A Cop's Life: Philadelphia, 1953-1983 [Paperback]

Allan Cole (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 2, 2000

Christmas, 1953: While the rest of Philadelphia sings Jingle Bells, Thomas Grubb gets his first taste of a cops life. Before he cashes his first paycheck he encounters: a man gutted by a knife-wielding mugger; a fighting-mad mental case intent on destroying a hospital emergency room; the hushed-up shooting death of an undercover cop.That first week is nothing compared to what lies ahead.Working as a street cop, an undercover officer, a detective and finally gang control, Grubb will spend the next thirty years going toe-to-toe with all the fast-changing and sometimes violent events that have rocked American society.A Cops Life: The remarkable story of a truly remarkable man.

Editorial Reviews

Review

A Cop's Life won many accolades, but the most prized were the good opinions  of police officers themselves. Here are just a few of the comments we have received: "'A Cop's Life'" is a must read by anyone who ever wore the uniform or badge!" - Robert V. Eddie, Recording Secretary Philadelphia Lodge #5 Fraternal Order of Police; "If you like the inside story, if you like dealing with facts and not fluff, then you will love reading 'A Cop's Life!'"- Michael G. Lutz, President, Pennsylvania Fraternal Order of Police; "I thoroughly enjoyed 'A Cop's Life.'" It was both witty and right on target." - Bill Pawley Inspector, Retired, Philadelphia Police. --This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

About the Author

A thirty-year veteran of the Philadelphia police, Thomas Grubb worked everything from undercover narcotics to gang control. He lives in Philadelphia with his wife, Cassie.Allan Cole is a best-selling author, screenwriter and former prize-winning newsman. He lives in Boca Raton, Fl. with his wife, Kathryn.

Product Details

• Paperback: 344 pages
• Publisher: iUniverse (November 2, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0595148646
• ISBN-13: 978-0595148646
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,116,665 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

ALLAN COLE is a best-selling author, screenwriter and former prize-winning newsman. The son of a CIA operative, Cole was raised in Europe and the Far East. For details see Allan's website at www.acole.com. Here's what critics have said about Cole's work: The Sten Series: Landmark science fiction -Publishers Weekly; When The Gods Slept: Page turner of the year - Locus; The Far Kingdoms Series: Glorious... Swashbuckling - Locus; A Reckoning For Kings: Classic war novel - SF Chronicle; Lucky In Cyprus - A haunting, enlightening experience - BookLoons.com; A Cop's Life: Must read by anyone with a badge - Philadelphia Fraternal Order Of Police.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Travel back in time and ride shift with a Philly Cop, January 13, 2002

By 

Bobbycarll (Sequim, WA USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: A Cop's Life: Philadelphia, 1953-1983 (Paperback)

This book is a departure from my normal reading genres, but a friend recommended I read it and I'm glad he did. It is written in an unpretentious, personal narrative writing style of an uncle to a nephew (Grubb to Cole). The book draws you into the world of a rookie cop, poorly equipped and trained by today's standards, in Philadelphia in the 1950's. Mr. Grubb takes us back into his world and provides lessons in both history and humanity. What impressed me most was the quiet, unassuming professionalism and personal character Mr. Grubb demonstrated while working in some of Philadelphia's toughest neighborhoods peopled with pimps, prostitutes, pushers and junkies -- good cops and bad. This book is nothing like the sanitized TV cop shows of today. It is instead an accurate account of a difficult job in a different time. Check it out. I think you'll enjoy it.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars very good book, December 13, 2009

By 

D. Rachis "stargirl" (philadelphia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: A Cop's Life: Philadelphia, 1953-1983 (Paperback)

i really enjoy reading this book used to date a police officer in this date and he also was in the same district. if you enjoy police work you well enjoy this book

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The way it was--and is, September 30, 2009

By 

Elizabeth B. Walkowski (University Place, WA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: A Cop's Life: Philadelphia, 1953-1983 (Paperback)

Reading "A Cop's Life" was like sitting down and listening to Thomas Grubb telling his life's story. Allan Cole transcribed Mr. Grubb's experiences with loving care. Well worth reading!