I listened to the audiobook version of this book. I think it enhanced the book because I could hear the stories read in the author's own thick New York accent. Once you hear him talk there is no mistaking that he was a NYC cop! The stories were good - reminiscent of NYPD Blue - and brutally honest. The stories in this book are not described through rose colored glasses. I haven't head the F-bomb dropped so many times in one book! But I expected as much.





Some stories were more interesting that ot

I listened to the audiobook version of this book. I think it enhanced the book because I could hear the stories read in the author's own thick New York accent. Once you hear him talk there is no mistaking that he was a NYC cop! The stories were good - reminiscent of NYPD Blue - and brutally honest. The stories in this book are not described through rose colored glasses. I haven't head the F-bomb dropped so many times in one book! But I expected as much.





Some stories were more interesting that others, but they all held my attention and even had me held in slight suspense a few times. Surprisingly, the most powerful stories were not the ones about police work, but the personal stories the author shared about his dad's death and his dog, and being a cop during 9/11. I was seriously crying during the dad and dog stories. But it's not all emotional, I chuckled several times throughout the book, too.





The main reason I gave it 3 stars instead of 4 is the editing. I realize that the author is not a writer, but a retired cop just telling about his life. However the editing could have been a LOT better. He switches from past to present tense during his stories and it was very noticeable. I also think some of the descriptions could have been toned down. For example he describes his cop intuition as a tingling in his "ball sac" and then repeats that phrase many times. I seriously would have been fine had he just alluded to it instead. I'm no prude, but it was a bit much. I mentioned the cussing, which was excessive. Cussing doesn't bother me at all, but he cussed a LOT. It was almost overused to the point where it was distracting.





Would i recommend you read this book? Yes, as long as you aren't expecting a literary masterpiece I think most people will find it an interesting read. With all the drama and protests surrounding police in the news lately it's interesting hearing stories from a police perspective. I think a lot of people don't realize how hated cops are in some areas. Will this book magically change the views people have? Probably not, but it will at least spark some thoughts, or at the very least entertain you for a little while.





Spoiler below:

The story about his dog is about the dog being killed in a car accident. It is extremely difficult to read without crying. But the story showed a softer, more emotional side to the author and was very touching. Just warning any animal lovers out there!