Bullet Riddled

The First S.W.A.T. Officer Inside Columbine...and Beyond

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

A look inside SWAT; Excellent!

I thought this was an excellent book. The descriptions of the situations the author encountered at the Columbine shooting, the Platte County tragedy, and others, are just heartbreaking and disturbing. I remember the news coverage of some of these events, but it was really interesting reading from the point of view of someone who was actually there. It was interesting to hear how SWAT tactics changed over the years, the training they go through, and what goes through their minds before, during, and after such tragic situations that they are involved in. It made me have a new appreciation for what these people do to keep others safe.

I listened to the Audible audio version, narrated by J. Scott Bennett. This was an excellent narration. He is very distinctly-voiced and easy on the ear.

If you are interested in getting a look inside SWAT, then I highly recommend this book.

An Inside Look at a Personal, Sensitive Day

in History.

"Bullet Riddled" was a heartwrenching first-hand telling of that day and the days following the Columbine shootings told by Grant Whitus who was one of the officers who went on an 'active shooter' call that day. No one, not even a highly trained officer was prepared for what was taking place. It's still unimaginable. For some time, no one even knew what was going on, how many were involved, or the arsenal of weapons those two had. It was such a sad day and still and always will be a sensitive time.

The author also told of the Platte Canyon HS hostage crisis which was a lesser known but still heinous and unimaginable time. IF something had to come of this, the only thing was the revamping of responding to an active shooter call and a much needed makeover of first responders. And possibly a better look at behavioral health in schools and workplaces.

I think law enforcement are the good guys who go out everyday and risk their own lives to protect ours. I agree with the author on everything and he knows first hand. I'm so glad he wrote this book. It was difficult to listen to but perhaps more people need to hear it.

I think J. Scott Bennett was THE perfect reader for this memoir. It was as if Grant Whitus was telling his story himself. He did such a great job. I can't imagine anyone else narrating this. His tone was reflective of Whitus's book. An overall excellent job by all.

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

Interesting Look Into...

Grant tells the story of his 17 years on the Colorado SWAT. This was a painful story to read a times because Grant takes us into the Columbine Massacre and explains what happened on that horrible day. We all have seen the news, read the stories, or even watched the movies, but listening to the person that was first on scene...well, there is no words for it.

Grant explains how the events played out and where improvements are needed in SWAT. After Columbine, Grant knew that changes had to be made and started building a better time.

Even though, this story was a short 5 hours and 12 minutes, I still found it dragged on in spots. Bennett was easy to listen to, but there was times that the spacing was just a bit too slow. However, during the times when tensions were high and action was needed, I was holding onto every word that Bennett used.

I found it interesting looking into the life of someone that has seen so many terrible things, but at the same time it was difficult listening to how mean and bitter he could be at times. We do get a glimpse at how these horrible events affect each individual differently.

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

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.

Bullet Riddled

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



This book of experiences of SWAT team member from Colorado. Detailed descriptions of his most memorable cases. Scary job that very few could do and do well.

The narration was well done.

wow! thank you for the inside look

Bullet riddled
This in one scary book. I love horror books, ghost books etc. but this was scary in a whole new way. This was NOT fiction. These are real stories of what actual SWAT teams go through to save our life. How they put theirself in danger to protect us from bad People that are actually out there walking among us.
I have always wanted to know more about the events that took place on April 20th 1999. Columbine. It is one of the major news story's I remember from my child hood.
It's a crazy world out there, and though I have always had respect for military, law enforcement etc, this just makes me honor them that much more. Learning in detail how they put their life's on the line to keep us safe. Thank you Grant whitus and Thom vines, for sharing your story, and for everything you have done for our country.

I was provided this audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator for an unbiased review via Audiobook Blast or Audio Boom..

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.

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.

A Peek in the life of an Officer

Any additional comments?

I am amazed our officers are able to still see the good in people. Their jobs are so intense and greatly under appreciated by the citizens they work to protect off and on duty.

This was an eye-opener into the life of a handful of officers. Mr. Bennett read with clarity. I was hoping for more authority in his storytelling, but that could just be from my pre-conceived notion that all officers speak with authority. Mr. Bennett has more of a grandfather voice. I also prefer his voice in the western romance stories I've heard him narrate.

I was given a free copy via audiobook boom in exchange for an unbiased review.

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!