vellanorah's review
4.0
An interesting look inside a seemingly apathetic cop who may end up being more. Enjoyable, entertaining, and definitely a yearning for more is where I am left at the end of this book. I will definitely be picking up book 2.
vesper1931's review
3.0
Police officer Frank O'Ryan is back at work after nearly recovering from being shot. Where he now works with Detective Ajax investigating 'real crimes'.
Gritty, 'enjoyable' not sure but would like to read more.
Gritty, 'enjoyable' not sure but would like to read more.
ericwelch's review
4.0
New York City has about 36,000 cops. All report to the same chain of command. Philadelphia is surrounded by counties divided into multiple municipalities, each having its own police force with different standards and operations.
Schaffer uses that structure to examine two detectives in a small police force, Frank and Vic. Frank is coming back from leave having been shot and is assigned to work with Vic, an old-fashioned detective. He’s still in pain but Vic won’t let him have any narcotic pain-killers for fear he’ll become a junkie.
The book is a series of vignettes all tied together by their pursuit of Paris, a vicious drug dealer.
Some of the repartee and scenes are LOL funny. The one where they go dumpster diving and have to wade through diaper feces was hysterical. Others are sad as we watch Vic succomb to alcohol. He’s lost his kids in a divorce, most of his pay goes to child support and alimony, and he realizes the only time he really feels alive is when he’s tricking a pedophile into confessing.
Vic spun around and glared at Frank, his eyes red and streaming with tears. "I am sick of being used by everyone around me, Frank. I give everything I have to Danni, and she only ever wants more. It's never enough. I give everything I have to the Chief, and he only shines me on with promises that will never come true. The only time I feel alive is when I'm standing in blood and guts or talking to child molesters, Frank. Don't you see how fucked up that is? For one second, try and imagine how fucked up that is." "Maybe you need a different job." "Do you know why I became a cop? I was curious," Vic said. "I wanted to peek behind the curtain of evil, but what I saw can't be unseen, Frank. No matter how hard I try. All I had to hold onto was the kids, and without them, it's like the lights have all gone out."
The book is quite good if a bit unusual and provides an intimate look at the strains and pressures of being a cop.
Schaffer uses that structure to examine two detectives in a small police force, Frank and Vic. Frank is coming back from leave having been shot and is assigned to work with Vic, an old-fashioned detective. He’s still in pain but Vic won’t let him have any narcotic pain-killers for fear he’ll become a junkie.
The book is a series of vignettes all tied together by their pursuit of Paris, a vicious drug dealer.
Some of the repartee and scenes are LOL funny. The one where they go dumpster diving and have to wade through diaper feces was hysterical. Others are sad as we watch Vic succomb to alcohol. He’s lost his kids in a divorce, most of his pay goes to child support and alimony, and he realizes the only time he really feels alive is when he’s tricking a pedophile into confessing.
Vic spun around and glared at Frank, his eyes red and streaming with tears. "I am sick of being used by everyone around me, Frank. I give everything I have to Danni, and she only ever wants more. It's never enough. I give everything I have to the Chief, and he only shines me on with promises that will never come true. The only time I feel alive is when I'm standing in blood and guts or talking to child molesters, Frank. Don't you see how fucked up that is? For one second, try and imagine how fucked up that is." "Maybe you need a different job." "Do you know why I became a cop? I was curious," Vic said. "I wanted to peek behind the curtain of evil, but what I saw can't be unseen, Frank. No matter how hard I try. All I had to hold onto was the kids, and without them, it's like the lights have all gone out."
The book is quite good if a bit unusual and provides an intimate look at the strains and pressures of being a cop.
shazish's review
3.0
Definitely a fun read. I won't put the story in the same league as The Wire, but it was engaging enough for me to have a hard time putting down the Kindle. The book avoids using unnecessary complicated literature which is always a plus for me. I do consider reading the rest of the book series.
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