Police, Lies and Alibis: The True Story of a Front Line Officer by John DonoghueMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Time taken to read - over 3 days
Pages - 235
Publisher - Matador
Source - Review copy
Blurb from Goodreads
Discover what REALLY happens in the police.
Is the discovery of a headless corpse the work of a serial killer?
When do police & paramedics fall out?
Who killed Yoda?
What is a Death Fart?
Why do some criminals think they are ‘worth it’?
Who invented the Crying Machine?
How do you beat the burglar?
Why do the police have to pay particular attention to boobs?
Come on patrol with PC Donoghue and get the answers to all these questions and more.
Police, Lies & Alibis is the fascinating and hilarious account of a year in the life of a front line police response officer, and the only humorous police book written by a serving officer who is not hiding his identity. It is the follow-up book to Police, Crime & 999, a book which still remains hugely popular today, with over 250 5-star Amazon reviews, and which garnered positive feedback from a number of national publications
My Review
Have you ever wondered just what happens in the day of a police officer? You need wonder no more. Donoghue gives a hilarious, honest, brutal and at times very un pc account of the times and trials police officers face whilst trying to perform their duty. From ridiculous call outs, criminal daftness, violence, the harsh and at times terrifying moments officers have to face, the reader is given short honest bursts into the days of a copper.
There are some really cringe moments in the book, you think surely no human being could or would behave in such a manner but yes they can and they do, sorry no spoilers. Donoghue has a knack for capturing the events with frank and brutal honesty, writing that will have you hiding behind your hand mortified or laughing out loud at folks antics.
As with his previous book there will be some folk who are outraged, thinking it un pc and even poor taste discussing some of the tales in the book. The reality is this is what the officers have to face day in and out and if you didn't have humour I doubt our officers would be able to go back out every day. I love the antics of folks but also how the police manage to cope in the face of danger, anger, loss or just inappropriate behaviours by some members of the public. Books written by folk working within the public sector are brilliant if you like that kind of raw undiluted honesty, I bloody love it. Donoghue writes as if he is in the room gabbing to you, giving you a vivid picture of what he has experienced! 4/5 for me this time, I have read this author before and will read him again. Thanks so much to the author for providing me with a review copy!
I think I need to read this book. Sounds intriguing x
ReplyDeleteHappy Friday, Lainy! This book sounds fascinating to me. I've watched the show, Cops, and have also wondered what really goes on in the course of a day. I know the career of a police officer is not easy. Excellent review, Lainy!
ReplyDeleteI've finally posted a new review. Please stop by when you get a chance!
If you like that kind of thing you might like "Spike Island - Portrait of a Police Division" by James McClure (1980) about policing in Liverpool in the late 1970's.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds very good. The fact that Donoghue included a lot of humor in the book sounds like a big plus. The fact that it is not PC also sounds like another plus.
ReplyDeleteI am a massive fan of all John’s books but I feel they should come with a health warning ⚠️
ReplyDelete1. Be prepared to look slightly special as you are guaranteed to laugh out loud.
So avoiding public spaces whilst reading them is a good idea.
2. They are highly addictive so expect to become very antisocial as the ‘just one more chapter and I will stop ‘ Actually doesn’t work!
3. You will look abit of a stalker cos you will rave about this book to friends family and random strangers! ( I’m doing it now )
Seriously though you must buy these books as they are Awesome ❤️