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  • Stalling for Time

  • My Life as an FBI Hostage Negotiator
  • Written by: Gary Noesner
  • Narrated by: Gary Noesner
  • Length: 8 hrs and 24 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (72 ratings)

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Stalling for Time cover art

Stalling for Time

Written by: Gary Noesner
Narrated by: Gary Noesner
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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

What the critics say

“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 listeners say about Stalling for Time

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Very interesting

Having watched Waco, I decided to listen to Noesner talk about his career. it was fascinating.

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  • M B
  • 2020-10-10

Excellent

This is an excellent book. I don’t necessarily agree with everything Mr. Noesner has said but probably 99%. Hi hope everyone in law-enforcement and government read this book. Talk first. Violence should be the absolute last resort.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Exciting insight to growing world within a world

Having Noesner as the narrator adds dramatic value - his voice carries an exciting edge as well as candor.

His story is really quite fascinating, especially when he describes the consistent struggles of the negotiation within the negotiation.

Great look into institutional change (or lack thereof) and how important the principles of strong negotiation can be in times of crises.

Only reason I don't give a full 5 stars is because I would have liked to see a more structured approach for real world examples pulled out of the lessons in the story. Highly recommend if you've gotten as far as looking at reviews.

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Fantastic

I was very inspired with Gary Noesner's view of how important it is to reach a solution to a crime or problem with non-violent means.

I enjoyed Gary's narration. He is able to fully give you a picture of each situation through his eyes. I also enjoy that each time a situation happens that Gary is involved in negotiating, he also offers a bigger picture of the situation and it's impact on the FBI and negotiating teams.

I think this book is also great for anyone who is interested in crime. Gary was involved in some very high profile crimes involving all types of people, from members of a religious group to terrorist groups.

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Outstanding

Every hostage/crisis negotiator should read this book. One of the best I’ve read on the topic.

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    3 out of 5 stars
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Waiting

Hurry up and wait. I was hoping that there was more than putting your toddler in the corner and waiting until it calmed down.
Gary has a nice voice to listen to.

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