliant - it can be episodic and jumpy - and some might find Coulson's macho attitude overbearing, but I say that it's all part of a totally worthwhile experience. The subject material is fascinating - Waco, Ruby Ridge, Oklahoma City, etc., and the information is straight from a guy who was there, boots on the ground. I feel like I understand a great deal more of the dynamics behind incidents like Ruby Ridge and Waco, and the factors that led to these situations exploding out of control.

More than that, I greatly enjoyed Coulson's outlook - the fundamental difference between "drivers" and "the ones who go in." Anyone who has ever been involved in a bureaucratic organization will immediately recognize and understand Coulson's distinction. I honestly don't think the line between the two is as dramatic as Coulson makes it out to be, but in this, as in everything else, he leaves you in no doubt as to his opinion. Great read, informative, exciting.

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5.0 out of 5 stars True account of true heroes, Oct 27 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: No Heroes: Inside the FBI's Secret Counter-Terror Force (Hardcover)

Although Danny O. Coulson didn't want his agents to be known as heroes (for taking unnecessary risks), this book illustrates how he and every one of his agents in the HRT were definitely far beyond the status of hero. He gives in depth accounts of how he formed the HRT and many of their missions after having served as an FBI SWAT agent. An excellent read. He sought no honor, but he definitely deserves it.

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2.0 out of 5 stars An Elitist Attitude Revealed, July 20 2003

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Bible Believer "Taotog" (Chicago, Illinois United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: No Heroes: Inside the FBI's Secret Counter-Terror Force (Hardcover)

I found Danny Coulson's book an interesting read but I think his attitude about armed citizens was brought forward very clearly in two unrelated incidents. It's the same liberal view we see in the left wing gun control advocates who would like to see us all disarmed and helpless. While they, because they can afford it, have their own armed guards to watch over and protect them.

Mr. Coulson was sent to disarm and arrest an evil doer. What was the man's crime? Why he dared to arm himself to protect his home, family, friends, and nation against what he saw as a government out of control. A threatto his personal life and liberties. Had he threatened anyone? If he did it wasn't related as far as I can recollect. Were the man's fears founded? Well, apparently they were since the very government he feared sent armed men to his doorstep to disarm and arrest him! A man about whom Danny Coulson had no good thing to say. He described this man in the most unflattering and derogatory terms.

We move further down the book and Mr. Coulson finds himself feeling threatened by the very government he has served so faithfully for so many many years. What does he do? Why he arms himself with a full automatic weapon and an automatic sidearm to protect himself and his family. He carries the rifle right on the seat with him wherever he goes! Does he see this as a double standard in contrast to his earlier behaviour? Apparently not because that guy was just a stupid average joe and he, Danny Coulson, was a highly trained "elite" FBI Agent. Danny Coulson displayed the typical attitude of politicians, government agents, and even some local police departments. His actions, in each case, define Danny Coulson more than any other incidents he relates. A double standard and an elitist attitude.

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Most recent customer reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Hostage Rescue from the front lines
Coulson's book offers an intriguing look at the politics and logistics of the FBI's Hostage Rescue Team from his unique perspective as the unit's first leader. Read more

Published on April 24 2003 by David R. Bannon, Ph.D.

4.0 out of 5 stars More than the title infers
There is an interesting juxtaposition apparent in this book. Coulson, a career FBI agent and one time SAC (Special Agent in Charge) of three Bureau regional offices, plays... Read more

Published on Nov 24 2002 by jpatrickucsd